What I’m Missing Out On

I was originally going to post about the NXE, but there’s lots about it already on the web, and I don’t think I have much original to add. In short, I like it, haven’t had trouble with it, and I approve of Microsoft’s changes. Moving on…

Like many people, this Fall/holiday season I’ve been conflicted over what games will get my attention. I’ve really been feeling this pinch the last few days since I’ve been playing Fallout 3 for a few weeks now and don’t show signs of finishing for at least another. As a result I decided that I would post about the “honourable mentions” of sort which I have my eye on, but I won’t be getting for a little while. I thought I’d outline briefly why I’m interested in the game, what reservations I have for getting it, and bottom-line it as to my final intentions. Here they are in no particular order:

Far Cry 2
Why I’m Curious: I enjoy shooters, and I’m a sucker for open-world games. The extra touches like weapons that degrade and actual mending of your body intrigue me, not to mention the map editor. Since the first day I saw anything about it I thought that Far Cry 2 is the kind of game I can sink tons of time in.
Reservations: The only reason I didn’t buy it on launch was money and timing. I simply couldn’t afford this with the other stuff I was looking for. Since its release I’ve heard a few negative things about some of the AI and I’m not sure if perhaps a fast-travel feature could have been included.
Bottom Line: This game is still on my list to buy. The reservations don’t hold much weight and I’m sure I’ll have fun with it. It just needs to wait until I’m looking to run and gun a bit before I pick it up.

Mirror’s Edge
Why I’m Curious: Lots has been written about the innovation in this game, so I won’t rattle it all off again. I played the demo and I think it’s definitely a game I’d have fun playing. It just feels different in the right ways, and that’s what I’m looking for.
Reservations: Many reviews complain about the combat towards the end, which I agree was a weak point in the demo, and that the game is kind of short. Can I really afford to pay $60 for a short game when there’s still open-world stuff out there for me?
Bottom Line: I’m going to end up waiting on this one. Not that I don’t want it, but I’m willing to wait for it. There are simply other games in line ahead, but I’ll keep it on the list.

Tomb Raider: Underworld
Why I’m Curious: I loved Tomb Raider: Legend and I like the demo. I like Lara Croft, and I’m curious about the story (it seems to pick up from the sudden end of Legend). It’s pretty and filled with lots of puzzles. Looks like lots of fun.
Reservations: The combat is not that good, though that’s not why I’m getting the game. I just worry it will be a frustration. The demo also suffered from camera issues, as do many third-person titles.
Bottom Line: I will have this one. The reservations may kill this game for others, but not me. Unfortunately it will have to wait until I get through some other games, and probably a replay of Legend. This game may be one that I get after the price drops a little.

The Last Remnant
Why I’m Curious: It’s been a little while since I played a Square JRPG, and this one looks not bad. The graphics look pretty, and the combat is turn-based (a must-have for me and a reason I avoided Tales of Vesperia and Infinite Undiscovery).
Reservations: Apparently there’s framerate issues. Being so driven on narrative, I get easily frustrated with problems like that. I’m also thinking that the combat/organization may get a little overwhelming since you deal with large numbers of characters.
Bottom Line: I’m thinking I’ll wait on this one. We’ll see what happens, but right now it may get a rent somewhere down the line before it becomes a buy.

Dead Space
Why I’m Curious: Honestly, I’m curious about Dead Space because I haven’t had some good sci-fi in a while. The narrative here seems cool, and the world they use is one I deem worth exploring. That and dismemberment. Awesome.
Reservations: I don’t like horror. I think this could be okay, because horror fans gave this game a hard time for not being scary enough, but I just want to have a good time with the game, not pee myself.
Bottom Line: This game is on the short list. I’ll probably see the animated movie before I get the game, but it’s on there.

Chrono Trigger DS
Why I’m Curious: Threw you off hunh? It’s been over a year since I dusted off my DS (original, not Lite), but my love for Chrono Trigger knows no bounds. Let’s just say that it’s the JRPG that got me into JRPG’s, and it was the first one I finished. I was young and I fell in love with the characters. This game gives me the warm and fuzzies.
Reservations: There’s a reason I don’t have a DS Lite. I just can’t bring myself to game on my handheld when I have a console right there, and I don’t game outside the home often if at all. I still have Final Fantasy III that I haven’t really started. How can I get a new game in good conscience?
Bottom Line: Totally conflicted. I will loose sleep. I’ll probably buy it in a moment of weakness and never play it. I am an awful person.

Sonic Unleashed
Why I’m Curious: I never really liked the original Sonic games, but this one looks kind of cool. It’s been a while since I played a genuinely fun kid-friendly platformer. This game might be good for that. I LIKE THE LOOK OF SONIC THE WEREHOG.
Reservations: If this game is like the original sonic games, as they’ve been saying, I may not like it. I’m also worried that there might not be enough content here to merit the pricetag.
Bottom Line: I’m watching this. We’ll see what happens. Perhaps a rent before I make any more moves.

Penny-Arcade Adventures: On the Rainslick Precipice of Darkness Episode 2
Why I’m Curious: I love Penny-Arcade, and I really enjoyed the first episode. I was quite relieved when I found out that I wouldn’t have to wait three years for the next installment. Simply put: for all the reasons I loved the first one.
Reservations: Just time and money again. This game launched when I already had an overflowing plate, and since it’s purchased with Microsoft Points I get screwed on the exchange rate again. The result is I won’t impulse buy this one but rather seek it out.
Bottom Line: Oh, I will get this one, but probably not until I’ve played through a few of the others on this list. I’m sure when I do get to it I’ll love every moment, but for now it’ll have to wait.

I’m sure there’s more, but that’s all I can think of now. That list was quite helpful. I hadn’t really prioritized these titles until now. What games are you waiting for?