My gaming history, especially in the last 10-12 years or so, is one based on binging. I'll get a new (or new to me) game, play it continually, then my attention shifts to something else and I forget about the game, until another binge sets in and I decide to play it again. Using this method, it took me about 5 years to beat Final Fantasy VII ... sure the actual game clock said something like 60 hours, but that was spread out over half a decade (and two consoles, starting on PS1 and finishing on PS2). I definitely enjoyed the experience, and was quite satisfied with the ending.

Which brings me to the title of my entry today. I just finished the main game of Nintendo and Level 5's superb "Professor Layton and the Curious Village." I only bought the game a couple of weeks ago, but, as the GS review stated, I found it very tough to put down, even in the face of newer, fiercer competition (*cough* Brawl *cough*). The game's storytelling skills, artistic style and enjoyable characters make for a fun puzzle romp. I especially liked the game's methods for giving you a chance and the motivation to "solve 'em all," to borrow from Pokemon ... some are clear-cut (Grandma Riddleton's House), some are subtle (the "strange gizmo" and "painting" minigames) and others I won't reveal for fear of spoiling the game. And that really would be a tragedy, because you deserve as much a chance as I to savor this game.

It's games like "Professor Layton" that make me glad I upgraded my DS and gave my original bought-on-day-one DS to my mom, because she enjoys a good brain-teaser as much as I do. Who knows, she may get her own copy of "Professor Layton" for Mother's Day this year. In the meantime, a request of Nintendo ... don't keep us waiting too long for the sequel!