Gamebits' own Get Out of Hell Free cards are now in circulation. Doubtless I'll be needing them once some individuals catch wind of my review of Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball.
Actually, the only "letter to the editor" that has ever been printed in response to a Gamebits column was after Rick Rae's review of Resident Evil Code: Veronica. The reader in question proclaimed the review a waste of the newspaper's precious space, and that they/we should dedicate our limited column to highlighting only games that benefit society and that we'd want our children playing.
Of course, if we didn't review games like Resident Evil, you'd never know what games you didn't want your children playing. I'll accept thanks for that… or damnations. Gamebits is now covered in the latter department, so I'm cool with that.
Just a quick update to point you at the newly updated release schedules (and less than a month after the last update!). Prepare for February at your leisure – since leisure is, after all, what gaming is all about.
After a brief foray into the disappointing world of Clone Wars, I resumed playing Shenmue II. I thought climbing the 17 floors of the Yellow Head Building would be tedious, and expected a free elevator ride at any moment… but Sega kept the action varied, with multiple tasks throughout the floors. I was almost sad to see it end, but the cinematic battle on the rooftop was a great stopping point for the game. Now I'm disappointed that Shenmue didn't take advantage of this graceful exit, as the game continues past this point! Shenmue II: the game that never ends…
Expect a Two Towers review shortly. What an amazing game. If you like the moives to any degree, you will love what Electronic Arts has done here. More later.
… and after that, I delved back into Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance, completing 100% of the VR missions with Snake and Pliskin. Unfortunately, Tuxedo-Snake has no gimmick beyond his clothing, and the levels are supremely hard and identical in layout to prior missions. Having gone beyond waning, I think my patience is now officially waned.
Happy New Year! May the best games of your past be the worst of your future.
