First of all, I've been extremely busy with classes and moving in to my new home to really get on here. So, to all my friends, I'm sorry I haven't had time to catch up, but once things slow down I'll be able to contribute more. And while I'm thinking about it, I must mention that I don't know how long I'll have my internet service. My landlord was supposed to shut it off when he moved out of the house, but it's still up and running. Doesn't really matter though...I have a contengency plan in order, so I shouldn't be without service for long.

Anyways, back to my topic...

I had an old friend stop by the Gamestop I work at right before the holidays. He, his wife, and I went to high school together so many, many years ago. We exchanged MySpace addresses and we'll chat back and forth once in a while. I got a message from him the other day that a young lady had posted in a forum that they were searching for me...and knew my full name! I, of course, was worried, but I investigated and found it was another high school friend. So, I guess my point is, it's good to be home and to know that there are some people that actually cared. (I wasn't really popular in high school...I just went to school with most of the same people for so long and never really became 'friends' with too many of them.)

Now, on to videogames...the real reason you're reading my blog. :D My latest achievement was completing Bioshock. And what a 'shock' it was. I can't even put into words how awesome this game is. I've forced myself to move on to another title to keep from sitting down with it and trying to get the 'bad' ending right away. I want to let it rest for a little while and move on to something a little more...uhm...stupid? I really did feel overwhelmed by the story and the world of Rapture. There was so much to take in...so many things to look at and so many audio diaries to collect and listen to. And then the twist! Holy hell...I thought I was going to soil myself. Then there was the build up to the climactic battle and the emotional reslove...I was fairly exhausted when I got to the end. That is why I've picked up the affore-mentioned 'stupid' game to fall back on. I don't want to go straight into another gripping story because after Bioshock, nothing will hold a candle right now.

So what to play? I've got a few to choose from...I've got mindless superhero brawlers, childish movie tie-ins, and plenty of run-and-gun action shooters. I just don't think I'm ready to take on another intellectually-stimulating title at this point. Will it be one of my original Xbox titles I previously missed out on like Munch's Oddesy, X2: Wolverine's Revenge, or Ultimate Spider-man? Or will I stay with the 360 games and break out Cars, X3, or Transformers? Whatever I pick, it'll be a nice down-time from the Bioshock rollercoaster. Once I've finished off something a little less involved, I'll be ready for my next big title...

Now a question to all of you: Has a game ever brought about this kind of emotional response for you like Bioshock has for me? I'm sure there were plenty of you who were a little choked up at the end of disc 1 of Final Fantasy 7. And who wasn't overwhelmed by the sheer emotional power of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus? So tell me...without spoilers...what games should I look to for this kind of powerful storytelling?