Why is it that whenever I go into Target’s Electronics department, I am surrounded by people who know nothing about video gaming? I am not talking about the customers here, I am talking about the employees. I am astounded at the fact that these employees can keep their jobs in a department where the video games are their primary source of income.

I have heard so many bad reviews or false advertisements about gaming consoles or games that, although, I am not a real outspoken person in real life, I feel that the ground will swallow me up and send me to Hell if I don’t say something! Even knowing the difference between what is age-appropriate or not would be useful knowledge.

I was in Target today getting some last minute shopping done, due to the almost three feet of snow at our house, when a lady asked the Target associate if Gears of War 2 was appropriate for a child. The associate said yes. ARE YOU FOR REAL?!?! I jumped in and asked how old the child was and what type of games he liked. The child was 6 years old. Needless to say, I advised the lady of the content of Gears and let her make the decision for herself. She decided that this was not a good idea. Then she asked if there were any other games that her son might like. The associate then named Bully as a great game. Are you serious?!?! The lady immediately looked at my shocked face and thanked him for his help. He then left. When he was out of earshot, she asked me for help. I had recommended Lego Star Wars, Lego Indiana Jones and Lego Batman, after actually asked her what where some of the things that her son liked to do or play with. She told me he liked Legos. Obvious choice here. Granted, the rating is E+10, on these video games, they are pretty age appropriate for him, according to his mom.

It doesn’t take much to recommend the right type of game for a person. Ask a few probing questions, find out what they like and it’s not too hard.

So, Target, train your people about video games!!! This is ridiculous, that is unless you want to endorse gamer blogs, then keep doing what you are doing, I don’t mind!