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Don't buy it if you don't have a pc-compatible controller of some sort; the mouse/keyboard controls are worse than hitler.

I guess I forgot to mention this. The developers ended up making the default control scheme on kb/m requiring both hands to be on the kb at some point or another. Yet, you also are supposed to use the mouse. It's ridiculous, but I'll chalk it up to the devs inexperience in the PC realm.

Dark Souls is a 3d action-rpg in an open world with monsters, big and small, that need to be defeated. The best way I can explain it is Legend of Zelda meets Metroid with an infusion of Ghosts'n'Goblins/Contra/Ninja Gaiden/<insert the hardest game you've ever played>. There's a giant world to explore, giant bosses to slay, and treasure to be found all over the place. However, unlike Zelda and Metroid, very few zones are actually locked for you at the beginning. Yes, there are locked doors between shortcuts that you'll unlock later, but for the most part, you can wander down any path, and the only thing that will stop you is a giant axe to the face from an NPC that says you shouldn't be here. It's not like you need the ability to turn into a ball or have the hookshot to get there.

Now, something that's going to happen to the player is death. And it will happen a lot. Luckily, death has very little consequence. You'll drop all your humanity (necessary for returning to human form) and souls (currency and experience), and be returned to life at the bonfire you last rested at as an undead with all your equipment intact. From there, you can go ahead and recover your dropped souls. But be warned, all creatures have been reset.

Combat is definitely the star of the show in Dark Souls. There's bows, magic, swords, axes, whips, spears, and more to find, use, and upgrade. Each has a unique style of combat, so there's plenty of room for you to find what works best for you. Would you like to hold your shield while prodding the enemy with a spear? You can do that. Do you want to go all out and two-hand a powerful greatsword? Go for it. Each style feels unique and viable. Weapon and armor upgrades are accomplished through the various smiths found in-game.

Combat allows you to roll around, block, dodge, and parry in an effort to gain the advantage over your adversary, which you'll need to win. Even the lowliest of enemies can decimate a reckless character. Strategic combat and careful exploration are encouraged when first entering an area to allow the player to make the most progress towards the next boss or bonfire.

Boss fights usually require a few deaths before you understand the timing required to block, dodge, and attack. If, however, you find yourself stuck on a boss, you may need to level up, boost your equipment, or summon a friendly player or NPC to help you. Watch for the glowing white signs on the ground while you're in human form. You'll be able to summon a player character's phantom to help you fight.

Of course, while in human form, you'll also be subject to invading phantoms. In a few cases, the phantoms are NPCs who will drop decent loot upon death. However, invading phantoms will most likely be other players. They're out to slaughter you for laughs, humanity, and souls. Unfortunately, the only time it's particularly bad is early in the game when you are most likely to need the most help. Low level players who fought to the end-game are too happy to invade the first few levels to kill new players.

The final multiplayer component is the ability to leave messages on the ground. Is there a trap you'd like to warn people about? You can do that. Signs telling you to be careful, where the next bonfire is, and any illusory walls are all over the place. At the same time, however, you'll have to be wary of the people who put false messages to trick or kill any unsuspecting characters. For example, I jumped in a well in the 2nd area of the game because someone said treasure. I only found death. Thankfully, you're allowed to rate messages as + or - to let others know if the message is true or not.

Now, something that many find frustrating is the almost complete lack of direction from the game. You land in Firelink Shrine, and you are told there are two bells to ring. One above and one below. After that, you're almost on your own with a few cutscenes to help you out after major events. If all else fails, try talking to NPCs, checking vendors for important items, read the description for any keys you may have, and go exploring. After ringing the bells, you should have enough shortcuts and familiarity with areas to be able to cover ground quickly and look for new paths. There's also a fantastic wiki out there.

All in all, Dark Souls is an incredibly satisfying game. The difficulty, though, makes this title a hit or miss for people. If you're unsure, I'd recommend waiting for a sell on the various digital distribution sites and picking it up for $10 if you're curious at all.

ALSO: I'll be getting a car in the next 2-3 weeks and then I'll be driving to work every day from my new apartment. It will be a 40-70 minute commute depending on traffic. This is also scary. I haven't driven more than a dozen times in the past five years. I only just started driving on the highway a few weeks ago. Is anyone else scared by driving? It seems to me that smart people are scared of it and stupid people aren't - because the stupid people don't understand the physics of accidents!

Haha! I'm horrified of driving everyday in Austin, TX. People here like to hang out in my blind spot, accelerate when I try to pass (and then slow down when I move back into their lane), and generally are infinitely more distracted than the ones I dealt with in the Rockies. I was almost rear-ended today because some guy thought going 60mph in a 45mph zone while screwing around with his cell phone was a good idea. I saw him in my rearview mirror, slammed on my accelerator, and, thankfully, he looked up at the last minute and decided braking might be a good idea.

Good to hear. Glad you're doing well. What sort of boat are you working on restoring? Are significant amounts of water skiing and fishing in your future?

Bwahahahahahahaha! Surely someone saw this in the design stage.

Is he hot? *facebook stalks*

Errr, I mean, congratulations to him! I found it really weird coming out. I didn't think anybody would react like "woah, wtf?", more like "why didn't you do it sooner!?" :)

I can't judge guys. Hell, I'm pretty terrible at judging girls, too. And I think his profile picture is a bicycle right now. :S

Drake, my buddy's bro just came out, too. They (family) always thought of him as a "ladies' man". That said, he only came out to his bro. Your brother the same?
Also, how do you feel about it all?

My brother told nearly everyone before me. He was actually worried that I'd have a problem with it. I'm glad he was finally comfortable and confident enough to come out. He's still my brother.

Turns out my brother came out of the closet. He was nervous about telling me and for good reason. That jerk ruined the stripper in a cake I was planning for his birthday! Of course, once I got over the fact a stripper wasn't going to come out of a giant cake, I'm glad he was finally able to work up the courage to come out.

Was it a surprise? How old is he?

He's almost 26. Some of my family suspected it, but no one was really sure.

Turns out my brother came out of the closet. He was nervous about telling me and for good reason. That jerk ruined the stripper in a cake I was planning for his birthday! Of course, once I got over the fact a stripper wasn't going to come out of a giant cake, I'm glad he was finally able to work up the courage to come out.

I think Ryan will prove to be a huge mistake for Romney. Like Rule said, the GOP base would have went out and voted anyway because they don't want to see Obama re-elected. Romney should have gone for someone to convince the independent voters to vote for him. Then again, having a Wisconsinite on the ballot might help Romney there. Who knows? I'm in Texas. The guys with the R's next to their names are voted for in this neck of the woods. It's a wonderful place where people advocate limited government and then force anyone seeking an abortion to have an ultrasound (the transvaginal requirement didn't make it).

As an experiment, I wish a state or county or the entire country would remove the party affiliation from the ballot and randomize the order of candidates. At the very least, people would have to learn the names of the candidates they wanted to vote for beforehand. That, or we could have some interesting election results. I think democracy can work, but only if the population is educated and cares to know who their elected officials are. As it stands, it boils down to a few swing states and 30s attack ads.

Sorry I couldn't make it, the Evil Fiefdom had me working until 10:59 tonight.

Hrmm.... and what role might you play in all this fiefdom?

That was a blast. It was really great meeting everyone and gossiping about the losers that couldn't make it. Thanks to everyone for comin' down to SF, and thanks Ron for dinner/beer!

Don't worry, I was partying in Texas. There were bear fights, lots of dances, cupcakes, and more.

Can't.... wife and I having 2nd wedding on the 29th. :'(

An immature picture from a few years ago.

I gave TOR the old college try, but I really wasn't enjoying it. The character stories were an interesting idea, but I became burnt out on themepark MMOs with WoW. I also don't really have the time to commit to video games like I did as an undergrad. That said, I enjoy a game of Team Fortress 2 a few times a week. Anyone else?