Game of the Year (So Far) : 2012 Edition

So I know everyone loves to check out the Game of the year award winners at the end of each year to see which titles were the best around. I noticed, though, that many of the games that come out at the beginning of the year can sometimes be overlooked. That's why, this year, I'll be post Game of the Year posts throughout the year to let you know what I have found to be the standout game so far.

For 2012, there hasn't been much released yet, and SWTOR has been keeping me pretty busy. But one game I was excited to get my hands on was Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. This title, the first featuring work from 38 Studios, has a great focus on RPGs without forgetting to be fun. And fun it is, thanks almost completely because of the combat. Fluid motion, customization and changes on the go allow you to play this game the way you feel like it. As you progress, you will be unlocking interesting new ways to branch off your original fighting path and try some new nuances to that style.

Reckoning feels like a solid mix of Fable and Oblivion. Though your decisions may not carry as much weight one way or another, you can choose to create a voice in the world. But your actions carry far more weight. The world relies on you. That is a blessing and a curse as most for the people you will run into will have need of your aid. There aren't as many people just living their lives.

I am loving this game, and it's the combat that's got me. I love being able to rip through these giant monsters by my fae blade dancing. The speed and the solid motion of combat keeps me interested. I actually am just amazed by how beautiful the world of Amalur can be. Todd Mcfarlane has helped create another setting I'm very interested in. It's not all him, but you can certainly see his influence.

If you want a fun melee or magic-focused combative world, Go buy Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

New Work/Game Balance

Well Happy Holidays everyone and I hope most of you are taking some time off. I personally am unable to since I only just started my new job. I did have a nice four day weekend for Christmas which was very nice.

I started the new job on December 12th, and so I'm only in my third week but I am already seeing some significant changes in my schedule.

1. I can get to and from work in about 20 minutes, rather than then hour and fifteen minutes it was taking me before when I had to take the train to work. This extra time allows me more flexibility in my day to day plans.

2. I'm back to writing! Since I am wearing multiple hats at my new job, I am doing a lot more community management and community outreach. I wrote my first press release, company bio, and written 6 blog posts for their blog (which can be found here: http://blog.zenescope.com/) .

3. I am handing out review copies! It is very cool to be on the opposite side of things at this point. I am sending bloggers and press contacts our press releases as well as copies of our comics to be read and covered for their sites. It is a strange twist to the fact that early 2011 was when I would kill to be sent review copies.

4. Finally, my gaming writing days are no where near over. I am currently working as a freelancer guides writer for IGN on the SWTOR guide. It is difficult to play any other game when you're working on a monster like that, but thankfully SWTOR has been fun.

So, there you have it. Just a quick look at what's changed in the life of TheMarriedGamer.