My Very Own Console Game!

Remember how K made fun of the "watering can" sound from the Rune Factory Frontier previews? Well, the game is finally out, and being the wonderful husband that he is, he picked it up for me on release day during his weekly trip to Game Stop. I'd like to call out this important moment in history since this is the first console game I have ever owned. Yes, I technically co-own everything with K, but this one is specifically for me!

"So what'd you think of it?" K asked me after 3 hours of playtime on the first night.

"Mmm, it's okay. I mean, it's too early to tell."

"Wow, that's the difference between you and me. My snap judgments usually come within the first 30 minutes."

I pondered a little and finally said, "It just feels different: the main town seems smaller, the Wii cursor is less accurate than a stylus, and... yeah. I'll just have to get used to it."

I must like it because I've already invested 7-8 hours within a week and ranked the girls I'm allowed to marry. Because really, who cares about virtual farming? ^_~


However, K and I have already had our first scuffle over who gets the TV, especially now that he's got Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii. Haha, guess getting me a console game wasn't such a good idea after all; should've stuck with handhelds, dear. ^_~

Bioshock Big Daddy Amigurumi Doll

Holy cow, someone loves Bioshock! Nerdigurumi has outdone herself with this free crochet pattern for a self-standing Big Daddy Bouncer, using only yarn and a few buttons. Plus, she added a matching Little Sister, Adam needle and all.


My envy of her designer skills knows no bounds... ::drool::

Facehuggers Make Great Cat Toys

When we first got Chairman Meow, I made this crochet squid toy that she instantly fell in love with. Consequently, the poor cephalopod has seen better days.

"Oh my god, she got my eye!!!"

When it came time for a replacement, I needed a little inspiration. K had just cracked open the latest Aliens vs. Predators game, so here's what I decided to make:


The proportions are way off since its limbs got extended for more feline playability. Plus, I added a dash of kitty cocaine catnip to further entice her attentions. Let me know if you have any ideas for Chairman Meow's next cat toy!

Why Testing Games is Boring

Speaking of dream jobs, I often hear guys talk about wanting to be a professional game tester as their career because then they can just get paid to play video games all day. Yeah, it's not as attractive as it sounds. Imagine being told that you need to play a certain stage of the latest Dora the Explorer game at least 100 times until you find all the bugs in the software.


In most small to medium studios, the developers themselves have to do the testing. They organize a chunk of time where everyone installs the latest revision to play through for 2 hours or more. Your goal is not to have fun, but to try out every crazy move imaginable that a user might do. That way the player's character won't get stuck in the side of a cliff when trying to climb over the "insurmountable" mountain that's merely part of the background scenery. And to think that Sony wants to make a reality TV show about this...