Gaming Update eats sad pandas for breakfast!

The focus of the Gaming Update is likely to shift for a bit, as I've been concentrating mostly on the same games you've been reading about here for weeks, and that's unlikely to change until I can find steady work.  I just found out I'm being released from my current contract, and will be looking for gainful employment elsewhere.  I'm sure I'll find something soon, but in the short term, it's a bit of a scary proposition.  Anyways, on to the chunky panda bits of the blog!

Gaius Frakkin' Baltar

I want a return of the space flight simulator and NOW.  And what better fictionalized world to use as the backbone than my very own favorite TV show, Battlestar Galactica?  It's ripe for a video game adaptation, especially done right.  Something similar to the Wing Commander games would be ideal, mixing space combat with small interactive in-the-ship conversations and moments.  Dual or even triple campaigns would be possible - the two primary battlestars in the TV show and a Cylon campaign, perhaps?  You could even spin away from the primary show and set it in an entirely different campaign against the Cylons.  Their fictional war was long enough to delve into a meaty campaign set apart from the main thrust of the story.  Pun intended.

Dude, you totally had that game won until you f****ing blew it at the end.

That's a genuine quote from someone after a game of Worms 2 on XBLA, 'cept the f-bomb was uncensored.  What is it about the Internet and video game anonymity that turns people into royal pricks?  Why do we snicker and laugh behind screen names and cheesy avatars at anyone and everyone?  We hide behind anonymity, but is this our true natures that we're unleashing when we can be faceless?  Why is it that we lean naturally towards assholery instead of kindness towards others?  Ask yourself these things the next time you post something.  Remember, at the end of the day, you're accountable to you.  Do you really want the memory of insulting someone to be the pride and joy of your day, or would you rather reach out an ethereal hand and help someone?

What I'm Playing

After weeks of fruitless games, I've finally managed to win one stinkin' tournament in the Career mode in Tiger Woods 10, as well as getting my first couple of eagles.  The career mode win was a pleasant surprise, not easily duplicated.  I'm not great at Tiger Woods - I average probably a -3 on each course, which means that when I pull a win out of the bag, it's a hell of an accomplishment for me.  The eagles counfounded me.  I should have had a dozen of them by now, but I always managed to screw them up.  I finally scored one on the fantasy course Predator (of all the places, right?).  After that, I rapidly had a few more on a couple of tournaments, so that curse appears to be lifted.

I loaned my parents my copy of Mario Kart Wii, and have been playing that at their house.  It's a testament to the Wii's sense of fun that my mom, who never plays video games, is hooked on Mario Kart and Wii Fit.  My dad, for his part, loves Tiger Woods 10 and Zelda on the console.  I think I'll loan 'em Galaxy next.

It took way longer than it should have, but I've finally downloaded Lord of the Rings Online and The Sims 3 again.  Right now, those are the only two PC games I have installed.  I'll probably install Titan Quest again (I crave Diablo-esque games on a consistent basis), and I'd like to play through the Witcher again, so those will be installed soon.  I'd love to pick up the Monkey Island games, but those will have to wait until my work situation is cleared up.

I plan on plowing through a few DS games soon.  Not sure which ones yet.  I really like the DS for its RPG's, and there are many great ones to choose from.  I'm sure I'll also eventually pick up a couple Castlevania games on the DS.  That should make the handheld one I'll revisit years down the line.

Question of the Week

What genre, if any, would you like to see more of a focus on?  Any specific games or titles you'd like to see for that genre?  And what platforms would you prefer?