Video Games: Just Playing?

When considering shooter games and what I personally think are the best to worst, I think Doom/Postal is the best, Remission second best, and then America's Army and Under Siege as the worst.

Why? Firstly, I think Doom and Postal is a bit violent, but it's also claimed as satirical. Living in America, I realize that satire and reliving certain events and mocking them or using them for entertainment is a part of our culture, so I can understand this more. Secondly, Remission I think is great for education for cancer patients and even their family or friends. I also think it gives the child hope for curing cancer and beating it. However, I see a few implications with this game. Our group discussed that yes, a child should know about their reality and cancer. But perhaps sometimes they need to take their mind off of it and should be playing other video games or doing other activities besides dwelling on their illness. Secondly, I see a bit of false hope in this game. That yes, they can be killing cancer cells, but in reality, perhaps there is no cure if they are terminally ill or have a cancer that is not yet curable. I would rather see them out doing something with the time that they have rather than staying inside on a game. Lastly, I see America's Army and Under Siege as the worst shooter games. Though it's proven effective, I don't really support the game America's Army for recruiting American soldiers. I also don't like how they target a specific race. Yes, I understand that that's factual and complies with the ongoing Middle East conflicts, but if we want to establish peace among these people and teach the younger generation another way besides war, we shouldn't be target specific. Also, as for Under Siege, I don't like the fact that it implies war and killing between the Arabs and Israeli people for Palestine. Thus, because these games have a strong political and ideological purpose, it makes it a problem.

One of my group members, Nicola, recalls playing video games when he was a bit younger. He claimed the different games were in fact killing games, but were rather innocent. It wasn't about killing people, but rater mythical creatures and so forth. What really infatuated me about Nicola's recollection was his face when he was remembering these games. When he remembered one, his eyes would light up as he recollected the different aspects that went along with the game and how to win, like reliving his childhood and the sort of play he used to enjoy. He liked that it was rather innocent, and that his parents coincided with the fact it was innocent and just fun aside of violent.