It's hard to get into a new groove once we've settled into a favorite pattern of doing something and that includes playing new games or trying a new game system. It's important to remember however that just because you're not used to the way a new game plays or the way that a new system runs - it doesn't mean that there's something wrong with it. The following offers some advice on how to get over the hurdle of giving new games a chance.

1. Nothing is perfect, including video games, the systems they play on, and dare we say - even you! The first time you try a new game you're bound to trip all over the place and maybe even make some of the stupidest mistakes that anyone could make. Keep in mind that flaws are inevitable and the even you, the master of all masters of course, can fumble around trying to find your way through a new game. Just because you mess up doesn't mean you're a terrible player. Likewise, mistakes don't make the game stupid or dumb. In fact, it's quite the opposite. If you find yourself making mistakes during a new game, it's time that to slow down and give this game a second and more serious look. If something in the game tripped you up - you, the master of all masters - then the game couldn't be as bad as you first thought.

2. Play a new game when you're "in the mood". What a fast-paced world we live in! So fast, that we expect to understand a game within the first 5 minutes of popping it into the console. Then when we're not sure what to do, the game gets confusing, or just dumb. Never try a new game when you're not in the mood or when you're in a rush. New games require patience and sometimes a thorough read of the instruction manual.

3. See the positive. There's something good about every video game - even the more violent ones (although we're not prepared to defend violent video games). When you're checking out a new game, focus on what you like about the game as opposed to what makes you mad because you can't quite figure it out yet. A positive attitude will carry on to other aspects of the game and before you know it, you'll be encouraged to carry on with it and make some real progress.

4. Don't be such a know it all. In other words, don't be blinded by your own conceit or skills in a particular genre of games that you close yourself off to new ways of accomplishing tasks. The biggest room is the room for improvement and your room is no exception. Understand that the game you're playing may have something new to teach you about gaming as a whole. Then revel in it.

5. Continue to play. It's highly doubtful that anyone will like a new game in one day. Keep playing a new game until you're absolutely sure that you don't ever want to see it in your console again.

6. Play alone the first time you play a new game. It's quite possible that if you play a new game with a friend, you'll be vulnerable to accepting your friend's feelings about the game as your own. Play a new game by yourself so that you can interpret your own feelings about the game and not anyone else's.

There are tons of games out there to play. It might be fun to try something that's of a different genre than what you usually play. It will give a different perspective and you might even learn something. Game on!