Yep, having left it for nearly 2 months - I'm returning to DX:HR.

I seem to do this with a lot of games, regardless of how much I'm enjoying them. I tend to skip around from title to title, and that combined with 2011's abundance of quality titles has led to me abandoning a few games.

Frankly, I've purchased too many titles this year - and I think Skyrim will be my last purchase for a while (although that may not be a day one, depending on state of launch).

MW3 isn't really appealing to me either. The campaigns in COD are always entertaining, and whilst the MP satisfies me for a while, I end up growing weary of it, especially since the reliance on killstreak rewards.

This will have to be a short blog post, because of how unspeakably late it is - felt like rambling however.

So I'm basically in my second year of a Journalism degree, and whilst I should be optimistic about the future - I'm beginning to view it apprehensively.

As I noted in one of my previous blogs, I have a massive passion for gaming and also writing (although I don't do nearly enough of it these days!). Whilst I'm learning about reporting on politics or getting to grips with desktop publishing software, I can't stop thinking about trying to get in to the games side of the industry.Although I'm aware it's a relatively new fish in a massive pond, I can't think of anything I'd be more suited to, or happy in career wise.

But while it's clear to me that the games industry is expanding massively, it's still unclear as to how best to make that first step in to my dream line of work. It sounds silly, but I don't want to wake up one day and realise I've missed out on my ambition.

Whilst blogs seem to be a great starting point (and can obviously lead to large rewards via hard work), I'd love to get some practical, hands-on experience.

And that's where my issue lies - ideally I'd love for GS to put out an ad tomorrow for placements :P but combining any that with 4 days a week of classes which I can't afford to miss means I'm extremely limited in what to do. I rarely see any offers for placements on any sites/publications I frequent either - although maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.

Any advice for this ambitious young chap?

Gran Turismo 5 was the title that finally made me want a PS3. With it's promise of mass amounts of content, and the franchise's legacy pushing me forward - I decided to take the plunge and give it a go.

I loved it, and played it continuously for those first few weeks with my shiny new system - ploughing my way through the career and upgrading cars in order to drive faster and better (not always successfully). After a while I ventured towards other PS3 exclusives, having missed several years worth of great games, and GT5 simply became relegated to the pits in favour of other experiences.

That all changed a few weeks ago, as I had a sudden urge to get stuck in again - but what I discovered upon my return, was potentially the reason why it was neglected for all those months.

Gran Turismo 5 is a fine driving sim, simply driving around the track is an exhilarating experience. Trying to handle a 600HP beast, whilst countering oversteer and lack of traction control is a joy. As is driving around the many detailed tracks; the games version of the Nurburgring is regarded as one of the most accurate representations in gaming, and taking a mini around the 13km circuit in pitch black darkness is fantastic, yet eerily tense at the same time.

However, as a game it is lacking. It's UI/menu system is incredibly counter-intuitive, and has put me off playing the game for quick sessions. Maybe I'm used to the streamlined system in Forza and other similar games - but even buying a car in GT5 takes too long - why Polyphony felt it necessary to use an unskippable animation of your new car appearing (after you've gone through the excellent selection of premium models) is beyond me. Sure, it lasts a few seconds, but when you want to quickly jump on to the track or fancy buying a few different models? It begins to grind.

This ties in with another odd choice, of sending prize cars (awarded through completing events, your birthday, etc.) to a "ticket" which then has to be manually redeemed for it to be added to your garage. Why? I have no idea, but I do know that I have around 20 cars in this position. It's not gamebreaking, but it is completely unnecessary and the prospect of sitting manually selecting each one AND then sitting through the unskippable animation ...?

As mentioned earlier, the game has a plethora of content - ranging from detailed tracks, gorgeous looking cars, and seasonal/special events which vary up the pace. The back cover of the game boasts: "Race over 1000 cars", and it's not joking around, there are a LOT of vehicles to choose from.

But the game really only places emphasis on 200-300 of them, those being the ultra detailed premium models. I cannot fault PD for the effort put in to these cars, everything down to windscreen wipers and in-car displays is finely tuned - but those standard cars? It rarely feels like they get a look in.

The standard models (some of which are just upscaled models from previous games) are accessed through the "Used Car Dealership", an apt name considering the content no doubt. In contrast to the packed dealership which lists models by make, the UCD gives you a selection of around 20 cars which randomly updates according to your XP, which essentially makes the majority of cars filler content.

Obviously the main focus is on premium models, but to boast 1000 cars then only focus on a fifth of them? Seems like they've just been thrown in.

That's not to say that the cars are significantly awful and it is nice having them, but going from the fully realised cockpit of an F40 to the equivalent of a PS2 game is not something to write home about - especially when these cars make up the bulk of the vehicle list. The physics are fine, and the few I've used have felt solid, just a shame about some of the inconsistent models.

Similarly, on track action is often disappointing also. Whilst previous games like Forza 3 have AI which feels aggressive and actually attempts to race you - GT5's "races" often feel like an overtaking exercise, with the CPU seemingly being almost unaware of your presence. It's not completely stupid, but it does tend to feel a bit lifeless on the longer races.

But perhaps GT5's biggest issue is one that could've been (and could still eventually be) a positive. It attempts to be a master of trades, combining masses of graphics, content and action in one package, but ultimately feels like a master of none. Inconsistency is rife, from the afore mentioned car models which split up the game, to graphical details on individual tracks.

Polyphony Digital have promised to regularly update the game in accordance to fan feedback, and it must be noted that I haven't spent enough time with it upon my return to fully note all the improvements, but I seriously hope they keep it up. Promises of future DLC and standard models being converted to premium sound promising.

I don't dislike the game, despite my little moan on here - in fact I recommend it to anyone with a PS3 and an interest in cars. It's just a few miles away from the the chequered flag.

Last week Deus Ex: Human Revolution arrived to (surprisingly for some) mass critical acclaim. A game which aimed to live up to the cult reception the original recieved, and one which some hardened fans, hoped would erase sour memories of Invisible War.

Pushed by a heavy marketing campaign, and propelled by a drought of summer releases - HR marked it's territory by arriving at number one in the UK chart, and (reportedly) almost outdid the entire lifetime sales of IW in just two days.

In a market which is saturated with straight-forward, no nonsense six hour action games, and publishers relying on major franchises being slightly modified for a yearly release, it is refreshing to see how a single player game, so hellbent on making an individual players experience so unique has captured the hearts of so many gamers in it's infancy.

It's not just the relative complexity, and freedom that the game gives which provides me with joy, nor the genre (of which I'm sadly fairly unfamiliar) - but the amount of detail and work that has so clearly been put in to it from the developers at Eidos Montreal that makes me smile.

A lot of blockbuster titles lack this clear effort - collectibles are one thing, but to have these collectibles (books, TV, newspapers, emails) actually immerse you further in the world? That's commendable, and something I'd love to see more of. Why should I bother collecting a shiny pebble (wow!) to aim for 100%, when you could give me something which feels compelling to reach, as is the case here.

Side quests feel fully fleshed out, and feel every bit as significant as that long main quest. Even if they bear no relevance to the current "main" situation, the self-contained stories do wonders for the game as a whole.

Perhaps most importantly; the game is tough and revels in that fact. The most direct option isn't always the best, which can lead to a lot of unexpected deaths, and a relative lack of ammo compared to many similar games rewards stealth gameplay, whilst not making that a pushover either.

Simply put: The game rewards you for thinking, and even if you do die - it rarely feels frustrating due to the numerous options open for you.

Now I'm not saying every game should be like this. That would be unfair to the millions who love a more casual experience, or a game which you can sit down and push through in a few short sittings.

I don't necessarily want every game to be anti-linear either, the COD campaigns (to name one name) are deservedly loved by millions for their no-nonsense action.

What I would love to see, is the resurgence of blockbuster games which reward effort and patience. A resurgence of games which appear to have been painstakingly crafted by folks who want to provide the most immersive experience possible. With the explosion of online gaming, single player is no longer always the bulk of the experience but sometimes 50/50 or even less with a multiplayer component.

The industry doesn't lack these amazing games at all, and a game does not need to be complex in order to succeed or be fantastic, it's the opposite in many cases.

But I would like more emphasis on it in the blockbuster market - to truly cater to everyone out there, and to welcome newer gamers to great experiences.

The weeks before E3 2011 were filled with rampant speculation, and excitement over the leaked news of a new Nintendo console.

After the massive success of the Wii, predictions had ranged from the optimistic belief of a high-end PC rivalling beast, to the rather more relaxed theory of a Xbox/PS3 equivalent.

Nintendo's conference date arrived, and as gaming media gathered, and tension built up - Nintendo finally came out and unveiled...

...this.

Instead of answering all of the questions that had been rushing through gamer's minds for weeks, Nintendo's big unveil left some people scratching their heads and feeling more confused than usual.

Chatting in an E3 IRC with fellow gamers, many were confused over what exactly Nintendo were showing us, with a multitude of unanswered questions:

A) Is it just a controller?

B) Is it a console with a controller?

C) Is it a console inside a controller?

D) What is it? And why are Nintendo are showing me this?!

After initial confusion had cleared up, and the gaming media told us that it wasindeed a new system with a new controller - many were left feeling underwhelmed.

Despite being a system that is apparently capable of graphics beyond PS3/360, 1080p and solid third party support (something that Nintendo has been lacking horrifically in recent years), reaction was mixed.

Not just across forums, but also inside the business world:http://blogs.wsj.com/marketbeat/2011/06/08/wii-u-says-nintendo-pee-yew-says-market/

I feel that there is one main reason for this:

- A lack of information:

What we were shown was very limited. No actual software was shown, besides a tech demo and several "experiences" which used the controller in varying ways. The console itself wasn't shown either (although a supposed image of it was leaked later on that evening).

The months of speculation leading up to E3 built up an expectation of solid information and all questions answered - from the specs, to the launch titles, to the price, some even hoped for a released date - and despite getting a good look at what Nintendo expect the machine to do (multiscreen gaming, seamless integration with on screen video, etc.) we didn't really get an idea of what the machine can do, but rather a montage of multiplatform game footage from other platforms (due to none being available for the device at present).

I have faith in Nintendo however. They did address a criticism of recent years (lacking third party) showing strong support from EA, and other major players in the industry. And the controller appears more suited to a traditional sit down and play method, rather than the "waggle" used in the Wii.

The idea behind the system seems innovative, yet suited to more "core" gamers than the Wii appealed to - this feels like a system which can cater to everyone.

We also have over a year till it's expected release, so to expect such solid details on final specs/gameplay demos this early on is unexpected.

What will the future bring? Hopefully a lot of new information that'll clear up doubts.

[Oh wow it's late...]

I remember the explosive launch of the 360 (I'm not talking about console failures here...), it was everywhere - marketed as the next step in gaming, allowing HD resolutions and exciting new IP's and experiences which were combined with the now irrelevant phrase of 'Next-Gen'.

When it launched in November 2005, I was a mere fourteen years of age, pestering my parents at every opportunity to supply me with what would be the envy of my peers. Eventually agreeing that they'd help me purchase one (after waiting for the supply issues to even out), and I was finally ready to experience this new tech. I knew MS had it in the bag, they introduced me to now familarfranchises, more adult orientated games and competitive online gaming.

I have spent countless hours since, playing such franchises as Forza, Halo, Gears, Fable and other massive titles and I loved the support that MS was giving me - the video game crazed teenager, with exclusives here and big announcements there. The 360 had exceeded any potential I was expecting. This was gaming.

Then along came...

Please don't think I'm ignorant to other people's idea of fun. I welcome the rise of more gamers with open arms, knowing that they will experience the same amount of fun from their new hobby, that I have for most of my life.

But Microsoft's decision to focus solely on Kinect has got me worried. I love gaming, and I'm all for evolution in this industry - many people wrote off the Wii and that's now seen as a massive success, but (this is going to sound selfish) what about me?

What about the guy who doesn't want to buy a £100+ peripheral? Am I stuffed?

From a first party perspective, I just may.

After the disappointing show of MS at the last few major conferences, I honestly don't know what to expect. As much as I'm hyping Gears of War 3, Forza and future Halo games I want more. I've now obtained a PS3 (I want to own as many systems as possible) and seeing Sony's determined approach to providing gamers of all play-**** with bucketloads of support has made me feel like MS is turning it's back on me.

Sony have proven that they can support both established gamers, and those who may be entering the fray for the first time/have no interest in a regularly controlled game. Even Nintendo mix up their fanbase with strong support for games across various genres.

MS are a massive corporation, and I believe that if they put as much emphasis into supporting their broad demographicas they have with promoting Kinect, they'd arguably dominate the industry for many types of gamer - but this far into the generation, I doubt it.

Prove me wrong MS, show gamers EVERYWHERE some love.

(Bit of a rushed blog, may edit when I have time - I just felt like writing for a while).

So, it's 00:40 on February 1st and I've decided to give you the pleasure/torture of another blog :P

I've been thinking a lot recently about my future career, and where I'd like to be in 20 years. I have no doubt that many people share my ambitions on this site, and it may seem a bitclichéd but....

I want to be a games journalist.

Honestly, at the age of 20 - there is very little that I find myself motivated towards in terms of a career. I know it is not all fun and games, and I also know that it's an incredibly competitive area but I feel like I'd be disappointed in any other aspect of journalism (I'm currently in my first year of study) and worry about missing the chance.

To be honest, I don't know where to start. Being able to write professionally on a site like this, sharing information with other people who share my hobby would be an absolute pleasure. But that's not now, that is merely a pipedream.

I have 4 months to spare in the summer, completely void of any major commitments or responsibilities, and instead of sitting around lounging playing the games, I want to be spend my time writing about the games. Maybe I'll find a work placement.

I hope.

On a less ambitious note, I still have yet to clear my large backlog of gaming goodness. Getting a PS3 at Christmas has left me with even more games to get through - who cares if I don't finish them all, I'm having a hell of a lot of fun trying ;]

So after a long month of absence...I am back on GS.

Basically, someone got onto my account due to me leaving myself logged in somewhere...unsure whether it was a friend pranking me (most likely) or a stranger, but I've learnt a valuable lesson...

Take care of your account!

I was very lucky (very) to be allowed back on here, and I'm very grateful for the reinstatement of my account - I honestly don't wish this sort of infringement on anyone, so I'm going to give you a few basic tips.

1) Keep passwords separate - don't use the same one for GS that you'd use for hotmail, etc.

2) Change passwords regularly, and make sure the password is secure. Don't make it obvious to ANYONE.

3) ALWAYS log out from a public location (or someone else's computer).

4) Follow these simple rules and you should remain safe :)

I've missed my time here and now have a lot of catching up to do. I think it's time I kept this blog updated :]