It's done. My Wii is gone. Tina, if you're reading this, take good care of her.
Also, I'm sorry about the length of the post. I haven't had much time to game this week, let alone write.





Nothing new this week, unfortunately. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions has consumed more of my time than any other game in the past 7 days. Every time I play, I am more and more impressed by this newest version. I know I've mentioned it a few times before, but the new translation is just great. I also can't get over the awesome visual style of the cut scenes. Akihiko Yoshida's character designs are modeled and animated in 3D, are given a hand-sketched appearance thanks to cel-shading and a cool "scratchy" effect. It's a bit tough to explain, but hopefully this will help:



For those not familiar with the gameplay of FFT, it is a tactical RPG. Battles fold out on a 3D landscape between 2 teams. During each character's turn, the order of which is based on an individual's speed attribute, they may move and perform one ability (or vice-versa). Movement and action ranges, as well as equipment and abilities, are determined by the job you have assigned to a character.


Imagine this made out of squares

The game utilizes a character class (job) system. It allows you to customize your characters through the use of 5 ability slots (2 job-skill slots, reaction, support and movement). Jobs, which run the gamut from knights and archers to summoners and ninjas, each have their own unique abilities. The first skill slot is reserved for the the character's current job. You can assign the skills of another job to the second slot. Reaction abilities, such as counter attacks and evasive skills, are triggered when you are attacked. Support abilities are passive, and can allow you to equip non-standard items (ie. a black mage may equip a sword with the aid of a proper support ability), or enhance physical or magical strength or defense. Finally, movement abilities can increase your movement range, restore HP or MP when you move, or allow you to find hidden items on the battlefield. Of course, there are many more options available for each ability slot, as there are 20 jobs, each with their own unique skills. To unlock each skill within a job, you spend job points, or JP, which are earned each time you successfully complete an action during battle.


The many job classes available to use

Ultimately, it is this customization aspect that has kept me hooked for the better part of a decade. I'm always trying to make the ultimate warrior. My latest creation is a ninja (who attacks with 2 weapons), with the monk ability of Martial Arts as a sub job. Her reaction ability is Reflexes, which makes her damn near impossible to hit, and the Dragoon movement skill Ignore Elevation allows her to scale any height. To top things off, the Geomancer support skill Increase Damage boosts her already formidable attack power. I find this combination makes for a warrior who is capable of long range attacks while being devastating at close range. She can close any distance quickly, and is able to heal herself should she fall into danger. I'm sure I'll create a better warrior eventually, but this one works wonders for me right now.

I finally completed GTA IV over the weekend. Quite frankly, I was disappointed by the ending. It provided a great character arc, but the story felt unfinished. I do appreciate the fact that it was not a happy ending, as I believe tragedies are much easier to relate to. I am aware of the 2 possible final missions, as well as their outcomes. I intend to experience the other one in the next few days to see what type of emotional impact it has on me. I'll be more prepared to go into greater detail at that time. Until then, I highly recommend Reverend Anthony's article, Deconstructing GTA IV's Ending.





Over at GameSetWatch, Tadhg Kelly discusses the pitfalls of Microsoft's decision to delist under performing arcade titles.

*SPOILER ALERT* 1up counts down the top 5 videogame spoilers. Aerith dies. Deal with it.

Leigh Alexander rebuts an argument that GTA IV is overtly misogynist.





2P Start gave me quite a chuckle with their take on Dr Mario. A couple of the jokes are heavy handed, but the payoff is worth it.

Just What The Doctor Ordered