I haven't been blogging much recently. Haven't even been online much. Why? Because I've been playing video games. More specifically, I recently bought an Xbox 360 in anticipation of Halo 3's imminent release. While at the store, I of course wasn't just going to get a game system and have it sit unused in the entertainment center for weeks, so I asked the resident pimply longhair to recommend the hottest "kill stuff" game. Gears of War was mentioned, but the latest greatest is apparently Bioshock.

You play a plane wreck survivor who discovers a massive underwater city built back in the 30's-40's. It was supposed to be a haven for the "best and brightest", but the genetic research went awry. It's now overrun with maniacal mutants, and you must inject plasmids and mutate yourself to obtain the superhuman skills to survive. Creepy? YES. Immersive? Completely. You look up, realizing your hands and neck are sore and you have to pee, and 5-6 hours have evaporated away. I just beat the game on the mid setting, it took more than several 12+ hour sessions. One "saving" grace is the existence of "vita-chambers" throughout. If you die, you're reborn inside the nearest one, with the same weapons, cash, and health, while the enemy you were fighting maintains all the damage you'd inflicted. Seems a little like cheating. Next up is the "expert" level, I'm a little hesitant to start as I know it'll be a monumental undertaking, especially if you don't rely on the vita-chambers ( I plan to try this purist route). Art deco/industrial style everywhere, excellent water effects (your vision even blurs if you walk under falling water), gruesome, fast, intelligent enemies, imaginative weapons and plentiful upgrades, and a storyline with several plot twists. Well made time waster.

Also picked up "Moto-GP 07". Don't. I played this same game YEARS ago on the regular Xbox, the only thing different is the look of the bikes and the names. Same graphics, same poor physics engine, same comically unrealistic crash sequences. Really feels like the 1990's era game it is. Just say no. Very disappointed in this title.

Wait, I can hear you thinking..." Doesn't the Xbox 360 have reliability issues? I know I read that somewhere. Red ring of death and all that?" Yes, it does. Microsoft's been good about returns, though, and the later versions (the build date is on the serial number, accessible in-the-store by pulling up a little cardboard flap) supposedly are much more stable.

Wireless controller? Very nice. A little small for my big paws, but well made, good feel and feedback. Also appreciated is the integrated DVD remote function. Since the Xbox is also my DVD player, I was not relishing the idea of buying yet another remote control. The 360's "remote" is the controller itself. Nice.