A Great Year Of Gaming (For Me)

As the year of 2001 unfolds in the following weeks, I can now take a step back and look at the year. In terms of gaming, the year has been as great as any, but in terms of life-well that's a different story. Sep. 11 has affected us all and I think that each person should be entitled to an outlet that brings back the innocence of life. One of those outlets I utilized was to play videogames. I honestly believe video games are one of the best methods to rid your mind of a bad mood or of a bad incident.

From the instant you pick up that controller, you are engulfed in your game (assuming it is a good one) drowning out all outside annoyances and happenings. Talking things out or spending time with your loved ones is enjoyable, but can they provide the rush of adrenaline that beating Final Fantasy IX for the first time gave you?

Well the year started great for me. I was fortunate enough to find a new copy of FF IX nestled under the Christmas tree and began adventuring my way through that very day. I beat the game a few weeks later and I was sold that it was the best FF game yet. The storyline, character development, and challenge were incredible. I actually felt bad that the game was over because I wanted it to go on.

I also found a new Dreamcast under the tree for Christmas. The DC may take its hits for not being around for very long and not marketing itself very well, but the quality and innovation of the games is outstanding. Included with the DC was NFL 2K1 and NBA 2K1. As an avid sports fan, I was wowed by both games. Sega Sports had its faults, but I loved how both portrayed its sports.

After a very giving and luxurious Christmas, guess what? I had NO MONEY. So I was playing those same games for about four or five months until my checkbook caught up to my desires.

With the coming of the warmth of spring also came a new crop of games. I was especially noticed that a horde of awesome games were coming out on the Playstation 2. Hmmm...I gave in to my need and coughed up nearly $400 for the PS2, NBA Street, and accessories. With a new console, the door was open for the flood of great PS2 games.

I played the hell out of NBA Street, juking my way all the way to Rucker 

Park. I was awed by the stunning graphics (before I got Street, my most advanced basketball game was NBA Live '96 on the SNES) and the sheer fluidness. I was amazed how I was able to pull off two or three Allen Iverson dribbling moves...in a row! Eventually the perpetual goal tending made me yearn for another sports game. Enter NCAA Football 2002.

I'll admit that I am a big college football fan and wanted to get a PS2 partially because I wanted to get the new NCAA game. In late July, my wishes were finally granted. I picked up the game and fell in love with it and am now in Year 7 of my dynasty with Florida State. In my opinion, I think the game is superior to Madden.

Eventually I drew myself away from NCAA and bought a few of the Classic Games for the old PSOne: Legend of Dragoon, Syphon Filter 2, and Chrono Cross. I have been pleasantly surprised by all three games.

The summer came to a close and the golf bags were put back in the garage. That could only mean two things...X-Box and Gamecube were coming. As a PS2 owner, I monitored the two new console's progression in the coming months of their releases. I haven't purchased either console yet, but I believe that both hold a bright future. Maybe when my checkbook gets a little fatter...

Due to the coming of two new consoles, Armchair Empire needed some fresh blood. I sent in my application and got the reviewing job. I had done reviews for a sports-only website, but I wanted the opportunity to expand to other genres. AE gives me that chance.

I have already received Spiderman 2: Enter Electro, NBA Live 2002, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 for review and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon is on its way. (Oh yeah, it’s in the mail, right…. -Omni) To sum up my experience in one word...SWEET.

And that summary brings me to today. This weekend I will put down the money for my pre-ordered copy of Final Fantasy X. I'll pick the game up the 19th and maybe, just maybe I'll resist from playing the game and put it under the tree for Christmas. The gaming process starts all over.

If 2002 is anything like 2001, I'll predict my mood right now. It will be BAD...very BAD. I'll need some recuperation and some therapy. Ya know what I'll really need? My outlet.

God bless you all and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Gaming Year.

- Tim Martin