I need to reactivate one of these things
And this one is it. I suppose. In actuality this journal is the only personal one I still remember the password to.
What's been going on lately? Let's break it down.
Job
I got a new one. It rocks. I really enjoy it, and it pays well. Not too much else to be said, other than I hope it turns out well in the future.
World of WarCraft
Still playing, even after I said I wouldn't, because my work schedule gives me a positively crazy amount of time during the week nowadays. From about 4PM to 10-11PM, I have free time. I got bored. Luckily, the changes to the Dungeon Finder mechanic, badges, and loot available have all made it extremely easy to gear up from a slacking position. Granted, I'm still not raiding, but the randoms have equipped me in a smattering of tier-equivalent gear that puts me into the realm of capability.
I'm still hesitant about Cataclysm, the upcoming expansion. Nothing in it seems like a good idea, but the one thing that truly gives me pause is this: Tony Jay won't be doing the introduction cinematic voiceovers for the Worgen and Goblin. This is reason enough to never release new races ever again. Otherwise, it's just a resounding "meh." Is anyone honestly looking forward to even more Garrosh Hellscream? How 'bout Varian Wrynn?
No? I didn't think so.
HD gaming
I recently purchased a reasonable HDTV, a 37" 1080p display capable of catapulting me into the realm of high definition gaming. While my original stance on the matter was "I don't see the need to buy a thousand dollar TV for pixels of difference," it quickly became apparent that if I ever wanted to see a good-looking video game again, I would need to severely upgrade my computer or buy an HDTV. One requires thousands of dollars, and the other is a television. I opted for the television.
Let me tell you that while the difference is astounding and makes for a much more enjoyable gaming experience, I only have an Xbox 360 and a handful of pre-PS3-release games to try on it. They look better, they're readable, but they're not jaw-droppingly impressive. Not like God of War 3 would be...
PS3
Since God of War 3 came out and I got an HDTV, I've wanted to get a PS3, but I haven't been able to find one in any local stores or immediately available at any online retailers. I promised myself that if I couldn't pick one up at a game store I wouldn't be getting one. There is a reason why I wasn't able to waste such a huge load of money on a video game console at this time; finding and accepting the reason is the wisdom of life.
It is, however, not conducive to my deicidal rage.
Dante's Inferno
So, it isn't god-killing, but it might as well be. Dante's Inferno for the Xbox360 is a recent release and is one of many God of War imitators. In this title (that I picked up to make up for my lack of God of War 3) you take a very liberal interpretation of Dante Alighieri into the depths of Hell to rescue his captured lover, a quest that takes him through horror and intrigue and ultimately brings him face-to-face with all the sins of man (and himself). Although it pulls from the original Divine Comedy, it is definitely its own design, presenting a detailed and truly disturbing portrayal of Hell to Dante and the player. Many critics will say that it's just another shameless God of War ripoff attempting to cash in on the "visceral high-violence gameplay," but you know what? Dante's Inferno does it well. If Dante's Inferno had done it first, it would be THE God of War of the God of War imitators. Its visual style is outstanding and in high definition, it really jumps out at you. Although the story is somewhat weak and the game is relatively short (about 6 hours if you sit down and play), it holds attention well and is, above everything else, an incredibly satisfying demon-beating adventure.
How to Train Your Dragon
Sometimes I do actually leave the house, believe it or not, and I recently did to catch the theatrical presentation of Dreamworks' How to Train Your Dragon. The previews portray it as a charming family film with witty dialogue and interesting design, featuring lovable characters and a heartwarming story. Let me tell you, it's all of this, and probably more. The film is a fun ride from start to finish that I just wanted to keep going. The voice cast is strong, the character interaction fun and surprisingly natural, and the story development involving. I was glad to have seen it in the theaters, and I will likely snag this film on DVD or Bluray as soon as it releases. If you like a good fantasy story, fun, and dragons, you shouldn't miss this one.
What's been going on lately? Let's break it down.
Job
I got a new one. It rocks. I really enjoy it, and it pays well. Not too much else to be said, other than I hope it turns out well in the future.
World of WarCraft
Still playing, even after I said I wouldn't, because my work schedule gives me a positively crazy amount of time during the week nowadays. From about 4PM to 10-11PM, I have free time. I got bored. Luckily, the changes to the Dungeon Finder mechanic, badges, and loot available have all made it extremely easy to gear up from a slacking position. Granted, I'm still not raiding, but the randoms have equipped me in a smattering of tier-equivalent gear that puts me into the realm of capability.
I'm still hesitant about Cataclysm, the upcoming expansion. Nothing in it seems like a good idea, but the one thing that truly gives me pause is this: Tony Jay won't be doing the introduction cinematic voiceovers for the Worgen and Goblin. This is reason enough to never release new races ever again. Otherwise, it's just a resounding "meh." Is anyone honestly looking forward to even more Garrosh Hellscream? How 'bout Varian Wrynn?
No? I didn't think so.
HD gaming
I recently purchased a reasonable HDTV, a 37" 1080p display capable of catapulting me into the realm of high definition gaming. While my original stance on the matter was "I don't see the need to buy a thousand dollar TV for pixels of difference," it quickly became apparent that if I ever wanted to see a good-looking video game again, I would need to severely upgrade my computer or buy an HDTV. One requires thousands of dollars, and the other is a television. I opted for the television.
Let me tell you that while the difference is astounding and makes for a much more enjoyable gaming experience, I only have an Xbox 360 and a handful of pre-PS3-release games to try on it. They look better, they're readable, but they're not jaw-droppingly impressive. Not like God of War 3 would be...
PS3
Since God of War 3 came out and I got an HDTV, I've wanted to get a PS3, but I haven't been able to find one in any local stores or immediately available at any online retailers. I promised myself that if I couldn't pick one up at a game store I wouldn't be getting one. There is a reason why I wasn't able to waste such a huge load of money on a video game console at this time; finding and accepting the reason is the wisdom of life.
It is, however, not conducive to my deicidal rage.
Dante's Inferno
So, it isn't god-killing, but it might as well be. Dante's Inferno for the Xbox360 is a recent release and is one of many God of War imitators. In this title (that I picked up to make up for my lack of God of War 3) you take a very liberal interpretation of Dante Alighieri into the depths of Hell to rescue his captured lover, a quest that takes him through horror and intrigue and ultimately brings him face-to-face with all the sins of man (and himself). Although it pulls from the original Divine Comedy, it is definitely its own design, presenting a detailed and truly disturbing portrayal of Hell to Dante and the player. Many critics will say that it's just another shameless God of War ripoff attempting to cash in on the "visceral high-violence gameplay," but you know what? Dante's Inferno does it well. If Dante's Inferno had done it first, it would be THE God of War of the God of War imitators. Its visual style is outstanding and in high definition, it really jumps out at you. Although the story is somewhat weak and the game is relatively short (about 6 hours if you sit down and play), it holds attention well and is, above everything else, an incredibly satisfying demon-beating adventure.
How to Train Your Dragon
Sometimes I do actually leave the house, believe it or not, and I recently did to catch the theatrical presentation of Dreamworks' How to Train Your Dragon. The previews portray it as a charming family film with witty dialogue and interesting design, featuring lovable characters and a heartwarming story. Let me tell you, it's all of this, and probably more. The film is a fun ride from start to finish that I just wanted to keep going. The voice cast is strong, the character interaction fun and surprisingly natural, and the story development involving. I was glad to have seen it in the theaters, and I will likely snag this film on DVD or Bluray as soon as it releases. If you like a good fantasy story, fun, and dragons, you shouldn't miss this one.