Let me just start off by saying I apologize if I missed a few blogs out there. I'm in kind of a weird place in my life right now, not a good place, and I just haven't had much energy for anything other than avoiding people. I'll try to do better in the future. Moving on.

Shadow Complex

I'm sure you've already heard this from a number of different sources, but this is a fantastic game. An undeniably cool blend of the old and the new, I've never had so much fun with an Arcade title. I hate to throw this cliche at you, but it really does raise the bar in terms of what the service is capable of delivering.

I can only hope that the game is a timed exclusive. I think everyone who's interested should get a shot at playing it.

Batman

So I picked up Arkham yesterday. After reading a number of reviews, I figured I'd give it a shot. Don't worry: I didn't break my "$30 rule" or anything. I just traded in some stuff I never play anymore, and managed to cover the whole game.

I gotta say that so far it doesn't disappoint. I know it's popular to hate what's popular, but I really love the game. It's an odd mix of a number of different elements, but they seem to come together nicely. The only real gripe I have is that Batman looks a little ridiculous to me, but that's not the game's fault. He's well rendered, and well animated. No, the fault is my own.

I guess one of the reasons I fell out of reading comics is because I couldn't help but imagine how I would react to someone in a six foot bat-suit with pointy ears (or a spandex spider suit or whatever) if I met them in real life. In my mind, pointing and laughter was always the response. I always get the image of Triumph asking which button on Vader's chest plate calls his mom to come pick him up. I guess the limits of my suspension of disbelief don't go very far.

The Old Is New

Went and snagged a copy of the original Saints Row a couple of weeks back. I've been jonesing for a sandbox game that doesn't take itself too seriously. What surprised me is how well the original holds up. Normally, after I play a sequel, I have a hard time going back to the first installment. The new additions are usually significant enough that it's difficult to enjoy playing with out them. Not so here. Not sure if that's a testament to how good the first game is, or how bad the upgrades to the second are. Either way, it's good times in Stillwater again.

Parting Shot

Guess that's all for now. Sorry if this blog is a little on the dry side. My thoughts are a little muddled of late. But, as a gift to you for your patience, I leave you with my latest pair of Paint Shop masterpieces. Enjoy.

"Behemoth Birfday Party"

"The Critegun"