June 2005 Archives

I'm totally in deep with my video gaming zone, and I just went through another spurt of total addiction--completing the latest Grand Theft Auto (San Andreas) at 100% and then a week later making it through Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

Mike and I wrote about the GTA experience on Game Thumb and I recently posted some musings about the Metal Gear series as well.

I'm excited to play through MGS3 again to try some different strategies and find some of the secrets I missed my first time around. After that I will continue to tackle my list of unplayed games:

1. Final Fantasy X-2
2. Beyond Good and Evil
3. Onimusha 3
4. Viewtiful Joe 2
5. Skies of Arcadia Legends
6. Animal Crossing (how much I play this might depend on getting Mike interested in developing his own character so we can interact virtually).

*Gaming Master

Last night Paul, Mike and I checked out the new Batman Begins--I really enjoyed myself, but I still had some minor complaints (too many one-liners, lame love story, weird Bat-voice). Regardless, I was excited to talk about how good Christian Bale was in the role of Bruce Wayne, and after comparing Bale to previous Waynes Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney, Mike pointed out how ripped Bale looked.

The last time I saw Bale on the big screen was in The Machinist, where he spent the majority of the film in a gaunt state of barely existing. There couldn't have been too much time between that film and getting buff for the Bat-suit, so this man must have been on quite the exercise routine. Let's take a look at the difference:

In response to Mike's recent Admiral video I decided to document what it's like to see Elmer go on the offensive.

Watch out!

Although I never thought I deserved to win (mostly because I am not someone who plays many indie games) I must admit I'm slightly disappointed. Initially I entered the contest at Mike's enthusiastic encouragement--never thinking I would be listed as a finalist. My decision to write an incredibly confident essay with maximum emphasis on sexy appearance and little mention of my indie gaming credibility seemed like the smart thing to do, but kind of made me stand out as an imposter. Other entries featured much more elaborate and heartfelt descriptions of independent gaming dedication, while my gaming background only referenced retro and/or cult games.

However, somewhere along the way I actually decided that I might have a good chance. Perhaps it was the public encouragement at the blogfest, or the fact that I knew some of the judges. It seems pretty stupid now, but I guess it comes down to the irresistible fun of "winning", regardless if I cared about the prize package (I think there was a free game and a Panic shirt).

My consolation will have to be this quote from one of the judges:
"Not only is he a handsome bastard, he exudes confidence without cockiness, chose some good classic games for his favourites, and he claimed to be making a Greatest 8-Bit Mix CD. How can you say no to that?"

This experience reminds me of the time I was voted "Sno-Daze King" my junior year of high school and was carted around the gymnasium floor in front of the entire student body while someone sang a romantic Elvis song. It was mostly terrifying and shallow, with just enough absurd thrill for me to laugh about later.

Maybe I'll have a chance to win another competition sometime. Anyone know of any "prove why you love John Sayles" or "show your dedication to Björk" contests?