Civilization Revolution

I've been a big fan of Sid Meier's Civilization franchise ever since I bought Civ II on a whim for my PC.  I'll confess now I am no great master at the game.  I have even been known to get frustrated with it and leave its many incarnations sitting idle around my house.  Eventually I work my way back and start playing again.  I hope I don't ever get so good at the game that it becomes boring.

I have really enjoyed the 'console' version called Civilization Revolution, owning a version for my DS, PS3 and iPod.  As I was syncing my iPod yesterday I noticed there was a new version of Civ Rev being uploaded.  The previous updated failed to transfer due to it only being available for iOS 5, so I wasn't too interested in whether this version will transfer.  To my surprise it made it to my iPod.

Last night while walking the treadmill at the gym I was bored with listening to music and decided to see what was new with the game.  I like the changes!  There is a definite improvement in the graphics.  I see some changes to the game options and even the menu system.  I'm sure there has been some game play tweaks as well.  Heading back to the gym tonight and I might pull it out to continue the game I started.  So easy for me to get addicted to this game...

It has begun...

Even though I picked up a copy of Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception on Sunday.  It wasn't until Tuesday night that I kicked my daughter out of the video game room so I could play.  Naughty Dog has up'd the graphics again!  The game experience is approaching a cinematic quality.  I'm not saying you are going to think you are watching a movie but I sure get the feeling I'm not in a game at times.

I've only managed to make it through the first few hours of the game and that has been attributed to getting back into the controls.  I've never been a great FPS gamer and learning how to run & gun is going to take some time.  I'm also not so sure I am a fan of the brawling mechanism but it appears it is going to be a big part of this game so I'll have to adjust.

So far I like the game.  There have been a few moments where I yelled at it for making me run around the roof tops looking for the one correct path while avoiding the enemies, but I eventually got through it and when it was over it was good for the story.  I think it is more me than the game.  As much as I like this series, I'm an RPG player at heart and more accustomed to being able to pause the action while I figure out my next move.

I have a sneaking suspicion that this game is going to get me hooked again and then I’ll be buying a PS Vita so I can play the Uncharted: Golden Abyss game when it is released.  Not such a bad thing I guess…  I have been keeping an eye on that system’s development with much anticipation.  For now, I’ll be making time at night to continue this story…

Sealed Fate

I think I just sealed my free time fate for the next few weeks, if not for the next month.  I purchased a few games today in anticipation of winter actually settling in soon.  The weather has been fairly mild up until now but I have a feeling February is going to get even with us.  If I'm going to be stuck inside I might as well have a few things to play.

I have read good things about Heavy Rain and I have wanted Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception since it was released in November.  I couldn't decide so I ended up bringing both home.  Which to play first?

Uncharted has been one of those series that I was thrilled I liked and surprised I could actually play.  I've been an RPGamer since I got hooked on video games.  I have quite intentionally avoided most FPS games because I just could never play them.  These games have pushed me beyond my usual capabilities and because of them I have branched out into new genres.  I'm leaning toward starting with this one...

This game is suppose to be a totally immersive experience, almost like playing your way through a movie.  It is suppose to be a cinematic, mystery thriller so maybe I should tackle this one after getting my Uncharted fix out of the way.

I suppose in the long run it doesn't matter which game I start with.  Either will probably provide the entertainment I'm looking for...

Back in Time

Just before the holiday break, in late December, I decided to dust off my old Xbox and bring it to work.  I'm able to make this work since my office is down in the basement and I rarely get visitors.  I had an old 20" TV that I had been storing in my office so naturally I hooked up the Xbox and have been playing video games during lunch.  I've found it really helps me escape for an hour and not feel burned out during the afternoon.

I started with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic from Bioware.  Getting back into my Jedi mind set was not difficult and playing through for the third or fourth time has been a blast.  The game holds up well for me and considering how bad my memory is the story still works and keeps me interested.  This was the first Bioware game I played and have been a big fan of the company ever since.

The Resolution List

The start of the new year is suppose to be a time for change.  People make resolutions to break bad habits, develop new ones or accomplish goals.  I'm OK with my bad habits so I guess that leaves me two of the three to use to make any resolutions.  Oh, alright, I suppose there is a bad habit or two I could try to break.  I plan on keeping this list short and achievable so it will eventually become one of those good habits I follow through the years.

Resolutions

1. Live healthier - this is really about better choices.  I believe a healthy diet is well rounded and not about exclusions.  I need to definitely break my bad habit of eating when stressed, bored, or as a social component.  I also need to get to the gym on a regular schedule before I am totally out of shape.
2. Learn photography - I've started this journey and it has taken over a portion of my day.  Now it is time to learn about this new interest and improve my skills.  I need to understand the technical side - equipment, composition, lighting, color, digital post processing, etc...  and practice, practice, practice.
3. Blogging - I have been playing with this blog for a few years.  This is the year to really commit to improving both my Ramblin' On and Picture Day blogs.  I know I'm full of words, now I just have to get them out of my head and on to the page.
4. Databases - this one is work related.  I have been fulfilling the database administrators role at work now for over a year.  I'm a coder at heart but it is time to dig into the database aspect of my job now and learn more about what I'm doing.  I need to have a better understanding of database configuration, performance tuning and troubleshooting.

This is my list for 2012.  I believe each of these is achievable and I'll do my best toward each one.  There are a few random thoughts which don't necessarily have to be on this list but for me are good to keep in the back of my head.  

• I have a ton of books stacked up on my 'to read' pile.  Television has become my lazy minds way of passing the time.  Why watch reruns of old shows when new books are waiting to be picked up.  
• Same goes for my video games.  No reason to rehash completed, old games when there are new ones waiting to played.  
• Balance!  There is a happy medium where all my interests can co-exist.  I need to find it.

I'm two weeks into this new year, which only leaves me 50 to work on these goals.  Time to get started...

Resolutions

It is day 4 of the new year and I still haven't written down my resolutions.  I have a few in my head but I believe I am hesitant to put them into writing for fear they become real?  I need a mental health check if that is truly the case... lol!

I never have really gone for making resolutions before because I didn't want to fail.  Silly, I know!  Well, I leave for vacation in a few days and will use that time to solidify the few things I would like to work on this year.  By the time I get back I should have them posted for all to see.

One Week!

We leave for vacation in one week!  Flying down to my home away from home...  Walt Disney World!  This will be the first official stay utilizing our vacation club points at The Beach Club Villas.  This will also be the first vacation at Disney in January.  I have heard good things about the low crowd levels during this time of the year although the first few days of our stay are during a marathon weekend.

Who can argue with a view like this?  The first time we stayed at this resort in 2008 it totally changed how we like to vacation.  You can be more relaxed and take the time to enjoy little things.  Being able to walk to two of the parks is a huge plus for me.  Having Epcot in my back yard has brought a heightened appreciation for the park.  There are more 'little' things to enjoy and not having to spend time riding a bus to get there lets you slow down to appreciate them.

I think the simplest perk I am looking forward to is the ability to get up and go for a walk around Crescent Lake.  An early morning stroll is always so relaxing and a stop at the Boardwalk Bakery for coffee is the best way to start a day.  I will have to convince my wife that all the stopping to take pictures is a good thing.

Now to start working on getting everything ready...