I've been spreading my gaming time pretty evenly over my four consoles lately and I couldn't be happier. These are AAA experiences across the board in what is usually a dull time of the year for new releases. One is a LTTP (Mario Galaxy), the rest are recent. I'll be finishing every one of them, not sure in what order as they're all so addicting and fun. Not to mention perfect showcases for their respective platforms.
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Yup, it's greatness. 5 stars away from a final showdown with Bowser, can't believe how much there is left to see and do. One of the best from last year, and it makes me feel like my impulse Wii purchase has already been worth it even if this is the best game I'll every play for the console.
The World Ends With You (DS)
Just started this one, but I really love it so far. Squaresoft innovating on all levels of game design? What a great idea! TWEWY is a wonderful use of the DS across the board and it's bound to be my go-to subway title for the foreseeable future.
Grand Theft Auto IV (360)
Finishing up things in Algonquin at the moment, so much has already been written about GTAIV but for my tastes it deserves all the praise it's getting. Not a flawless experience but this is undoubtedly Rockstars masterpiece and one of the best games ever made. Dabbling in multiplayer a bit as well, going to add a lot of replayability once the story ends.
Persona 3: FES (PS2)
I was pretty pissed when Persona 3 escaped me upon first printing after all the positive buzz, I thought I'd never play it but thank god for FES. It's packed full of so much goodness from the gameplay elements to the dialogue, the music and the overall feel - hours fly by with this one whether I want them to or not. It's my first SMT game and the best JRPG I've played in years, easily.
My Xbox 360, which I've had for over 2 years with nary a malfunction to speak of, died tonight. No warning signs, just the red ring of death. 2 days before Grand Theft Auto IV. My first reaction? I'm going to be buying a PS3 a lot sooner than I planned on.
I could buy a 360 Arcade for $280, that would allow me to play some GTAIV on my console of choice, but then I'd be stuck with two of the same console after my original gets fixed and returned (who knows when that will be). Or, I trade in a few games, bite the bullet and buy a Playstation 3 which I didn't really want or need for $150 or so more (after taxes and a component cable). Then I'd own all three systems for future gaming purchases and I'll just deal with no extra change in my pocket for a while as bills and rent get paid. But waiting a month plus for my 360 to return just isn't going to cut it.
For some reason I figured it wasn't going to happen to me. Of course it happens at one of the worst times possible (the other would be last fall with the onslaught of GOTY releases). I'm already decided on this for the most part, I'll be going to pick up my new PS3 tomorrow morning and turn a blind eye to my bank account like the good gamer I am. Aren't we supposed to be in a recession? What am I doing making frivilous $400 purchases? Urrrghhhhhh. Goddamn Microsoft and their shoddy hardware. This PS3 business better be worth it in the long run, as my gaming budget is about to tighten up for a while. At least I have plenty of titles to finish for Wii, DS and PS2. Just have to stay far, far away from the Best Buy's and Gamestop's after this week. So pissed.
