What is the story behind the overturned cabbage cart?

Skyrim, Skyrim, Skyrim. Yes, it’s nearly all I’ve been playing for the past few months, and I’ve put in a lot of time. I’ve written about the game so much at this point that I’m hesitant to include too much more, but I’m very much enjoying it, and it’s a strong contender for 2011 Game of the Year. Unsurprisingly, Skyrim gets an ‘A‘.

Starcraft 2 is a game that I’d been looking forward to for quite some time. The original had been my favorite RTS for a long time, and hearing that the sequel was nothing more than an updated version was good news to me. But after playing it for a while, I got Starcraft fatigue. For some reason, I just didn’t end up loving it.  It’s a good solid game, but I quit playing it after I failed at the final mission for the fourth or fifth time. Maybe I’ll like the Zerg expansion better. Starcraft 2 gets a ‘B‘.

Part of a recent Humble Indie Bundle was a game called Steel Storm. It’s a very retro top-down “bullet hell” shooter, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s an age-old and incredibly simple formula, and as such there’s not a lot to say about the game. Shoot other spaceships, reach goals, and upgrade your weapons and shields. But it’s very well made, and I continually go back to the game when I’ve got only ten minutes to kill. Steel Storm gets a ‘B-‘.

The video is in two parts, both of which you can view below.

Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles is the sequel to Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. I definitely enjoyed Umbrella Chronicles, but while Umbrella Chronicles covered Resident Evil 0, 1, and 3, Darkside Chronicles covers my very favorite title in the series: Resident Evil 2.

I’ll grant you that I’ll be playing it largely for nostalgia purposes, but I will enjoy it. Re-encountering reimagined scenes from the first console title I truly loved will be pretty sweet. It looks like I’ll be waiting until Christmas for the game, but that’s okay. I can wait.

While I found the original God of War to be a far better title than its sequel, I have high hopes for God of War 3. I’ll admit that there can be only so much that Kraatos can go through before the storyline becomes old and worn, my hope is that a trilogy is not too much to ask.

In the same way that Resident Evil 4 was a reinvention of the franchise, God of War needs something fresh and new if it’s not going to die of sequelitis. I can only hope that David Jaffee is up to it.

I’ve been a huge fan of Desktop Tower Defense ever since I found the HandDrawnGames site. I also always said that I’d love to see it on DS. On April 29th, I get my wish. Of all the many tower defense games I’ve played, this is likely my favorite, tied with Pixeljunk Monsters. While playing the flash version on the PC is fun, being able to play it on a handheld anywhere will be even better.

I’ve been looking forward to Heavy Rain since I heard about it as an unofficial sequel to Indigo Prophecy. I played Indigo Prophecy and loved it, despite the mind-bogglingly bizarre plot that emerged toward the ending. I also played the European version of the game, Fahrenheit, which was essentially the same game, only with a couple nude scenes and a sex minigame. Nothing you wouldn’t see in a rated-R movie, but I felt like I needed the full experience.

Aside from ridiculously good graphics, Heavy Rain’s main draw is dynamic storytelling. Apparently, your character can die and the plot will continue without him/her. I’m also looking forward to the mechanics introduced in Indigo Prophecy. The adventure game with action minigame elements, timed conversation responses, and minor stealth game elements. The game’s diversity is a big part of why I loved it.

Lastly, my most anticipated game: Starcraft 2. I’ve been a big fan of the original for many years, and I’m constantly impressed by the fact that it’s the only decade-old game that I always see on store shelves when I’m at a Best Buy or Circuit City.

I’m less than ecstatic about the fact that it will be packaged as three separate race-specific titles, but I have faith that Blizzard will make their product worth the cash. Aside from the MMOs, I’ve always enjoyed Blizzard’s games.

Starcraft 2 is one of the games I’m looking forward to most. This is a fantastic preview – a 20-minute long battle with commentary. Check it out.