Props to Kooshmoose for sucking me in...

This is apparently the month for games announcements made just for me. Not only is Ubi delivering the goods, but look what Konami has in store:

I do love portable Castlevania games

So you just read that Ubi is coming out with Beyond Good and Evil two and said to yourself, what is that? I'm guessing you are one of the many who never played the first game. If you like Zelda or Okami type games, you'll love this one.

PS2	PC	XBox

Apparently the GameCube version is super rare, there isn't even a listing on Amazon for it. If you haven't played this one, do yourself a treat and pick up a copy of what could possibly be my favorite game of all time (or at least until the sequel arrives).

Ubisoft's Ubidays 2008 just rapped up and they have some eye candy for us:

Prince of Persia

Beyond Good & Evil 2

Props to Kooshmoose

I'm not much for the music games. Usually they involve color, which I'm not good at, and a particular hand-eye coordination that doesn't seem to come naturally to me, but there is one music game that I'm excited about:

And if the chimp comes with it? Count me in!

WiiWare: Lost Winds Nintendo Wii Nintendo Everyone B

Nintendo has launched "WiiWare", which is essentially XBox Live Arcade for the Wii. Sure the Wii had it's Virtual Console but WiiWare is all new content designed for the Wii to be purchased and downloaded. WiiWare currently runs from $5-$15 and requires "Points" to be purchased either from the store or using cards. The first WiiWare title I have purchased, and likely the only one in the initial line-up, is LostWinds.

First of all, keep in mind that this is a $10 title, therefore the fact it only took 3 1/2 hours to play isn't so bad. The game is super cute, though missing a map of any sort even though I thought we all realized how important a map can be. You befriend a "wind spirit" and then go on a quest to discover what happened to "the evil guy", along the way you learn new tricks which are required to go more and more places. Everything is very standard to a platformer, though the controls are new, in order to jump you need the help of the wind which is controlled by the Wiimote.

I won't give away the end, but as I expect will be common in WiiWare titles the fact that a sequel is coming is pretty evident by the "To be continued...", and since WiiWare lends itself to episodic content, if I pay $40 for 4 mini games at 3 1/2 hours each, that is about on-par with what is expected out of quality games these days.

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PlayStation2 Sony Computer Entertainment Everyone 10+ C

I gave it two tries. I had tried to play this earlier on the PSP but I found the controls seriously got in the way of the game play. The controls work a bit better on the PS2 version, but since they are just mapping the PSP controls, there isn't really any correction for the lack of some controls. I was playing this on my PS3 and it clearly shows that the quality suffers. It's not wide screen, it's not super hi def, it doesn't even have very good audio. Sure I should cut it some slack since it is a port of a portable game, but even after cutting it some slack I just found that I wasn't enjoying the game. I'd almost like them to make an animated movie about the game so I can just sit and watch the story, which is the best part anyway. And this isn't giving me a lot of confidence about the forthcoming "Secret Agent Clank" either...

Or aren't on Kooshmoose's speed dial, or get all of your gaming news from my blog...

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Nintendo Wii Nintendo Teen A+

What is there to say about SSBB? If you owned a Nintendo 64, then I know you already have this game. If you owned a GameCube and enjoyed the previous Super Smash Bros. Melee, then you have at least checked this out and since purchased a copy. If the Wii is your first Nintendo console then do yourself a favor and at least rent this one (you'll end up buying it anyway).

Who won't like this? I guess if you have no friends or abhor violence then this isn't for you. Of course if you don't like violence then you don't play video games, and if you have no friends you either purchased a PS3 to keep it that way, or you bought a Wii hoping to get friends.

!!! SPOILER ALERT !!!

Perhaps you have a copy of Super Smash Bros. Melee and figure it's the same game, just newer graphics? Essentially yes, except for:

• New playable characters:
• Diddy Kong
• Ike from Fire Emblem
• King Dedede from Kirby
• Lucario from Pokémon
• Lucas from Earth Bound
• Meta Knight from Kirby
• Olimar from Pikmin
• Pit from Kid Icarus
• Ash (though they call him "Pokémon Trainer") from Pokémon
• R.O.B. as himself (Old School NES reference)
• Snake from Metal Gear
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Toon Link from Wind Waker
• Wario
• Wolf from Star Fox
• Zero Suit Samus from Metroid
• New stages to fall in line with the above
• 4 play styles
• Wiimote
• Wiimote + Nunchuck
• Classic Controller
• GameCube Controller (including my beloved WaveBird)
• Final Smashes - with an item each character has a unique "super attack"
• New Adventure Mode: Subspace Emissary (so much better than Melee's Adventure Mode)
• WiFi play!
• Stickers (OK, this one is a bit lame)
• Demo versions of the games the characters come from (so you'll buy the originals on Virtual Console)
• Challenges greatly improved to help you find all unlockable challenges in the game (like achievements on the XBox 360, but only for one game and not viewable by others on your gamer tag which Nintendo doesn't even have...)
• Assist Trophies (like pokeballs but they have non-Pokémon characters inside them)

That is a ton of new stuff, and except for the Stickers all well received. So what are you still doing here? Head to GameFly and add this puppy to your queue, or straight to EB Games so you can get a copy in your hot little hands. Go!

Crash of the Titans Nintendo Wii Sierra Everyone 10+ B

Crash? That old PS1 game? Yes, that crash. I never had a PS1, so this is actually the first Crash game I've ever played. Apparently Naughty Dog isn't involved anymore, but the series continues anyway. Why'd I pick this game up, of all games? My nephew Oni was playing the heck out of this thing during our last trip to Indonesia, and since there was a Wii version I figured I'd give it a spin.

Well, there is really nothing new here. The "jack" system allows Crash to use his mask friend Aku Aku to control large monsters, you can then use them to better attack and thereby jack even more and sometimes larger beasties, otherwise it's a basic platformer. Does this mean that there is anything wrong with it? Nope, I'm a platformer guy, so this suits me. Still playing through the first time, not sure if there will be much desire to destroy this game, but so far it's been entertaining.

Ever wonder how they went from Mario Bros. to Super Mario Bros.?

And that's (also) why they're not called the Super Luigi Bros

[ Dueling Analogs :: Without the Super, He's Just a Man ]

Makes sense to me. Though technically when the name change happened Luigi looked exactly like Mario but wore different colors...

There were complaints about Super Paper Mario and it's 2D/3D gimmick. You can only do it while playing Mario, and the other dimension was pretty boring. Kokoromi studio in Montreal has done it up right:

Not only does the flipping dimensions go a full 360° but each 2D view is interesting and playable. I hope this finds its way onto the Wii, DS, PSP, or PS3, I don't want to have to buy an XBox 360 just for this...

Professor Layton and the Curious Village Nintendo DS Nintendo Everyone A

I generally avoid puzzle video games. Why? Because they generally suck. Usually plagued by few, simple, old, hackneyed, puzzles that I figured out when I was 8. This, however, is an exception. Clearly my many years of experience helped me solve these puzzles, but that doesn't mean that I did them all instantly, or that I didn't sloppily miss a few the first time. There are over 120 puzzles, and apparently a weekly puzzle available for download (for who knows how long, but still that's cool). So lack of puzzles won't be an issue. And the interface is perhaps the best part. Instead of just saying here's 120 puzzles go at them, there is a well written story with decent animation (for a DS) that even has good voice acting. All-in-all it took me about 9 1/2 hours to complete the game and save the day. I've now started to destroy the game by finding every last puzzle and completing them all, and who knows what great "super ending" they have in store for me. Basically if you like puzzles, this is a must buy.

I saw a Blu Ray demonstration while I was there as well and it was friggin' awesome. I'm half tempted to buy a PS3 just for the Blu Ray capabilities. And judging by the selection of Blu Ray discs versus HD DVDs, I can honestly say that I think Sony will win this battle. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[ :: Dueling Analogs :: It's the Thought That Counts ]

I'm in agreement, but not sure I'd qualify it as a "win". At this point the Wii is already a win, the only way that will turn back is if Nintendo drops not just the ball, but 100s of balls, and no more quality games come out on the Wii. That would sink Nintendo like Atari in the 70's. Since the gaming population seems to have grown big time, I'm not sure if we can't have 2 or 3 or even 4 winners. XBox is very popular, especially with networked first person shooter gamers, though the PC is still popular in that category. The PC could sustain itself with World of Warcraft alone. And the PS3 will have the games, and has the Hi Def video, and will eventually return to Sony what they've put into it and more. So I'd recommend to pierski, go ahead and pick up a Ratchet & Clank PS3 machine, is a cheap BluRay player and can play Ratchet & Clank great games too.

Update: Duh. Win BluRay vs. HD DVD... Yeah, I hope Sony wins now, since I dropped a few bucks on a Ratchet & Clank machine PS3.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Nintendo DS Nintendo Everyone A

I've finally finished. It seems to take me much longer to finish DS titles, as I like to save them for when I'm traveling to ensure that I have a good game to play. Phantom Hourglass filled in a few travel spots on my recent trip to Indonesia, but I didn't finish it before returning home. Enter my Mother and her showing much that she was past me in the game, so I made a bit of effort and I'm done.

So, how was it? Contrary to what I've read on-line, I didn't find the game too short. The graphics, music, sound, and writing all seemed like a direct continuation of Wind Waker, but in a new side quest ala Majora's Mask. Oh, and that's a good thing. The Phantom Hourglass that gives the game it's name is a fun new dynamic, even though at first I dreaded it a bit (since I'm a "spend time and hunt and gather" kind of player - once you play you'll see what I mean). Of course if you are a Zelda fan boy like me, you've already got this, and probably already finished it, but I'm sure some people wouldn't mind a bit of a push to actually put the game in their DS (read: Nate).

Wii Zapper with Link's Crossbow Training Nintendo Wii Nintendo B

Here's a gimmick for you, they've taken your light gun and turned it into a TV remote that you play games with, so this is a plastic TV remote holder that turns the controller back into a light gun. If you have been waiting for the return of Duck Hunt, then you probably already bought this. It was only $20 and I used my coupon from my recent Super Mario Galaxy purchase, so I'm not out much. Does it play like Duck Hunt? No it takes quite a bit more skill, you actually have to point it at the ducks stalfos, targets, etc. A much more varied game than Duck Hunt too, and with levels stolen straight out of Zelda: Twilight Princess, you pretty much know the engine is smooth and the sound is good. Is it a good buy? Depends on how much you like shooting. Perhaps a good *stocking stuffer for the Nintendo loving gamer in your life.

* Or Day 1 Hanukkah gift. Or for non-Jews and non-Christians a small gift on some holiday, or whenever. As if I had to explain all of that.

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Nintendo Wii Capcom USA Mature B

Comparisons to House of the Dead are expected, and well deserved, for this on-rails shooter title. Rented it from GameFly and just happen to have picked up the Wii Zapper today, so I gave it a whirl.

If you liked House of the Dead and wish you could play it at home but with a better story, and you loved Resident Evil or never had the chance to play the Resident Evil series than this is the game for you. If that doesn't apply, you still may enjoy this game anyway. The engine is smooth, the story is well known, and the action keeps you coming back for more. I only played through the first few levels before returning it for a few reasons: don't much like this genre of game, not enough thinking or choosing for my taste and they didn't plan on the Wii Zapper. There are a number of times you have to hit the A button, and with the Zapper that just isn't going to happen in time.

Zack & Wiki Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure Nintendo Wii Capcom USA Everyone C

Bizarre. I generally like Capcom games. After Nintendo and Ubisoft they are probably my next favorite game studio. I generally agree with critics, when they all agree. But apparently in this case it's the sales that I agree with.

What's right about Zack and Wiki? The graphics are nice, the sound is top notch, the game engine even seems pretty decent. The puzzles aren't so easy that it's just a clicking game. What's wrong with Z&W? It's cutesy, cutesy, cutesy. Zack's sidekick Wiki makes seriously irritating noises and just won't shut up. The puzzles? Too easy for me, and the universe is too "childish" to not get irritating quick. So it's a great title for kids? I don't think so. I think the world will appeal to 5-7 year old, perhaps, and based on how difficult the puzzles were getting, they'll never get too far in the game without resorting to "try everything until something doesn't kill me" and back that up with "use the hint/cheat book" or they'll never finish it. This means that it's "wrappings" are targeted toward one age group, but the difficulty and fun is targeted toward a much older group. And for me that means, I'm glad I rented it, and I'm not playing this one past the first couple of levels.

The new 3D Mario Platformer is here. Each Nintendo console gets some sort of Mario Platformer game, and staring with the Nintendo 64 they've been 3D. Super Mario Galaxy plays very similar to Super Mario Sunshine, but everything is kicked up a notch. The worlds are also now wrapped around little planets making for some brain bending requirements when jumping around. Unlike Sunshine you aren't paired up with F.L.U.D.D. but with a Luma (that's the little star guy on the game cover) that allows you to fly through outer space and to spin around and break things.

So far? I've already found myself playing longer than I had allotted. It's hard to put this game down. Day 2 and I've already completed all the basic requirements in the first Galaxy (though I still have to go back for bonus items when the opportunity presents itself). And I've already been to a planet where Mario gets to wear a suit ala Super Mario 3's Tanooki Suit, though I won't tell you what the suit is (play the game to find out...).

There are also some special levels that really test your platforming skills. As is usual for a 3D Super Mario platforming title, you don't need to get all of the items to complete the game, but as is usual I will attempt to get every last item. I'm not yet ready to score this title, since I haven't completed the game, but unless you are Dari, and you own a Wii, you should be buying this one.

Update: Rating this one A. Haven't finished yet, but I have rescued the princess...

I have two daughters, and hope to have more, but at some point they are no longer little girls, and head off for higher education. Every parent has aspirations for their children, whether it is to follow in their footsteps, or aspire to bigger and better things.

Nate sent me a link today that helps me to know what direction to push my children. A comparison of universities around the world? Nope. A comprehensive breakdown of the best programs by subject? Nope. An article on the earning potential of the top universities? Nope. It was this:

the Cal marching band performed a slew of videogame related songs during the half-time show of this past weekend’s football game, starting with the Tetris theme.

[ Capcom US - The Blog » Blog Archive » Cal (Berkeley) Marching Band Plays Video Game Music ]

Too cool.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Nintendo Wii Nintendo Teen A

I'm four hours into the game and since I know that some of you are dying to find out, here's my impression so far: it's everything I hoped and possibly more.

The back story seems to have greatly expanded in this one, some of the hunters from the DS Hunters game are in this one as well, which makes Samus seem less like a lone champion for good and justice and more like a lonely champion who prefers to work alone. We've seen a bit of that in her GBA games, but in MP3:C we see her interact with more Federation troops and the other hunters who seem to know her reputation rather well.

Since I only finished about 98% of the last game, and was unable to successfully kill the next to last boss, I may be missing some important story elements because early in the game it would appear that Dark Samus (or Shadow Samus or whatever her name is) is still alive and quite active in the universe.

There are new worlds and new civilizations as well, and each is well thought out and fun to explore. Once again there is tremendous amounts of scanning to be done, which at times is frustrating. I know that they'll have something that unlocks once my knowledge reaches certain amounts, but constantly thinking of scanning things is bringing me out of the game and feels like a chore.

The new controls are nice. They ease you in so you can get used to them, which I'm still doing, but they work really well, and are giving the best 3rd person shooter interface I've yet to see on a console or a PC (I never could get that whole mouse+keyboard thing straight in my head). There are fun new weapons and gadgets as well, plus lots of old favorites.

It goes without saying that Metroid is a large part of Nintendo Fan Boy-ness and MP3:C does not disappoint. With a solid Zelda game, this outstanding Metroid, and the much heralded future Super Mario 3D platformer soon to arrive, I'm happy with my Wii even if they just stop making games at that point (though I'm not remotely suggesting that they should do that). If you've ever played a Metroid game and enjoyed it, you must pick up a copy of this one.

Update: Finished. This was the easiest of the 3 Metroid Prime games, and it seems to wrap up the trilogy. Hopefully Retro won't take too long a break before making another Metroid game, certainly the time and trouble they put into this game engine should be used, as it was a fully enjoyable first person shooter experience, especially since it was also heavy on platforming elements.

Dead Head Fred Sony PSP D3 Publisher Mature D

Still waiting for a PSP game worth putting up with the PSP to play. Dead Head Fred comes with a compelling story, a unique game play dynamic (you wear different heads that give you different powers), and even good voice over (courtesy of Dr. Cox from Scrubs). So why isn't this the PSP game that makes me thankful I bought a PSP? A load screen every 10-30 seconds. Why? Perhaps D3 just didn't have the time or money to finish their game engine? Perhaps the PSP just doesn't have the power required for a full game? Or perhaps the load screens miraculously disappear 10 min after I just gave up on the game, I'll never know. If load screens don't bug you (and I can't imagine why they wouldn't) you may like this game, but otherwise this is a good title to skip.

Tomb Raider Anniversary Sony PSP Eidos Teen B

I have been on the verge of giving up on my PSP ever since starting Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters. To say that the controls suck is a bit of an understatement. Kooshmoose, who is a total R&C fanboy, says it took about two thirds of the game for him to get used to it. In my book that equates to between sucks and unplayable.

Apparently, however, it is not my fault or the fault of my PSP. Otherwise how can you explain how the controls on Tomb Raider Anniversary took me about two thirds of a second to get used to. I didn't even play the mansion level, I just launched into the game, and it just works.

The game is, of course, a re-hash of the original, but since I never finished the original it will be "new to me". They've added some cinematics and a bit more level to make it a better playing experience, and bumped up the quality (though not too much on the PSP, since it is a PSP). I'm looking forward to playing more than the first few minutes, and may actually finish this one (unlike the aforementioned R&C:SM that I just couldn't take anymore).

Beyond Good & Evil GameCube Ubisoft Teen A

I might as well make it a threesome and mention an old favorite. If you haven't played BG&E and enjoyed anything even remotely Zelda like, you may agree with me that this could possibly be the best game ever. Engaging story with twists and turns, unique system of providing you the money you need selling photos of fauna to a museum allowing you to earn the money you need without random violence and forcing you to keep your eye out for new critters while you expose the truth. Certainly the best action journalist game I've ever played, and certainly in dire need of a sequel. Until Ubi gets around to providing us with that, you should make sure you play the original. Need I say it again? If you haven't played this one, then get to it. Available for GameCube, PS2, XBox, and PC!

Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer Sony PS2 South Peak Interactive Everyone B

I can't remember where I read about this game, but I'm glad I did. It's no secret that I like the platformers and adventure games, and Brave is a nice example of a decent 3D platformer on the PS2 platform. The characters and story are all inspired by First Nation culture, though I wouldn't expect it's a good way to learn about their culture. The "learning" stage seems almost stupid, as they give you 1/2 a dozen items in real quick succession, and I wonder why they didn't just start you with the items and build into the story reasons why you'd need to use the skills, and thus learn about them, but shortly after that you are into the story and off becoming the warrior that you are destined to be. I'm not sure if South Peak made the money they wanted to on this, but I'm sure you can find a copy cheap. GameFly "keep it" price is about $15 right now, and I don't expect the EB Games/Game Spot price to be much more. Apparently it's budget priced at $24.99 retail, and probably well worth it.

Resident Evil 4 Nintendo Wii Capcom USA Mature B

What a pleasant surprise. I tried to play Resident Evil 4 on the Game cube, but somehow I never got too far. It's a tough game to play in a family house, since I can't play it around the kids, but it was pleasant. Capcom released it for the Wii with what appears to only be a retooling of the controls. I don't think it looks any different than the Game Cube version, or if it does it doesn't stand out as such, however the new controls make all the difference. The game, as pleasant as it was before, now shines on the Wii. I didn't use the knife much in the GameCube version because it is a bit of a pain, now you can use it all of the time and save your precious ammo for when you need it. Will I end up finishing the game on the Wii? I'm not sure there are still the limited hours that I can play it, and most of those are in the evening where I don't much feel like playing a creepy game, but if you never finished this on an older platform, or never got it in the first place, GameFly it and see if you don't just love this game as well.

[ LEGO.com SpongeBob Homepage ]

I don't really do any PC gaming. I did once upon a time, but when you work on a PC all day, and are constantly checking email, or even just tinkering, it seems like you may be going overboard to play games on your PC as well. Not to mention owning a gaming PC and a work PC seems expensive, or trying to get an all-in-one can double the price of that machine. All very logical reasons for me to avoid PC gaming at all costs.

What could drag me back? Friggin' Blizzard:

[ StarCraft II ]

Well, maybe I can restrict my PC gaming to just one game, that shouldn't be too hard...

I'm a big fan of Warioware. The first game was super, mostly because it was so novel. Still a great reason to own a GBA. Then the series tried to move into a party game on the GameCube, a GBA game with tilt feature, and a DS game using it's unique interface. None came close to the first game, least of all Warioware: Twisted.

The Wiimote has quite a few new ways to interact, and the Warioware team has worked late nights to try and use it to it's fullness. Each mini-game requires you to hold the wiimote in a starting form and then play the quick, usually under 3 second, mini game. Each time a new form is learned, there is a cheesy little intro which reminds me of Jack Handey a bit, and that's a good thing.

Since each form results in its own gimmicks, this game has a ton of new gimmicks, and with a Warioware title, it's all about the gimmicks. Eventually after playing through the "story" you unlock multi-player and some games that use the nunchuck, which thankfully aren't mixed in requiring people to frantically plug and unplug the nunchuck attachment.

---

Warioware: Smooth Moves Nintendo Wii Nintendo Everyone B

I have never owned a Sega console, and I don't get nostalgia over Sonic games. Perhaps that is why I never made it through the training levels on this one. The controls are just crazy, and would most likely have me throwing out my arm, or breaking up my living room. There seemed to be a descent story to this game, and maybe even one I could follow this time, but I'll never know because I just couldn't control the little Blue Hedgehog.

---

Sonic And The Secret Rings Nintendo Wii Sega of America, Inc. Everyone D-

A truly wonderful gaming experience.

Certainly highlights the new gaming interface dubbed the Wiimote. Had plenty of great returns from many games of the past, plus has many new surprises. The final battle could have been a bit harder, but the story well made up for it. Though all things being judged equally, i.e. if Ocarina of Time had been relased on the Wii with updated graphics and the Wiimote, it would likely be better. Though I still think the most stunning level was Hyrule Castle in Wind Waker, it had such a great atmosphere.

Next up? Phantom Hourglass, due out any day now, and I'm rather eager to play.

---

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Nintendo Wii Nintendo of America Teen A+

GameFly is the leading online video game rental service. With a choice of more than 4,000 titles, GameFly delivers the widest selection and availability of games for the Playstation 3, Playstation 2, PSP, Xbox 360, Xbox, Wii, GameCube, Nintendo DS and GameBoy Advance without the hassle of due dates or late fees.

[ GameFly ]

If you haven't tried it out yet, please do. I think that they will give you a 14 day trial or some such, and then if you sign up (and some other folks) via my link, they'll send me a shiny new DS Lite.

'course I doubt that many people read this blog, but I'll plug GameFly for a song. Except for the rare exception (Zelda Twilight Princess - just to make sure, and Wario Ware Smooth Moves - 'cause it was next to the Wii) I buy all of my games from GameFly. The shipping is a bit slow from Cali, but I get to try every game before making the commitment, and if the game isn't too old, they'll always sell me a copy at a discount. Plus if I just went out buying games, I'd end up with games, still in the shrinkwrap, never played...

Thanks Wii @ Target page on Crayz dot org!

Earlier today I noticed that the Wii was "Available" or "Limited Availability" at Rockville, Wheaton, Germantown, etc. etc. However when called all said they were out. Wheaton was rude. Germantown confirmed 25 Wiis earlier today, all sold out. Gaithersburg? Still "Out of Stock", so I called. The official word "Don't have any, don't know when they will come in", and they didn't get any today. I figured that just meant their shipment or stock boy was slower, and that they'd pop up any time. So I refreshed and refreshed and refreshed and finally at 5pm (hours after the rest of the Targets) Gaithersburg (read: Washintonian Center AKA the Rio) had them! I jumped in the car, drove quickly, and voila! I am the proud owner of a Wii.

I'm not giving up on the Wii, and I'm still the Nintendo fan boy, but clearly there is a 360 in my future:

Kameo looked cool but short, Viva Pinata might even entertain for an afternoon, but Banjo Kazooie 3? That's the killer app that will get me to buy a 360, I'm sure. Of course I'll wait for the Zephyr, but I can see it in my future...

Anyhoo, Totilo talks about "beating" Black, inspiring a rant in which Alex Ward chastizes the use of the word "beat." He asks if when you listen to a new CD, do you say you "beat" it? Or when you go to the library do you say you "beat the first floor" and "beat the second floor." Or "beating" all the movies in the cineplex. He then talks about "beating" War and Peace, all three thousand pages.

[ Don't Say "Beat." Just Don't! - Kotaku ]

He certainly brings up a good point. Americans can be inconsistent. I plan on beating more things...

I'm a big geek:

It was time to upgrade, and Dell and the folks at SkinIt suckered me in. I'm not 100% sure how Samus got past their "copyright censors", 'cause I was fully expecting this to be denied, but it arrived, and looks just as great as I expected.

Still no Wii. Everyone is out of them. And I refuse to pay more than retail, or seek the assistance of the underbelly of society. So what to do while waiting?

My plan was to load up with a ton of great DS games:

• Mario & Luigi Partners In Time (almost done)
• Yoshi's Island DS (barely started)
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 March of the Minis (yet to start)
• Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (done once, almost a 2nd time, playing as alternate characters as well, can't get enough)
• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (delayed - preordered)

And even a PSP or PS2 game:

• Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (not out yet - in the GameFly Queue)
• Final Fantasy XII (in the GameFly Queue)

But what I didn't expect was that I'd get in a Castlevania groove that I just didn't want to end. Then, I think it was Nate who mentioned, I find out that XBox 360 is getting Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in it's arcade section. Now which one was that, oh yeah the PlayStation one that I never played because I didn't have a PlayStation. What's this? Everyone says it could be the best ever? And it's selling for $50-$100 on eBay even 10 years later! Oh how I have to play this one.

Enter serendipity. Stopped at the GameStop and asked if they had it. They are all like "dude, we just stopped carrying PlayStation games" but then "wait, what title? I think I saw that in the back, dude" and "I'll go see if I can find it, hang out at Trader Joe's it may be a while" quickly followed by "dude, you got a dell game!". Only $25, not bad. And he didn't actually say dude once, I don't think.

So is it the best