Free Stuff! - Dead Space

Ok, ok I know it's Origin, but if you are stuck with it for another game anyway, might as well get free stuff!

Don't forget to check for the "On the House" games periodically.  Once you pick them up they are yours, these are not trial games, but they do tend to be older ones.

Currently available - Dead Space (PC only)

SimCity - Offline: Hopefully Not Out of Development

Alright, gonna have to pick this up one more time, since SimCity finally allows offline play.

I have been disappointed that (with the supposed reliance on online play/cloudish behavior and implied choice to focus on dlc instead of allowing modding ability) there haven't been more regular updates to the game content and engine tuning.  Maybe (hopefully) it's because they have been hard at work with this reengineering effort and now they can focus back on innovation.

My reticence to getting truly excited is due to some pretty significant lingering issues with the economy and AI in online multi-player mode when that was what the game was supposed to be designed for...Then the expansion pack, while somewhat focused on "fixing" the small map sizes by building up, didn't really alleviate issues with long-term play and expansion.

I really hope offline mode isn't the last crumb being thrown to the crowd before killing off a disappointing release for good.

My Xmas break I will be Starbound

It's freaking cold outside and I am finally getting a few moments to break into the Starbound beta from indie company Chucklefish, (yay for pre-orders, yay for Steam).

Not far yet, but playing on my Macbook currently so I can be mobile.  (And my PC is currently in pieces)

Beating a dead horse I know, but this $15 was already much better spent than the money wasted on EA's Sim City debacle.  There is a special circle of hell reserved for you, EA.

I did get stuck in the terrain but easily teleported out to release myself.  I felt so smart, then immediately realized the more obvious solution...apparently I need to work my way back into gaming mode.**   I blame it on post-Packer squeeker win giddiness, (made even sweeter by a Bryant early exit and a dumbfounded Romo).

So the verdict for Starbound so far:

• +1 playable beta 
• +1 robust communication from/to developers
• +2 Mac release for initial beta
• +5 not Origin
• +5 cost
• +5 fun!

Can't wait until I have more time during Christmas break.

PC Gamer article: http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/14/starbound-so-far-spelunking-eyeball-trees-and-moons-of-doom/

**For the uninitiated, Starbound is at it's heart a terraforming game.  Yes I am pathetic.

Crazy price on Tropico 4 & DLC bundle $7.99 (4 hours left on Steam!)!

Oh Steam why are you so awesome?

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/19282/

Tropico 4 with a bunch of DLC 80%(!!) off.  Can't beat that with a stick.

You can actually play a functional game, and hell Steam is ever-so-less annoying a resource sucking monster than Origin.  Yes, SimCity I am still terribly terribly bitter....