Blame Gamespot for once having a poll on their main page about online games you're looking forward to and having Ponystars be one of the choices. I selected it as a joke, then did some research and found out that it really did exist. Playing with pixellated ponies can be addictive, so why not spread the disease? If you played with My Little Pony growing up, you'll feel right at home.

Ponystars

Next up is My Diva Doll, an online dress-up game from the same company (Acclaim). I wasn't too wild about it at first, but it has grown on me. I used to love paper dolls as a child, so that must be why I like it. Also, it gives me something different to do without requiring a lot of time. Both games are completely browser-based, which is another plus.

My Diva Doll

From the maker of the game Other Worlds comes a great new point-and-click adventure called Diamonds in the Rough. The reviews so far have been positive. :)

The game can be purchased online at http://www.atropos-studios.com/.

There's nothing like browsing through my game collection and wish list and comparing myself to the statistics for those particular games. Observe:

Wish List
- The Hardy Boys and the Tower Treasure (I'm one of 3)
- Nancy Drew: The Mystery of the Clue Bender Society (I'm the only one!)
- Mata Hari (I'm one of 6)

Collection ~ here's where it really gets fun ... these two "games" that aren't really full-blown games
- *NSYNC Hotline Fantasy Phone (I'm the only one! For what it's worth, this wasn't always listed on Gamespot.)
- The X-Files: Unrestricted Access (I'm one of 3, but why is it listed as a Sci-Fi First-Person Shooter? It's just an episode repository for the first few seasons.)

There were other games, but they had a few more users, which made these stand out. :P

For a few years now, gamers that pre-ordered their Nancy Drew games from HerInteractive.com received them well in advance of everybody else. Legend of the Crystal Skull is no exception. According to the September newsletter, preorders were due to be shipped on Monday, October 1.

Today is Saturday and gamers who pre-ordered already received their game as early as yesterday: Friday, September 28.:D This might only seem like a couple days difference, but it means they get to spend the weekend playing their new game, which isn't due to arrive in retail stores for at least two weeks.

*Ducks the flying tomatoes.*

Why? The reason is simple: I don't play shooters. :P

If Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis were to be made into a movie (and it's not, so don't hold your breath), the trailer for it might look something like this.

For the uninitiated, who are not familiar with this great game, you can read a review at Just Adventure +.

The review for Final Fantasy XII here on Gamespot has a picture caption that says the following: "The suave, pragmatic sky pirate Balthier sticks out as the game's best character (or the Auron of the cast, if you will)."

Auron? 'Scuse me?

They indeed have similarities, but I can assure you that they are two very separate, very different characters.

Each with their own redeeming qualities that make the ladies swoon. :D

I have my Gamespot badge in my siggy at a particular forum. Yesterday or the day before was the first I've put it there and the first I've posted by Gamespot badge anywhere. Yesterday, it said I was at Level 10, 4x%, when I was really at 4%. Today, it says I'm at 71%, when I'm really at 7.68%.

It's just a little messed up. :P

No, I'm not being boastful about game sales, # of games in the series, or that they're the best thing out there (I realize some games are "better"). What I mean is, I had been in limbo after finishing FFX-2, debating what to play next. FFXII? Kingdom Hearts? Install a new Sims 2 expansion (I own Pets and Seasons)? Replay Myst IV before uninstalling it to make room for other games? Play Barrow Hill for a spooky chill? Try to play Runaway 2 even though I'm not sure I have a capable video card? Open up Bad Mojo: Redux that's been on my shelf for a year and never been touched?

With the release of a new Nancy Drew game, I never know quite when it will arrive on store shelves. Sometimes it's right away and other times it's a few weeks or a month later. Likewise, I'm either in the stores every weekend looking for it, or I wait a month or two for when I'm ready for something new. Sunday I was in Best Buy and it wasn't there. Tonight, I was in Best Buy again, looking for something that I should have purchased on Sunday. Well, it was a store in a different location, so of course I had to check out their games. There on the shelf, just waiting for me, was The White Wolf of Icicle Creek.

Dilemma solved. Next up is Nancy Drew #16!

I started playing FFX back in early December.  I devoted a little over 90 hours to that game - according to the in-game timer thing - and finished FFX-2 a few days ago - just over 60 hours there.  I can hear you now: "Dude[tte], it took you 6 months to play 2 games??"  My answer is: "Yes!"  I did not realize the FF games had so many sidequests, optional things, etc., not to mention general levelling up so you can beat the bosses, and of course I had to experience as much as I could without going out of my way too much.  I figured I might as well, if I was putting THAT much time into a game, as I don't know when I'll have the energy to do it all again.  I did take a few breaks in between - I was not sitting in front of my PS2 EVERY night for hours on end, obviously.  And as much as I would love to start a New Game Plus in X-2 and try some things I didn't get to do, I am afraid that if I have to spend anymore time wandering the paths and lands of Spira, I will scream.

It is time for a change of pace!  Perhaps I should start FFXII. :D