I'm still playing BlazBlue. My main character is still Nu according to my D-Card online, but I like Hakumen a lot more ever since I got good with him. He's my new favorite character in the series, and I use him more than any other character these days. Anyway, I made a new signature for myself here on Gamespot featuring Hakumen, and I think it looks even better than the Nu signature I made a couple blog posts back. It definitely looks unique and does his character justice, so I hope you guys like it!

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/346/hakumensignature.png

(In other news, I just leveled up on the site for the first time in what seems like a year.)

Well people, I've been here for 4 years starting today. I hope you all still love me even though I'm mostly on the Gamefaqs boards nowadays. This site's been good to me even though I have my minor quips (Not really with the community though). It's been fun seeing the site evolve over the years, and there's always intelligent (or semi- intelligent) conversation to be had on the forums. I'm sure I won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Anyway, if you want some cake then you'll have to knife fight with me for the last piece.

Since BlazBlue is my new lover, I made myself a new sig based on my main character: Nu. I'm no genius in photoshop, but I think I did a very capable job. I'm sure any fan of the game will appreciate how cool I made Nu look, so tell me what you think guys.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2875/nusignature.png

The title says it all. With 1,000 battles online and counting, my data card on BlazBlue pretty much spells out my love for this masterpiece of a fighting game. I've yet to be so engrossed by a fighting game yet in my entire life. This game is just so interesting, polished, and perfected that I can't put it down. I've even set aside the time to get my first Platinum trophy by playing the hell out of this game. I must admit, I never thought I would love this game quite as much as I do. I've played my fair share of fighting games in the past, but I never got as addicted to any of them like I do games in other genres, but that changed after some time spent with BlazBlue.

I think I understand why after all of this time spent playing. BlazBlue is not only just a great fighter at heart, but it has elements that are missing from every other fighter out there. The roster may be composed of 12 characters, but they are all unique in both fighting style and personality. However, for the first time in a fighting game I actually am enamored by each character's story as well as the universe in which this all takes place. That's right, BlazBlue may be the first fighting game to actually have an excellent story supported by intriguing and complex characters. This game isn't about a bunch of roid abusers fighting for a cash prize or some sort of secret power that everybody seems to know about despite it's mysteriousness. No, this game has thoughtful moments of genuine emotion and by the time you're already deep into the mythos, you actually begin to care about and be fascinated by the cast of characters that inhabit this unique world. Pretty crazy-sounding for a fighter, but no, BlazBlue is a true stand-out in this regard. But, that's not to say this game is a drama. It has it's funny and enjoyable moments too. Teach me, Ms. Litchi is perhaps the best way ever conceived to explain more about a game universe and it's history. As well, the voice acting really helps to bring out each character's personality and makes dialogue sequences enjoyable to watch. I am thoroughly impressed by what was accomplished in this game despite it being a fighter.

However, while the story is most enjoyable and well put together, the pure fighting also shines above most fighters. It's easy to just pick up and play for beginners, but there's so much more if you dedicate the time to understand the intricacies of each character. It's truly a blast when you master your first character and have an adrenaline-filled match with someone of equal or greater skill.

There's just so much packed into this game. I'm sorry for rambling, but BlazBlue has renewed my love for the fighter. Like I said in my previous blog post, every fighting game that is priced at $60 should be as polished and packed with content as BlazBlue. For the love of God, even if you're not that big of a fan for fighting games, at least give this one a try. Like I've said, it's the whole package and it breaks the mold of what fighting games are traditionally about. The story is there, the characters are there, the depth is there, and not a single dimension of this game is shallow or underwhelming, and the only roid abuser is Tager, so 11 out of 12 isn't bad!

As many of you hardened veterans know, Summer is usually the time when we are left to our own devices and must hobble together what entertainment we can get to hold us over until the games start coming out again. However, I found an oasis to keep me nice and hydrated. I've been diving into my pockets and have come back to find some games actually worth playing to keep me busy over summer.

Final Fantasy XII

Sure it's old and I beat it once before on a rental, but to see it for only $10 was a steal, plus I still had business to take care of. I played this game over again and enjoyed myself for awhile (I'm seemingly the only one on Earth who actually liked this game). I had some unfinished business to take care of with Omega MK XII and Yiazmat, the latter of which took about a week to defeat, but it was enjoyable all the same and very rewarding to finally put these bastards to rest.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

It's been awhile since I got my last fighting game, but this one stole my heart as soon as I watched my first video of it, so I just had to pick it up. Hell, I even have some of the music from this game on my iPod. It rekindled my love of the fighting genre with it's awesome characters and music, and damn, it even has an interesting story to boot. Every fighting game that is sold at $60 should be as polished and packed with content as this game. I'm still playing it even now, so it should help loads with the Summer drought.

Battlefield 1943

It's $15, it's Battlefield, what more could you ask for? The multiplayer is a blast, it keeps me busy and entertained, and the large maps are perfect for doing what I do best: Sniping. This one will keep me occupied for some time.

Infamous

Sure I beat it on the good side, but now it's time to fry some ass with red lightning. This game is a blast and currently my main squeeze, so it should keep me nurished with a steady supply of awesome. If you have a PS3, be sure to at least try this out before the winter starts clotting up the stores with big name titles.

So, I'm going to stay inside and avoid sun burns. I've got some great games, air conditioning, and some friends to enjoy them with. Yeah, I love the summer time. Batman: Arkham Asylum is right around the corner too.