When I've used this topic in the past, usually I end up with some fraternity dude who talks about the most boring basics of Halo, Madden, GTA, or Call of Duty or a female student who talks about what it looks like to play Guitar Hero or maybe Wii Sports, etc. There's nothing wrong with that - these are mostly recent games and I enjoy many of them too - but stereotypes are plentiful.
Today however, in two different sections, I had two students go the retro route! I had to struggle to mask my ear to ear grin.
One student gave a detailed presentation about how to succeed in Mario Kart on the N64 . Their speech (which went well over a minute) covered specific track names, included a proper description of the layout of the N64 controller and when to hit certain buttons, and useful strategies for accomplishing good lap times.
The other student blew me away with a detailed breakdown of Final Fantasy 7. They discussed the materia system, who preferred party members should be, the ins and outs of chocobo breeding, how to gain high level summons, etc. I was floored. Afterward they explained to me that they had beaten Ruby Weapon, played the game through regularly, etc.
The real shocker: both students were women.
Say what you will about the girl gamer stereotype, but it's been pretty rare that I've had undergraduate students of either gender profess such love for video games. Usually, since most college students are trying to show their peers how "adult" and "mature" they are, the act ashamed of any game geekiness they may have. A very cool moment in the classroom!
My highschool just got them last year and it's hilarious. Few teachers know how to use them and half of them were installed incorrectly and can't be used at all.
