GameGirl

This weeks question for the Ask The GameGirls comes from Uncle Dude in California. He writes:

Read on for our answers. . .

Hey Uncle dude, I completely understand where you're coming from on this one. I have had similar experiences in my younger days of gaming. It seems back then I wanted to finish the game as quick as possible then but as I got older I grew to appreciate games more and more. To me it is completely pointless to use a cheat because it just takes all the enjoyment and pride out of finally completing that game. I find the challenge and frustration of a difficult game so addictive. I get so into it and it ultimately makes the end so much better. If you use cheats you'll never gain the problem solving skills you may need for another game. Although some walk-through's and weapon cheats are okay on occasion, it is always more rewarding to do things the hard way!

I actually wrote an article about FAQ's here on GameGirl a while ago. In the FAQ's article I basically say that it comes down to the gamer. I personally think there is nothing wrong with using a cheat if that is going to enhance your game playing experience. Same for FAQ's, if you are genuinely stuck in a game, to the point where the game isn't fun anymore, then maybe it's time to look it up. There's no harm in that as long as you're okay with it. As for your nephew's cheat codes in Pokemon, using the rare candy cheat code and clone code is pretty much a staple of the Pokemon experience at this point. Once you beat the elite 4, there isn't really anything to do so leveling up your Pokemon and building a team is all there is. I hardly think cheats are an ethical issue, just personal choice. I used a cheat to get the Master Sword in TP, anyone who has played that part knows why. I am not ashamed of it and I would love to say I got it on my own, but it was really hard, hard to the point where I didn't want to spend another hour going left and right. I say let your nephew copy rare candies and master balls all he wants, especially for this type of game, by March next year there should be another Pokemon game out in America and he can work hard on 'perseverance' all over again. I know I will be.

Dear Uncle Dude, I definitely have had similar experiences with cheat codes, I once bought this crap game a looong long time ago called Azurik: Rise of Perathia, haha it was a terrible game so I didn't feel that bad about using cheat codes to teleport to the different worlds, but after I did that I found the game to be even more pointless than before. I think cheat codes definitely have a tendency to ruin the point of games for me, like botting in WoW, I find it pointless to just make your character incessantly grind so you get to 40 just because leveling 1-40 is such a pain. Things like this just make you miss out on what the game is about in my opinion. Don't get me wrong I don't think all cheating is bad, I think that in certain circumstances it's definitely forgiveable and it doesn't really take away from the game. I remember that I was playing Fable 2, and I REALLY wanted to make some money fast so I did the little trophy house resale thing and made some quick cash in not the most honest of ways. Being rich and buying that house you want isn't part of the main quest in Fable, but I wanted to improve on my character just to have those things. I didn't feel like my little loophole took away from the game at all, so I thought it was okay to do. Anyhoo, cheating is a bit of a gray area for me, if it doesn't take away from the main point of the game, then go for it, like the cheats to give your characters different costumes or what have you, but say it's a cheat in Pokemon that automatically fully evolves all your Pokemon, I think that's taking it a little too far. I hope this helps you with your nephew Uncle Dude, and thank you so much for reading our articles! :)

Uncle Dud, I think it depends on the type of cheating. When it is cheating in a solo campaign mode or a private halo party, I don't see a problem with it. For example, in Halo 2, I love getting on top of the maps. I think it's cool to look down and view the maps from a different angle, or to go exploring new areas that you would have ever seen otherwise. However, it's not the way the game was meant to be played. It is just a way to take advantage of weaknesses in the game, but could technically be considered cheating. Another are cheats and codes that you can get from books like Tips and Cheats. The 'cheats' in that book are ones that the publisher will even let people know about. So it the publisher knows it can happen, how is it cheating? So viewpoint is a major factor. Plus, if it is a single player campaign you are the only one benefiting/losing from it. I don't see a big deal. However, I understand the laziness factor you talk about. I remember playing a variety of games, especially when I was little using codes. As a young child, I think I wouldn't have had as much fun without the 'Game Genie' for my NES. I mean, games can be hard when you are younger and first starting out. But maybe he will realize he doesn't need the cheat to conquer it. Or next time, maybe he'll try it without. Gaming depends on the gamer. Now, when it affects other players, such as online multi-player, I think it is inappropriate and should not be allowed. A great example of this would be 'standby' in Halo. It ruins the gaming experience for other gamers, and I hope it will eventually be completely removed from Halo game play. It is wrong to cheat in a game when it affects other's gameplay. They should be given the gameplay they deserve on fair grounds, not wonder if each time they play if they will lose out on the fun time they could have had.

I usually do not agree with the use of cheat codes, but your nephew is only 8 years old so I think he can cheat all he wants and get away with it. It's only when you get older that cheat codes become something you look down upon. When I was little I used to use the God mode cheat code on Duke Nukem only because it made the game more fun for me to run around and blow the shit out of the aliens and never have to worry about getting hurt. Now that I am older, I enjoy the challenge. I used to work at a GameSpot and we had a sweet little old lady who only played PC shooters and she would always play with God mode on because she wasn't playing for the challenge. She just wanted to run around and shoot anything that moves, it helped her deal with the stress of working in retail.

So long answer short, I think everyone is entitled to play a game anyway they want. The only time cheat codes are completely unacceptable is when they are used during an online game and it gives the player an unfair advantage. If people want to use cheat codes during their single-player game, then sure...more power to them. As long as their cheating doesn't affect other peoples gaming experience. People like to play their games differently, some play for the challenge, some play just for the thrill.

That's an excellent question. I think it's kind of a double-edged sword, honestly. I definitely believe that cheat codes can take away from a game, but there are times where it can open new worlds and ideas as well, which could help boost imagination. Depending on the game, and even the specific code, I think it could go either way. Something that gives you a Pokemon on level 100 already is great for that fact, but having to get it to a level of trust to where it will listen to you at all times? That's a different story. I think using it in moderation is okay, but you don't want to limit someone completely. So keep an eye on it perhaps, but I wouldn't force him either way; He's only eight years old. Just give him positive insight on how beating a game fully by yourself can be rewarding. I'm sure once he does it, he'll appreciate gaming and not using codes but every once in a while for fun. Hope that helps!! If you have any further questions towards me specifically, feel free to leave a comment =]