Typically, I’m a console and handheld gamer with just a smidgen of PC gaming on the side. I spend most days working on a computer, and I haven’t avidly followed its admittedly gargantuan games lineup in a number of years. On the other hand, the computer serves as a touchstone for many fond memories of mine, from early sessions with Escape from Castle Wolfenstein on my Apple IIe all through the ’90s LucasArts adventure titles and even into our current century with classics (to me, anyway) like Serious Sam, Disciples II and Syberia. However, some years have passed, and now my PC finds itself relegated outside of the DS/Wii60 circle of free time. This may change soon.

Mortimer and some other West Coast crew members have convinced me to dive headfirst into the latest RTS from Total Annihilation guru Chris Taylor and his Gas Powered Games studio. Enter Supreme Commander. Although I didn’t mention it with my other classics above, Total Annihilation is quite honestly the best RTS I’ve ever played. It may not be the most technically proficient game on the block, and some of the strategies are wonky, but it suits my style of play better than any other title in this glutted genre. My anticipation to play Supreme Commander is only heightened by the sessions I’ve seen others play. It will receive some time this week.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption stands around 50% completion in my household at present. I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned my experience with it yet, but consider that problem rectified now. As is the case with all Metroid games that have passed from the steady hands of Retro Studios, Corruption stands as a testament to solid game design and gorgeous artwork. If you tried the other two, then you should have a good notion as to how this dance goes. Some elements have changed, mostly for the better, and the control scheme, while not immediately accessible, soon becomes as natural as breathing. Returning to the traditional dual analog setup for other titles may prove tough. At the day’s end, however, I think that many gamers will overlook Samus’ curtain call in favor of different experiences, but to deprive yourself of this wholly unique facet of the larger gaming world would be criminal. That said, at this time of year, choices do have to be made.

Very quickly: a couple of minor issues have sprung up on my end trying to roll out some new features for the website. I apologize for the delay; it has taken too long and my efforts have been very amateur hour. Stay tuned, though - I’ll straighten everything out soon.

- Irving

While Master Chief may be saving the universe, the EA faithful have their own fight to finish (ten bonus points to the first person to get the double meaning of the post title).

After EA made their stance on the competition known, it was obvious that an all-out war was about to emerge on the gaming battlefield. That war begins this week, as the legions of EA loyal set out to purge all remnants of competition and bring order to the planet. It would be much easier if we all just bought their titles exclusively, but alas; there are always those pesky rebels who never seem to understand the need for undying loyalty in lieu of actual competition.

If you want to see some of the advanced weaponry that EA is deploying this year, check out this algebra equation of an article. Is anyone else completely lost after reading that, or is it just me? Whatever happened to the good ole’ days of "A" is pass and "B" is shoot? I mean really, basketball shouldn’t require a depth of features that rival Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory or any RTS. Oh well - to each their own.

Finally, do NOT forget to pick up your copy of Spyro the Dragon on the GBA this week. If you’re a real gamer, you know what I’m talking about. Think of it as a traveling buddy for Link in your DS. When you get tired of hunting down treasures under the water, you can switch over to Spyro and unload a fifty hit combo on some bad guys that really, really deserve it.

- Dover

Greetings from Beau’s Eight-Sided Cage of Pain

The Bears lost yesterday . . . AGAIN. In case you don’t know, the Bears are the defending NFC CHAMPIONS. The Bears replaced the inconsistent Rex Grossman with the aging Brian Griese in an effort to spark its offense. It made absolutely no difference and the Bears lost. I hate Sunday . . . I hate football and I am going to sleep, perhaps FOREVER. I have not decided yet.

- Beau