I just got my review copy of Rogue Leaders. I intend to write a full-length review in the next week or so, but I can definitely say right now that this is a book that NO, I repeat, NO, fan of LucasArts games will want to miss. It's beautifully produced; top quality, and jam-packed with amazing images, game design plans, interviews, photos of all kinds...You'd have to basically be nuts not to order this one right away. I'm very impressed (blown away, really) and can't wait to delve more into it.

Jack KeaneACG has posted my review of Jack Keane, an adventure game in the style of Monkey Island. Check it out if you get a chance; in short, I thought the game was excellent and well worth your money if you're a fan of the genre (or even if you're not!). It's a little "sexier" than what you might expect, but I certainly didn't mind that--we're not all 10, after all.

You can purchase the download for the game here for only $20. Not a bad deal IMHO.

My First MMORPG: "Perfect World"
Perfect World: load screen

I've played a fair share of solo CRPG's, but I came across an MMORPG that seemed quite inviting and well-worth test-running. That MMORPG is called Perfect World, a new Chinese-mythology-themed MMORPG released by "Perfect World International," and is said by many to be quite competitive with, if not surpassing, other MMORPG's such as "World of Warcraft." On top of that, it's FREE to play; the service company makes its money by selling you bonus items and services (completely optional). Although it's genuinely free, "Perfect World" is a REAL, commercially-developed MMORPG; it's the real deal, and not just some freeware wannabe.

Although a previous post in another thread made it sound like I hated "Baldur's Gate," let me make this clear: Baldur's Gate is a GREAT game! It just took a lot of time for me to realize it. In fact, it achieved the HOLY GRAIL of what I seek in a game: it gave me a NEW gaming experience! I had to make a TERRIFYING choice, and it felt REAL! I can't recall ever feeling that in a game before, and it was exhilarating! This is role playing!

Hey everyone, if you haven't seen this show please check out my video at get some info on a great show produced and hosted by a great guy John Gibson AKA GRILLEDMONKEYFAT on many forums, I am sure once you check out his site and a few of his shows you will look forward to seeing more! As always you comments, feedback etc is much appreciated!

Her Interactive's Nancy Drew: The Haunting of Castle Malloy, is the 19th game in what is undoubtedly the longest-running adventure game series in history. The games have all been outstanding, and even the weakest were better than many a competitor. The Haunting of Castle Malloy is probably the most challenging of the entire series, with about three times as many puzzles as the previous games. Although my wife and I were able to complete the game without consulting outside hints, it took us several days and a few late-nights to get through it. Overall, I give this game a hearty recommendation, and if you haven't played any of the past games, this might be the one that gets you hooked.

Shane Raistlin Monroe has released the February edition of Retrogaming Radio, which, as always, is loaded with great content for anyone even remotely interested in retrogaming and classic computing. Shane has even been kind enough to review my book Dungeons and Desktops.

System: NEC Turbo Duo (Super CD)

Release Date: 2006

Developer: MindRec

Rating: Good

Meteor Blaster DX Signature Edition is the latest and most elaborate version of the long-running series of homebrew games in NEC's Super CD format from author Bt Garner and his company, MindRec.  Signature Edition is essentially the same Asteroids-inspired product as the other DX games, save for some slight graphical tweaks, a hidden extra ship, a hidden extra demo, an upgrade to the Loop bonus game, and personalization options.

As luck would have it, I came across an amazing stash of Panasonic JR-200U (aka, Panasonic Personal Computer or PPC) stuff for about $40 shipped that puts my previous collection for this system to shame. In fact, the only major item not present in this new haul was Wordwatch. There will be no need for me to re-hash what was in the prior "A Long Visual Look at..." as you can just read it for yourself if you haven't already. Since all of the setup stuff is already taken care of, I can get right into this haul and PART 1, which will briefly lead into coverage of one of the interesting games now in my possession (subsequent parts will naturally follow suit in various degrees of detail).

First, here's a photo of the new stash, followed by a few cursory findings, then a preliminary look at the first game: