1- Looks Aren’t Everything 
Example: Nintendo Wii
In terms of raw horsepower, the Nintendo Wii lags behind its competitors (Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360). Although it doesn’t churn out breathtaking graphics, the Wii is currently the best-selling gaming console worldwide. Built around a unique motion-sensing control system, the Wii offers a novel, quirky and cute experience. With more than 20 million units sold, it shows that looks are not the most important thing.
2- People Yearn To Breathe Freely 
Example: “SecondLife”
Linden Lab’s “Second Life” is barely a game. Yet, it’s so much more. There’s no score or story or strategy involved. Instead, users can do anything and be anyone in this open-ended world. Inhabitants can interact with one another, build and explore areas, create and trade items, participate in group social functions and more. From meeting like-minded singles to attending financial seminars to participating in political rallies to taking foreign language classes, it’s entirely possible to live a full life in “Second Life” without ever leaving your PC. Many people do not understand the appeal of this free and directionless world, but 20 million residents (more people than live in The Netherlands) are enamored with its virtual freedom.
3- Your Friends Will Help You Succeed 
Example: “The Orange Box”
The first-person shooter genre is arguably gaming’s most competitive field. With dozens of titles available, it’s difficult for one game to stand out. So game developer Valve took a different tactic with its latest release of The Orange Box. Valve included five great games for the price of one. Included in this package are “Half-Life 2,” “Half-Life 2: Episode One,” “Half-Life 2: Episode Two,” “Portal” and “Team Fortress 2.” With the enormous variety and value it offers, “The Orange Box” definitely stands out in this crowded field.
4- Accumulating Points Matters 
Example: Microsoft Xbox
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 introduced the concept of “achievement points.” This system gives players an additional score for completing certain tasks in any game they play. Individual achievement points are tallied and added to a player’s “Gamerscore,” which is essentially a player’s permanent record. Like diplomas, trophies and medals, the Gamerscore is a lasting record that gives the player a gratifying sense of accomplishment.
5- Evolve Or Die 
Example: Sony’s PlayStation Portable
Despite having superior technology over the competition, Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) floundered from 2005 to 2006. It has been more successful in the last year partially due to better games and improved functionality. Sony continually increases this handheld system’s capabilities through firmware updates. Adding things like a Web browser, an RSS reader and Skype functionality has made the PSP an increasingly attractive system. Without those continual improvements, PSP would have been sunk.
6- Nobody Likes A Braggart 
Example: “Daikatana”
John Romero, co-founder of id Software, has contributed to some of the most influential PC games, including “Wolfenstein 3D,” “Doom” and “Quake.” After leaving id, he co-founded Ion Storm and worked on the heavily hyped “Daikatana.” One ad declared that Romero was going to make gamers “his servants …”. PC Gamer magazine lauded Romero as one of the “new game gods.” But gods can tumble. “Daikatana” was plagued by numerous delays. When it finally debuted, reviewers were harsh. While Romero is undeniably talented, a disappointing–and overly hyped–product transformed him from a gaming god to a gaming afterthought.
7- Everybody Wants To Be A Rock Star 
Example: “Guitar Hero”
Whether it’s Eddie Van Halen, Brian May, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Vernon Reid or Randy Rhoads, Red Octane’s line of “Guitar Hero” games lets players “shred” like some of the best guitarists in music history. With an outstanding variety of songs to choose from and a novel guitar controller that’s much easier than playing an actual six-string, “Guitar Hero” takes the art of air guitar to new levels.
8- Community Is Key 
Example: Xbox 360
Consoles have traditionally offered a single- or two-player experience. Microsoft changed that with the Xbox 360. In addition to online play, the company took things a step further by giving players a place to chat (voice and video), find like-minded gamers, shop for games and movies and more. Everyone knew that playing console games online was the future, but Microsoft was the first to build a community through its console.
9- Everybody Wants To Rule The World 
Example: “SimCity”
Who knew that Tears for Fears’ lyrics would be so profound? Apparently Will Wright did. The legendary game designer has crafted numerous titles the allow gamers to play God. From controlling a city (”SimCity”) to an ant colony (”SimAnt”) to everyday life (”The Sims”), Wright has satisfied millions of gamers by allowing them to rule virtual worlds. The upcoming test: how Wright’s upcoming–and much delayed–”Spore” will be received.
10- When Life Gives You Problems, Throw A Large Ball 
Example: “Pokemon”
According to the “Pokemon” series of videogames, there isn’t a problem that can’t be solved by hurling a large ball at it. These games star a young adventurer that captures adorable monsters–the titular Pokemon–that help him (or her) save the world. Pokemon are caught by throwing objects called Pokeballs at them. From helping a town in need to stopping overzealous environmentalists to saving the planet, all problems in this game are solved by throwing a ball. The series has sold more than 167 million games, so it must be a sound solution.
Digg this Blog
Share on Facebook
WatchMojo on Twitter
WatchMojo on YouTube
Add to Favorites
WatchMojo Newsletter1- 
Elsewhere; Goa, India
Price: $100
What it’s like: In 2003, Mumbai-based fashion photographer Denzil Sequeira opened up his ancestral compound, Elsewhere, to paying guests. Four colonial beach houses and three candy-colored tents sit at the water’s edge; for the most affordable option, book one of the latter, outfitted with a muslin-draped four-poster bed, a fully modern bathroom, private lanai, and your own wooden pier.
2- 
Bellavista Bed & Breakfast; St. Thomas
Price: $175
What it’s like: Bellavista Bed & Breakfast, a 1930’s West Indian–style villa overlooking Charlotte Amalie harbor. The four rooms are done up in floral prints and bright hues, some with a canopy bed.
3- 
Awaroa Lodge; New Zealand
Price: $230
What it’s like: Set deep within the Abel Tasman National Park, the 26-room eco-lodge is in harmony with the great outdoors: earth-toned interiors, recycled-driftwood banisters, balconies that overlook wetlands teeming with native birds (including rare white herons).
4- 
Azul del Mar; Key Largo, Florida
Price: $189
What it’s like: Just past the Everglades is the six-room Azul del Mar, Art Deco villa. The property is decidedly quiet, thanks to its small adjacent private beach and an adults-only policy.
5- 
Whale Sanctuary Lodge; South Africa
Price: $240
What it’s like: It’s all about whales in this sleepy hamlet 90 minutes up the coast from Cape Town. To offer guests the best vantage point, Whale Sanctuary Lodge is set on a cliff above Walker Bay, where you can spot orcas, southern rights, and humpbacks out at sea.
6- 
Breakwater Inn & Spa; Kennebunkport, Maine
Price: $159
What it’s like: The recently revamped Breakwater Inn & Spa feels like a traditional Maine cottage, though its 34 cozy rooms are totally up-to-speed: free Wi-Fi, pillow-top mattresses. The pebbly beach is lined with Adirondack chairs that overlook the mouth of the Kennebunk River.
7- 
Puako Bed & Breakfast; Big Island, Hawaii
Price: $98
What it’s like: Tucked among the pricey resorts of Hawaii’s southern Kohala Coast is one of the big island’s best-kept secrets: a tiny village with access to prime snorkeling and surfing beaches. Puako Bed & Breakfast is as low-key as its location; host and hula performer-instructor Punahele Andrade has outfitted the four guest rooms with tropical furniture and bright Hawaiian quilts.
8- 
Sol é Luna Inn; St. Martin
Price: $125
What it’s like: Between Grand Case and Orient Bay on the French half of this multicultural island, the cliffside Sol é Luna Inn delivers a modern twist on rustic Provençal style—an ocher-hued stucco exterior covered in bougainvillea, washbasins reminiscent of the Danish designer Verner Panton, colorfully tiled plunge pools.
9- 
Pousada Sage Point; Brazil
Price: $108
What it’s like: You’ll feel like you’re on the set of The Blue Lagoon at the Pousada Sage Point, on the palm-studded Tiririca Beach in Bahia. The two-story, secluded tree-house property is made entirely from Brazilian noble wood.
10- 
Sea View Inn; Carmel, California
Price: $135
What it’s like: The floral prints and canopy beds are a little frilly, but the real draw here is the hospitality—a fireside breakfast, tea in the garden. The eight-room Victorian bungalow Sea View Inn lives up to its name; it’s only steps from a broad beach on the Monterey Peninsula.
According to Travel Leisure on www.msn.com
