Things to do when you are flat on your back. The PG version

I thought I was going to dodge this flu that everyone else had. I really really did. Everyone else got it, and yet I somehow seemed immune. This surprised me, for Constitution has always been my dump stat. I figured that since I manage to catch every cold and flu their is, was or ever will be, perhaps my immune system finally figured it out. No matter how nice the disease is dressed, or how much it sweet talks you, or how many flowers it has, you shouldn't let it in. Alas no. Stupid body.

The funny thing was, I knew right when I got this flu what the symptoms would be. I'd seen everyone else get it, so I knew I was fucked from the get go. So I did what everyone does when they know they are going to be sick for a while. I ordered a DS game. No sense being immobile and bored.

I've had an eye on Puzzle Quest for a while now. It seemed like a bit of an odd duck. I mean, sure, you have the character generation, the item generation, turn based combat, and the generic story. Pretty standard RPG stuff, right? But Puzzle Quest breaks the standard RPG mould in an interesting way. Everything you do: combat, item creation, training mounts, capturing monsters and such is done with a Bejeweled grid.

Wait a minute, you haven't heard of Bejeweled?

Go get the wooden object you no doubt used for my last post. Smack yourself again.

For the record. I don't enjoy doing this to you.

Anyway, this game could have gone wrong in so many ways. But it works. It's fun. The presentation for the DS isn't great, and the story's a bit meh, and it's fucking hard sometimes, but it's still a lot of fun. So if you looking for an RPG that's a bit different, give it a shot. It's out for DS, PSP and soon for the PC. And there's even a demo.

And if you are having trouble getting it, just order online. No need to kill anyone.

Loathing

Yes, I know I have posted about it before, but everyone needs to play Kingdom of Loathing. It's a silly, fun, online RPG that's surprisingly challenging. It's also more than a bit Canadian. Which doesn't hurt. Just stay away from the goofballs.

I've also been playing a little game called: UFO Afterlight. It's a spiritual sequel to the much beloved and fucking awesome X:Com. Now, if you don't know what X:Com is, or was, stop reading right now. Go get something big and wooden, and smack yourself with it. Hurts, doesn't it? Well, that's what you get. Geez. Double whammy for not stopping when I told you.

For the rest of us, I assume that we are all looking for something to fill that void. Messed up aliens. Disposable soldiers. Base building. Dark corners. Hover tanks.

Thus, you should ask: is Afterlight it?

Well, almost.

It's torturous, because while Afterlight is a good game, and gets close to scratching the X:Com itch, it just isn't there. It's painful at times, because you know that with a bit more love, you'd be playing it for hours on end in your underoos. But as it is, Afterlight is simply good.

So maybe give the demo a try, and let me know what you think. But man, isn't it about fucking time that someone steps up and make the X:Com game that we all want to play? Isn't it!?

Other than that, I've been very lame. Thank you and good night.