Random Shots: Way Too Late

• I was going to write a post about Blizzard upending the talent system for Cataclysm. I think it's an awesome change and I love that they are willing to make so fundamental a change for the good of the game. But since it's been over a week since the news broke, it is way to late to write about it now. One bullet is all the topic gets. (If you actually want to read about it, go to PvD for the best commentary.)


• I've always liked the idea of Rogue-like games, even if I can't stand the arcane nature of most of them. But thanks to Ravious of Kill Ten Rats (who writes about more than Guild Wars evidently), I discovered Desktop Dungeons. It is a fun, little game that is easy to get into. Since the levels are randomized single levels, they can be played in just a few minutes. I'm quite hooked on the game.


• I gave in and started playing Dragon Quest IX. I love the fact that each game in the series is a refinement and improvement on the prior game. If you haven't played one since the first, you will be immediately familiar with this game. There is something to be said for the way series like Ultima or Final Fantasy rebuilt each sequel from the ground up for the sake of innovation. But I appreciate that SquareEnix continues to iterate on the series. I like having a solid base to go back to in each game.


• I went to Best Buy yesterday to buy a new set of ear buds. (I'm very hard on them and replace them constantly.) While I was wandering through the store, I spotted a 3D television demo. At first I just walked away. But the second time I saw it, I figured I might as well see how well it worked. It looked like I was looking through a Viewmaster. Give it up, folks. I want full holography or nothing.