Hi there!
A fellow late bloomer! I bought my first game console just three
years ago, at the age of thirty, and it was a PSOne. Currently, the
PSOne is the least expensive console on the market, at just $49.99 for
a new one. Used models tend to sell for anywhere from $29 - $39,
depending on the vendor.
The PSOne is a great console for the beginning gamer. It's compact,
there is a HUGE number of games available for it (some for as little
as $10 new!), and there are nifty extras available, like an attachable
LCD screen and power pack so you can take your PSOne on flights, long
rides, or boring trips to the in-laws'. It's also priced very
affordably, so if you're very busy and don't have a lot of time to
play with it, you won't feel guilty about having an expensive toy in
your cabinet, just gathering dust. With so many games available, it's
a great way to learn what you like before purchasing an advanced
system like a PS2 or a GameCube.
Additionally, it's ridiculously easy to set up, adapters are readily
available if your TV doesn't have AV ports, and if something goes
wrong, Sony will fix it quickly and professionally - for free if it's
still under warranty, or affordably if it's not.
I would strongly recommend purchasing from a reputable source, such as
EB Games or Babbage's, if you choose to purchase a used model, as
those are typically refurbished and come with a warranty.
Alternatively, you can pick a brand new one up at your local Target
store and enjoy a full warranty (Sony will fix it for free for up to a
full year if it malfunctions.)
Babbage's
http://www.babbages.com
EB Games
http://www.ebgames.com
Later, if you find you're looking for better graphics, or you want to
broaden your gaming horizons, a PS2 is a relatively affordable upgrade
at around $149 (and looks to become even more affordable soon, as the
PS3 is now in development). Even better, all of your PSOne games will
play in your PS2!
I'm not much on the racing games myself, preferring RPGs with a great
story over auto-oriented play, but my youngest son loves the car
games so I'm familiar with a few:
Gran Turismo (1 and 2)
------------
Much beloved among race game fans, the Gran Turismo series allows you
to choose among courses, customize your car, and compete for
"licenses" that allow you to progress to more advanced levels.
If you upgrade in the future, Gran Turismo 3 is available for the PS2.
Customization and tweaks are advanced, and the graphics are just
killer. I watched a friend play this one, and had a hard time
remembering that it was all computer generated - the cars look *real*!
Gran Turismo
http://www.gran-turismo.com/
Car and Driver Presents: Grand Tour Racing '98
-----------------------------------------------
Multiple levels, 36 race tracks, 40 different cars, and multi-plyer
competition is available. This one gets played often here.
Car and Driver Presents: Grand Tour Racing '98
http://www.e-dealsusa.com/3583.htm
Batman: Gotham City Racer
--------------------------
You're Batman! What more could you ask for? If you're a classic
comic fan (isn't everyone?), this game is a delicious trip into
Batman's world. (My little guy occasionally wears his Batman costume
when he plays this.)
Batman: Gotham City Racer
http://www.mobygames.com/game/sheet/gameId,9365/
Rally Cross
-----------
Six course, 4WD cars and trucks, and lots of messy mud, snow and muck
to make the races challenging. Rally cross also lets you switch from
automatic to stick shift, and allows for multi-player competition.
Rally Cross
http://www.consolegameworld.com/game.php/id/6151/
Of course, these are just a few of the car racing games available. A
comprehensive list of racing games is available at Console Game World:
Racing Games
http://www.consolegameworld.com/genre.index.php/platform/1/genre/1/
If you're concerned about expense, you can always browse the used
games section of your local Babbages or EB Games, bid for used games
on eBay, and even rent games at many video rental shops. Rentals are
a great way to try before you buy, and if you do find that you've
purchased a clinker, you can typically sell it back or exchange it for
store credit at many game shops or put it up for auction on eBay.
For more gaming resources, why not give these a look:
GameForms
http://www.gameforms.com
GameSpot
http://www.gamespot.com
Game Informer Online (Currently offline til September 1st for a
redesign. This is a terrific site for game news.)
http://www.gameinformer.com
IGN
http://www.ign.com
I hope this is a good starting point for you! If you need further
assistance, please just ask for clarification. I'll be glad to help!
--Missy
Search terms: None. I'm a gamer grrl. |
