Back on Track Again!

I've picked back up on Blue Dragon a little and one thing I will share is my general indifference towards the characters. This is pretty much my one and only gripe about the game really, the fact that the characters feel so very flat. There really wasn't any true backgrounds given for Shu, Jiro or Kluke. Oddly enough, I admit the two characters I do like are Marumaro and Zola, whom do have significantly more (compared to the other three characters) fleshing out.

Call me a fan boy, but one reason why I am always drawn me back to Square-Enix RPGs is because of their ability to craft characters and stories that make you give a damn. People appear and play a part in the story, each one has a past and each of which is played out for the player to experience. A good example, in my opinion, is the character Basche, from Final Fantasy XII. Or Cecil from Final Fantasy IV. Or how about the characters of the Kingdom Hearts games? I'd say that was a fairly well crafted affair in my own humble opinion.

Still with me here, with all of this? This whole thing might not make much sense, since I tend to get my words jumbled up and crossed fairly easily in subjects like this. But I think what I am trying to get at is, well... hell I just miss the characters that weren't so damn hollow. I think that is the sole reason why I tend not to pick up that many RPGs these days. For me it is just a huge waste of money, to be playing a game that is about as well thought up as a finger in an electric outlet.

Maybe those well thought out RPGs are a thing of the past, mere figments of imaginations that are now long gone with the wind. I mean who plays games for well developed characters and stories? That's dork stuff right there! Just spice up the graphics and throw in a few fucks and a couple of buckets of blood and ta-da! We've got ourselves a game folks!

So it looks to me that the only salvation left, if even, is left solely in the hands of Square-Enix. I wish there were more variety to it, but it looks like that is going to be it for any forseeable future. Everyone else seems to go through the motions, but really... they just fall short in the end. Yes, I understand that I am likely expecting more then what will ever be released again, but eh...

Anyway, I just got to watch the Chinese movie, Seven Swords, and it is pretty enjoyable in my book. OK, so I haven't watched it entirely to the end yet (the movie is on 2 DVDs, the original I read is about 400+ minutes). So I shall return again to post up some thoughts on that once I've see it to it's end. Until then...

Hulk squash!

Demo Madness!

So I've been making some use of my one month free on XBox Live and so far I've been trying out a couple of game demos. Being that I am trying to be a cheap bastard here, it was a surprise to see that you have to buy points to buy stuff on XBox Live. What got me even more was there wasn't any online arcade or a place you could just play games. You had to buy them to play the full games!

Buy, buy, buy... *feels a headache coming on*

I admit though, that I was surprised to see the amount of games that there are demos for. Which is a good thing, because I don't think I'm going to be going crazy on this point buying stuff any day soon. And well, with all of these free demos to try out, I really don't know where to begin! But maybe this will help me sort out what I actually like and really, really don't.

I still hate Overlord... you too Dynasty Warriors: Gundam. Booo!

Anyway, two games that I've tried that I believe to be worth mentioning are The Darkness and Connan. I've only read about Connan and The Darkness I've actually been wanting to rent for a few months now, but wouldn't you know it? Blockbuster hasn't had it in stock...

Connan was pretty straight forward, I mean you run, you hack and the bad guys die. What stumped me for a good 5 minutes was how to break through the soldiers that kept blocking. I mean here I am, wailing away at this bastards with all two of my swords and nothing!

To my surprise, breaking through those blocks required either a two handed weapon or just one sword. Once that was learned, those soldiers were a breeze.

My only gripe from the demo was the lack of ability to move the camera, which I am hoping is only because it is a demo. It is an absolute pain to not be able to see enemies running at you from off-camera. Well like I said, I am hoping that this is something only here because it is a demo. If not... blah!

The Darkness was pretty fun too and the story itself (from the 3 chapters included in the demo) seemed interesting. What I like even more is that you aren't playing the hero, you aren't a 'good guy' here. Nope, you just got betrayed and now you're out to make them all pay. Oh and you've got some demon power living inside of you too, which does help matters.

The gun play is pretty standard FPS stuff, you shoot and reload and all that stuff. What adds a little spice to the mix is the Darkness powers. You can scout around with it and can also kill with it at the same time, which definitely comes in handy.

The catch here is you have to get rid of light sources or else it will limit your power. Or something to that effect. What was a fun power was the Shadow Arm I believed it was called. You basically have this black demon arm/spike that you can use to impale enemies and destroy stuff with. It did get a little frustrating at a point, because I just couldn't seem to get the damn this to kill people.

I think I might have missed something along the way.

Anyhow, that is that and now I'm going to go try out maybe Dead Rising (Old game yes, but the promise of zombie killing is too much for me to resist), Skate (Don't ask why) and maybe Bioshock too.

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008

So I just signed up with XBox Live today and the very first thing I went for was the demo for the next SD vs. Raw game. Now I'll admit that wrestling games have been my vice, just a game I just get addicted to playing more so then usually whatever else I have at that moment.

Now it isn't really the game itself that gets me hooked, but more the create-a-wrestler mode. God, I can spend hours and hours and hours on that alone. What got me is the fact that apparently, that mode has been improved (much to the dismay of my girlfriend, who still hates the series).

Anyway, back to the demo for the 2008 game and my first impressions of it. It definitely plays much differently then the previous titles. You get more options on how to decimate your opponent and now moves are separated by fighting styles.

Graphics are pretty impressive too, maybe more so for me because I've been playing the 2006 game for the past several years now. So naturally, everything looks a whole lot better. Hell, even the stages for the various shows look pretty damn good.

The demo sports a decent group to try out (Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton & Bobby Lashley). I think that group allows you to try out the highflyer, powerhouse, dirty and technical styles. Maybe there is more and I think there is. But in any event, I cannot remember what it was and so we shall move on.

And move on for me to say that is it! I got nothing else to say besides the game is going to be released at the beginning of next month and personally, that couldn't possibly come soon enough. CM Punk!

Games on the Brain

I got my first taste of Final Fantasy XI in quite a few months today and I am still not quite 'hooked' or throughly convinced that I'll make a full return. I was passed the control for my girlfriend's Monk and had to take over in her party for about an hour. Nothing fancy needed, just pound away at the unsuspecting (well that isn't entirely true) bird until it dies.

Simple!

Then again, it was beginning to put me to sleep and I don't think that is a very good thing while in the middle of a party. Still, it was, at the very least, a little interesting to get back into it. I'd prefer to level up my Samurai, but I was happy enough just to get in a few first 'vokes and a couple of weaponskills here and there.

Maybe that is the secret? Small doses of this online game just might be the trick!

Hmm... nah...

Besides, I still have a number of other games I'd like to see finished off beforehand and none of them are even half way finished yet. I am slightly surprised to be here and saying that there are still a couple of good stories left in offline RPGs it seems. Well, good enough for me to want to actually see how they all end. Topping that list is a bit of a draw between Blue Dragon and Eternal Sonata. Maybe more Eternal Sonata at this point...

Surely both of them aren't instant classics (from what I've played through so far at least), but I will say that both look pretty damn promising. What I am hoping for now is maybe a couple more RPGs for the XBox 360 and who knows? Maybe those will be much better then those that are out right now!

Wishful thinking, yes. But a gamer can hope, can he not?

The Vastness of Nothing

With the lack of options for the PSP, I have to say that I was excited to learn that Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness is being released soon! Like at the end of the month kind of soon! And I'm broke! Surprised am I? Nope! No surprise here, that's for damn sure.

But even with my rampage of game purchases, which includes:
- Blue Dragon
- Halo 3
- Eternal Sonata
- Dynasty Warriors: Gundam
- Warriors Orochi
- Daxter
- Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
- Dot Hack//G.U. Volume 3

And of that list, I think I've finished off 2 of those games (and DW: Gundam will be made into store credit in the very near future). At first I thought maybe it was because of the fact that I work and usually don't feel up for gaming when I get home. But no, I can to realize that I just don't really give a damn about the vast majority of the games I've picked up.

Yes, I can say 'incredible waste of money.'

Maybe I should stray away from sequels for a while, just to get into something new and different. I was considering on getting games like Beautiful Katamari and Naruto: Rise of a Ninja. But at this point, I'm looking (and thinking) it'll just end up being a further waste of money.

Speaking of which, I've not logged back into Final Fantasy XI since my one night of sheep killing. I guess that is to say that my interests in the game haven't returned to me?

On the topic of Final Fantasy, I am enjoying my return visit to Final Fantasy Tactics in small doses. I don't want to kill the interest and I am enjoying myself maybe 2-3 battles a day. I can't wait till the day I finally get my small army in full swing. Enemy soldiers beware!

And now for something a little different or unusual for me at least. A few days ago, I picked up an American comic. Not Japanese or Korean or whatever other Asian-based manga as I have done for the past many years. But American.

The Verdict? I actually enjoyed it.

The comic in question was the collected story of Planet Hulk, which (obviously) centers around the Hulk. You see, Hulk was/is mad. Hulk smashes. Earth heroes were afraid of this and tricked the Hulk and sent him away into space.

Hulk got angrier.

But then something unexpected happened and Hulk's ship gets pulled into a black hole and lands on an entirely different world. He is forced to become a gladiator, he becomes a hero, he gets smarter, makes friends and even gets married among other things. But something bad happens and... and the collection ends there. I love/hate cliffhanger endings.

Wow, those are things I never thought I'd ever associate with the Hulk (Smarter, married, having friends, etc). And despite my terrible attempt at summing up the basic plot, it is a pretty good story in my humble opinion and I can't wait until Marvel releases World War Hulk in a collection someday (soon hopefully).

What is World War Hulk? When Hulk goes back to Earth with his new friends with but one thing on his mind: Revenge.

And now I'm going to go do something productive or at least something that will keep me busy for a while. Maybe I'll play a game or two, which will hopefully work out. Or maybe I'll sit here and write more about nothing in particular as I've noticed myself doing more often to before. Either way, I shall return.....

New Adventures...

So this weekend wasn't spent watching jets flying this way and that or stuff that really required much getting out of the house for. Rather, my weekend was spent gaming and now I can say that I've gotten back into Nintendo DS games and now PSP games too. It is truly portable insanity in it's fullest effect...

I'm going to keep this short and sweet, since I have been spending the last several hours glued to FFT: War of the Lions. Speaking of which, it is as good as I remember it and the added cut scenes are beautiful to say the least. I was absolutely blown away by the clarity of the PSP and I can say that FFT looks better now then it did all of those years ago.

My only gripe about it so far, and this seems to be a common 'problem,' is the lag. It happens whenever your (or the enemy) soldiers attacks/uses a spell or ability. It isn't game breaking and for damn sure not nearly as bad as the lag was in the PSOne remake of Final Fantasy VI/Chrono Trigger. Besides that, playing FFT feels like home again...

As for Legend of Zelda, I've only gotten to play it for a very short time but the time I spent with it was pretty impressive to me. What intrigued me was how you were to navigate through the game by not using the standard D-pad, but the stick/pencil... er... thing. Same goes for attacking, which does add a different level of game play.

So with that all said and done now, now I shall return to war. There are countless soldiers that need be trained and to reforge the army I once commanded many long years ago will be a long and arduous task. It will take time, yes, but heed my words... We will rise again! Dun dun duuuuuuun!

Thoughts & Memories

So I've been sitting in this chair of mine for quite a while tonight and for all of that time I have been in deep thought. I've been thinking about what exactly is the purpose of blogging or more accurately, why do I do it? Perhaps these writings will serve as a platform to which I shall leave an everlasting (or as long as Blogger remains) mark on the Internet, one that houses my thoughts and memories? Or maybe I just don't have anything better to do? Or it could very well be a combination of both those reasons and more?

It is a question I doubt I'll be able to answer, but nonetheless it does house both my thoughts and memories alike. With that being said, I have been inspired to a degree to write down a list (of no particular length) of games that I've enjoyed. Thrilling, yes?

I think it serves a bit more purpose then meets the eye, particularly because of the fact that there are so many games (or RPGs) that just don't cut it the way they once did. Surely it could just be that I've grown older and don't quite enjoy the same things I once did. Or maybe after seeing the same story time and again, the appeal has just faded away.

But no, no... I will not think of this in that way, because when I do pick up games that I have played in the past, that feeling of fun returns. Add to that the memories of past adventures through lands that stretch far beyond our imaginations. Personally, a great many of these games ultimately helped in shaping and expanding my own imagination, which ties into my writing.

- Final Fantasy II (IV): While I didn't have to name this one first, I am obligated in a sense to do so because this is the very first RPG that I ever played. Not to mention the fact that it was because of this game that I became forever hooked into the worlds and lives that would come in the years to follow.

My fondest memory of the game (when I was a kid) was the airships, the Red Wings as they are called in the game. I was fascinated by the idea of these flying ships and just watching the opening scene, with them flying in formation, drew me into the world instantly.

Another memory was when adult Rydia returns to save you in the Underworld. First off, it was awesome to see her return, especially after the fact that she went overboard after Leviathan attacked the ship which she and your party were travelling on. It also just blew my mind the power that she wielded, which was considerably more.

- Final Fantasy III (VI): I admired the fact that Square included as many characters as they did into the game, not to mention the story of the game was nothing less then amazing. What impressed me even more so was the fact that none of these characters were just "there." Each of them had a name and they all had their story and their reasons for being among the resistance or the "Returners" as they called themselves.

Like Final Fantasy IV, my fond memory of this game again revolves around the airships. It was so very cool when you finally get to control the Black Jack and even more when you attain the Phoenix, during the second half of the game.

I also remember this game as the first (I think) and last FF game where the Ultima spell actually kicked ass.

- Vandal Hearts: I wonder how many people played this game? I remember reading about this game in one of those Playstation magazines and being wowed by it at first sight. Yes, this is what got me into buying a PS1, all those many years ago. My only regret with this game was never getting Ash (the main character) to his ultimate job class...

(SIde Note: I am surprised to have read on IGN, apparently a Vandal Hearts game is in the works for the Nintendo DS. Consider me intrigued.)

- Chrono Trigger: This was just a purely fun game, from the game play to the characters to the story itself. It was a masterpiece of it's time and I'd even dare say it remains so today. I think my favorite moment was when you can recruit Magus into your party, whom I believe was a very kick ass character (next to Frog and Crono).

- Suikoden I & II: Both of these games were absolute addictions for me, mainly because the stories for both games were very well told. I think this game is evidence that you do not have to have the absolute best graphics to have an incredible game. Not to mention the fact that you could actually amass an army, which I also got addicted to because I always loved seeing how your castle/headquarters changed when your army increased in number.

- Wild Arms: This game was a favorite almost instantly for me, though I am sadden to admit that I ended up not giving it it's due back in the day because of a game called Final Fantasy VII. Hands down, I prefer this version over the Alter Code F remake.

- Final Fantasy VII: Dear god, I believe this game was dubbed "The Most Anticipated game of 1997" and for damn good reason. I'd go on about memories, but there are just too many for me to be able to list them all. Ah hell, I'll give this as good a shot as I can.

One thing I remember was Aeris's death, which still stands out in my mind pretty strongly whenever I think about this game. I remember that sinking feeling in my gut and I remember being pissed off (I was deeply involved with the game as a kid) and wanting to hunt down Sephiroth.

Another memory is Chocobo breeding, which I spent what probably could amount to a lifetime (lie) in this little side game. My gold Chocobo ruled all!

- Earthbound: I think this was about as weird an RPG as I ever played on any system, past and present. I mean I'll never forget the Blue Cult or the monster named Belch or even Mr. Saturn! Just thinking about this makes me wish I could play this one again... right now!

- Final Fantasy Tactics: I can remember the hours spent on convincing enemy units to jump sides. I remember resetting the game when I couldn't revive a vital party member in time. Hell, I remember using T.G. Cid (after teaching him the Time Mage's Warp ability) to end battles in a single turn.

And I'd love to continue on, but my eyes are refusing to work with me by staying open long enough to muster up more memories of games from the past. I may continue on again...

Moment to Relax

Just a slight bit tired and a little battered, but still I'm alive and kicking. Well, alive and sitting... kicking requires a little too much effort for my liking. I'm excited that the weekend is nearing, because that mean that I'll be off on Saturday and days off are goooo!

Jello brains, yes I have that.

Don't mind me if today's writing is jumpier then usual, or at least more so then it usually is. I think I'm thinking about a dozen or so things (and counting), not to mention I've been having fits of ideas that I've been trying to jot down and keep track of for future references.

I just got to watch Howl's Moving Castle again last night and I enjoyed it like I never saw it before. Maybe I really am just easily entertained? To be honest though, I think I even enjoyed this movie more so then I did Spirited Away. It's a good, fun story and I think I just might watch again for kicks.

Random thought here; Well, this weekend the Blue Angels are in town and I think my girlfriend and I are going to make the bus trip *cringe* out to see 'em. She really enjoyed the heck out of the Thunderbirds and she almost flipped out when she found out the Blue Angels were coming down here.

Anyway, I think I am about thisclose to convincing myself that paying $450 dollars just might be worth it for a Wii. Slightly expensive, yes, but getting 2 games of my choice? It does sound better then most deals in town (not having it in stock, buying a used system, etc). I just might get it this weekend, depending on how the self mental battle royale goes...

Game wise for the Wii, personally I'd still like to play Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and I know my girlfriend wanted Super Paper Mario and Elebits? Elebites? Eleranawayandstolethecookies? I forgot the name already... I think the real attraction for me is the Virtual Console, which sounds promising to me. I'm hoping Nintendo will release Super Mario RPG, among many, many other RPGs that were favorites on SNES.

Now I'm off to get in some gaming time before I start today off like a raging turtle in a downhill race. The mental image of a raging turtle is just too much... god I wish I could find/draw a picture of that. Hopefully the weather holds out too or else it'll be a heck of a rainy day. Blah.

Considerations

I've been looking to change my ways a bit, by that I mean trying out some new things. Maybe watch shows I'd not watch otherwise or maybe try out a different game or two, just to change things up a little bit. I think I've grown a little bored with myself and I can't imagine that is a good thing.

For starters, I've been having a growing interest in finding (and watching) the show Heroes. I've heard it is something like X-Men, in that people in the show have special abilities/powers.

A movie that I've just watching a trailer for tonight is a Chinese movie called "Seven Swords." It isn't a new movie or anything (I think it was released in 2005), but it seems to be about a group of seven people, each of which has a sword of their own. The purpose? I think it was to fight against an oppressive government or the like. Please forgive for the half-arsed explanation, I was/am fairly sleepy and things aren't being absorbed into my brain as easily as usual.

Next thing up, is actually a video game system that I originally intended to buy in place of getting a XBox 360. However, that goddamn Nintendo Wii was ever elusive and the only way of getting one was to pay some outrageous price for it. That, obviously, was something I refused and ultimately opted to picking up a 360. Yeah, the logic behind this one didn't quite pan out either, but it worked out in my mind at the time.

Then again, after looking at a number of different places and coming up with nothing, I guess that does help settle a mental dispute rather quick.

Still, I'd like to get a Wii eventually and this isn't just for games like Legend of Zelda and Super Paper Mario. Or Mario Galaxy. I kind of want to try out Rayman: Raving Rabbits on Wii, not to mention the Katamari game that is supposedly going to be released on the system eventually.

Truth be told, I actually want to play some of the games that are on it's Virtual Console and one game that comes to mind immediately is Earthbound. I don't know what it is, maybe it is all a mind trick? All implemented by merely listening to songs from it's soundtrack, which I am doing right now. Or maybe it was just a fun (and outright weird) game that was a blast to play through for the fact that it was truly something unlike anything that was out there at the time. Hell, even today too!

On the topic of games, I was recently informed (by my girlfriend no less) that I was brought out of retirement and am actively back in the world of Vana'diel. Yes, I have been revived in the game called Final Fantasy XI. I guess I can't fight it, not when my bloody elf is already back up and running. Fun and excitement this time around? Well, I can only hope for all of that and more or else this return will be short lived (again).

As for other changes... well, I am thinking of maybe coloring my hair to something crazy and maybe even getting a haircut after. I haven't done either of those things (or at least not coloring in years... I missed that blue hair...) or at the very least get myself a haircut. It isn't a good look when even I start to wonder if maybe i just might be smuggling a ewok on my head.

OK, so overall I don't have any real life altering changes and I don't think there really is anything I can change at this point. Yes, maybe a new job will finally work it's way into the hand and I'll actually go with it this time around. I think I am more concerned with just tiny little things for now, leaving the bigger fish for another day. Smart plan? Only time will tell on that call...

The Fight is Over

If I'm not mistaken, I do believe Halo 3 was being promoted with the line "Finish the Fight." Well, after taking the fight to both the Covenant and the Flood, I am here to say that my girlfriend and I have finally finished Halo 3 today (First Halo we've ever finished on normal difficulty too! Talk about amazing...). Was it everything that it was hyped to be? Let me just say that my feelings when it was all said and done is a little mixed.

From the start to finish, the game play felt more or less the same as it did in both previous Halo games. It seemed the only differences were the addition of a few new weapons and vehicles, which weren't bad additions at all. Otherwise, besides the typical better graphics, there didn't seem to be all that much that was different for this finale.

For the record, I did have a little bit of deja vu during the final mission. It was almost the same deal as with how the first Halo ended, being that it was a get-your-asses-outta-there type of thing. Basically, you'd better be able to handle a Warthog or else you're going to have a hell of a time during that final leg.

Speaking of the ending (no, I don't intend on spoiling anything), to me it didn't quite have the feeling I assumed it was intended to have. Maybe it was a little, how can I say this? Anti-climatic? In any event, it certainly did feel pretty sudden to me. I guess what I am trying to say is... well, I was expecting a little more.

Overall, I will say it is a worthy game and especially so if you've played through both Halo 1 and 2. If you've gone that far, you might as well see this fight to the bitter end. As far as it being earth moving and outright the god of games, I can't say that it was that great. For me, I think what killed the overall experience was the ending, though it is clear that this is indeed the end of a trilogy. I mean, how could they continue on when the Master Chief is...

Oops, almost blew it.

So as I was saying, yes Halo 3 is a must, especially if you've put the time and finished off the other 2 games to this series. I wonder where Halo will go now, I have read that there is plans (or is there an actual game?) for a RTS version of Halo, which sounds very interesting to me. Maybe by then, I may have a computer that will be able to handle such games...

Side Note: If an alien doesn't understand what "no means no!" means, give the gift of true love folks. Plasma grenades all around! (Yes, I know I have a clear obsession with those things. I can't help myself! They stick onto the baddies and boom! See ya buddy!)

Next up? Blue Dragon. I have the urge to finish off as many of the left over games I have before the holiday season hits. Lord knows there are more then enough games nearing release and more then a few that I'd like to get my hands on. Predict, I will. Work, I will live. *cries*

Turning Loose The Mind...

So I felt like going another round tonight, just for the sake that I haven't much else that I feel like doing right now. I could be playing video games, but right now I just feel more like writing rather then playing. Besides that, the night is young and gaming can come later.

I enjoy writing and I've been going at this for years now, though it still doesn't quite seem so to me. I am certainly glad that I picked up this passion or else it would have been a heck of a thing to have missed out on. It allows me so much more freedom then I think any spoken word can do for me. I could be wrong, though nothing else has proven otherwise to me yet.

So anyway, hopefully I can write this short little story out of mine out so that it'll make sense and not come across as a mass of nonesense. Then again, it'll probably end up that way, since this writing is a new idea in my mind and what you see is what you get from my mind.

Wow, I think I just managed to quickly confuse myself with my own damn words. That's talent folks, raw and uncut. >.>

Either way though, here goes nothing...

Was it life that was so bitter and cruel to him? Or was it fate again that dealt out yet another bad hand for him? Or perhaps this pain he endured, this suffering that tormented his mind and soul, was all just a part of a higher purpose? For all he knew, it could just be God's way of punishing him for the sins that litter the path which he walked.

He could have gone on thinking about it forever, but at this point "how" and "why" didn't really matter all that much. She was dead and gone, as was his entire family. All thanks to that damn war, which had ended some days ago with both sides effectively killing each other out and wiping whatever was left clean off of the planet.

As to how he managed to survive, well... that is beyond what any logic can ever hope to explain.

And now here he was, stranded in the middle of what seemed to be an endless desert hell, feeling like the damned fool he always thought himself to be. Still, he couldn't help but wonder if this truly was the only path he could trend? Shouldn't there be more then just life and death?

Quietly he noticed that his feet were carrying him away again, to yet another unknown destination in this universe. In the beginning, back when he first set out on his own, he tried to stop himself from going. But now he doesn't fight it, but rather, he simply follows the flow nowadays. Forward he would go, always holding tightly to a hope that maybe the next time his feet stopped, fate might feel a little more charitable and a hand worth keeping will be dealt to him.

Wishful thinking, yes...

But even those who've got that expression on their faces as if they had lost everything, even they cling onto a sliver of hope, contrary to what they would like for the world to believe.

Then his feet stopped suddenly stopped, leaving him slowly sinking down into the shallow sands beneath him. That fact, however, didn't seem to bother Alex all that much. He, like his mind, appeared to have been otherwise occupied at present.

It did, after all, amaze him as to how quickly sand can ingest something. Or someone. He wondered how many lives this desert had claimed...

...And then his mind came back to him in a flash and the situation began to filter through his mind, slowly yet surely. Now why did he stop so soon? And what was this feeling of anxiety that twisted his very gut?

"Alex..." Said a faint yet familiar voice, carried lightly by the winds. It sounded like his mother.

He turned and looked behind of him, at the sands which he had already passed. His eyes searched into the sandstorms that began to kick up around him, though each of them kept a fair distance away.

"Alex..." Said the voice again and this time it even startled Alex.

"Who's there? And how do you know my name?" Asked Alex.

"We know you better then you know yourself. We know your sins..."

That was enough to send Alex over the edge now and those words just kept echoing through his mind over and over again. Who knew anything about him? Or his sins for that matter?

He couldn't come to any clear conclusion, nor could he figure out who or what was speaking to him in this desert. A mirage perhaps? Or maybe his mind had finally unraveled itself to the point where his sanity was forever lost.

"We've come to collect..." It said again.

"Who is 'we'? And collect what?" Alex persisted.

"We are your family Alex... and your time has come..." Said the voice, now sounding as if it were directly in front of Alex's face.

That voice, it was indeed his Mother's...

"...time to come home big bro..." Said another voice, coming from behind of him.

His little sister...

"...time to be a man and die..." Said yet another, this time the voice came from the right side.

His Father...

"...time to be together, forever..."

His love...

Was this really happening to him? Alex just couldn't grasp the situation, given his state of mind and physical condition. Are these voices real? Was any of this real at all?

Then a hand appeared through the sands, a cold and chilling grip to be sure. It rested upon Alex's shoulder and Alex's body began to shake with fear.

Alex turned his gaze slowly to find that he now stared into the grim face of Death itself. His heart felt cold, almost frozen, as was the rest of his body now. He couldn't move, not even an inch.

It was far too late now and his time had come at long last and he knew it. He ran from the war like a coward, and in turn he left behind his love and his family to share an equal and final fate. He ran because he feared what fate had in store for him.

Now fate had caught up to him and the price he was required to pay was all too clear now. He could run no longer from his destiny and it was his destiny to die. Yet he felt it in his heart, the guilt and the sorrow and the regret all the same. If he could just turn back the hands of time...

But before he could even whisper a word of regret from his mouth or even conjure the thought of atonement, the face of Death disappeared in an instant. Equally as quick did both the breeze and sunlight vanish, followed momentarily by Alex himself, as the sands engulfed his body and pulled him under forever.

T.G.I.F.!!

I'll be honest, the weeks have been feeling longer to me and Fridays just can't come soon enough. What's so special about Fridays? Well, nothing in particular to tell you the truth. Speaking of the truth, if not for my watch, I'd likely not even know the date. Month, likely... but day? Heck no!

Anyway, back to the thought of Friday and why in the world it ends up meaning so damn much to me. So there isn't anything special that I do on these days, unless you consider work as something "special" (which I will state here and now: Not I!). It might be the mere promise that I get Saturday off that does it for me? Yes, yes... I think that is a thought along the right track.

What a surprise I got earlier this evening while snooping around the Internet. Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is going to be released in just 4 days! Excited am I? To sum up my thoughts and feelings and opinions into a single word: Nope.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the original FF Tactics (kind of hated the GBA game, but that's another story) and was addicted outright for a good while back in the day. What does it for me is the fact that I do not own a PSP, therefore cannot enjoy this re-released marvel. Sadness does blanket my heart tonight, but rest assured... I shall prevail!

Weather here absolutely sucks right now, at least during the daylight hours anyhow. Raining then sunshine... then rain, then sunshine. All day, everyday for as long as my simple mind can bare to remember. What I've been wishing for is just a good and heavy downpour. Forget this off and on shit, just let 'em loose!

No, I'm not wishing for a flood. Well, not unless it can manage to take my workplace and move it out to sea? Wait, no again. How will I be able to afford video games then? Oh, bad flood and rain then... very, very bad indeed.

I'd really like to write about a single subject in a blog entry someday, but I think I am unable to do that. I mean I end up being just too random for that theory to be even remotely possible. In a way, I kind of like things the way that they are just for the simple fact that you never really know what my mind may toss out next. Hell, I don't even have extensive knowledge on that one folks.

And that is sad.

I'm hoping Resident Evil: Extinction is still in theaters next week, just so that I may catch it and be amazed/appalled at how good/bad the movie is. Surely I can read up on what other people have said about the movie, but I find those "reviews" to be rather funny most of the time.

"The movie was the worstest piece of crap I ever saw!"

Helpful right?

Yeah, I didn't think so either.

What I have learned is that it is best to just go and see the movies you find interesting, then just draw your own conclusions if you liked it or not. Basing your watching preferences solely off of what others say isn't all that great an idea.

And as suddenly as this post began, it shall now abruptly end. Adios!

Going, Going... Crazy!

So tonight I find myself being tired (surprise!) and bored and that is kind of sad considering the games I have unfinished. But I think this boredom is different then the usual case, being that I don't honestly believe gaming will help. I think the fact that I'm being tired also isn't helping my present situation either. Then again, I shall try and game it and see what comes my way from it...

Actually I did. Sort of.

Let me just go on the record now and say that Solitaire is definitely not a good choice for long term boredness. Hell, I think I've gone 1/8 so far and I'm playing more as I write this bugger up. So now I'm bored, tired and my eyes are burning. Great, that sure solved my issues didn't it?

Side Note #1: R.E.M.'s song, It's The End of the World, sure does sound like a good idea during times like this. Maybe the world is ending? I can feel it, coming in the air tonight? Oh lord?

Good lord I am listening to some old shit tonight... must find a duster to ensure that my brain survives the night without being flooded by dust.

Anyway, yes... I haven't got the damnest clue as to what I am going to write to further my own personal writing revolution here. OK, maybe revolution is a bit much considering I am my own army and all. Maybe a personal cult? It'd be funny and equally sad if I could hypnotize myself into believing something absolutely ridiculous.

Here is an interesting and totally worthless fact: Apparently, according to Blogger's spell check, I have included a number of my own words into this. So maybe there really is a revolution? Hmmm... I think I must find a way to keep up with myself here.

Side Note #2: I could use this opportunity to remind the world about how I think my job sucks. But really, that kind of attitude will only work against me in the end. So what I am proposing (to myself of course) is the implementation of a new theory. Something so radical and new, even I'd surprise myself on a daily basis because of it.

I ABSOLUTELY ENJOY, NO! LOVE!! I LOVE MY BLOODY JOB!!! YES!!!!

Note-to-Self: Next time an idea about positive thinking comes up when I conjure up the thought of work, beat self with a stick until dead. Repeat as necessary.

Halo 3 is fun... wait, no, that isn't entirely what I wanted to say. Halo 3 is good, but Plasma grenades are the absolute SHIT! Yes, yes... I admit it now, I do have a fondness for explosive weaponry in video games. Why, just the other day I played the a round of "The Forge" with my girlfriend.

How did it go?

She got 1 kill.

I got 24.

So I sound like a loser, saying how I beat my girlfriend in a round of Halo. Believe it or not, she can whoop a bit of ass in Gears of War...

I miss the Chainsaw Bayonet...

I think I might pick back up on playing Blue Dragon, although I haven't the slightest as to what in the blue hell I was doing in-game. One thing that bugs me about the game is the fact that basically everything in sight can be checked and it all counts! Even nothings! It just boggles my brain because now I'm not even sure if I got 'em all when I started out...

I guess that is what I get for just stopping and going onto Dot Hack//G.U. and not going back for about a month now? Maybe less, I'm not all that sure.

Recently, it came to my attention (upon reading it up in the newest Game Informer mag), that there is a Dynasty Warriors 6 in the works. Get this, among some new additions are the abilities to climb ladders and swim. And I thought I was doing some revolutionary shit here...

Beyond this point is the point where if I write anything further, my brain will trigger a fail-safe system that will immediately shut my mind down. It is sounds bad, but it is there to protect my brain from overuse and rain. Maybe snow too. I've never seen snow... such is the tragedy that was my childhood.

Maybe they should have kept the monkey....

Sleep, Where?

Ah yes, good times are here again.

It is just about 4am and I have not gone to sleep yet and to top this off, I have to head back to work in about an hour and a half. The reason for my sleeplessness? I wish I knew to be honest. Or maybe I don't. Either way, it's going to be one hell of a Tuesday, that much is for certain.

Now granted, I could try and sleep for the remaining time I have left and wake up feeling in a piece of you know what. Or I could just tough it out and still feel the same way in the end. Wow, that is some pretty lousy options isn't it?

In either case, what I do hope is that I can manage to survive the day and make it until my shift is over. And make it though the bus ride without falling asleep either, that's a big one there too. I suppose it is a slight blessing that I am on my feet for most of the day. Oh and as far as I've known, I've never fallen asleep standing up. Yet.

So now here I go, off to sleep or stay awake until I have to leave home. I think sleep is a good choice, I just hope it'll be just enough to keep me up and at 'em.

Man, I hate Tuesdays...