Long time, no see (Currently Playing… 02/01/08)

It’s been six weeks since the last blog update, which I’m blaming one thing for – Dissertation. Now that is over, normality can at least start up again. Here is a quick summary of what I’ve been playing since the last post -

- Halo 2 was played and completed, and I thought it was a hell of a lot better than the first. The story, graphics and settings were so much more involving, and felt more like a game than Ha “glorified tech demo” lo that repeated itself. I’ll look forward to finishing the fight with the third whenever I can.

- The Orange Box which is an amazing package. Portal was really special and unique, mainly due to the writing and how tied to the whole scenario you feel (don’t want to burn no companion cubes ;_;) and is something I’ll need to replay soon. Completed Half Life 2 for the first time, and it was a complete blast. Every environment was fresh and kept me playing to see what was around the next corner like few other games can, and although the combat system was basic, it was stupidly fun, fair and above all interesting. I’m leaving the two episodes to another time though. The biggest surprise was Team Fortress 2. Considering I don’t play games online, the personality this game has took hold of me. The class system is something that really works, where I can actually finish in the top three positions in an online match and enables people to play to their strengths. The lag is sodding annoying though, although I could contribute much of that to Live being generally shit over the holidays.

- Received Guitar Hero III for Christmas, and it has been a hit at uni. Tapping buttons on a plastic instrument shouldn’t be this fun, or difficult for that matter. The greatest part of playing is how much better you get at it, and drives you on to practicing those solos just so you can feel awesome when you’ve past it. Stuck on Tier 8 on Hard (One is a bastard) but I hope to get through to completing Expert in time.

- Currently playing and reviewing Advance Wars: Days of Ruin. It’s a lot of fun and I love the dark theme and plot, more so than the previous editions. However the gameplay isn’t that much of a leap and while there is nothing wrong with this game, I feel that it isn’t compelling enough past the campaign and won’t attract those who didn’t like it previously. Still having a lot of fun with it though!

That’s it. Also just started Assassin’s Creed but my TV is on the fritz and that is really putting me off from playing further. Hopefully the next update won’t take a long as this one!