I'm doing a presentation about blogs for a college class of mine. Ironically, I picked this one as an example of a blog.

If many of my journal readers don't already know, I am an attempting novelist. I say attempting because it is difficult for me to continue work on my novel while I'm in college and have two jobs.

Anyway, the novel I am currently working on is entitled "Memories of Mana" and is currently in the first editing phase. I still need to complete the last 1/8 of the novel as far as story is concerned but that should be no problem, I just want to go through and edit what I already have.

When realizing how much content I have, it looks like I'm going to have a series. Its going to take at least a couple of long novels to cover the ideas I already have and there are other ideas with the series I am intending.

I am still in the process of working out a title for Memories of Mana 2. It will be quite difficult since many of the factors that went into naming the first novel will be completely different from the second. The second, the lead character has all of his memories back. Now, he just needs to find the friends he lost retrieving them.

Right now, depending on if I get the first novel published and if its successful. We're looking at maybe later 2008-2009 until I can even get started with the sequel. Also, depending on the success of the first one will dictate on how much time and effort I can put into the sequel.

Well, since I haven't put anything in my journal for a while, I'll break down my favorite RPGs (all types). I think top ten will do.

1. Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation)
C'mon. This is the ultimate RPG. It is the mother of all RPGs. It has the best story and c'mon, the materia was just downright awesome. Also, it's hard to beat some RPG characters such as Cloud, Tifa, Barrett, Aeris, or even Vincent Valentine.

2. Shadow Hearts: Covenant (PlayStation 2)
This is perhaps the most underrated RPG of all time. I don't know why more people don't play the Shadow Hearts series. The games are just downright phenomenal. Also, Yuri Hyuga IS the coolest RPG lead character ever. Even cooler than Cloud Strife.

3. The Legend of Dragoon (PlayStation)
This is in the same league as Shadow Hearts. I don't know why more people aren't talking about this game or even creating an ongoing series. For gameplay, its downright awesome. Probably one of the best turn based gameplay next to Shadow Hearts: From the New World.

4. Final Fantasy Tactics (PlayStation)
Do you see a trend going on here? PlayStation had some great RPGs and Tactics was one of them. In fact, Final Fantasy XII is a prequel to Tactics and they later released a FF Tactics game for the GB Advance. Tell me there isn't anything to get out of this game. I just dare you.

5. Final Fantasy X (PlayStation 2)
The story was interesting. If there was a downfall to this game, it was how annoying the lead character was. I'll admit, Tidus was no Cloud Strife or Yuri Hyuga.

6. Shadow Hearts: From the New World (Playstation 2)
I'll admit, SH: FTNW does not have the best story or the coolest characters, but it has by far the most fun gameplay I have ever played in an RPG, the double combo system was just sweet and c'mon, the Judgement ring system is just great. I thought this game would disappoint because it broke off from the first two...it did not.

7. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness (Playstation 2)
Here's a cool strategy RPG. Its not as good as FF Tactics but it has some really good gameplay and the characters are just downright quirky.

8. Xenogears (PlayStation)
A phenomenal story and the gameplay is not that bad either. I'm glad they decided to build on this series even though I have not had the opportunity to play the Xenosaga series.

9. Chrono Trigger (PlayStation or Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
This game was remade with Final Fantasy IV for the PlayStation. Of course, it is an awesome RPG.

10. Shadow Hearts (PlayStation 2)
I'll admit, this game just barely squeaked out Final Fantasy VIII for this position. This game got me hooked onto the Shadow Hearts series and let me just say that the series just got better and better from this game. Yuri gets his infamous start here.

Here are some games I have played but probably not enough to put on the list yet, (in other words, waiting in the wings).

Final Fantasy XII (I have it, just haven't played it yet)
Final Fantasy VIII (Played it, just fell short)
Final Fantasy VI (In the middle of playing, again, just haven't played it enough to make a clear judgment on it)
Final Fantasy V (Have it, just haven't played it yet)
Kingdom Hearts (Borrowed it, didn't play enough to make a clear judgment)
Disgaea 2 (Have it, just haven't played it)