by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 10/97) - Video games have grown up, way up, since the days of Pong.

The tennis game, introduced by Atari 25 years ago, marked the birth of an industry that has not slowed since.

Advances in computer technology have led to life-like images and sound, and opened the door to a new target audience -- adults.

"It's become a lot more complicated," said Steve Yanciw, who plays on a regular basis. "It's not like simple Pac Man, eat-the-dots games any more."

Jared Dressler, another adult player, agreed. "A lot of video games coming out now are not meant for 13- and 14-year-olds. You have to figure them out, there's problem-solving involved, it takes some effort."

Simulators, which put players in the cockpits of attack helicopters, racing cars, and jet fighters, serve as a good example of the depth of detail in today's games.

Yanciw offered as an example of adult-level games, one he is currently attempting to master, James Bond 007. It splits the screen either two or four ways, depending on the number of players. Players look at the part of the screen that gives them their character's view of a maze they are attempting to make their way through. While doing so, they must contend with traps and their opponents.

"If you come around a corner and the other guy's facing the other way, it's no problem," noted Yanciw.

Through a combination of video-game instinct and experience, players find and figure out hidden gadgets and traps their characters encounter along the way.

The game keeps track of where each player is and, in shoot-outs, the accuracy of shots fired. At the end of the game, each player is given a tally of his leg, body and head shots.

Detail and complexity has not changed the captivation games have for many.

"Once you get into it, once you get good at it, you don't want to shut it off," said Dressler.

Clinton Smith, like most regular players, goes on the occasional marathon session.

"Sometimes, on a day off work, I'll start playing at one o'clock and -- well, I have to stop to eat -- play until midnight."

What's the attraction? "Fun," replied Smith.

And excitement, Yanciw added. "It can feel pretty intense, when you're wondering where the other guy is and you know he's looking for you."