...Because they make ME feel uneasy, that's for sure. Mainly because of the gift problem. Anyone have the same issue? Being put in an uncomfortable position as of everyone asking you what would you like to get? No, really.

Main Event:

So, my birthday is tomorrow (25th), and my parents have been pretty persistent onasking me what I wanted them to get for me. I may be odd, but I hate it when people do that (I mean, I don't have any objections with the politeness, but I prefer a surprise to something chosen and most probably inappropriate for them), and a veryfortunate shipment arrived yesterday, saving me.Two of the three books I've ordered previously on Amazon.

Transformers: The Veiled Threat proved to be a pretty generic, short, but entertaining read, I had it finished by day's end. It's basically a bridge between the two movies, starting half a year after the first and ending with the beginning of the Shanghai mission. There was some underdevelopment and a literally overpowered image of one of the main antagonists (Starscream), but other than that it was a satisfying read for a fan.

Honestly though, if Michael Bay wasn't looking for excuses to direct Super-VFX-heavy scenes, this book would've made a much better script for the second movie.

Star Wars: Republic Commando Hard Contact, on the contrary, is a seriously written novel most probably focused on squad relationships of other commandos (the book is based, if someone doesn't know, on the best FPS in the Star Wars universe IMO), I'm gonna start reading it this evening. It has three more parts which I hope to order soon after I finish th first, because every review praised the writing style and it will most probably grip me no less than Halo did (I have eaten all six books based on the latter).

Gaming Progress:

Resident Evil 5 proved to be unnaturally organic with level design, and the appropriate pacing and diversity really kept the oil flowing, regardless of the fact that I've only just begun the third chapter (school's limiting my time). I've already said this, but it's a strange mix of slow, sloppy controls with lightspeed action and tension. The level in the tunnels (with Sheva carrying the flashlight) was frightening with its unpredictability; and that chainsaw guy was just impossible to bring down until I remembered that a dozen grenades existed in my inventory. I can't wait to try it out on coop LAN, as all those segments with Chris covering Sheva/vise versa are screaming for a live partner.

Reviews:

My Batman: Arkham Asylum review is up on Gameobserver.com. Feel free to check it out.

News:

• The PC version of Assassin's Creed II has been DELAYED!!! I can't believe that after so much false promises the devs did the same as for the first part. I hope it's just for the fear of MW2, because I'd hate if that becomes their "traditional" trademark. It is due to come out for PCs Q1 2010.
• Gran Turismo 5 has been moved, too, and will release in March 2010.
• PS3 250GB bundles will show up soon, with games like InFamous and Uncharted 2. No word of any Slim bundles whatsoever.
• The God of War Collection will include a demo for GoW III. That's... nice.
• Forza Motorsport 3 demo is available on Xbox Live! Well, on the Netherlands version at least, but you can download it wherever you are just by following this link. The download link is below on the page. It looks like it weights a formidable 1GB.
• What's even more, in October, a Left 4 Dead 2 demo will surface as well.
• A Director's Cut Resident Evil 5 is practically confirmed. Waiting for news!
• Halo 3: ODST sold 2 million copies IN ONE DAY. For comparison, Batman: Arkham Asylum needed two weeks to reach the same amount. Fanpower.
• Speaking of Batman, have you seen the PhysX comparison video? I'm still looking for my jaw.