Comments on Games Catchup

Great, fun post. It's nice to see some technology coverage on Slog!

I absolutely love Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2, it's my favorite game e-v-e-r. There are two modes, normal and hard.

I remember when I first played FFTA #1 I thought it was painfully slow but I adjusted, and now it just seems like a part of the game so the pace doesn't frustrate me. Also, learning the menus and being able to zip through them quickly in battle helps speed things up. (I still use the buttons even though FFTA2 has touch-screen controls.)

Bottom line: If you enjoyed playing FFTA then you will love FFTA2. They fixed some annoying things in FFTA (such as missions that never reappeared, which could really screw up advancement), made the law system a little more lenient, added some new jobs, and made shopping fun (combining ingredients at the bazaar to make new equipment). So far the only change I don't like is that my thief can't steal weapons and armour like it could in FFTA. Thieves can still steal money, items, and loot (used in the bazaar), but not equipment.

The best handheld tactics game is probably Tactics Ogre: Knight of Lodis for GBA. Much better story and development than FFTA

My ideal summer game is Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. There's something relaxing about the interface, the quiet music and UI sounds, the slow "don't go, the drones need you" that matches the "sit outside on the balcony and play on a laptop" mood.

Sam, are you going to post an update about your Wii Fit experience? I'd be interested in hearing what you think of it after having it for a couple of months.

And thanks for the info about Boom Blox, my son is dying to get it but I was on the fence.

@5: I'm working something up. I've even gone to "real" yoga as research. Will post the wrapup in about a week, as I'll be out of town for some of this week.

Now, if I were to review Boom Blox for a kid's perspective, my points would probably go up a little higher. The game's art direction and cutesiness certainly targets the younger set, and your kid's wrists might hold up. It's a must-rent for a young'un, at the very least.

@6 Thanks Sam, I'll rent it first to check it out.

What, not even a mention of Metal Gear Solid 4?