For whatever reason, last week has been all about fighting games.  Sure, I’m still working my way through the Capital Wastelands in Fallout 3, and I even stop from time to time to check in on a certain young warrior from Albion, but most of my time has been spent in head-to-head martial arts action.  The initial rush I got from Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe has worn off, and there’s pretty much nothing to unlock, but for some reason, I keep on playing through arcade mode with different characters (I’ve especially grown to like Green Lantern).  Of course, my MK time is now severely limited by a new temporary addiction to Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.  The game is exactly what I wantd it to be; the classic gameplay with awesome new visuals and a new, more balanced mode that severely cuts down on the computer’s notoriously cheap tactics.  I’m absolutely loving the game, and discovering new characters I’ve never used before (who would have thought E. Honda would be my new favorite?). 

Now, not all my time can be taken up by fighting games I really want to play; some time must be devoted to fighting games I really HAVE to play.  For example, I’ve never, and I mean NEVER played a King of Fighters game, but this week I need to review the new PS2 compilation, King of Fighters Orochi Saga.  So far I love the staggering selection of characters and the simple special move execution, but I find the computer opponent to be insanely difficult, even at the lowest difficulty setting.  I’ll need to sharpen my skill significantly if I’m going to get decent at the game, but that’s a challenge I’m excited for.  Then there’s the one I’m not excited for at al.  I’ve been in the process of reviewing Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm for about 2 weeks now, and, as gorgeous as it looks, I hate it so much I can’t bring myself to play it for any real stretch of time.  Maybe it’s because I actively dislike the anime from which it comes, or maybe its that I’m not used to this style of fighter  Then again, perhaps it’s just that the game sucks, and I’m having a completely normal reaction to it.

Outside of fighters, I’ll be playing a lot of Mirror’s Edge.  I’m especially loving the Time Trials, and trying to beat my friends’ best ghost images, but I’m pretty far into the campaign, as well.  If I get a chance, I’m also going to pick up Persona 4, which may be the last new PS2 game I ever buy.  From all reports, it’s just the kind of RPG I’ve been looking for my whole gaming life.  I love the concept behind most JRPGs, but I’ve never been able to relate to the never-ending parade of androgynous boy heroes in belly shirts and Yu-Gi-Oh hair.  Perhaps this one will turn me around, and make a MegaTen fan out of me.

So, what are YOU playing this week?

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