Pixel Perfect

So, my dear freshman, you come to me wondering how to unlock the “I played video games and still got good grades” achievement this semester, huh? Well, sit tight and listen (or read…I guess) closely, and maybe you’ll stand a chance.

In actuality it really isn’t that hard to manage your gaming time with your homework/studying time on campus so long as you’re careful and know which games to play and when to play them.

When I moved into the dorms my freshman year, the first thing I did was hook up my PS2, GameCube and Xbox (yes, they were all still new then…I’m old…get over it). I couldn’t wait to be able to sit down and play with all 3 on my own schedule—homework, parents, and responsibilities be damned! All I cared about was showing off my Halo skills and maybe finding some time to squeeze in a round or two of Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Little did I know though, that it may have been a good idea to try and fit some homework and class time in there, if not for me, then at least for my future.
 

Don’t get me wrong people; the freedom is an astounding feeling, especially for an incoming freshman that couldn’t get near a game system at home without being asked by his parents if he finished all his homework. However, don’t let this freedom go to your head, it can very quickly be taken away when words like “academic probation” start swirling around, and there are no easy cheat codes to get out of that.

So, from one game addict to another, here are a few quick pointers to keep in mind:

1. Budget your time! Homework and tests have deadlines that you cannot change. Master Chief, Kratos, and the cast from The Legend of Zelda, however, are all on your timetable, not the other way around.

2. Have a roommate or close friend hide your controllers. Can’t play if you don’t have them to play with…this may sound harsh, but trust me, it makes it feel real rewarding when you finish your work and get them back. (Assuming your roommate will remember where he put them.)

2.5. Get a roommate with a good memory.

3. Talk to your dorm-mates and try scheduling a game night once a week. That way you won’t worry about whether you’ll get to play at all, because you will have a specific time when everyone is available to do it. Plus, if you come out on top, you may score yourself some serious bragging rights.

4. Pick the right kinds of games. Sorry to break it to you kids, but the game companies don’t care about your GPA. They have, and will continue to release big tickets games like Mass Effect 2, Heavy Rain, Call of Duty and Halo on or around your midterms and finals. So don’t get yourself committed into a huge RPG or platformer the week before your big tests…save them as a reward for afterwards. Try sticking to games that can be picked up and put down in short bursts, or games like the Professor Layton or Brain Age series that will keep your mind working without eating away at all your free time.

5. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for the latest in gaming news and reviews in The Cauldron every week in this very column! That way you let me do all the hard work and snooping around, giving you plenty of time to do your homework before checking out whatever game was reviewed!

Alright folks, I hope that helps, welcome to Cleveland State, and good luck this semester both in school and whatever games you choose to play!