I've realized this over my years as a Gamestop member: why are the ratings rounded off by .5's now as opposed to before? Is it just because the editors are lazy and don't want to give games accurate ratings? Personally I'm offended, I'd like to give some games really precise scores. This scoring system makes me feel like my intelligence level has been dropped to that of an eight year old. Does anyone else notice this or feel the same way? Just a thought

Finally, video games have recived some professional credit from the Smithsonian American Art Museum! They're opening a new exhibition in March. Of course, I hope to see Team Ico and Bioshock at the exhibit.

Check it out! You can vote too... if you're a Smithsonian member.

http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/

Merry Christmas everyone! The vacation is finally here, which means I will spend alot of time gaming (like everyone else. Not too many people at my school have PS3, so I thought it would be cool to play online with people from Gamespot. So if you want, leave your PSN ids so we can all game together!

Considering that it is my favorite time of year, I have recently been replaying some of my ****c horror games. In my opinion, video games are the perfect way to give yourself a good scare, as scenarios can play out differently every time you play. In movies, the same outcome will always occur: man is being followed by killer, audience knows but character doesn't, audience is annoyed, character is brutally dismembered.

In addition,the fact that you are controlling the character gives puts even more pressure and terror on the player. Who wasn't scared the first time that they played Resident Evil 4? That village of creepy townspeople surrounding Leon made me feel helpless and terrified when they started attacking from all sides. (especially when I realized that I couldn't run and shoot)

Much like movies, (especially the Jamie Lee Curtis ****c, Halloween) video games can improve the overall mood of the game by having a great soundtrack. A great example of this is Bioshock. To most people, outdated 1940's music playing on a record player is ominous enough: not to mention the fact that you are many fathoms underwater, surrounded by murderous Splicers and Big Daddies.

So, if you aren't going out for the night, rather than renting a scary movie on TV, try playing a horror game instead for the ultimate spine tingling experience.Right now, I'm thinking of getting Dead Space mainly because Event Horizon had one of the most eerie and horrifying atmospheres in the history horror movies. (right next to Alien)

So, my questions to you all are: What is your favorite horror game? What do you plan on doing this Halloween?

Due to the fact that school has started, I haven't had much time to play video games. Therefore, this month's game is in the "use your brain" category.

Echochrome has helped wind down my busy days filled with school, running, jazz band, writing, and sparking up the occasional doobie. :D Though the game is extremely glitchy and flawed, I've found it quite fun to not only solve the puzzles themselves; but also to solve the game's problems. Creating levels is actually quite fun, if I have the time and patience to lay down and really use my brain. I really enjoy playing this game because it is fun, yet doesn't stop the creative and intelligent motor in my brain. (which most other games do) If anyone were to buy this game, I would recommend playing it before going to sleep or while doing something creative (good examples: homework or blazing)

I haven't touched either my PS3 or PS2 in awhile, much too busy. Good thing there's a solution for that.

I only had one reason to buy a DS: this game. Due to the fact that most all of the Silver versions in the world had batteries die, this game was released. Providing nostalgia for those who played the original (myself included) as well as modernized aspects, this game is the most complete Pokemon game of all time. I was disappointed that the original soundtrack was changed, but the new tracks are still amazing as well as epic! With everything revamped, it feels like an entirely new experience, except not really. Not too much to say about this game except that it provides nostalgia for all of us who still love Pokemon. Oh, and its probably one of the best handheld games I've played EVER. (next to the original)

Well..... it's been awhile. For those of you who are still reading these, here is the "much anticipated" game of the month, July edition!

With the purchase of my PS3, I've slowly been drifting in and out of playing video games. I don't know why, but the PS3 doesn't seem to have the same "magic" as PS2 did for me. :( So far, I have only bought 4 games in the 7 months I've had it. Due to my obsession with dystopias and after reading Ayn Rand's Atlus Shrugged, I heard that Bioshock is a game based around both. I was in awe of the thought and detail put into the horrifying world of Rapture, and was intrigued to learn more about the history and thinking behind its creation. True to what I heard, it follows many of Atlus Shugged's ideas and plot twists. I normally never like FPS games, but Bioshock has proven itself: so far. I'm not quite done yet, but I really don't care, as the gameplay has become repetitive and makes it too hard for me to follow the backstory. The reason this game got game of the month is because I can tell that the creators put a ton of thought into it, and because it occupied most of my gaming time in that month. :oops:

Since my ICO disk was freezing at a point in the game, I tried the "toothpaste method" in which you rub toothpaste over scratches to make them swallower and easier for the laser to read the disk. To my surprise, IT WORKED! Now I'm on my way and ready to beat the game!:D

Well, I've made it halfway through ICO and unfortunately the screen goes black after opening the third circular door to let light hit the "reflector". (gave that info so maybe some people can help) I knew that I would have some problems when I saw a huge scratch when I bought the game. I'm going to get the game resurfaced at a local store, but it also could be just because my PS2 won't read the disc at that point. Either way, it's a little frustrating, but I won't sweat it: I know what happens at the end of the game, I still have the disc for a collector's "display purpose", and I still love SOTC alot more. (Although I did want to fight the queen)

I missed doing a GOTM for January, so here it is. (Remember that these reviews aren't written in my professional "review manner".)

I have already finished this game, even though it is posted in my "now playing" list. This is because I am trying to find a good time to sit down and watch the hour long cutscene that ends the game. As you all know, I love the MGS series and have been waiting to get a PS3, mainly to play the fourth game in the series. I was so excited to play that I was shaking when I put it into the system. Metal Gear Solid beats all the others in every way. (Though I still like Snake Eater better) The graphics are better; the cutscenes are finally pausable; there are 3 times as many weapons; etc, etc, etc I COULD GO ON FOREVER. I'm sure all of you have played MGS4 that have a PS3, and its common knowledge as to why it is game of the month. To put it simply: I love the Metal Gear series and this was a great way to end it after nearly 20 years. (Though more games are still coming out)