Today contained one of the surprisingly saddest moments I’ve had in a long time.

My car lease was up at the end of the month, and with a baby on the way, a quick glance at the checkbook made it clear that I simply can’t afford to keep driving my beautiful, sexy, stylish Lexus IS 300.

So, I brought it back to the dealership today where I picked it up for the first time 3 years ago. It’s amazing how time flies.

And as I signed the paperwork and walked over to take a look at it for the last time, I actually got a little emotional. It’s been absolutely perfect, never once giving me a problem while being the smoothest ride I’d ever had.

Alas, at more than $700 a month in lease and insurance payments, it obviously isn’t a car that a brand new dad supporting a wife and newborn on one salary can swing.

So, I bought my brother-in-law’s 1999 Ford Explorer for $5000 and that’s my new (but quite old) ride.

I’ll miss that car so much.

*sniff*

So we’re nearly at the end of this month and I see there’s only been two blogs from Rich G and myself. What’s up with that? I know you guys (and girls) have some interesting stories to tell. Where have some of ya run off to? Yeah Clown — we’re looking at ya. James, what’s new in your world? Ammadeau…. Rocca?!??

Very sad I be now…

Blog ppl — BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(In other news, I’ll have PLENTY to say more or less in our forthcoming PS3 feature — yeah, believe it, I said it’s coming and it IS!)

So I had to go from my home base in Jersey off to Columbus, Ohio for the week. Business, of course. No one goes to Columbus for anything except insurance or football………and I wasn’t there for football.

Such is the life of a software designer. Sometimes we need to leave our warm, game-console-filled bunkers and head out into the real world to make sure that the paychecks keep coming in.

Luckily, I had a review copy of Lumines II in tow, which turns out to be every good and addicting as the original…which is to say, it’s freakin’ great. Naturally, I didn’t get to play it as much as I’d like (all-day meetings followed by dinners and drinks with clients kind of get in the way) but I did get plenty of airport and airplane time with it.

I was supposed to come home Thursday, but US Airways decided to cancel my flight as well as the next one out. So they told me I could come back for the 5:30 AM flight on Friday to get home. So the alarm got set for 4 AM, I headed to the airport, and was promptly told that THAT flight was also cancelled.

What the hell!?!?!?!?!?!

I finally made it home (thanks to Southwest Airlines, now my favorite), exhausted and angry, late on Friday night, to a very unhappy pregnant wife and two cats whose litter box was rather, um, in need of attention.

It’s taken me the better part of 2 days to get my wits together. It’s starting to happen. By Monday I may actually be myself again.

We’ll see.

In the meantime, death to US Airways. They will never have my business again. Jerks.

That’s all I’ve gotta say about that. The holiday season leaves yours truly strained thin working 40+ hour weeks (that’s a six-day work schedule by the way) dealing with all sorts of interesting customer types. By the time I get in, the last thing I’m usually thinking about is sitting in front of another computer monitor. But lo and behold, that’s what I’m doing. I’ve been doing this routine for years and it’s unlikely that will change anytime soon.

*sigh*

It’s not nearly as bad as it sounds. Tomorrow marks a long-awaited… deserved day off. What’s on the agenda? Well, you may recall that PS3 feature from a week or two ago. I’ve got a few launch titles to sit down and play (hint: some of them, I don’t particularly care for.. sup THP8)… then I’ll toss together some quick impressions which will be featured in the report. Then it’s off to play some 360 titles. My interest in Burnout Revenge has been rekindled. Gears of War has been kicking my ass on Hardcore — can’t even begin to imagine how Insane is going to be, but I’m sure it’s going to make me its bitch. Then there’s Call of Duty 3… which within the first 10 minutes, I instantly fell in love. This is the best WWII series hands down… I’m a bit reluctant to keep playing cuz well, I haven’t beat the last edition (COD2)… but whatever.

Oh, and then there’s my Wii gaming — gotta make time for Zelda: Twilight Princess and some Rayman: Ravin Rabbids. How the hell am I going to make time for all this within a 12-hour period??? Simple: I need a second day off… gaming needs to be indulged to the fullest.

2007 is just around the corner and some of the team is getting eager to work on their Year-in-Review segment. Yeah, we didn’t forget, it’s on the way! We’re also tossing around an idea or two to introduce within the next few months (if not sooner). Can’t really get into it now… (believe me, it’s for the best that we keep things on the DL). Rest assured, we’re always thinking up new things to integrate creativity.

Aight, my fingers hurt so I’m going to bounce on that note. I’ll blabber later tonight or when I’ve got something else to rant about. Later!

Looks like I’m going to have to put out some extra cash for Capcom’s upcoming action shooter. Famitsu just put out the word and it’s all good! Here’s a transcript:

---

Extremely impressive throughout, from the real-time-rendered opening cutscenes to the impossibly huge enemies. Effects like snow and explosions are wonderful. Top-rate action shooter. The constant tension throughout as well as the balanced difficulty levels are on par with Capcom’s greatest. Battles are way intense! Score: 9

 

Brings to life a strange planet with powerful graphics that take full advantage of the Xbox 360’s capabilities. Gameplay stays true to its action roots, with nice learning and difficulty curves. Everything a great game should be. No complaints. Highly recommended. Score: 9

Great mix of action and shooter gameplay elements. Requires offensive and defensive strategies and strategic use of terrain. Plenty of depth. Snow and ice effects rendered beautifully and are a joy to look at. However, the action lacks a bit in the speed department, and the thrill or satisfaction is a little thin. Difficulty is a bit steep. Aimed at action game fans. Score: 8

The overwhelming size of the giant creatures along with the beautiful outdoor locations that are clear as far as the eye can see are truly impressive. The visuals are the high point, but the story lacks. The online multiplayer mode, where you go battle on foot or in giant walking machines, promises a lot of great fun. Score: 8

(more…)