I haven't visited these parts in a while, still a huge fan of the people and community here though, but I thought I'd update everyone to my whereabouts.

As of sometime in the next week or two you can find me as a member of the staff of AOL's Joystiq family at Xbox360Fanboy.com as well as a reviewer for WorthPlaying.com

So drop in sometime and check out the latest.

Laters,

Xav

1. BioShock (PC/X360)
Not since the release of the original Half-Life in 1998 hasgameplay meshed so cohesively with its story creating an environment so surreal thatit becomes its own character. BioShock, from the minds at 2K Boston, places gamers in the underwater city of Rapture; a safe haven for scientific experiments, war-time pettiness and questionable morality. Taking its cues from such legendaryliterature as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, BioShock melds interesting biotic powers with tight gun-play in a beautiful claustrophobic world. While the ending only creates more questions for the world then it answers, BioShock is one of the best told tales the video game industry has every had the pleasure of featuring. Whether you play it on the Xbox 360 or the PC, BioShock is an incredible artistic achievement this industry rarely produces and is truly the best game of 2007.

2. Portal: The Orange Box (PC/X360)
When creating my top ten list I decided that I would only feature one aspect ofThe Orange Boxon my list and Portal won, and for good reason. Answering the question, that many people still don't understand, that games don't need to beepic adventures in order to show its value; Portal is one of the best experiences gamers will have regardless of its platform (Notice: At the time of this writing the PS3 version of The Orange Box is not available). With itsincredible sense or humor and solid gameplay mechanics, Portalcaptures the attention(and hearts) of gamers fasterthen any other game this yearand is paced so well wehold on until the very last slice of cake is revealed (and sung about).

3. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
While the platforming genre hasn't exactly lit up the sales charts in recent years, one plumber can always be called upon to reignite the flames of old-school gaming conventions and it's-a-him,Mario. Super Mario Galaxy, coveted as the one true sequel to the N64 legendarySuper Mario 64, combines elements from previous titles into a artistically gorgeous playground. Perfect 3D exploration, multiple power-ups and Bower's air fleet are just a few homages to thered and blue bomber's heyday that will keep fans glued to their seat; but the perfectly tuned control and difficulty will bring in gamers of all generations. While Super Mario Galaxy is easily one of the years best, it will arguably go down as one of Mario's greatest adventures ever told.

4.Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC/PS3/X360)
Sometimes a title comes along that showcases how creative a developer can be when they have a passion for their craft, Infinity Ward has done just that with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Leaving behind the age-old World War II setting and adopting a 'ripped from today's headlines' campaign, COD4 shines through as one of the most impressive shooters of the year with an engrossing single-player experience and one of the strongest multiplayer components available on any game ever released.

5. Halo 3 (X360)
While a never-ending stream of hype since therelease of its last successful title would cripple some sequels (sup, Devil May Cry 2), Bungie's Halo 3 was an overall package truly accepting of a game of the year nomination. While the short campaign left something to be desired in the end (namley having it end at all), Halo 3 stands out as one of the best values of the year with its multiple included bonuses, such as: Forge, saved films, shared files and always popular multiplayer. Leaving sales records shattered in its wake, Halo 3 has taken the mainstream batton away from other console mascots and left them spinning in the wind. While we might not agree with the marketing push behind the franchise, Bungie has closed off one of the most compelling stories told in the last decade and left the gaming world salavating for more.

6. Forza Motorsport 2 (X360)
Taking its cues from its critically and commercially successful predecessor, Forza Motorsport 2 raises the bar for customization in the simulation racing genre. With hundreds of licenced cars, over a dozen tracks and millions of options to customize your vehicle, Forza 2 skyrocketed to popularity when it released in North America and overseas. Including both the simulation and arcade modes any racing fan is sure to be drawn in by its incredible detail and perfect performance. Unleashing your creative side by designing your vehicles make-up (with over 4,000 layers available to customize per ride) and auctioning off reveals the meta-game experience as close to what J. Allard promised gamers would have from the Xbox 360 at the outset. With the release of Forza Motorsport 2, developer Turn 10 has solidified itself as one of the most impressive racing teams in the industry.

7. Everyday Shooter (PS3)
Solely developed by Canadian Jonathan Mak originally for PC and then later released on PlayStation's online network, Everyday Shooter is half Lumines and half Geometry Wars. Mixing the standard formula of a dual-stick shooter and the music puzzle genre, Everyday Shooter is light years beyond any other independent downloadable title available on any platform. While some would argue that a downloadble title doesn't belong on a "Best of the Year" list, Everyday Shooter is a text-book example of how molding various ideas can shape a timeless experience. For the bargain basement price of $9.99 Everyday Shooter is one of the best values available and is as relevant to the PS3 now as Geometry Wars was to the Xbox 360 at launch.

8. Crysis (PC)
Sometimes a title for the PC comes out that seriously makes your consider a new mortgage to update your gaming rig, Crysis isthe latest title to give me the thought. With its incredible production values from Germandeveloper Crytek (Far Cry), Crysiswas touted as the future-proof game of the decade; promising to be a relevant gaming option years from today. Lower then expected sales figures have forced EA to scale the title back recently, but this will only allow more gamers to experience the title for everything it offers. An incredible array of weapons and abilities are at your finger tips in this title, which is by far the most visually stunning game ever released.

9. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
Touted by many as one of the best reasons to own Sony's latest home console, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune comes from renowned developer Naughty Dog - the team behind the Jak & Daxter series. As Nate Drake gamers will explore a beautiful world of hidden treasures, exotic locales and detailed conspiracy that promises to suck them in for the entire 6-8 hour experience. What the game lacks in post-completion longevity it more then makes up for in smart storytelling, interesting characters and finely tuned game play. While the Tomb Raider-esque exploration is wonderfully executed, the title does suffer mediocre combat - however, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is an overall experience so entertaining any action fan would be hard pressed not to spend time with.

10.Metroid Prime3: Corruption(Wii)
Samus' first-person foray into the deep space began nearly eight years ago and Corruption marks the final chapter in the series. Doing away with conventional Metroid basics and allying Ms. Aran with her fellow bounty-hunter brethren adds a new layer to the storyline and shows gamers just how important the heroine is to the fate of the galaxy. Throw in Wii controls, that only Nintendo could perfect for the world to emulate, and soon-to-be legendary encounters and it becomes obvious that Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is one of this years best.

Trying to glaze over the latest happenings in the industry I thought I'd get good used to my Total Access membership before it expires for the last time.

Here's what I'm playing:

Xbox 360: Mass Effect, Call of Duty 4
PC: Half-Life 2: Episode 2
NDS: Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword (Demo), Geometry Wars Galaxies
PS3: Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Wii: Super Mario Galaxy

Heads up folks! The Resistance: Dawn of War comic is online for your downloading pleasure. Go to www.JEFFMATOS.com and RIGHT CLICK > SAVE TARGET AS on the image to save the 2mb PDF File! New site and other formats coming soon! Download Adobe Reader @ www.adobe.com! And as for my PS3? I've had it for, oh...a week. And it's dead! Got home after finally finding and then renting Fight Night Round 3 and went to fire it up...not so much with the working... Thanks Sony! How are you enjoying that $800? Yeah? Makes ya all warm and fuzzy don't it? So I wanted to play something and fired up the Xbox 360....and guess what? Red Ring of Death. What, was I Steve Jobs in a previous life? Why are my Microsoft and Sony products dying on me all of a sudden? Thankfully, both are under 14 day warranty from EB and I don't lose anything....but wait! No EB has PS3's or Xbox 360's in stock in my area! That's just 12 Kinds of Awesome. Also, for fear of its life...I will not turn on my Wii...

This week I was interviewed by Gaming Blog Site Bits, Bytes, Pixels & Sprites on my game comics, my gamer history and everything else. I rambled on a bit, but give it a read. Also in the same interview I announced that RESISTANCE: FALL OF MAN is the game my new comic is based on. The comic is titled, RESISTANCE: DAWN OF WAR and will release online on Friday, January 12, 2007. Head over to the interview (link below) for teaser art for the new comic.... it comes with a small taste of what my new comic art will look like... http://www.thebbps.com/blog/2007/01/05/paper-machinima-interview/#more-1462

Well now I've gone and done it... for months I told myself I wouldn't care about the PlayStation 3 ... but I broke. Yesterday I bought a 60gig PS3 with a copy of Resistance and EB Game's (ridiculously priced, Re: $90) warranty. Having worked at EB for years as a manager, I know that their warranty is the best (covers it all, even if I throw it against the wall or something) and it would give me the smallest headache possible. I fancy'ed myself a collector of all games from all systems, but recently I've put up my entire NES Collection on eBay (still up for bidding if you'd like) with classics like Zelda II, Metal Gear, POW, Double Dragon, Ninja Gaiden and more (17 in total) and I traded in most of my DS and Xbox games (and my original Green Xbox System). When I bought the Wii I sold my PSP to a friend for $150 (CND) and now I'm wishing I still had it (MSG: PO and the PS3 functionality are 2 reasons). I never play it anymore, and the games I traded I won't touch again. One thing hurt though, giving up the entire Splinter Cell (including 360's Double Agent) series was a shot in the Mean Bean Machine, but it netted me some good $$$ to put a $300 dent in the PS3's price. My old staff took care of me too, so I got a good deal. Impressions? It's not bad. But somethings bother me. You can tell the system which resolutions your HD-TV supports (thankfully my old PS2 Monster Component Cables work on the PS3) but if you have a 1080i tv and select 720p as a supported resolution it downscales it to that.... now, most people tell me 720p looks better than 1080i.... but I don't know. To me it looks grainer and too big and gray... maybe my tv isn't good at progressive ... but its still too big for my tiny 20" HD Set (you're talking to the guy who uses 1600x1200 on his laptop). The PS Store is neat, sad Sony didn't take a cue from MS with the Active Downloads. Most of what I've played looks better than some of the Xbox 360's launch games (ie. Motor Storm, GT HD Concept vs. Gun, THAW) but I've been spoiled by Gears of War. Resistance is good... it was one of the reasons I bought the system (MGS4, FFXIII are others). Game is fun...a little tough, which is good. I miss vibration, especially during its (fun) online modes. I had to spend 15 mins configuring the controls to serup I liked although I hate the PlayStation controller - not just this one, I always have... I have big hands and the analog sticks are in akward positions for me and it ends up cramping up my hand. I HATE that the crouch can't be set as a toggle which seems standard to me, holding it down adds to the strain... but I digress. Graphics are nice, but I know that system has some awesome power in it... boy does it get hot though. I had the door closed while playing and it boiled my room (along with the actual heater in the house going) so much that I had to crack a window. Lastly, I put in the copy of Taladega Nights that came with it, to check out this Blu-Ray Movie thing. I can't spot a difference for the life of me. My tv may not be great, but it's still HD... and my 360 looks fantastic on it... About me now... BitsBytePixelsSprites (thebbps.com) is interviewing me this week on my work within the industry. Meaning the comics I make. I'll link to it in here... but take a read at the interview, or at least scroll down to the bottom of it because I'll be previewing my new comic. That comic will launch either the day of the interview... or a day after it... but I'll let you know. Hey, and how's MR. HANGMAN? I've have over 200 new views on my profile since throwing up that little teaser puzzle... but no one has guessed? CAN ANYONE FIGURE OUT THE PUZZLE AND GUESS WHAT GAME MY NEW COMIC IS BASED ON? Come on, that entire post (the one below this one) is FILLED with clues... Anyone? Aww... you're shy...

something is coming, but to fiNd out wHat it is... he Needs your Help... guess correctly to fiNd out wHat is coming up next... www.JEFFMATOS.com

"Seven Conversations With Yourself: Part One" will be going live soon on my website www.jeffmatos.com I'll keep you posted on that. There are a few new projects I'm working on. 1) Building up hype and membership for The POiNTS Union here on GS 2) My website (I'm redoing it all) 3) My Public Relations and Creative Writing Portfolios 4) New comics (?) #4 needs some explaining. I will soon create a new comic book, again based on a video game. I haven't decided the game, but I have a story I'd like to tell that can fit into many different game engines. I get a ton of email to this day about "Shadow of the Colossus" and "Dead Rising" being completed, but as I said in a past blog post on my site those two projects have been shelved for licensing issues...one day I will revisit them. In the meantime, to hype you up about the possibility of my new projects I want to show you a new art direction I'm going on. Photoshop expert Manny Fresh has developed a method to take regular images, like screencaps, and create amazing artistic renderings of it... This will be the style I will (most likely) use for my new comics going forward. Here are two examples in a very rough form... Very exciting. Stay Tuned!

. click image for high-res version 'SEVEN CONVERSATIONS WITH YOURSELF: Chapter One' will be online @ www.JEFFMATOS.com soon! Take a look at the "beta" cover art for SEVEN CONVERSATIONS WITH YOURSELF. The short story is basically 7 independent stories written in the first person that will all tie together in the end. Each story, or chapter, is about 5 pages long and the entire story will be about 40 pages. Not too big. The concept is college sex/drug culture and what going to college for the first time can do to different the minds of very different personalities. I have to say that it is pretty vulgar, so in gaming terms, it would no doubt get an M rating.

Due to some content issues with the SotC, Dead Rising books...I am unable to upload the final issues for the time being. They will find their way online one day in the near future, but this is something that happens when you don't actually own the material you write about. It's different from fan fiction in a major way. With fan fiction you are using the idea/name of a property and fleshing it out in words. With the Paper Machinima Productions label, we actually use assets from the game (eg. screen grabs) to make our books. Like I said, the final issues will hit the web soon...but right now it's on the shelf. Look out soon for a short story hitting called "Seven Conversations With Yourself". It's very drug/sex/booze college inspired. Think Brian Easton Ellis, but not as talented.