Christmas is just around the corner which means that it is video game season. Ive tried to stop buying new games until I finish or sell my old ones so I thought I would post an update on what Im playing (and what is sitting around).

It is not unusual for me to take a break from a game I like for a few months only to return to it later and finish it. But this year I find myself with a number of games that just arent that compelling to me. We moved over a month ago and that disrupted my gaming time but even so, I am thinking more about selling these games than actually finishing them.

DDO

"Dungeons & Dragons Online: StormReach"

After a year long break, I started playing this MMO again with 3 friends. I am having a blast!! I cant say enough good things about this game, which is unlike any other MMO out there. The company is positioning the game as the closest thing to the old pen&paper games and there is a lot of truth to that.

We play twice a week for a few hours and knock out a few missions. The game is totally mission based and you cant do much without a party. It has a great balance of pacing and gameplay. The graphics are good but also run on lend end machines like laptops.

The game seems to have a strong community even if it is small enough to never get mentioned by the larger gaming press. The developer, Turbine, treats customers well with 8 free expansions since the game launch.

This game is only $10 now. Amazing deal!

MGS4 (PS3)

"Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots"

I havent played this game since my preview. I popped it in last night and realized Im just not that interested in playing anymore.

This is one of those games where they spent a TON of money to produce a polished product that is lifeless. It has beautiful graphics, amazing cut scenes, the most complicated story ever, tons and tons of guns and yet it just is not compelling. Head shot, knife kill, sneak a bit, headshot... Bo-ring.

GTA4 (PS3)

Like MGS, "Grand Theft Auto IV" is a high production quality game that just isn't that fun.

I got a girlfriend, went on a bunch of dates, out to eat, for drinks, to play darts, bowling. I stole cars and raced around town. I killed a few folks, bought new clothes. I did some drug deals and murdered some drug dealers. I went to a strip club and did favors for a Russian mafiaso. I raced a motorcycle and murdered a motorcycle gang. I even surfed the internet and did some online dating.

I played about two dozen missions before putting this game aside and forgetting about it. Maybe I will get into it again if I pop it in but Im just not that motivated to try.

Rockband (PS3)

"Playstation 3 Rock Band Special Edition" is a big hit at my office and I was psyched for this game last Christmas but the year has not been kind. I am not playing it and most of the time it has sat in the box.

The problem for me is that I used to actually play music and I cant get over that fact. These games are karaoke for music but they are a level lower than karaoke. At least in karaoke, you actually sing. In these games, you just click buttons to hear someone else play music. All I think about is that I ought to get out my guitar and start practicing again.

I like the idea of Rockband more than I like the reality of Rockband so this will get sold.

Bioshock (PC)

"BioShock"

I had to stop playing this game because it was too disturbing. The characters in the game are so realistically crazy, I just started to get depressed when I played it. I fully intend to return to the game and finish it because the story is great but with current events what they are, I find myself looking for happier titles first.

Even so, if you are looking for a great game I would recommend this one. The PC version is only $20!! Wow.

HL2: Episode 2 (PC)

Half Life 2: Episode 2 (found in "The Orange Box") is another great title that I set aside. I plan to finish it eventually.

Super Stardust HD, Eden (PS3 PSN)

One of the reasons I let up on PC games was that I was playing more PS3 games. After we moved, I bought several download games from PSN (playstation network). Two of them hooked me immediately and I played them for hours. Definately got my money's worth.

LocoRoco, Everyday Shooter (PS3 PSN)

The other two games just didn't grab me. I can respect Everyday Shooter but Stardust was more fun. LocoRoco was just weird. Much like Katamari Damarcy, it didnt' grab me.