Hitman: Absolution.

      It's been a while since I got my copy of the newest installment of the Hitman franchise. But, in light of what happened in Connecticut, around the time I finished the story of the game, I didn't think it would have been necessary to talk about it for a while. I plan on discussing violence in fictional media in another blog, but I just want to geek out right now.

      While shooting games are controversial right now, many people think of Call of Duty when they talk about violent games these days. Hitman, however, is more of a cerebral game. Each mission is a puzzle, and if there is a time where you have to unload with a gun, you're probably better off restarting that mission. The goal isn't shooting up everyone, but delicately getting the job done, and causing as little disturbance as possible. And, for the most part, almost every mission involves a target that is not a "soldier like you" or "some Joe on the street." The targets are usually people you don't feel bad about dropping a chandelier upon, poisoning, car-bombing, or sniping from a far distance with a silenced Dragunov; corrupt cops, sleazy politicians, mob top-dogs, war profiteers, and sex fiends; the boils under society's skin.
      I was hoping for a combination of good storyline and good gameplay, and it didn't disappoint. The story, itself has little in the way of actual missions. It's chapters in a story that involves murder, mayhem, genetic tampering, superweapon laboratories, and a heartwarming bond between a foster parent and a young girl - the scene where he's carrying the girl out of the invaded orphanage and saying "Don't worry, I won't let anyone hurt you," was an "Awwww!" moment. So, it's all about a cross-country ass-whoopin' delivered at the hands of 47. I won't get into the story any more, but it kicks ass.
      The downloadable content, thus far, is great. Although it is used for weapons in contract mode only. Contracts are mini-quests that players online can create, and they happen in stages pulled from areas in the main storyline. You earn money to unlock more weapons and upgrades. I have my sniper rifle maxed out with the best silencer I can get, so I'm styling right now.

Gaming news.

     I've been playing World of Warcraft more since I updated to "Burning Crusade." I am now a level-47 (appropriately) assassination rogue. A few days ago, I went on a mission where I had to kill 40 pirates (each level-44). I didn't notice the part of the briefing where I had to drop bombs. So, I spend over a half-hour pecking them off, one at a time, sneaking and stabbing. Reading that mission would have provided me with a more convenient way of completing it. At least I've rekindled my love for poisons, especial Deadly Poison.
     Now that I've upgraded to "Burning Crusade," I have visited the draenei on their settled turf, Azuremist Isle, and their home base, the interdimensional ship the Exodar (my hearthstone takes me back there). When I hit level-58, I will go to Outland and party there. And when I say "party," I mean sneaking, stabbing, garroting, and poisoning.
     Next Friday, I'm going to upgrade to "Wrath of the Lich King." I like the trailers for it; there's this bad-ass undead in an icy fortress, wielding a huge sword. Can't think of the bastard's name, though. It reminded me of my idea to have an undead ruler in my D&D campaign world. I'll combine it with my Nordic sorcerer.

     Speaking of D&D, I was reminded by my doll that I could come over to her place and run a D&D campaign with her and the people she lives with. I don't know how long that campaign would last, though. I won't say how I know this, but I just do.

     I started playing the Konquest mode of Mortal Kombat: Deception. It doesn't feel as smooth as the one in Armageddon, but that's probably because it's an older game. I started playing SoulCalibur 4 a few weeks ago, and I love playing as Tira. She's a bad-ass! As far as her back-story, some have said she's a demonically-posssessed gymnastically-trained assassin. Sounds cool. I'm going to go write my D&D campaign notes now.