Well gang... I know I haven't been around much lately, so I figured I'll do a quick update and a couple of game reviews.

Here goes!

1. I got my Associate's in Information Technologies (despite working a full time job with a TON of freakin' overtime, I managed to get a 3.7 GPA... not too shabby I guess), and I'm continuing on towards a Master's degree... this means I have three more years of little sleep, long hours of work and school and I'm not sure when I'll be around to post.

2. I'm also taking three martial art forms right now (well, 2.5). Enshindo Karate, Judo and Weapons. This has left me even less time to be here!

3. I might be moving to Nashville. We (my girl and I) just got back from out there and we're discussing the move.

4. I've got multiple training classes I've been dodging at work, so I'm going to have to go eventually. I'm also going back to Phoenix next year for a couple of weeks for other reasons.

5. I'm in the middle of a bunch of dental work... yay life!

Sooo, I'm not quitting, I just can't say my posting schedule is going to get any better!

Anyway... on with the game reviews!!!


PSP GAMES:

Given the fact I'm spending a LOT of time in airports lately, I figured I'd get a PSP to fill my time. I also figure since PC Apex merged with Game Apex, here is a good place to post 'em.

So far the PSP has been an excellent investment. I bought a bunch of games and UMD movies for it now and I figured I'd share a little bit.

PSP N00B:

If you're a PSP n00b and are wondering about the basics, I can break it down (I learned it the hard way).

* - Make sure any PSP hardware (batteries, cases, etc) are compatible with your PSP. There are two different styles. I have the newer slim-line and I almost ordered a case the would have left my slim PSP rattling around inside. The old PSP was a bit bigger! I would recommend getting the longer life battery with the modified cover (it is still comfortable to hold). I managed to play almost two full movies and play Samurai Warriors for like an hour without it dying on me.

* - The new PSP does NOT come with a memory card, so plan on that 'un. I bought a 1 gig memory stick for like 20 bucks.

* - If you have a GameStop in your town (or something similar), used games are a great way to get a collection PDQ. I've bought a lot of mine for between five and ten dollars. Still, realize popular games and the new ones are going to be closer to $40.00 (USD). I've also been using Amazon.com as their auctions are a great source for cheap games.

* - UMD movies are kind of hard to find! You can find a few here and there, but I have yet to encounter a shop with a full line of UMD movies. If you want 'em, I'd suggest ordering them online!

GAME REVIEWS:

God of War: Chains of Olympus:

Friggin' sweet. I've played it all the way through and the action, story and replay value are freakin' awesome! My only complaint was this is the first GOW I've played and although I've bought the other two for PS2 (the third is coming for PS3), I was kind of frustrated by the first encounter with the first boss; which is like less than ten minutes into the game. Kind of unforgiving for a noobie in the first level, but all in all, an excellent game. I loved it!


GTA: Liberty City Stories:

Awesome game, plays like an updated GTA 3 (with motorcycles!). Good story, good soundtrack... here's a winner!

GTA: Vice City Stories:

Ouch... It plays like VC, it looks like VC, but it just doesn't have the feel of GTA: LCS. It's fun, but not quite as cool as LCS.

TMNT:

Normally I love the turtles. I like playing Donatello (or leonardo) and hack-n-slashing my way through level after level of Foot-clan destruction. In this game, your turtle is picked for you by level. Also, I figured it would have a bit of flavor from the movie, but it seems to have more than that.

If your ideal game is jumping... a LOT of jumping, this game is for you. I'm three levels in and I'm bored out of my mind.

Samurai Warriors State of War:

Really fun! Repeatative as hell, but it is highly addictive! You can play a ton of characters and each has a story (although that story is usually one of the main stories). I don't know why I can't stop playing this game, but it tortures me with my need to play it again and again!!!


UMD MOVIES:

I've watched a few so far and I'm pretty impressed. A lot easier than whiping out the laptop and messing with it whilst in your cramped airport seat. The menus are friendly... still, if you are on a plane, the volume levels for the headphones can leave you a little miffed. I have a pair of headphones I paid fifty bucks that work pretty well for buffering the sounds of my van out with my MP3 player. Even pushing up the volume on the PSP to max and adding "+2" (which seems to be as high as it goes), I wasn't able to hear soft voices over the noise of the plane.

Anyway... I do too much more air travel and I might invest in a Nintendo DS and have some reviews for that too!