Consolation Prize

Dear reader,

It has been quite a long time since my last post. Apart from the usual absence due to holidays or illness I have generally been posting on a regular basis, and I think that an explanation is in order on this occasion, especially as I’m about to take another break from blogging due to my annual winter (spring) Snowboarding holiday which is tantalisingly close now.

So to explain, a few weeks ago I developed an obsession with Guitar Hero: World Tour. I am not entirely certain what caused the obsession; perhaps it was a friend’s recent induction to the rhythm music genre that reignited my competitive streak and spurred me on to keep playing for longer and longer periods of time, or perhaps it was the acquirement of the drum kit that offered a new and interesting dynamic, but whatever the reason, the net result is that for a time I lived and breathed Guitar Hero: World Tour.

Whenever I closed my eyes the multicoloured trail of notes blazed there hypnotic dance, and even the usual solace of sleep could offer little respite as even my dreams were plagued with images and music from the game. Something had to give eventually as the countless sleepless nights took there heavy toll and left me feeling drained and lethargic, and unfortunately that seems to have been my passion and enthusiasm for video games – which has just upped and run away without so much as a carelessly written farewell note.

Although video games have been an important part of my life since childhood, a byproduct of blogging about games in the last few years is that one tends to start viewing them in a different light. The constant analysis and critique can become burdensome, but also conversely it can lead to a new found appreciation. However, it feels almost surreal to suddenly and unexpectedly lose that enthusiasm; not only for the games I was currently in the middle of playing, but also for those virginal titles waiting patiently on the shelf unopened. Sorry Fable II, Far Cry 2, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, GTA: Chinatown Wars, No More Heroes, and Persona 4 (to name but a few) - I just can’t be bothered to play you at the moment.

Fortunately I’m positive that this is just a passing phase and that once I have had time to recharge my batteries the passion will return and the writing can start again in earnest. In the meantime I am hoping to finish preparing a couple of articles on free iPhone slash iTouch games which will be scheduled to appear whilst I’m away. Until my return I bid you adieu!.

Well all hit time when we need some downtime from the constant play, it can last as little as a day or sometimes as much as a month in my experience, but it’s always returned. And it;s true that writing about the games you play really does have an effect on your enjoyment of games, and rarely do you just sit back and enjoy. Maybe, once the bug returns, play some games with the expressed idea of not writing about them.. or some older gems you missed that wouldn’t not be so worthy of comment so long after their release. Everything needs it’s moderation
Have a great time on your trip, and I’m sure you’ll come back re-invigorated.

Stex

Sound advice Steven, thanks for the comment - much appreciated.