Pokefever

When I popped Pokemon Diamond back into my DS the other day I found I’d not played since November! How did four months go past without me putting in any time?

I find it amazing when I find the last saved date of a video game to be so long ago. It usually often shows that I just don’t have time to play.

With the DS I know that I was playing Transformers Animated, Super Mario 64, and Zelda Phantom Hourglass during that time. Being able to play the DS at the same time as watching TV or travelling to work makes it’s a much easier console to play than those that plug into TVs.

I’m getting close to the final gym battle and the final showdowns in Pokemon Diamond so I’m keen to push on. I’m in two minds about taking the console with me to the US. It would fill some time in during the flights but so will a Sodoku book and that’s only $4 and much easier to replace if needed.

Tomb Raider Underworld

The delay on Tomb Raider Underworld for PS2 had me tempted to buy an XBOX for the chance to play it, but I’ve saved myself the money and bought the finally released PS2 version today. I could have waited a few days for JB to get it in stock and save a few dollars, but I’ve been waiting for this game for long enough.

I’ve played about 3.5 hours worth so far and am enjoying it. The PS2 version is just fine, the graphics aren’t as good but the gameplay is what I want. The transitions to video moments are rough — maybe the next gen consoles integrate those more seamlessly? — but that’s my only complaint.

Well the other complaint might be length. I’m used to multiple levels per location but so far each location seems to be one level, and at the rate I’m getting through them it could be a short game. I also thought there was something about this game having the option to use non-lethal force but so far no sign of that (as dead people and tigers indicate). Maybe these, and the route marking options, are next-gen console features only?