I’m not sure there’s been enough quite enough discussion of Modern Warfare 2 on the internet these past few weeks, so I think I’ll add my opinion to the mix, at least on certain aspects of the game and its predecessor. Firstly, I should say that I wasn’t that bothered about playing this game, though I enjoyed Modern Warfare 1, and only bought it because it was cheap. I’m not a huge fan of first-person-shooter games (I’ve never gotten on with Halo for example), but as a videogame narrative, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (CoD4) was one of the best games I’ve played. I’d rank its story-telling up there with Silent Hill 2. Modern Warfare 2 though, even as I played it, never really sucked me in. It had cool moments, but is missing the certain feeling of the first game. Going back to Modern Warfare 1 now highlights the difference, the tenor that has altered for the sequel.

(more…)

I really like Christmas, or Annual Family Gift Day as I atheistically and frequently refer to it. A lot of people don’t, my mother included, which always surprises me, but I really do. This year I think I’ve spent already more than I have ever before, and I’ve still got a few people to buy for. It gives me a vague pain, being someone who’s usually so careful (stingy) with money, but then it makes me feel good. I’m almost certain everyone will really like their gifts, and I can justify the expense to myself not only with that, but that I might get a taste of such and such, or ‘try out’ this game to make sure it’s good enough, or watch this film with the giftee etc. I’m looking forward to wrapping them too. I bought some ribbon today, so they’re all going to look good.

But yes, I am being uncharacteristically frivolous for this one time of year: I spent £60 today alone, without really meaning too. That was more selfish though: I’ve essentially bought two of my presents, both because they were on special offer, and so cheaper than my parents would have found them for (both videogames too of course). Now I find out that this one game I asked for, and bought today after failing to contact my father because the deal was amazing and ended today, has already been purchased for me. Usually my father doesn’t get around to Christmas shopping until at least the 15th, sometimes the 20th or later. Who’d have thought he’d get his act together this year? Still, I’m sure it can be easily sorted. What I’m more worried about is lugging all these gifts home, since I’ve elected to go on a train rather than get picked up a day later.

Aside from being uncharacteristically frivolous, I’ve also been uncharacteristically happy of late. (more…)