I’ve played video games for quite a few years.  It strikes me again and again that my absolute favorite system was Super Nintendo.  Nintendo has made quite a few good systems through the years.  Lately I’ve been wondering why they feel the need to almost ruin their reputation making systems designed, not for their core audience, or gamers, but for those who do not typically play games.  This is ruining and diluting Nintendo’s reputation and game library.  For the Wii, the best games are, for the most part, the virtual console games released.  Now they are coming with Wii U.  This system is as powerful as Xbox 360 and PS3, but I’m not sure it will ever see the support of those two because Nintendo seems to refuse to make good online support and, while commendable, they are too intent on pushing a new control scheme. I love Mario and Zelda, and Metroid is also among my favorites, having said that, I would beg Nintendo to just get back to core gaming so they don’t become just a go-to for people who don’t play more realistic games.

Between the other two consoles there can be much debate.  PS3 has more power under the hood, that is not debatable.  PS3 also uses a much better disc system and probably in the long term has better graphics capabilities.  I actually prefer and own the Xbox 360 because I find the controllers more comfortable, the crossover games about the same, and I prefer the Xbox exclusive games to the Playstation exclusive games.  I still have the older version of Xbox and probably won’t upgrade until my unit gives out.  I have thought several times of getting a PS3, but every time I go back and play the Xbox, vs playing my friend’s PS3, I realize again why I happen to prefer the Xbox.

What is your favorite?  All Time?  Why?

Life being like a box of chocolates is an interesting concept… until you realize that most boxes of chocolate are labeled so you know exactly what you are going to get.

First Minnesota and now potentially the Federal government.  I don’t like to get deep into politics, and I won’t now, but I would just like to point out how ridiculously stupid I feel both parties are being about their issues.  In my opinion, both sides need to give a little and get something done.  I have heard that the best deal is the one where both sides feel like they could have gotten more.  This is probably true and I feel like it applies to the budget situations for Minnesota and the United States.

This also applies to both the NBA and NFL.  The NFL is close, so it seems, but the NBA has serious issues it needs to work out.  I could even see the NBA settling on a deal that will not solve problems just to get their labor force working again.  I hope they actually find something that works.  That said, I find it hard to root for any league, team, player, owner, or the like that makes money off of me in any way, is overpaid, and is crying about money issues.  You people are millionaires and billionaires playing sports or owning sporting teams.  I am a person willing to pay to play at the local gym.  Get over yourselves.

Currently, I have a job as a valet.  It can be exciting when there is a rush of people. Unfortunately I have day shift.  This is fine because I can get home and see my family.  The unfortunate thing is that we are rarely busy in the mornings.  We do see some nice cars.  I am always partial to Mercedes, BMW, and Jaguar, but even the Buick Lucernes and the brand new Ford Explorers are nice.

Is anyone else thoroughly excited about Mass Effect 3 coming up?  I mean, Elder Scrolls will be incredible too, but I’ve never played anything quite as engrossing in terms of whole story and gameplay than the Mass Effect series.  I feel like I am in a movie during some of it and that is pretty good.  I can’t wait for Mass 3 to release and it will probably be one of the few games that I get new.

Go USA soccer!!  I have to admit, any time I hear World Cup I am hooked.  Normally I am a basketball and football fan with a little tennis, but the World Cup always gets me.  There is something about watching the best players in the world lay it all on the line.  Today the USA Women’s team beat Brazil on penalty kicks.  That is an amazing outcome since Brazil has the best women’s player and typically Brazil is a powerhouse in soccer.  I am just excited that I get to keep watching the US team try to win the Cup.

Last night I was introduced to a new type of Role Playing Game (for me).  The game is called Dread!  The rules are really basic.  Instead of a dice mechanic and many rules, you simply use a Jenga tower to decide whether you succeed or fail at any given objective.  The trick to the game is that if you knock the tower over, you die!  Character creation is extremely easy.  All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire about things your character likes to do, some background, and some random questions that may have consequences in the game.  Last night our scenario was set in a sci-fi setting.  I ended up as Captain and the crew and I had to search an “abandoned” ship.  We made it through most of the scenario with everyone still alive, but my character ended up dying in the second to last section of the scenario.  That is one interesting part of the game for me… people are supposed to die.  In fact, the ideal outcome is a sole survivor, just like a horror movie.  I recommend this game to anyone looking to have a good time without having to learn a book full of rules.  Also it may serve as a perfect way to get a friend into role playing games!