So this is my first blog, and I decided to start simple with what games I have been playing for the last week.

Battlefield 1943 (XBL):  I picked this game up around....about a day or two ago?  Anyways, the game is great fun and feels like a sort of "arcade" version of battlefield 2.  Instead of several classes, multiple maps and numerous game modes, 1943 keeps it simple with conquest mode, three simplified classes and 3 maps all for the price of $15. The gameplay is solid and frantic, and the graphics are really impressive for an "arcade" release.  Even though WW2 may be played out, this game simply feels like a satisfying team based shooter which doesn't involve itself with the story behind the war.  A complaint I have however, is with the guns.   WW2 guns are simply NOT as badass as guns in the modern era.  I mean, I would take a fully automatic M16 over a semi-auto rifle any day of thw week.  But to be fair, the guns do work perfectly fine, I just have a preference to guns with more 'zazz.

Sam & Max Save the World (XBL):  So Sam & Max rounds out my second purchase from the XBL arcade is quite a long while.  I bought this game due partly to my fond memories of the original Sam & Max running in DOS mode on my dad's PC.  This sort of game seems like a dying breed; the last point and click adventure game I played which was developed in modern times was Penny arcade episode 1.  Anyways, the game is about what I exspected; You guide Sam & Max through bizzare and often (usually) humorous situational settings such as dropping a bowling ball on the head of a former child actor to knock him unconscious in order to free him from a hypnosis spell (deep breath).  Often times, the game requires you to use specific items in a very specific manner, which can lead to some frustration and inability to progress through the story.  I had to use a FAQ to get through a couple parts, but then afterwards felt stupid for not being able to figure out such a simple puzzle.

Final Fantasy VIII (PS1):  This may seem to come from nowhere, but I have been on a sort of rpg addiction over the past several months.  Final Fantasy VIII is the only 3D FF game which I have not played, so I felt obligated to try it.  Got it off ebay for around $20 with free shipping.  Anyways,  The game is very strange compared to the other games in the series, especially gameplay wise.  First off, I don't really understand the reasoning behind the magic system.  I don't have any mp, sp, tp or magic power of any kind.  I kinda just suck it out from my enemies and stock it in my inventory, as weird as that may seem.  Also,  I haven't figured out how or if I buy new weapons.  Granted I'm only about 6 hours in, but it seems like all I do is find parts to upgrade my current weapons.  I'm kinda having a harder time than I exspected to really get into this game...The story starts off much slower than FFVII, IX and X began.  I don't mean to sound profusely negative about the game, It's just not what I exspected.  However, I will admit that the game has become more interesting and I look forward to continuing my quest of yelling at the main character to not be so indifferent and anti-social.  He's just bizzare.

So that about wraps up this blog...if any of you have any tips about the games or about the way I write my blogs, feel free to comment.  I think I'll try to do this bi-monthly maybe???