What I'm Playing

Since it's been a long time since I posted, here are the games that I've been playing in my spare time (which has been somewhat limited lately).

Jedi Outcast II

I beat this game over the course of about two weeks playing on and off. I've beaten the game numerous times - it's one of my favorite FPS games, because you don't need to have great shooting accuracy. After the first two level sequences and a training mission, you get a lightsaber, which means you don't need to shoot much for the rest of the game. I flew through the game because I've beaten all of the puzzles once before. But boy is it fun being a Jedi. I was going to get the new one, but due to its cost and the poor reviews I've read (they say the controls and camera angles are frustrating) I've decided to hold off.

Warcraft III

Sometimes the classics never go away. Can you tell that I'm poor at the moment? I broke this game out after a long time, and I forgot how much fun it was. It really did revolutionize the RTS genre with the introduction of heroes. I used to dislike it, but with my WoW experience the game takes a new meaning. First of all, I know where things are going on. When they say "go to Dalaran" I know where that is. It's far more engaging as a result. Secondly, I learned how to use the abilities of the heroes for benefit - I had never really used the paladin's heal or the death knight's coil as a heal before. And boy does it make a difference. Heroes really do change the game for the better.

Team Fortress II

I've been playing this one for almost a year now, and it never loses its edge. It's eternal PVP 16 vs 16. Even though there are only about 10 maps and only 9 classes, it never seems to get old. This is my default "I'm bored" game, and it gets more fun when playing with people you know over vent.

Guild Wars

I never thought I would play another MMO, because it gets so time consuming. But I've found that an MMO is only time-consuming if you make it so. Playing this game with Nick and Justin slows me down. We only play when we all can play, which is only once or twice a week. It's very enjoyable - lot of differences from WoW, some good and some bad. But it's nice getting back into a cooperative RPG.

The World Is Flat

No, this isn't a game. It's a book about how the world is changing due to technology. It's a very interesting read and sheds a lot of light as to how our world is going to change since anyone in any part of the world can participate in the global economy now. It is very long, but it's interesting to hear stories about big companies and their struggles in adapting to the flat world.