In the Zone

In anticipation of playing video games the pulse soars. This is just one indication that video games provide more purpose than simply smashing buttons to defeat a foe. As the casual player picks up a controller they may be confused about which buttons will be used for each action in the game. This is not the case with hardcore gamers. Instead of trying to figure out which actions correspond with each button, the hardcore gamer transplants him/herself into the game and actually becomes Mario, Luigi, or Yoshi to name a few characters. Now, this gamer not only knows how to control the character, but also tries to manipulate them in ways that best suit the gamers' interests. This is a very good way to stimulate the intellect. Gamers learn valuable life lessons such as "thinking outside the box".
Also, video games create a medium with which everyone can engage in fierce competition. There is no better example than when a multiplayer game is played with four hardcore gamers in the same room. Not only does everyone know how to play this particular game, but everyone feels that he/she should win every time. Each race in Mario Kart: Double Dash becomes a test of one's manhood. Pride is at stake. Lose and hear the ridicule of the winning racer, but win and gloat until the sun goes down. There is nothing more frustrating than someone beating you at a game and then refusing a rematch. "I have the belt, I'm the champion!" Video games ooze the essence of the competitive spirit of humanity.