There are many people who consider themselves to be "gamers" nowadays. If you or your mommy and daddy have enough money to buy an Xbox 360 or a Playstation 3, you are considered a gamer either by yourself or by those around you. You are getting grouped into a very large pool of people. Video game systems alone though, do not a gamer make.

One of my favorite types of game to play doesnt run on electrical power, I dont need 60 inch plasma tv screens, wireless controllers, high speed internet or buddylists of people I have never met in real life. Its miniature gaming. What I do need are some good friends, some table space, and of course, miniature figures.

Playing miniature games is both easy and fun. These games can be pretty complex, and require a lot of strategy. However you can play just the basics on most of the games and still have lots of fun. There are lots of companies out that are producing games. Companies like Wizkidsgames, Games Workshop, Reaper, all produce various miniatures games ranging in difficulty and collectability, something you aren't getting out of your Xbox.

Usually you have a mini of some kind:

• starships
• robots
• people
• animals

The figures are based out of the type of game you are playing, like Wizkids has Star Wars pocket models. That game has figures that you assembly out of styrene cards and glue together. They are prepainted and once glued, ready to play. They have a small, 1 sheet instruction manual that shows you what all the symbols on your figures mean. Stuff like how to move them and battle them, what powers your figures have and such.

Most of these game companies include articles on their websites that teach you how to play or understand certain game mechanics. You can download additional teachings from their sites, or buy their books that further enhance the rules you can play with. Again, some games have complex rules and feel a bit overwhelming when you first get started, but have no fear, enter your local gaming store.

So, how much does it take to get involved?

Well each game is different. Some games are going to cost you more than others. Some games are more involved to get started. Warhammer 40000 needs you to buy models, build the models, paint the models, then you play. Painting is not, I repeat not required to play, it just looks cool and is fun. You will need to buy them and build them to play. So the cost for some games isnt just paying for models, its time involved in making the models too.

Count your cost, how much time do you want to involve in playing a game? How much money do you want to invest? Are you willing to be totally obsessed with your game? If so, I suggest miniature gaming over video games.