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Yes, I know ministers are supposed to have issues with computer games, and I do have my standards. I do not play Grand Theft Auto. But it is not all Free Cell either. I vividly remember the young woman who house sat for me once while I was away. The first words out of her mouth upon my return were, “Hey, you kill things in your spare time!” Well, just some things. Bad things. Cyber things. And I always play a good character...Rangers and Paladins or other characters that can be defined as at least “Neutral Good.” You RPG folks know what that means. And,in some sense, isn’t killing off Diablo part of the minister’s role? In any case, when I get really aggravated, it is much better that an evil Lich or two should fall than a member of my congregation. The things I play are not all violent. I do love RPGs, but I have neighborhoods full of Sims, just like everybody else, and am no stranger to theme park, zoo, and city sims either. I have built many a Civilization under Sid Meier’s tutelage, but I have yet to win by any means other than cultural domination, diplomacy, or by winning the space race. Okay, so I have wiped out a rival civilization or two, but never an entire planet. My ancient cultures always thrive...and never, ever ignore their gods. Here I will post a brief review of whatever current game is holding my attention. Stars, however, are boring. I will rate games on a scale of 1-5 woodchucks.
It's been a long time since I updated this page, but that doesn't mean that there has been no gaming going on. Yes, I went through KOTR II, but decided that I wouldn't write about it. It was wonderful, but it was the same sort of wonderful as the first one, which I already wrote about. It did clear up one of my beefs with KOTR I...you don't have to get through each type of mini-game to complete the larger game. That's good news for this hand/eye challenged player. Bottom line? If you liked the first one, you'll like this one, too. While in the mood for sequels, I've built a number of civilizations in CIV IV. Out of the box there were video card issues and I played for several hours with a black screen before getting the graphics, but a patch has now taken care of those issues. Of course I'm a fan of the new religious system...it really wasn't a true picture of civilization without religion playing more than a token role. And, finally, the new Elder Scrolls: Oblivion arrived. It doesn't feel hugely different from Morrowind, at least not yet, but I liked Morrowind a lot, so that's not a drawback. It's immersive, the graphics are lovely, and I've always been a fan of the system that automatically improves the skills you actually use. I'm having trouble finding the thieves guild, and it took me quite awhile to find any guild at all, but the fighters' and mages' guilds are keeping me busy. I really do wish I could find a source for lockpicks and security training, but my alchemy skills are pretty amazing! I'm giving all of them five woodchucks but with the qualification that I feel like I'm playing upgraded versions of the same things...not new games. The first ones were good...so are these. My Rating (for all three):  | |||||
