Another name for game cheats would be cheat codes. The original purpose of the games cheat was to allow developers and beta testers to be able to get to a specific area and not have to start the games over all the time. It was then also an option if a player got to a difficult place in the games and could not advance, the option was available to use the games cheat to advance and go on with the game. Some game cheats would open up new sections, hidden areas, or other types of bonus features. For our article we are going to take a look at the games cheat in reference to online gaming.

If you have ever played games online the odds are you have run into someone cheating. This would be especially true if the game does not include some kind of anti-cheat program. In simple terms cheating is "modifying the game to gain an unfair advantage over the other players. It is at this point we would like to point out that most developers do not build the games cheat into multiplayer games for this reason.

There is a big debate among gamers on what a real cheat is and what isn't. Some feel that only such things as a aimbot is a games cheat but custom skins, and settings that enhance performance is not. Still others feel that it doesn't matter a cheat is a cheat. For example in one game a video card with a specific video driver will not show fog or it lets you actually see through walls. Some feel that is more than adjusting settings while others feel it's not their fault so it's perfectly ok to use that advantage. Then there was a game that had a flaw in it when you also were running MS Messenger. Both these were not intentionally built into the game by developers. Others however felt this was more than adjusting your gamma, brightness and other settings to improve performance so they were game cheats.

There are two other ways of cheating. These two almost everyone in the online gaming community, feel are definitely a games cheat. The first is an exploit.

With an exploit a bug is found on a specific level or game map. The developers didn't purposely include them, but once found they are very quickly used as a games cheat. Examples would be a hole in a game that would allow you to kill other players but never be hurt or killed yourself. It could have been a piece of code that accidentally got left in the game. These may have been used by the designers for a specific purpose. Sometimes these exploits will be addressed with update patches, but many times they will stay as the developers feel they are not a high priority.

Hacked files, trainers, aimbots, are other forms of a games cheat. These type of game cheats are mostly the work of people who are adept at coding or programming. The reason for this is this games cheat entails modifying game and or driver files. These modified files are then loaded directly into memory in which case they by-pass the game itself.

So the ultimate decision is based on your own definition of a games cheat as to if you are cheating or not. However it should be mentioned that if you are playing on-line and the rest of the players feel it is cheating you should discontinue what you are doing. Just out of courtesy for others. This way everyone can enjoy the game and this is what the developers did intend.

Toni Schneider is the owner of http://www.myarticlecorner.com

This article is free for republishing
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The date was November 14th, 2001 and the world of gaming would never again be the same. Much like Gran Turismo, Zelda, Madden, Tetris, GTA, Final Fantasy and the Mario Franchise had done before it, Halo was able to impact history in ways gamers would never imagine. The most recent installment Halo 3 blew away single day video game sales and even movie sales by securing $170 million in sales on launch day alone, making it the highest-grossing single day launch in entertainment history. To give you some perspective, current box-office champ The Dark Knight enjoyed an opening day sales total of $67 million.

The game itself was conceived by two University of Chicago students, Alex Seropian and Jason Jones (creators of the PC hit Myst) back in the last 90's and quickly aroused the interest of Microsoft that would then go on to buy their company Bungie in June of 2000.

Set in 2552, the trilogy of games follows the life of Master Chief and his battles to save earth from a collective of alien beasts known as the Covenant. The gameplay, terrain and artificial intelligence driving the enemy characters is among the more challenging of games in the last few years, thus the need for Halo Cheats, hints and walkthroughs.

Some of the more common Halo cheats include:

• Obtaining extra weapons
• Opening secret/hidden rooms
• Secrets to killing Elites
• Unlockables for armor
• Hidden skull locations


Each or these cheats offers a leg up on helping to work your way through this treacherous battlefield known as Halo.

The one thing to keep in mind is that unlike other games built around cheats and modifications such as Grand Theft Auto, Halo at its core is not designed for mods and as such the cheats are generally flaws in the coding of the game or little known secrets (Easter eggs) left in by the developers to treat loyal gamers. Instead, most Halo cheats are accomplished by being in the right place at the right time (literally) or accomplishing specific feats at higher difficulty levels

Here is a simple way to survive a drop with a vehicle:

"Right before you go off any significant drop, send your ride into a full circle turn (360 degrees). This trick works phenomenally well when you are driving the Warthog or Ghost. Best of all, you can take a huge drop without suffering any damage like you usually would

Check out Gamecheats.com Halo 3 Cheats for more cheats for Halo 3 and the other games in the series

Many gamers are turning to the internet in order to download free Xbox 360 games. Before you begin downloading, there are some things you should know.

The Xbox 360 console must be modified physically before you can play a game which has been downloaded. This involves breaking your warranty with Microsoft, so if something goes wrong, you're left with a non-functional console.

These mod kits can be very expensive and difficult to use, as it requires knowing which type of drive you have in your Xbox 360. Once your console is modified, connecting to Xbox LIVE becomes a risk each time, as Microsoft is known to ban modified consoles.

There are also websites which claim to allow you to download free Xbox 360 games. These sites are generally scams, which give you a program to download your games, which could be found free elsewhere on the web.

In addition to charging you a huge fee for this free software, the websites themselves host no game content. This comes from the program they give you to download, which may or may not have games available on the network, depending on how many people are using the network.

There are many downsides to downloading your own games as well. Viruses and trojans run rampant through these types of downloaders and you're more than likely to get one if you spend any time attempting to download these games. Aside from this, not only is modifying your Xbox 360 illegal and voids your warranty, but also downloading games from these websites is illegal too. There are means which you can download free Xbox 360 games. Just click here to visit our blog for more info on Xbox 360 Games

Antti K the webmaster for http://www.101videogamesconsoles.com/blog/ His website offers great deals on hottest game consoles in the world. Also find great deals on Xbox 360 games and accessories. Learn how to get them for FREE

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antti_K

Ok, here's a teaser. If your Xbox 360 has stopped working and you don't get a video display, then how can you tell what the failure is? Well, those clever guys (and girls) at Microsoft have thought about this very 'chicken and egg' problem and come up with a suitably clever solution.

The Xbox 360 is a marvel of modern design but it does suffer from a few well documented problems. The sleek case is not really built to cope with the large amounts of heat produced when the console is running and the Xbox 360 has no active cooling system. These two factors can only amount to one thing - the Xbox 360 is prone to overheating and all of the problems that brings. One nice bit of design that Microsoft did build into the Xbox 360 however, was the famous 'ring of light'. If your Xbox 360 has never failed, then you will only ever have seen the ring of light display green, and you probably just thought that it was a fancy power light. But did you know that this clever piece of design also turns red when the console has a problem and the secret of the failure is encoded into the sequence red lights that it displays.

Most of us have probably heard about the Xbox 360 3 red lights error. This is the most common error and is caused by overheating. There are many good guides available from the internet that tell you how to fix the Xbox 360 3 red lights error so i wont cover that here. What's less well known is that the ring of light can also help us pinpoint the actual fault and so help us to apply the correct fix, or know when to get it repaired professionally.

To get the error code you first have to switch your Xbox 360 on - that makes sense - and wait for the Xbox 360 3 red lights to show. You then press and hold the Sync up button, its a small white button on the front of the case, and press the eject button on the DVD drive. The segments on the ring of light will now start to flash the error code, one digit at a time as you press the eject button. Press it four times to get the entire code. Since there are 4 segments, you can tell the number as follows

• All four lights flashing - 0
• One light flashing - 1
• Two Lights flashing - 2
• Three lights flashing - 3

Ok, now that you have the code, say 1003, which indicates a faulty hard drive, you can take the appropriate action.

So there you have it, although the xbox 360 3 red flashing lights indicate a fault, they also contain the information you need to set about fixing the problem.

Now that you know the error code, you have to know what it means. I have found a great website http://www.xbox360ringofdeath.info that explains all of them in detail and offers some ways to fix your broken Xbox 360

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Simpson

The Xbox 360 controller with a rapid fire mod is a "must have" for all serious gamers. This mod on either your wired or wireless controller will turn any weapon into an automatic when pressing the button to fire. On weapons that are already automatic in the game, you may not notice a significant difference in the firing but this mod will make your weapon more accurate, as it eliminates much of the recoil. It allows you to shoot weapons that require you to push the R Trigger over and over much faster than the average person. Annihilate your competition when you have a rapid fire controller for your Xbox 360. These controllers work with many of the hottest games right now such as Call of Duty 4, Unreal Tournament 3, Halo 2 & 3, Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six and any game where you need to shoot faster!

How do you get a controller with the rapid fire mod? Quite simply, if you are handy with electronics and are proficient in soldering, you can buy a kit and install the rapid fire mod yourself. It's a great way to pick up some extra cash by modding the controllers and selling to others who do not know how to do the mod themselves. The kits usually contain a pre-programmed microchip, a transistor, resistors, 2 buttons and wire. If you are not comfortable in doing this, there are many people who sell the Xbox 360 controllers that have the mod already installed for you or who will mod your controller for you.

There are differences in the rapid fire mods available. A dual rapid fire controller has a second button that controls the left trigger to be used with first person shooter games that have the ability to dual wield. This type of controller is also compatible with games that do not dual wield. Some modded controllers also include a speed control feature that you can use to adjust the speed of the controller to your liking. Most modded controllers also come with the rumble feature that you can feel in your hand while you're blasting away at your opponent. A single rapid fire controller only has one button located on the bottom right side of the controller. If you want to shoot a gun with the rapid fire you would press and hold the button. If you want the gun to shoot normally you would pull the trigger.

A. J. Petersen offers information about rapid fire controllers, rapid fire mod kits and services at this website Xbox 360 Rapid Fire Controller Mods For Sale.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrienne_Petersen

It seems strange to some people that anyone would want to cheat at a game. With some computer games, however, the occasional cheat goes a long to the enjoyment of the game. Sometimes, not being able to complete a stage of a game means that you have to continuously repeat that level. This can become quite tiresome as you are keen to get on and see the rest of the game.

The Nintendo Wii console is a huge step in the world of gaming consoles. It allows all ages to enjoy the same equipment as there is an ever increasing range of games available. Cheats for Wii games do have a legitimate place in the world of gaming. They are not just for people who wish to increase their scores by cheating and not telling! If you have two children of different abilities playing the same game, then it may be useful to allow one of them a little lea way by adding a cheat code. They can, however, be a bone of contention amongst friends as the games can sometimes become quite competitive and if one of the players has access to the cheats and not the others then there is an element of the unfair.

Some of the cheats are just walk throughs. This means that you are able to access places in the games which you would not otherwise be able to reach without having first resolved a puzzle or found a key. Some are even less than this and are really only hints. These can prove invaluable if you have found yourself unable to get passed a sticky point in the game and are becoming frustrated. Cheats for Wii games and just the same as those for other computer games and will vary in the level of cheat. Obviously there are very few people who would want to cheat to the degree of finishing the game without having worked through at least some of the levels. However, there will always be someone who wants to claim success when no congratulations are deserved!

On the internet you will find many websites where you can get codes for cheats for Wii games. Some of these include forums where keen gamers can meet up in the virtual world and discuss the merits and downfalls of various games. Here you can keep up to date with the latest games and products and chat to fellow gamers. Cheats for all games systems are available on sites such as these and you will find that spending time on a forum will give you access to a new world of cheats and hints. If you become involved with the other gamers on a forum, you are more likely to get hold of some cheats that are not so readily available on other websites. These are the more subtle cheats that enable you access to different parts of games etc but will still retain the competitive element and give the satisfaction of playing with gamesmanship.

Whatever level of cheats for Wii games you choose, you will find that they often open a whole new world of playing enjoyment. You should, however, make sure that you use them to benefit the game play and not just to benefit your ego.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about cheats for Wii games, please visit Wii Game Downloads for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candis_Reade

By Cheryl Black

The Love of Gaming

According to the National Institute of Media and the Family, 92 percent of the children in America, ages 2-17, play video games. My three sons are no exception. They love the stimulating fun and fast-paced challenges video games offer so much that gaming has become their lives.

No matter how much time I let them play, it is never enough. They respond to my nightly, “Boys, it’s time to go to bed,” with “Oh Mom, can we stay up a little longer? We want to finish our game.” One game leads to another. Hours later, they are still playing.

Sleep isn’t the only thing the boys sacrifice for video game play. Oblivious to their growling stomachs, I have to shut down the game system for them to realize they’re hungry. At mealtime, family discussion is replaced with gaming strategies.

Like drug addicts, they plan ways to get their next fix. When I realized that I had let their video game craze go too far, I limited their supply.
Striking a Healthy Balance

Questioning whether too much or not enough video game time is healthy for his child, Jeff Weinstock muses that video games, like prescription drugs, should come with a recommended dosage on the packaging. In an article published in T H E Journal titled, “Too Late for the Revolution?” Weinstock states that a sign on his pediatrician’s door suggests a two-hour daily limit on video games.

If your kids are like mine, they are well over the recommended daily allowance. The following tips can help you wean them from their potentially addictive behavior.

Tip #1: Schedule breaks between playing time.
Children accustomed to playing video games for hours on end may need time to adjust to a two-hour limit. Due to the over-stimulating nature of video games, one psychologist recommends 30-minute breaks after every hour of video game playing time and at least one and a half hours of non-electronic activity, such as reading, studying, or playing a card game, before bedtime.

Tip #2: Monitor game time.
If you’re looking for a way to stick to a two-hour-a-day rule, try what my friend Leanne does. At the start of weekends and summer days, Leanne gives her children two tickets; each ticket is worth one hour of television, computer, and/or video game time. When her children trade in their tickets for playtime, she sets a timer. The timer alerts both Leanne and her children when time is up. If the children go over the time limit, they lose a ticket the next day.

“School days are different,” Leanne says. “There isn’t enough time for video games on school days.” Leanne’s children have to complete their homework assignments, fulfill after-school commitments, eat dinner, and shower before they can play video games. By then, it’s almost time for bed.

Tip #3: Control Video Game Access.
If convincing your child to turn off the video game is a struggle, you may want to try the Time-Scout™ Monitor. The Time-Scout™ device connects an electrical outlet and a computer, a game console, or a television set and allows you to program the amount of time your child may play. An alert sounds when time is almost up, and the power shuts down when playing time is over. Unlike the backlash that parents get from their kids, there is no arguing with the machine.

Tip #4: Encourage creative play.
Less time for video games means more time for other things. “Like what?” asks the kid used to playing fast-paced video games. “Everything else is boring.”

Help your children brainstorm things to do when electronic stimulation is not an option. SpotlightRichmond.com’s Parenting Tips columnist Rebekah Robb suggests that each child develop a things-to-do-when-they’re-bored list. Her children came up with lists that included writing letters, reading books, building forts, playing with Legos®, riding bikes, and creating crossword puzzles. Whether they make the list with or without your assistance, you may want to include activities they can do independently.

Tip #5: Plan family activities.
Special family time is another great alternative to video games. Family night is big at our house. On game night, everyone writes down their favorite game, puts it in a cup, and we play the game that’s picked. On movie nights, we grab popcorn and candy and watch a wholesome family flick. Sometimes we venture as a family to the movies or bowling, and we may invite another family to join us.

Tip #6: Nurture other interests.
Alternatives to video gaming abound. Religious education, youth groups, and community service projects give children more balanced views of life and the world around them. Children may also find and develop a special interest or talent during after-school clubs or musical groups. Sports give children a chance to develop physical agility and athletic skill as well as learn sportsmanship and team spirit. All of these activities allow children to create new friendships outside the living room.

Offering these alternative activities is no guarantee that your video game junkies will conform to the recommended gaming allowance. But if you’re a pusher-mom like me, breaking your children’s gaming habits will keep them out of rehab.