shameless plug

I just had a nonstop 14 hour gaming session like I used to have way back in college, and it was fantastic.

I replayed Beyond Good and Evil, which I had beaten a while back, but I'd tried several games lately, and they were all so lacking that I was getting completely depressed, so I wanted to go back and play something that really set me on fire.

My god this game is good. Anyone who likes games who hasn't beaten it should go out right now and buy the damn thing.

The world is so perfectly constructed, with such an eye to architecture and ambiance, the music fits perfectly, the voice acting is well done. There's never a part where you're bored or confused or frustrated, the goals are clear but difficult. You end up enjoying just BEING in this world, this world that evolves along with your actions. It's so innovative as well, where a large part of the game involves the fact that you're a journalist, documenting what you see and sending it back to the public, who get more and more outraged, and eventually rebel against the government in power.

I was trying to think of how many games I've played that had a world so well done, and so engrossing, and the only other one that comes to mind for me is Omicron, which like Beyond Good and Evil, made almost no money, and no one has ever played or heard of it. The Dig, too. That's dated, but fantastic.

Maybe I have strange tastes, I'm not sure. People don't seem to fall in love with the games that I do. They actually cancelled the sequel to Beyond Good and Evil because the sales weren't good enough. It absolutely breaks my heart.

If there are any gems out there that are somewhat recent that you guys have played, games that really grabbed you and wouldn't let you go, let me know what they are. And for the love of god, go play Beyond Good and Evil.