Just started Oblivion for fun...I have finished the game but it's been 2 years since I last played it...and...

Well games have not progressed that much, in my opinion. Bethesda did so much right with Oblivion that it is amazing.

Personally, I liked the story of Morrowind much better...however, Oblivion has nice features/better graphics/prettier scenery to explore.

I kind of wish Fallout 3 never happened. I mean, I enjoyed Fallout 3 however I would rather have seen Bethesda put the resources into another Elder Scrolls game.

Also been playing the God of War Collection. I had never played much of GoW so I was pretty impressed. It's a good console game, but lacks the depth of a good PC RPG.

Trine is alot of fun...it's a PSN network game that I would recommend.

Also, I was a bit harsh on Modern Warfare 2. I really do enjoy the multiplayer...it's oustanding...however I'm so impatient that even the 30 second intermission between games gets on my nerves.

I have friends who are level 30 something in that game; I can't believe that, because I'm still in the teens.

Also...I'm getting the feeling that I don't care much for Assassin's Creed games. Why?

1) I probably have not given the games enough time

2) The cutscenes/characters/story seem boring

3) The combat feels kind of weak

4) I'm impatient...and the dual story concept seems to get in the way.

I would sell Assassin's Creed 2, however, there aren't any games that I want to trade it in for. I will give it some more time and will possibly come around to really liking it.

The most unexpected suprise of the month...gaming-wise...was by far Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2010. Seriously, the game is about nothing but stalking and shooting animals but wow is it fun.

I enjoy hunting in real life, so undoubtedly I'm part of the demographic the game was meant for. It has a really interesting x-ray vision kind of feature in which you can see an animal's vital organs before you take a shot. Very cool (my apologies to any PETA members...well, on second thought, I'm not sorry lol).

I'm going to alot of college basketball games lately...also, doing some shooting. I would like to purchase a SCAR-H, yet I don't want to spend $3,300+. I made the decision to be content with my current firearm collection and not look to add to it...collecting guns gets to be expensive...however, I might pick up a certain old Swiss bolt action rifle if I find one I like.

I've been deferring alot of my income into a 401(k) plan, which will be nice when I retire in 50 years...however...it has dampened my spending habits.

Still working and dating...nothing life-changing there...it would be nice to settle into a long term relationship...sometime.

Saw Star Trek...thought it was great. I was never a big fan but thought they did an excellent job with it.

Oh, I picked up cigarette smoking for 1 week...and then developed a respiratory infection so I quit. A week later I started again, and, well I can't stop coughing so this is my first day off of the cancer sticks. I will work my way onto the gum, and then off of it...it's something I have done a few times in the past (the cigarettes were new...usually I would smoke a pipe or cigar here and there and then go to the gum).

I'm also scratching my head wondering why I bought so many military simulation games two months ago. I bought like 3 or 4 in a month, which is unusual for me...however, I have had a lifelong interest in military history so I'm fairly certain I will eventually get back to enjoying them. The learning curve is steep with each game, however, the knowledge is cumulative...so it gets easier each time I sit down to play them.

Things are busy. I have plenty to do every day, which is good...but I really appreciate the days off (like Thanksgiving).

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We shot pumpkins (long story) and played Mahjong...

Looking back at 2009...so far, there have been some really great games.

However, there are two games that I think are outstanding: Uncharted 2 (PS3) and Dragon Age (PC).

Basically, I could flip a coin to pick which one is my favorite.

Uncharted 2 features some great gameplay, amazing cutscenes, a fun story, memorable characters and quality visuals...art direction (?) (it looks pretty).

Dragon Age is just epic. The PC version is amazing; especially for people who enoy party based RPGs.

Basically, I would say Dragon Age is like a 10 and Uncharted 2 is like a 9.99...

Either way, I feel fortunate to have played these two titles.

Wow, is this game fun!

I thought it sucked until I got around 7 hours into the game and now it is amazing. It really has delivered on the hype.

Dragon Age (11.3.09)

I think Baldur's Gate (the series) is one of the Top 3 gaming experiences of my life. Therefore, if DA comes close to Baldur's Gate, then it's a win. However, I'm not holding my breath or anything.

Modern Warfare 2 (11.10.09)

COD 1 = Great! COD 2 = Even Better!! COD 3 = Uhm... COD 4 = Great! COD 5 = Uhm...ok COD 6 = ???

Assassin's Creed (11.17.09)

I did not enjoy much about the first Assassin's Creed. Therefore I may not pick this one up. I will wait for the Gamespot review.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 (Already Released)

I remember the ORIGINAL Ninja Gaiden on the Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1989. Might be a good rental.

Risen (Already Released)

This looks like it is a good RPG. Unfortunately, it will probably be crowded out by Dragon Age for at least a month.

TacOps version 4 (PC)

Background: I have never been in the military, but for my entire life I have been fascinated with military history. Naturally, I should enjoy wargames...however...it's taken me years before I have developed the attention span and knowledge base to begin playing them.

1 1/2 weeks ago I purchased TacOps v.4, and it's great. Here are some of the things I like about it so far:

1) It's unpredictable. No two games will be played the same twice. For instance, I have only played the Tutorial 4 times...and, the first time I got my butt kicked.

2) It's eye opening...for example, here is the Tutorial:

The Tutorial

You start out with an M1 tank platoon, an LAV25 platoon and an AAV7 platoon. The LAV25 and AAV7 are each carrying infantry units...3 infantry teams in the LAV25, and 1 infantry squad, an infantry MG team and an ATGM Javelin team (!) on the AAV7. You also have two artillery units providing support.

The enemy has some tanks (T-80s), BMPs and infantry hidden in some woods about 3,200 meters to the east.

The first thing is to study the map (especially the terrain) and develop a plan. The second thing is to give orders...finally, you begin the combat phase.

Two eye-opening things that I'm noticing are 1) the importance of maintaining contact with the enemy and 2) the ugly reality that all engagements entail losses.

#2 sounds obvious in a wargame, however, it feels painful to lose tanks when you only have 4 of them...especially when the enemy has tanks and BMPs with ATGMs.

The Surprise

I never thought I would get emotional playing a game that visually just shows some boxes moving across a map! (Especially when I'm just in the Tutorial.)

However, winning feels so rewarding.

Conclusion

TacOps looks like a simple game on the surface, but there is so much to it. I am learning a ton about warfare (in theory, at least) simply by replaying the tutorial and reading my way through the manual.

The game is changing the way I look at military history, which as mentioned, I have always enjoyed. In fact, I feel like I'm beginning to understand current events a little better.

I really am looking forward into delving further into this game. It might open the door for me to enjoy the stack of other wargames I have that are collecting dust (Korsun Pocket, Airborne Assault, etc.).

I don't know what else to say. This is like a graduation ceremony for me since I've always wanted to be a grognard but lacked the discipline to sit down and really study a game...

In Other News

Uncharted 2 is turning out to be a really enjoyable game. I had no idea if I would like it but so far it is a lot of fun.

Why Am I Posting This Blog?!

Well, I feel like I have discovered a new genre of games with TacOps. It's like learning a really fun card game for the first time. It feels good to be excited about a game

Hypothesis: The Fourth Installment in a good series often rocks:

Devil May Cry 4 (PS3)

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 (PS2)

Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3)

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC)

So...why do we even mess around with 2 and 3? I say we just skip to 4...

Games I would like to see released ASAP:

The Witcher 4

Dragon Age: Origins actually, this might be good lol. They should still change the tilte to DA4, though.

Demon's Souls 4

ARMA 4

Diablo 4

World of Warcraft 4

Rainbow Six Vegas 4

Far Cry 4

Mass Effect 4

Fallout 4

Ultima Online 4

Planescape: Torment 4

Silent Storm 4

Starcraft 4

Vanguard 4

Final Fantasy 4...I mean, they should just scrap 13 and redo 4, because as has already been proven here, the 4rth installment is always the best. No exceptions.

It's pretty obvious that games should just remake the 4rth installment indefinitely...I don't see any room for disagreement....

However, if you would like to comment, then feel free.

I'm looking at a serious backlog of games that I haven't played.

So I'm inventing a rule of 4; that is, I can only play 2 PS3 games and 2 PC games at a time...until I finish them. Here is what I will be playing over the next few weeks:

Demon's Souls (PS3) I deleted my saved games and am starting over as a Priest. I'm ready to finish this game.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES (PS2) I deleted my saved games and am starting over with a Walkthrough/FAQ. I'm a perfectionist/completionist as far as SMT games and I hate missing content.

TacOps 4 (PC) I've got some serious reading to do, but I think I will enjoy this game.

ARMA II (PC) I have had so much fun with this game. I really want to finish it.

That's all. I'm just tired of jumping from game to game without finishing them.

A bug has infected our office and I'm the third casualty. I feel like a cloud of sickness has descended upon me...food tastes strange, everything smells weird and I just feel like crap.

Here are some games that have been helping me fight these miasmatic days:

Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3) Here is my problem...I "1/10" like Batman, however, this game was extraordinarily well put together. So..."9/10" from me.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (PC) Here is my other problem...I have never wanted to role play a vampire before. I guess I enjoyed it in Oblivion, however...an entire game centered around blood is just too dark for my tastes.

Eternal Poison (PS2) I'm not really an SRPG fan...yet. Actually, I liked Silent Storm and Valkyria Chronicles...but the "grid" system as featured in Eternal Poison, Disgaea or FF: Tactics doesn't really interest me.

Madden NFL 10 (PS3) I returned this one, too. I enjoy sports, but not so much in games. I would be interested to play a game in which all of the players had the exact same stats...basically, a move back in time towards the purer and less-complicated sports games of the NES.

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne (PS2) Hmmm...this was a tough one to return. I like SMT games and was really excited to play this one, however, it seemed impossible without an FAQ/Walkthrough. And the FAQs I could find were Word documents...basically, if I had the Doublejump strategy guide then I would still be playing this one. We'll see.

Shin Megami Tensei Online: Imagine (PC) I am not sure how much I like this one. It's cool to see the old demons, however, it feels like just another MMO. At least it's free. It might get better.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon (PS2) Just picked this one up. I'm really excited about it.

Devil May Cry 4 (PS3) Found it for a decent price, however, I have yet to play it.

I can't wait to feel better. I want to work out again. I also want to spend time with friends versus having to rest.

Finally *knocks on wood* I may have found an internet browser that works. Here is my history:

Internet Explorer: Worked, but was running really slow, so I switch to...

Google Chrome: Fast, but started crashing...a lot...so then I went to...

Opera: Which was a traumatic experience LOL I can't believe how many problems I had...so now I'm with...

MOZILLA FIREFOX: Which is working great so far.

Far Cry 2 (PS3)

Hearts of Iron III (PC)

Hitman: Blood Money (PC)

688(I) Hunter/Killer (PC)

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition (PS3)

Silent Hunter III (PC)

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation (PS3)

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (PC)

War in the Pacific: AE (PC)

Dead Space (PS3)

Possibly may buy a game tomorrow...here are some I am considering, with some comments if appropriate:

1) ARMA II (PC)I heard it was bugged...so I probably won't buy it.

2) Hearts of Iron III (PC)This one is very tempting.

3) War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition (PC)I dunno.

4) Mount & Blade (PC)I liked the demo, but I'm not sure.

5) Drakensang: The Dark Eye (PC)Nah...

6) The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PS3) I've played this one too much.

7) Killzone 2 (PS3) Nah...I bought this one and sold it...online was fun, but I have Battlefield for that.

8 ) Dead Space (PS3) Interesting, but probably not.

9) Eternal Sonata(PS3) I have no idea.

10) NCAA Football 10(PS3) Tempting...

11) MLB 09: The Show(PS3) Tempting...

12) NHL 09(PS3) Might as well wait a month for NHL 10...

13) LittleBigPlanet(PS3) I have no idea if this would be any fun for me.

14) Madden NFL 10 (PS3)Very tempting.

Looks like I'm interested in a sports game or Hearts of Iron 3.

Strangely, I miss playing Far Cry 2 on the PC. I deleted all of my saved games so it would be a royal pain to replay all of the missions.

We'll see...

I remember playing Mike Tyson's Punch Out on the NES as a kid, and ever since I have enjoyed boxing.

(Twice now I almost joined a local club but the spectre of permanent brain damage keeps me away).

Strangely, I have only played 3 boxing games: Mike Tyson's Punch Out, Fight Night Round 3 and now Fight Night Round 4.

I spent around 100 hours on Mike Tyson's, about an hour with Fight Night Round 3 (I returned my 360 and left the damn game in it lol)...so I was excited to try Fight Night Round 4.

So far, here is the good:

Graphics, physics/gameplay, depth.

And here is the bad:

I suck.

It's discouraging tospend hours alone in a room playing a game that makes you feel like you suck on a weekend.

I'm seriously beginning to get depressed. However, my friendcame over and I really kicked his butt...so...

I'm getting better, slowly. It's a complex boxing game...probably the best boxing game around...

And it cost me $60.

So I'm not about to back down...I will do what it takes to get good at thisgame, even to the point of becoming a mascohist.

When I get burned out, I will just play Demon's Souls for a few hours to boost myself-esteem. Oh, wait...

Why do the hard games haveto be the best ones?

I have deleted some good reviews, and I have written some stinkers. For the record, here are my thoughts about my thoughts on games:

"Good Reviews": i.e. I don't regret writing them:

Battlefield 1943, Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30, Mass Effect, Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4, Fallout 3, Rapala Trophies, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, Planescape: Torment, Ultima Online, Theatre of War, Silent Storm: Gold Edition, Starcraft, Fate, Battleground Europe: World War II Online, World of Warcraft, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, The Witcher, Tabula Rasa, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, Portal, Guild Wars, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

"Bad Reviews" and why

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite: I think this game is more of an 8.5. I oversold it...to anyone who bought it because of my review, I apologize.

Spore: I stand by the score, but I didn't really express my thoughts well.

Sky Kid; This game is maybe a 7 instead of a 9.5. I like my review (based on nostalgia), but 9.5 is way too high.

Call of Duty 2: Good review, but it's a 9, not a 9.5.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind: Right score, however, my review did not do the game justice...I got too complex in writing it.

Far Cry: 10 is too high. A 9 is a better fit. Review was just ok.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: 9.5 is too high. 9 is better. Review was just ok.

Crysis: 8 is too low. 8.5 is better. Review lacked details about the game.

My favorite part of gaming (after gaming) is discussing games and sharing my opinions about them. It's a great feeling to write a review that you are proud of and even more rewarding to see that people found it helpful.

Anyone have any reviews that they feel were their personal best?

Resident Evil 5 (PS3)

I just spent close to 3 hours playing this game, and if it weren't for my need to sleep (and work), then I would still be playing it.

It's all I can do to tear myself away from this outstanding game.

*Please don't comment if you have anything negative to say about RE5! I'm enjoying the game too much to notice any flaws.*

Some highlights:

1) Foxy Henchwoman: Your partner rocks in this game. She is deadly and the AI seems great.

2) Great weapons...upgradedable, too!

3) Hidden treasures and inventory management...it feels like an Over The Shoulder Shooter and RPG hybrid

4) Awesome graphics

5) Perfect controls (once you get used to them...the control scheme fits really well)

6) Atmospheric and complex level design

7) Ammunition is like gold! This is so important...the game would not be as much fun if you could just shoot without thinking.

8 ) Great pacing. Like I said, I just spent close to three hours playing RE5 and haven't been bored for a minute.

9) Good cutscenes/cinematics (there is a motorcycle part that involves some interaction, and it's cool)

10) Menacing bad guys

11) So far, a really interesting storyline.

12) Trophies

13) Unlockable background information. I really like games (such as Monster Hunter Unite) in which you can unlock a "library" of information on the game background (prequel information), items, characters, etc.

14) Did I mention it is fun to play?

I feel like I found a diamond in the rough. It's rare that I get excited about a game and want to finish it as soon as possible.

*Again, don't comment with any RE5 bashing! I have not read any reviews of the game and am glad that I had low expectations for RE5, as so far it is blowing them away*

That's all for now. Time for bed...

Playing Empire: Total War as the British...

Took Paris, Havana, Montreal and Madrid...however...money is becoming an issue, the people are growing restless and revolting...and the "New World" is starting to get tough.

Great game...lots of fun. Few other strategy games as fun as the TW series.

Life is short indeed.

I ought to spend more time with my friends and family. I ought to save more money. I ought to make the most of my health...and work hard to stay healthy.

I ought to continue to date, and pray for the woman who will someday be my wife, God willing.

I ought to pray that I am becoming the kind of man that she would want to marry, and also that I am becoming the kind of man that will be a good father.

Finally, I ought to thank my parents for all of the love and grace they have shown me in my life...while I still can.

Music...setting...dialogue...story...characters...visuals...

I would like to recognize games that I feel have "emotional impact"; a hard-to-define mood experienced while playing a game.

In no order...

PERSONA 4 (PS2)

METAL GEAR SOLID 4 (PS3)

WORLD OF WARCRAFT (PC)

THE WITCHER (PC)

PLANESCAPE: TORMENT (PC)

FLOWER (PS3)

GOLGO 13 (NES)

THE ELDER SCROLLS 3: MORROWIND (PC)

SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS (PS2)

BIOSHOCK (PC)

10 games that are memorable among hundreds. There is (or was) something special about each of these games.

I'm not sure how to convey the demeanor of being "sheepish" in writing, so I will just have to say that I'm a little embarassed.

I do not have Lyme Disease; instead I have a bad sinus infection.

Thank you for your concern, but I will be fine in a couple of days with some antibiotics.

Until the next imaginary disease strikes...have a good night.

Putting the pieces together...

I've been fishing and shooting at some property my dad bought A LOT lately, and nearly EVERY TIME I come home with a tick on me.

Starting late June or early July, I noticed that I have no energy.

Saturday, July 18th, I went on an 18 mile bike ride with a friend...I had done basically the same bike ride a few weeks before with few problems...but...

My bones ACHE from the marrow. It feels like I have poison in me.

I slept for 12 hours Friday night, and was still tired. I slept for 12 hours on Saturday night, and had to take an hour long nap on Sunday...still tired.

I played 18 holes of golf on Sunday which normally NEVER bothers me but I felt like I was DYING.

I'm going to the Dr. (Urgent Care) ASAP tomorrow morning.

Oh, and Saturday I noticed a painful and large lump behind my right ear...

I hope it is something curable and that it is not in my head. I feel so tired that I want to die.

Wish me luck and say a prayer...

My hope is that it is either nothing or something that can be easily diagnosed...

They are called CAPSULE from Japan.

Check out YouTube or ITunes....

I posted the Starry Sky YEAH! remix by Moonbug here a few weeks ago...

The SPINAL CORD of that remix is a CAPSULE song called STARRY SKY.

IT ROCKS!

SO GLAD I found the core of the remix that I would rate in the top 5 favorite songs of my life...

I even adopted a photo of 1/2 of the band for my Forums sig!