So I'm playing Shadow of the Colossus, and it's everything I'd hoped. As the guys at Penny Arcade said, creating a game in which sixteen powerful 'boss' characters comprise the entire conflict is gutsy. Somehow, though, the action-focus of this sequel to Ico doesn't feel that much different than the first game. The beautiful landscapes, the subtle touches like the headstring tugs of your horse at its reigns, the misty fairy-dusty visuals, the strangely sad music...

Ico was a work of sublime genius. While this game is different, it's still part of the same family. I wonder if the third will be a RTS...

A friend who shall at the moment remain nameless slipped me a DVD full of ancient games from the days when having a Sound Blaster was really cutting edge. Among the gems in its numerous subdirectories was a copy of The Oregon Trail. Who doesn't remember the days huddled in front of an elementary school Apple II with that game? Buying rope, crossing rivers, breaking legs... I remember coming away from it with a firm conviction that, given the opportunity, one should always buy rope. That guideline has served me well in games, RPGs, and wedding rehersals.