It's been a while since I've typed anything here.  I guess having two jobs and two kittens really eats away your free time.  I have purchased an obscene amount of games/gaming-type products over the past several days.  Heading the list are Dragon Quest VIII, the obligitory slime controller ( I know...) and Magna Carta.  I am hoping these purchases will have quality in proportion with the amount of money I have dropped on them.  I'm fairly sure they will, but time will tell...

Well, I took the dive and got a PSP. I am still concerned about the lack of games, but Lumines is a blast. I purchased the system after my girlfriend played a little bit of Lumines and instantly became addicted. With two addicts, it was fairly east to justify the purchase.

I had a great time at E3, as expected. Zelda was amazing, and Burnout and Soul Calibur both looked to be coming along nicely. I was very suprised at the lack of PSP games on the show floor. I almost feel happy that I didn't spring for the PSP now that I've encountered the lack of interesting software (as far as I'm concerned)>I'm considering springing for a SuperPass next so I can get behind closed doors and participate in the conferences and workshops. It's just an idea at this point, but it seems like it would be a good one. We'll see how I feel about it come next year.

Having played Lumines, I can officially say my desire for a PSP has increased. Another factor is my employee discount. I don't get a discount on new systems, but I do get one on used systems. A used PSP costs $199.99, after discount, I could pick one up at the bargain price (relatively) of $169.99. A savings of $80, which would cover Lumines and Metal Gear Acid (the two games I currently want for the system). I think I'll still hold off until there is a little more substance available than a puzzle game and a card game, although both are admittedly great games. I just don't find them great enough, on their own, to justify a PSP.

The Nintendo rep who suggested he could get us in to the Big N's pre-show party has seemingly vanished. Perhaps it was due to giving things away... Any way, a new opportunity has asrisen. It seems that we may be able to score some uber-swag from Sony's booth through a new connection. We'll have to wait and see, I suppose. No matter the outcome of these two situations, E3 should still be a blast. I have been ordeered by the significant other to bring back a full account of Burnout: Revenge, thus adding proof to the fact that I have created a monster. Somehow, I'm okay with that...

I have recently done a bit of looking at the future releases of both the DS and PSP. I have to say, having taken the plunge on the DS and not on the PSP, that I think I made the right decision. When comparing the lists of upcoming releases, I find much more for the DS that appeals to me as a gamer. Too many of the PSP games are re-hashes or games I'm just not interested in. As much hype as the PSP is currently recieving, I think I'll be much happier with my DS and the extra $100.