Game Over.

The original Dungeon Master Gary Gygax has died. When I first discovered Dungeons and Dragons, I was amazed by the amount of creativity and research that went into the creation of the fantasy game, and amused by the humor of it all. I began actively gaming when I was in high school, using the 2nd Edition rules, which still bore great resemblance to Gygax's original ruleset. I only gamed for a few years, but I remember them fondly, and still take an interest in it, albeit as a spectator. These days I get my fantasy fix from Neverwinter Nights.

Via Michelle Malkin, you can discover your D&D character here. My results? Lawful Good Elf Cleric. Amusing, considering that the character I most enjoyed playing was a Chaotic Neutral Wizard (my, how times change!).

Link to image source.

I Can't Wait.

Mindless Election Day Fun.

Worn out with Super Tuesday coverage? Live in a state that is not voting today? Then click here for hours of mindless diversion.

Only wannabes go for normal mode - true afficianados know the only way to go is manic. If you're truly desperate then click for a fresh sheet. Go on - you know you want to.

Gaming Addiction.

(OK, I've been on a tear tonight. Last post of the day, I promise.)

I listen to the PC Gamer Podcast and was intrigued a few months ago to hear the staff go on about the game Peggle. It's supposed to be great as well as massively addictive. I don't know, I haven't played it yet. I guess if you're interested you could try it out or, like me, just watch this (Language Content Warning):

Back in the Saddle.

One of my favorite hobbies a few years ago was playing racing sims. My first experience at any type of online gaming was racing online in the game Grand Prix Legends.

Grand Prix Legends (GPL) is a simulation racing game that was released in 1998 by Sierra. It never was successful in terms of sales, in part because of its ultra-realistic driving physics and steep learning curve. It caught on in the sim racing community however, and is still being modded and played today. What made GPL unique was that it simulated Formula One racing of 1967, when the cars were little more than rolling gas tanks, and drivers such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, and Jackie Stewart were household names even in the US.

In the last few years, a dedicated team of modders have expanded on GPL, introducing revised, more accurate physics models, and car sets to depict the cars from 1965 and the first winged cars of 1969. More mods are in the works, including one which represents Formula One of 1937, the heyday of Mercedes and Auto Union.

I recently decided to get back into sim racing and joined in an online race this morning. I must say I didn't realize how much I'd missed it. The guys I raced with back in the day are still going strong, and eagerly welcomed me back. My skills haven't deteriorated as much as I feared, and I placed a respectable third out of eight drivers, even though I did not have a good setup for my car. I even had a couple of "Oh Wow!" moments which brought back memories of some of my more exciting races. One was an awesome power slide around the first corner (pictured at the top of this post), and the other was when I threaded the needle between two spinning cars (below).

If you like driving or racing games, GPL can still be found online for next to nothing. It's a classic of the genre, and like all classics, it is timeless. There is a vigorous community of guys ready and willing to help out and welcome newcomers. Grab a copy, get a wheel and pedals, and give it a spin! See you on track.

Have Broadsword, Will Travel.

If you look at my profile, you'll see that I like games. While it primarily means I like computer games, I also like old fashioned table-top role playing games. I played Dungeons and Dragons in high school with a few friends. I remember well the camaraderie that the games inspired in us, and how fun it was to craft adventures for each other, exploring strange new worlds armed with our wits and a trusty broadsword.

I'm older now, and those friends, like the broadsword, have faded into the past. Sometimes I still miss the thrill of being a part of the story, and the excitement of a natural 20 turning up on the die. I don't play pencil and paper D&D anymore, but have found an outlet for adventure in the game Neverwinter Nights. It's the best representation of the D&D system produced to date for the PC, and has fostered a large, active community on the internet. If you're into role-playing games, and like playing online, you might see me on the Neverwinter Nights 2 persistent world server, Legends of the Dalelands. Drop bye, say hi, and let me take you on an adventure.

Just be sure to bring your broadsword.