Ooh, Vidjamagames

So, for those who feel all warm inside when they read this blog, you should feel all warm inside right this instant. Because I'm making time for you while my mind recovers from an extended period of reading Man's Fate for class.

First, I'd like to point out that I managed to pick up Jak and Daxter for a mere $5. Ooh, Vidjamagames! Now, funny bit of information: I've only finished Jak III. I rented Jak and Daxter and almost finished it (and I forgot to buy it until FOUR YEARS later). I bought Jak II for really bleeding cheap and I have no idea how far in it I was when I stopped enjoying myself. I bought Jak III, finished it, and determined that it is one of the best mascot games ever created.

Actually, Sony has released all of the best mascot games ever created. My first was Crash Bandicoot, which quickly became my new Donkey Kong Country, only for the PSOne. Which is to say I played it fanatically, completed it over a period of three to four days (perhaps even fewer days), and played it again and again. Of course, Crash 2 and 3 followed, all completed with the same speed and fervor. (Crash 3 was the only one in which I managed to finish everything, 103%.)

After the PS2 was released, I didn't buy the fourth proper Crash installment, but I might do so now for nostalgic purposes. However, Jak and Rachet were there to take Crash's place. Both of these series are now renowned for the immense amount of bloody destruction caused during the courses of the games. Especially for mascot games. Like Solid Snake (arguably a mascot, but Metal Gear games are definitely not mascot) had a huge dump on Naughty Dog studios, and instead of Crash's cute, harmless-looking spin attack (as Jak retains in his games), we get ROCKET LAUNCHERS. BIG FREAKING ROCKET LAUNCHERS. Now, tell me who wouldn't want to play some cutesy looking games like Rachet & Clank or Jak III with ROCKET LAUNCHERS?

Need I remind anybody what Super Mario had in his Nintendo 64 adventure? It sure as crap wasn't rocket launchers. Has Nintendo learned from this? Obviously not. Seen Luigi's Mansion? A vacuum cleaner? God. Super Mario Sunshine? A modified bloody WATER HOSE. What about Super Mario Galaxy? Oh...my...CRAP. He's shooting pink*, frilly stars. Mario and Luigi need to stop fronting this whole "brother" thing and come out already.

*Okay, so only some of the stars are pink. Still, it's pretty suspect. And it's not as if it matters, either, because the stars can't actually kill anything. Just stun.

RETRO DISENGAGE

In other news, I've started playing Call of Duty 4 online again. I can now dodge my other tasks and responsibilities.

Like I have any.

Other than research papers.

Four, to be exact.