Saturday, December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas everybody!
-Ho Ho How you doing (sorry)? I am really freaking tired right now and am about to collapse, but thought I'd update this since its been a while. I've been really busy with work lately. Mostly Target of course. Week before last I worked 46 hours, and this week I finished with 49, with another 5 at Software Etc on top of that for a grand total of 54 hours worked this week. My boss at Software, Jayson says I am getting a lot better and am no longer at "newb" ranks anymore. I think my last shift there is this Monday, but he was saying I might have one more the next week after that. He wanted to keep me on too as regular, staff but he says after the holidays he knows he is going to cut the rest of the holiday crew and at most would be able to schedule me just a couple shifts a month it sounded like. I politely declined, but now am kinda regretting it. I do enjoy my time there as it is a big stress reliever from regular work and life, plus the better discount is nice as well. I'll see what develops out of it.
-I have been so busy with work actually I didn't get around to hanging up some Christmas lights and getting my tree up until just three days ago. Knowing myself I'll probably keep both up until the end of February or so. I had Jane, Shawn, Kadeance, Adrian, Ann, Dad, and Chris over on Christmas Eve yesterday like I did last year. Had another mighty good dinner and got some unique, but definitely handy gifts from my dad. I got a portable battery that I can use to give myself a jump if no other vehicle happens to be near, among a couple other useful auto accessories. I also played a round of Madden with Shawn, but he ended up wailing on me 52-35. I then tried to get him into Guitar Hero as well, but that didn't work due to him blaming his lack of hand-eye coordination. Can't wait for regular Xmas tomorrow. I think I'm going to be receiving some much needed DVD racks as I have had a stack of DVDs piling up on my floor for quite some time now.
-I checked my grades online for my second semester at Northland Tech. I got As in Comp and Drawing, and by some random act of God I somehow managed to pass my College Algebra class with a D. I believe that counts as credits (this is what it said online next to my subject column: (credits)3.00 (earned credit hours)3.00 (Grade) D ). Classes come back again in a lil over 2 weeks so I am making the most out of this break.
-I am getting along with this new coworker of mine, Brent the past couple of months. He came over a couple weeks back and we played through some PD0 co-op missions, and he gave me the basic run-through on World of Warcraft on his account so I didn't have to start and register mine yet. I am pretty sure I will open an account this summer to play on. Chris and Joe love Call of Duty 2 on 360, they showed it to me and it looked pretty sweet. I wanna get it but think I'll hold off for a couple months until it goes on sale or is marked down.
-Whoo the Niners got their 3rd win, against the Rams....again. Still no passing TD's yet from Mr. Smith but at least he had an acceptable performance by going about 12-16. This may lessen their chance in the Bush-bowl next week against the Texans, but if they lose to them then they should still be first in line to draft him or at least get a damn good chance of receiving a Hershel Walker-calibur trade proposal to them.
Oh yeah, I posted these on the forums at vgpub, figure I'll post them here too, please reply back on what you think of my list and even post back with your own faves of 2005 as well.
My Top 5 PC/Console Games of 2005
Honorable Mentions:
Blitz: The League, Sniper Elite, WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2006, Tekken 5
5: Jade Empire (Xbox)
Score another one for Bioware, take the KotoR good/bad choice system, throw in an ancient Chinese setting and a real time battle engine, and I have hours of addictive RPG goodness.
4: Guitar Hero (PS2)
I was never that die-hard of a fan of the music/rhythm genre until this game hit the market. That guitar controller is fun as hell to use, and I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw new addicts in the making at Best Buy demoing the game saying "I'm going to keep playing this until they kick me off." The awesome metal soundtrack was absolutely fitting for the game. I may not know diddly about playing a real guitar, but Guitar Hero made me had the time of my life pretending to.
3: Burnout Revenge (Xbox)
I am a sucker crashes. Explosions too. I didn't think EA could have improved on Takedown so fast within a year, but boy was I wrong. The new traffic checking feature and loads of alternate paths on each course makes each race a unique one. The World Tour mode is addicting as usual, and hell the online is actually accessible this time. And even though this game doesn't have real life auto licenses, these cars still look pretty damn sexy anyways, until you destroy the crap out of them that is.
2: Perfect Dark Zero (Xbox 360)
Within moments of starting my first multiplayer game I remembered how much I missed playing this series. There is just something about it that makes me enjoy it more than Halo. Perhaps it is the innovative weapons, or the way the developers implement making use of cover, or the awesome maps, or just being a freaking damn fun game to play. I am still peeved about not being able to jump, but I guess the roll move does suffice to a certain extent. Throw in a stellar campaign mode with lots of awesome Live options for multiplayer and you got my favorite FPS for 2005.
1: Indigo Prophecy (Xbox)
My personal favorite setting for a gaming storyline (movies too) is one that takes place in modern times and has a lot of suspense and drama. Indigo Prophecy delivers both of these in spades. This unique sci-fi thriller is being billed by the developers as an 'Interactive Movie.' It does seem like that too, there is a very simple control interface that anyone can pick up and play, and your own choices change the way the story branches out so you can play through it multiple times. The story does get odd as hell towards the end, but I enjoyed every minute of it, and it is by far my favorite game of 2005.
My Top 5 Portable Games of 2005
(Note: I don't own a DS, so please forgive me if you don't see all the DS hits listed here I read so much great stuff about this past year like Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Kirby Canvas Curse, Meteos, etc, but you can tell me your faves and why I should or shouldnt get a DS by replying :D )
Honorable Mentions: Virtua Tennis: World Tour (PSP)
5: Racing Gears Advance (GBA)
This unique little racer came from out of nowhere. What at first seems like an ordinary isometric view racer, turns out to be one serious little gem that has a ton of depth and turned out to be one of the best racers to hit the GBA since Mario Kart.
4: GTA Liberty City Stories (PSP)
Surprised this isn't higher? This is one fun game for sure, and I still have a blast tearing up the streets of Liberty Cities. It is just not as innovative and groundbreaking as the PS2 entries, and after the series went 3D in 2001, GTA has lost a little bit of its charm to me. Don't get me wrong this is still one fun game and is why it is on my list and any GTA fun should pick up this completely GTA adventure for the PSP.
3: Burnout Legends (PSP)
Notice I said PSP and not the DS version. I understand the DS version should be avoided at all costs. The PSP version however is very much the opposite. It takes the stellar gameplay from Burnout 3 and tosses in all the gameplay modes and best tracks from the first three Burnouts. The blazing fast gameplay surprisingly holds up well and is the same addicting bliss as I know it. The quick races are perfect for trips on the go. Fans of the franchise should know this is a must-buy for the PSP along with this game...
2: Lumines (PSP)
Lumines is the best puzzler I have played since Tetris. Its unique gameplay and cracked out music immersed me into its wonderful experience. It is addicting as hell, and to me is the killer app for the PSP this year. If it wasn't for Lumines, I probably would have sold my PSP in the six month or so span from launch on when there were no good games coming out for the PSP.
1: Mario Power Tennis (GBA)
I played the hell out of the original portable Mario Tennis for the GBC and now Camelot (same makers of Hot Shots) delivers another ace with the GBA version. Unlike its GCN giant brother, this one focuses more on making the game into an RPG experience by leveling up your characters by how well they play. Camelot did decide to add in the GCN version's power shots and mini-games to cater towards both sim and arcade fans, but this is still the same RPG-Tennis awesomeness that I craved years earlier.
-Ho Ho How you doing (sorry)? I am really freaking tired right now and am about to collapse, but thought I'd update this since its been a while. I've been really busy with work lately. Mostly Target of course. Week before last I worked 46 hours, and this week I finished with 49, with another 5 at Software Etc on top of that for a grand total of 54 hours worked this week. My boss at Software, Jayson says I am getting a lot better and am no longer at "newb" ranks anymore. I think my last shift there is this Monday, but he was saying I might have one more the next week after that. He wanted to keep me on too as regular, staff but he says after the holidays he knows he is going to cut the rest of the holiday crew and at most would be able to schedule me just a couple shifts a month it sounded like. I politely declined, but now am kinda regretting it. I do enjoy my time there as it is a big stress reliever from regular work and life, plus the better discount is nice as well. I'll see what develops out of it.
-I have been so busy with work actually I didn't get around to hanging up some Christmas lights and getting my tree up until just three days ago. Knowing myself I'll probably keep both up until the end of February or so. I had Jane, Shawn, Kadeance, Adrian, Ann, Dad, and Chris over on Christmas Eve yesterday like I did last year. Had another mighty good dinner and got some unique, but definitely handy gifts from my dad. I got a portable battery that I can use to give myself a jump if no other vehicle happens to be near, among a couple other useful auto accessories. I also played a round of Madden with Shawn, but he ended up wailing on me 52-35. I then tried to get him into Guitar Hero as well, but that didn't work due to him blaming his lack of hand-eye coordination. Can't wait for regular Xmas tomorrow. I think I'm going to be receiving some much needed DVD racks as I have had a stack of DVDs piling up on my floor for quite some time now.
-I checked my grades online for my second semester at Northland Tech. I got As in Comp and Drawing, and by some random act of God I somehow managed to pass my College Algebra class with a D. I believe that counts as credits (this is what it said online next to my subject column: (credits)3.00 (earned credit hours)3.00 (Grade) D ). Classes come back again in a lil over 2 weeks so I am making the most out of this break.
-I am getting along with this new coworker of mine, Brent the past couple of months. He came over a couple weeks back and we played through some PD0 co-op missions, and he gave me the basic run-through on World of Warcraft on his account so I didn't have to start and register mine yet. I am pretty sure I will open an account this summer to play on. Chris and Joe love Call of Duty 2 on 360, they showed it to me and it looked pretty sweet. I wanna get it but think I'll hold off for a couple months until it goes on sale or is marked down.
-Whoo the Niners got their 3rd win, against the Rams....again. Still no passing TD's yet from Mr. Smith but at least he had an acceptable performance by going about 12-16. This may lessen their chance in the Bush-bowl next week against the Texans, but if they lose to them then they should still be first in line to draft him or at least get a damn good chance of receiving a Hershel Walker-calibur trade proposal to them.
Oh yeah, I posted these on the forums at vgpub, figure I'll post them here too, please reply back on what you think of my list and even post back with your own faves of 2005 as well.
My Top 5 PC/Console Games of 2005
Honorable Mentions:
Blitz: The League, Sniper Elite, WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2006, Tekken 5
5: Jade Empire (Xbox)
Score another one for Bioware, take the KotoR good/bad choice system, throw in an ancient Chinese setting and a real time battle engine, and I have hours of addictive RPG goodness.
4: Guitar Hero (PS2)
I was never that die-hard of a fan of the music/rhythm genre until this game hit the market. That guitar controller is fun as hell to use, and I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw new addicts in the making at Best Buy demoing the game saying "I'm going to keep playing this until they kick me off." The awesome metal soundtrack was absolutely fitting for the game. I may not know diddly about playing a real guitar, but Guitar Hero made me had the time of my life pretending to.
3: Burnout Revenge (Xbox)
I am a sucker crashes. Explosions too. I didn't think EA could have improved on Takedown so fast within a year, but boy was I wrong. The new traffic checking feature and loads of alternate paths on each course makes each race a unique one. The World Tour mode is addicting as usual, and hell the online is actually accessible this time. And even though this game doesn't have real life auto licenses, these cars still look pretty damn sexy anyways, until you destroy the crap out of them that is.
2: Perfect Dark Zero (Xbox 360)
Within moments of starting my first multiplayer game I remembered how much I missed playing this series. There is just something about it that makes me enjoy it more than Halo. Perhaps it is the innovative weapons, or the way the developers implement making use of cover, or the awesome maps, or just being a freaking damn fun game to play. I am still peeved about not being able to jump, but I guess the roll move does suffice to a certain extent. Throw in a stellar campaign mode with lots of awesome Live options for multiplayer and you got my favorite FPS for 2005.
1: Indigo Prophecy (Xbox)
My personal favorite setting for a gaming storyline (movies too) is one that takes place in modern times and has a lot of suspense and drama. Indigo Prophecy delivers both of these in spades. This unique sci-fi thriller is being billed by the developers as an 'Interactive Movie.' It does seem like that too, there is a very simple control interface that anyone can pick up and play, and your own choices change the way the story branches out so you can play through it multiple times. The story does get odd as hell towards the end, but I enjoyed every minute of it, and it is by far my favorite game of 2005.
My Top 5 Portable Games of 2005
(Note: I don't own a DS, so please forgive me if you don't see all the DS hits listed here I read so much great stuff about this past year like Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Kirby Canvas Curse, Meteos, etc, but you can tell me your faves and why I should or shouldnt get a DS by replying :D )
Honorable Mentions: Virtua Tennis: World Tour (PSP)
5: Racing Gears Advance (GBA)
This unique little racer came from out of nowhere. What at first seems like an ordinary isometric view racer, turns out to be one serious little gem that has a ton of depth and turned out to be one of the best racers to hit the GBA since Mario Kart.
4: GTA Liberty City Stories (PSP)
Surprised this isn't higher? This is one fun game for sure, and I still have a blast tearing up the streets of Liberty Cities. It is just not as innovative and groundbreaking as the PS2 entries, and after the series went 3D in 2001, GTA has lost a little bit of its charm to me. Don't get me wrong this is still one fun game and is why it is on my list and any GTA fun should pick up this completely GTA adventure for the PSP.
3: Burnout Legends (PSP)
Notice I said PSP and not the DS version. I understand the DS version should be avoided at all costs. The PSP version however is very much the opposite. It takes the stellar gameplay from Burnout 3 and tosses in all the gameplay modes and best tracks from the first three Burnouts. The blazing fast gameplay surprisingly holds up well and is the same addicting bliss as I know it. The quick races are perfect for trips on the go. Fans of the franchise should know this is a must-buy for the PSP along with this game...
2: Lumines (PSP)
Lumines is the best puzzler I have played since Tetris. Its unique gameplay and cracked out music immersed me into its wonderful experience. It is addicting as hell, and to me is the killer app for the PSP this year. If it wasn't for Lumines, I probably would have sold my PSP in the six month or so span from launch on when there were no good games coming out for the PSP.
1: Mario Power Tennis (GBA)
I played the hell out of the original portable Mario Tennis for the GBC and now Camelot (same makers of Hot Shots) delivers another ace with the GBA version. Unlike its GCN giant brother, this one focuses more on making the game into an RPG experience by leveling up your characters by how well they play. Camelot did decide to add in the GCN version's power shots and mini-games to cater towards both sim and arcade fans, but this is still the same RPG-Tennis awesomeness that I craved years earlier.
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