Alex_V

The reasons that I didn't even consider buying the episodes is that (a) I haven't finished GTA4, and apparently the huge majority of people who got GTA4 never finished it either, and (b) I didn't like the idea of just seeing Liberty City again, which is a gameworld I feel I have been to now.
 
Recently I rented the episodes and I didn't like either of them. One of the big issues is actually that graphically the 2-year-old engine is really showing its age. Another issue is that these stories don't have the satirical edge that GTA4 has - I felt they were less about the American Dream and modern city life and more just an aimless wallow in the underbelly of crime. They made me 'feel' nothing, whereas Niko Bellic's story really touched me at times.

Interested in all of them but as usual I will wait for prices and reviews.

Well I feel differently. Really found all the wise-assery in the first game a total turn-off and really rather childish. So I'm delighted the new game pares down all of that in favour of great action - I prefer the BC2 single-player to any of the Call of Duty equivalents.

A leftfield pick would be Age Of Conan - certainly the best-looking MMO I've ever played, and graphically the equal of many of the games mentioned on this thread. The first 20 levels are absolutely outstanding as well.

" The only significan development in the franchise since Mario 64 was throwing him in dumb sports themed games. Well, golf was awesome, but the rest were pretty awful, and shameless.   The recent Mario platformers are fun, they're just not that original. I mean the level design is pretty neat, but outside of that, it's the same old gameplay mechanics in place. I'd like a little evolution, at least.  "

I'd choose PS3, for the blu-ray and the iplayer here in the UK. It's a toss-up though - I think they're incredibly similar machines.

Shaun Andrich does a great job on GWJ - worth a mention.

It's at least as productive as going to an art gallery or listening to music. Appreciating something, enjoying your own thoughts, emotions, reactions, is not something you can put a price on imo. It's the thing that makes life worth living for me.

" @Alex_V: There is nothing to analyze in this game. You won't find any social commentary of any kind or no teaching whatsoever. "

@Alex_V:   Don't overanalyze it, please. "