So it's "holiday release" time for us gamers, which means we have way to many games to play. First off I finally got my PS3 back, or should say new PS3 . Argued with Sony for a while on the cost of fixing what should be fixed for free after spending so much on a console, but right when they announced the price drop, and it was only a $130.00 difference between getting mine fixed and getting a new one, I said send the damn thing back. Took it to my trusty manager pal at Gamestop and he got me a great trade in for my broken one which made for a great day all around. First thoughts, I love the new slimmer PS3. Nearly silent, much smaller, great looking, happy all around.

Now onto games. Halo ODST, was a great surprise. I'd bored a bit, like many of the Halo Franchise, but loved the new direction ODST took. The single player campaign was easily worth the price of the game, and the multiplayer is a fun diversion every now and then. COD MW2, is very good, again. The campaign is criminally short, but this time I like the multiplayer much more. I'm never one to finish very high in an online game, usually in the middle somewhere, and I love the added bonuses and "help" the game gives players who aren't great. Now onto the two games that have blown my mind.

Uncharted 2. Uncharted 1 was ok for me, but this game is downright amazing. Taking a cue, in my mind, from MGS4 Naughty Dog made amazing and engaging cut scenes, each level built up to the next very well for such a lenghty game, and it's downright beautiful. The train ride level is a utter joy to play, one of those moments that makes us love gaming.

Assassins Creed II. I loved the first, despite the utter repetition and odd ending. This game fixes every problem from AC I, and Ubisoft turns around and builds an amazing game, built around a character you care about and like. (This seems to becoming more and more important in relation to how much I like a game: Snake MGS series, CJ: GTA SA, Nathan Drake: Uncharted, and others) The sheer volume of things to do, side missions, feathers, glymps (that are all important to the game this time) make for a great overall experience. Just last night I decided to slow down on missions and just work on some of the side things, looked up and it was nearly 4 hours later! If it finishes up strong, AC III will be a game to really keep an eye on.

Back to reality now, need to finish AC II, then just enjoy a little multiplayer here and there until Bioshock II & GOW III suck me back into a "gaming coma" early next year!

Take Care All,

Bryan