Recently in Videogaming Category

My mustaches are up! I found this great videogame art down in LA last month at the I Am 8-Bit show, from the gifted Shawn Smith. Shawn was at the show, so I made sure to let him know his art was going to someone with a unique appreciation for both mustaches and videogames. While I may currently be clean-shaven, let's not forget the power of this face.

Mr. Smith used to be the best editor for Electronic Gaming Monthly, but got out of the (writing) game to try his hand at art, and it turns out the man is all-around talented.

Here are the mustaches proudly displayed at the Hott Denn:

Two video-game related posts in one day! Check out what I have to say about this highly anticipated upcoming title over on Game Thumb.

Found recently on the front page:

I blogged about my current gaming love for Ape Escape: On The Loose on Game Thumb.

Yesterday I awoke to the UPS guy dropping off a package that contained a PSP--I had yet to try this new piece of gaming hardware since its release in March, and I had my doubts about what I would think of it (especially since there are so many good DS games right now that I'm into--Nintendogs, Meteos, Castelvania DOS, etc.). However, one look at the big, bright screen and the allure of browsing the internet and customizing this new toy had me hooked. Also, I'll be honest--I wanted to see if I could figure out how to play emulated games on it. After some frustrating times configuring my airport password (big thanks to these dudes) I was up and running...

And then I came to a screeching halt. So pleased to have found my way online with my PSP I automatically upgraded the Firmware to the latest version - 2.1, which basically makes it impossible (for now) to downgrade to an emulation-ready version. Oh well, I guess my big accomplishment will have to be leaving a comment on Mike's blog that took about 10 minutes to "type" out. Oh, and I figured out how to make a Björk desktop image.

Hey, I made new video (thanks to Mike for camera work)--check it out on
Game Thumb.

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

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?

Posted about my Castlevania accomplishment on Game Thumb.