For those who read my previous rantings about Blacksite: Area 51, I'll have a full review posted as soon as I get some time. I've been extremely busy with work and the holidays. However, know that I did end up finishing it in less than 48 hours (less than 8 hours of actual playing time) so I suggest anyone seriously thinking about buying this game, RENT IT FOR A WEEKEND! It's definately not worth $60.

Moving on, I finally finished Legend Of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass. Great game, but not without moments of frustration and screamed obscenities. I really think it could have been better if the option to use the thumb pad were available. The touch screen was mostly reliable, but not always. Some of the side-quest missions could have used a little more clarification. Especially the mermaid questnear the beginning...I went through almost the entire game before finding out that you could get a fishing rod. I had to find out in an online FAQ. It didn't ruin my experience and I finished the game without it, so all is well.

I broke down this morning and decided it was time to unlock the challenge mode on Contra 4 (so I could work on unlocking Contra and Super C), so I set it for the Easy modeand tore off through it. I'mglad to reportthat the final stage of the game is unavailable unless you play on Normal or Hard difficulty. This is what it's all about. REAL challenges requiring REAL skill to get through. Games with unlimited continues that you can run and gun your way through without thinking about your next move...that's not a real challenge. I applaud Microsoft for having the achievement goals on Xbox 360 titles.

Speaking of 360 titles, I've finally taken the time to check out Assassin's Creed. I thought this would be a title that wouldhave alot of hype surrounding it and not much substance, but after spending a good hour playing, I'm looking forward to purchasing it. I'm reminded of Gun with the open world and horseback riding, yet the different approach to combat and stealth and the enormous map have far exceeded my expectations. This is one to spend plenty of time searching for every hidden flag just to see how beautiful the world is. Even the surprise twist at the very beginning was a great way to begin the game.

Lego Star Wars Complete Saga (DS version) has now taken its place as one of my favorite multiplayer titles. The console version is fantastic, but being able to move freely without having to wait for your partner to explore an area makes it far more enjoyable. (In the console version, both players have to move before the screen advances within the same area with no option of playing in split scree.) The new mini-games are quite fun as well, but can be a bit difficult when trying to accquire the gold bricks.

I think the next game I'll check out is John Woo's Stranglehold. I figure the more games I check out from the store and complete, the less money I'll end up spending on titles I may be disappointed with if they turn out to be extremely short. The only thing that bothers me about this is that I may not be taking the time to fully enjoy some of the games. It's also taking away from time I could be spending on other games like Bioshock, Blazing Angels,and Blue Dragon. (I've been stuck in the B's lately.) But this is a throw-back to the days when I used to pride myself on finishing a game in less than a week (or in the time I had for a rental) and chalking it up on my 'board of victories'. It would be a shame to not take full advantage of the benefits of working for GameStop and check out as many games as possible before I start classes and don't have time to play anymore. I guess it's better to save the money though and have more to give to my daughter...which brings me (finally) to this week's rant:

What is wrong with people??? Why is it that everyone wants to "make a deal" on video games and systems? "What kind of price can you give me?", "What's your price on (insert system here)?", "How much can I get this for if I trade in x-amount of games?" Just because it's the holidays, it doesn't mean I'm going to pull some secret deal out of my a** that you only get if you ask me about it quietly in the corner of the store. I am NOT your friend. I am a 30 year old sales associate that is trying to do his damn job and provide you with the product you are looking for so you can spoil your rotten child with the newest game and/or system that said spoiled child MUST HAVE for their respective gift-giving holiday. I don't know when we're getting more copies of Guitar Hero 3 or Rock Band. We told you to reserve it before it came out, but you didn't want to listen. And by the way...I'm not hiding any systems away from you. I don't have some secret stash of Wiis I'mkeeping out for that special person to come in and ask just the right way. When our store receives them, we will sell them. No, I will not hold one for you. No, I will not call you when they arrive. No, I don't know when more are coming in. And I don't f***ing know when we're getting more.

So, this rant is all about stupid people and holidays. Stop trying to weasle deals from a retail store...our prices are set by the company and I cannot change them. Stop spoiling your children...I am a father and I like my daughter to have what she wants, but they can't have everything. Otherwise they don't appreciate anything. And finally, stop waiting until the last minute to get that sure-to-be-sold-out gift. I had people telling me they bought Wii systems this summer and fall and have them hidden away for the holidays. F***ING BRILLIANT! Why don't more people try this approach? Then you wouldn't have to call me day in and day out looking for something that we are not going to have! But this will never happen. People will always be stupid and children will always be brats. And that's all I have to say about it.

Happy freakin' shopping season everyone!