The Citizen, 1987-12-02, Page 28PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987.
9 tips in choosing high-tech
toys for Christmas
If you are a parent, you’ve
probably heard the question, “Can
I please have this or that new toy for
Christmas?
Often, such requests are easy to
answer-buying a doll or a board
game is a straightforward proposi
tion.
But what about the new genera
tion of high-tech toys and games
available this season? For exarti-
ple, how well-equipped is the
average parent to make a buying
decision on a video game?
Since video games are predicted
to be at the top of children’s wish
lists this holiday season, several
game experts have offered some
insights into the category.
Here are 10 buying tips on video
games, which should take some of
the mystery out of those beeps and
zaps!
1. Look for a system with a broad
range of games [software] avail
able. Most video game cartridges
can be played on only one system,
so it is important to choose a unit for
which there is a broad range of
games available, from sports, to
educational, to action, to arcade
hits, to role-playing action. This
will help make the system more
interesting and fun for all family
members.
2. Make sure there is a large
quantity of games available for the
system you choose. Again, since
most games work on one system
exclusively, it’s important to select
a system with an extensive library
of games.
3. Be sure the system manufac
turer stands behind the quality of
game cartridges manufactured for
that system. Years ago, when
video games were first introduced,
there were very few controls on the
quality and play value of software.
These days, companies exert strict
controls over games developed.
4. Look for systems that play the
top arcade hits. Arcade hit games
have been put to the test by expert
video game fans - so you know
they’re good. Makesure arcade
hits are available for your home
system.
5. Choose a system that offers
top-quality graphics. The graph
ics, special effects and resolution
of the best video game systems are
very sophisticated. Try to see a
demo of the game, or look for
phrases such as “52-color graphic
resolution” on the package.
6. Make sure the manufacturer
stands behind their product. Look
for a good warranty, and be sure
there is a system in place to handle
consumer inquiries.
7. Checkout the peripherals that
are available for the system.
Popular peripherals among kids
include a light gun, a robot and a
joystick. These can help add to the
play value of the system.
8. Make sure the system you
choose won't be “obsolete” in a
year or two. Some manufacturers
introduce new models that don’t
play the games developed for their
original sytem. Ask your retailer
about scheduled releases of new
games and peripherals, to help
ensure you’ve picked a company
that stands behind its original
system.
9. Finally, here's the most
important tip: Go with the system
the kids are talking about. Children
know which systems are the most
fun and offer the greatest depth of
game play, so it makes sense to
pick the one that is very popular
among kids. This is one situation
when the parents need to rely on
the judgement of the kids!
'I*BED LINEN
DISHES
GIFTS
# TOWELS ■
#YARNS ■■
# TOYS
'I*
We are participating in the Brussels "Extra Jingles Draws"
How to protect
ornaments
Knechtel
DATE
Fall and Winter
20%
SPECIAL RACKS OF
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
Christmas Hours:
Mon. to Wed. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thurs. and Friday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
PHONE: 291-3511
GREAT
STOCKING STUFFERS
•Scarves»Gloves
•Costume Jewellery
Special
PLAYTEX PANTIES
BUY 2 GET 1 FREE
Specializing in Misses 10 20 and Ladies 38 44
LISTOWEL
Fall and Winter
by Koret, Tan Jay,
Now' is the time to start saving
those heavyweight paper sleeves
that light bulbs come in. They
make great holders and protectors
for Christmas tree ornaments once
the original boxes have begun to
disintegrate. Longer sleeves can
be cut in half crosswise to hold two
ornaments.
SHOE GRIP
Most of my shoes have slick
soles, and as a result I have slipped
and nearly fallen several times. I
tried attaching rubber taps to the
heels, but the taps wouldn’t stay
on. Then my husband suggested
putting bathtub appliques on the
soles - and they work! If the
appliques you find are too large,
just cut them into smaller pieces. -
Mrs. Robert Reese
Gift Certificate
VALUE
FROM
Certificates
For That
Someone Special!
Available At
All “K” Stores
Sample Only’
Merry
Christmas
ALSO SEE US FOR...
Made to your desire!
SCRIMGEOURS
FOOD MARKET
Blyth 523-4551
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SU TS
Paris Star and Panther
30%
50%
—Wilson's
Ladies' Wear
185 Wallace Ave. N