Lost in the Oddyssey

Picked up Lost Oddyssey yesterday from the local Target. I’ve been looking for a traditional JRPG for some time, and Blue Dragon just wasn;t doing it for me. I may get back into that one later though.

I’m barely 2.5 hours in, and I must say I’m pleased so far with what I’m seeing. Impressive graphics, and the cut-scenes  are blended well with the ingame engine. I even don’t mind the traditional turn-based action, which I grew *really* tired of in the past.

I’m resisting the urge to read up on whats going to happen, wanting to be engrossed by the story. This game is designed by the original creator of Final Fantasy, and it shows, with fairly impressive results. Upon opening the case, I found no less than 4 game discs, with the last being included in a paper disc sleeve. Apparently standard game (DVD) boxes can only fit 3 discs on the little disc-nob that holds them in place.

Wonder how long this’ll take to complete… I don’t remember the last game I’ve finished, aside from Gears of War & Lego Star Wars II. My collection of unfinished games is growing

work-obsessed slacker = old-school gamer

I realize I haven’t been active the last couple of weeks. Been bogged down at the office lately.

However, in the midst of that I have found myself playing old(er) games, rather than my shiny Falcon Elite. In fact, She has found me playing Neverwinter Nights natively on my linux box. I’d forgotten how much fun it was, and she was interested in it as well. I may have to pick up another copy to install on her Inspiron so we can play together. Of course, then I’d need to set up my own NWN server

In other news, I’ve found myself playing old-school emulated games on one of my modded xboxes, notably MAME roms, but a few Sega Genesis games as well. My infatuation with Sega goes back to the 16bit era, having owned a Genesis (we played that thing constantly early in our marriage as cheap fun), SegaCD, then Saturn. She is still bitter about the Shining Force III disc ONE cliffhanger Fiasco, and refuses to play any other Shining Force games (except SF CD) until she can someday play the completed discs TWO and THREE. I may have to look into Saturn emulation again…

Kubuntu On The Rainslick Precipice Of Darkness

Yup, a new proprietary RPG released multiplatform. On Windows. On Mac. On Linux. Even on the Xbox 360. Demos available for all platforms
Tycho & Gabe, along with PlayGreenhouse, have released the 1st Episode of On The Rainslick Precipice Of Darkness. For those unfamiliar, you should spend some time reading Tycho’s editorials and Gabe’s comic strips. I love Penny Arcade, and read it every update (Mon/Wed/Fri). I personally find it hysterical myself.

I’ve tried the Linux demo, as well as the 360 version. They both play well, and capture the feel of PA perfectly. Surprisingly, it ran as flawlessly on my Kubuntu box as well as my 360, so I have no complaints. I feel the urge to pick this up for Linux to show my support. At $20 per episode, it seems reasonable. I hear each episode should provide between 8-12 hours of play. Not too shabby, I guess. I’m just excited they threw in a native client. There’s also a thread on the Ubuntu Forums.

D&D, Old School Style

I haven’t played D&D for years, since I was probably 19 or so. That’s nearly two decades, but it still hits a certain nostalgic spot for me. I used to have all of the original Advanced Dungeons & Dragons hardback books, DM’s Guide, Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, Deities & Demigods, and much more.

I’ve mentioned previously how D&D sparked my imagination & love of books, but when the recent news reports that Wizards is releasing a new version, I breezed over it and realized something: My fond memories are from AD&D. I loved the variety of dice, the homegrown feel of everything. The game, the franchise, has evolved into this d20 thing that is reported to be nothing like what I remember. It makes me more than a bit sad; I am heartbroken that I didn’t keep those old hardbacks books if for nothing more than nostalgia.

Enter OSRIC. the Old School Reference and Index Compilation. This compiles the old AD&D rules into a new volume, free of charge. You can continue playing the (best) version of the game you want. Even though it’s unlikely I’ll ever play again, I’m ecstatic that these core instructions will continue to be available. Apparently, its been ruled that rules are not copyrightable, so a few changes to exclude some trademarks and these folks are set. You can even order a printed set for a nominal fee. Go check it out.

Lost in Oblivion

So, I started playing Oblivion again this weekend, Sunday to be precise. I hadn’t played in a few months, it seems, as I’d gotten distracted and lost interested when I couldn’t find some I was supposed to. Whatever.
So, I loaded my last save, and with Her watching from the couch, I began wandering about until I stumbled upon some book that told me about some evil cult, etc, until I found myself running for my life and stumbling upon a new Oblivion Gate. Long story short, I’m back on track with the Main Quest, and have also joined the Fighter’s Guild, allowing my pathetic Gamerscore to bump up few more points. Of course, this took most of the afternoon and evening, wasting the majority of the day. It’s like a drug though. I keep thinking about what is going to happen next in th game. I was never this interested in Morrowind…

Late Tribute

Zagyg has died.

I realize I’m a several days late commenting on it here, but work has been pretty hectic, so you’ll have to pardon my absence.

After I read the news, it took me a bit to digest, and realize just how much of an impact the wizened old sage had on my childhood and formative years. This man’s creativity sparked my imagination. I discovered a colorful world in which I could dream dreams of such magnificent and excitement, of awe and wonder, and a wealth of books.

Oh, this wonderful hobby taught me the love of books that has never left me since. Gord the Rogue, Drizz’t, and lets not forget that Kender…

I actually had the opportunity to exchange a few emails with Gary a few years back, and he was a kind, gracious man who was happy to discuss his family and hobby. Unfortunately, I seem to have lost those mails somewhere along the line.

It gladdens me to hear Gary apparently found Christ at some point, which I find comforting, and somehow gives me validation against all the media who bashed this, my favorite hobby, growing up. While I have no idea of the specifics for Gary, I accepted the truth a decade ago and my life has been all the better for it. No, I hadn’t heard any voices or gotten all warm and fuzzy like the televangelists or media would have you believe. Amazingly enough, I observed and read until it all seemed logical to me. At least that was the beginning of my journey. I think more Christians need to realize that we are the same:

All I am is another fellow human that has at last, after many wrong paths and failed attenpts, found Jesus Christ.

I got nothing left. The Penny Arcade has a fitting tribute. Keep rolling 20s, Gary. See you on the other side