I don't even like golf....

but yet I found myself captivated today watching the US Open over the internet (thank you ESPN and USGA for the simulcast). On a normal weekend, I won't give golf a second look. The few exceptions are: 1) Final round of a major, 2) Tiger Woods in contention, and 3) I need a nap. Well, today (and yesterday), 2 out of the 3 were in play. Never before have I witnessed a whole round playoff for a win. There are so many story lines attached to this round of golf that made it so intriguing.

There is the whole awesomeness that is Tiger Woods. His now 14-0 record in majors when leading after 3 rounds. His chase for Jack Nicklaus' record. Playing with a bum knee (seriously, play that well, mere weeks after knee surgery).

Then there is the Rocco Mediate storyline. He seemed like a quality guy. Ranked 158th in the world, and taking Tiger Woods to the wire. Simply amazing.

Then the golf itself. Woods takes a 3 stroke lead. Followed shortly by Rocco getting 3 birdies in a row and taking a one shot lead. Leading by one going to 18 (same as yesterday). And just like yesterday, having Woods sink a putt to force a playoff. 90 holes of golf, and these two guys were dead even. Wow.

As stated, I'm not a huge golf fan. But I think I appreciate the greatness that is Tiger Woods. It's like watching Wayne Gretzky (slightly before my time as a sports fan...and it's hockey), or Michael Jordan, or probably Jack Nicklaus (before Woods made his appearance). Witnessing sports history...that's what makes it worth watching.

Also, I really loved this commercial about Woods. It's his later father explaining why Tiger is so good...mental toughness. Watch and enjoy

Favorite Video Games: XBOX 360

Video games have certainly gotten a ton better in recent memory. Narrowing my 360 games down to just 5 has certainly been tough. Last September (at my one-year 360 anniversary), I posted my top 5 games/experiences then. This list is drastically different. Again, unbelievably difficult to only put 5, so pay attention to the honorable mentions, as they really aren't too far away from the top 5. To crack this list, the enjoyment of playing the game must be there, the desire to finish the game, and the uniqueness of the game. Here they are, my current favorite video games for the XBOX 360.

5. Call of Duty 2
Still the best WWII first person shooter video game. The single player was intense and great fun. However, the fondest memories of this game will always be online sniper battles. Superb game.

4. Assassin's Creed
One of the most unique platforming games to come across consoles ever. Half the fun was simply running around the cities. I'm a big fan of this historical period (Crusades) in literature and film, and playing this time period was great. The combat was phenomenal and the story was interesting up until the very end (took a strange turn at that point). Eagerly anticipating a sequel to this game.

3. Gears of War
The gameplay alone gets this on the list. The cover system was excellent, the active reloads, and level design was outstanding. Online play was good at first, but I did get burned out on it. I'm anticipating Gears II, but I'm not getting all ga-ga over it. Anyway, still an excellent gaming experience.

2. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Mass Effect (tie)

I'm kind of cheating here by giving these two a tie. Both are excellent games, and since both are in the action/RPG category, I'm grouping them together. Oblivion wins for its feeling of setting the world. Just wandering around and discovering new dungeons was superfun. The feeling that you really were in the world was great. However, the main storyline wasn't the best ever, and I found myself enjoying side missions even more.

Mass Effect is just the opposite. I did feel like a part of the universe set up in the game, and I loved in the conversation system. The side missions were relatively mundane, repetitive and not terribly intriguing. However, the main storyline was unbelievably awesome. I had to resist the temptation to just race through the main quest. Quite possibly a better story has never been put to video game lore. I most certainly can't wait until Mass Effect 2 makes an appearance.

And my favorite video game for the XBOX 360...

1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
This may be as close to a flawless game that has been made to date. The single player levels are intense and cinematic. Getting through this game on Veteran difficulty is a great achievement (I'm on the final level, and can't quite get it done). However, the multiplayer is the reason to keep coming back. Map design is great. If you like to snipe, most maps make it possible. If you prefer close quarters, most maps make it possible. The leveling up system and perks system are outstanding, and keep the game fresh. I don't generally play with the general public (GP) much, but on this game, I play on very regular basis. If you have access to this game, you MUST get it.

Honorable mentions (with short comments): College Basketball 2k8 (my current favorite, but not really a unique experience, just excellent to play); Madden 08 (best Madden to date); Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 1 & 2 (great gameplay, and the most maps ever released for online play); Rainbow 6: Vegas 1 & 2 (perfected tactical shooting from the single player perspective); Halo 3 (it's a Halo, and is ok); Guitar Hero 2 & 3 (makes a musical moron feel like a rockstar, really fun times)

That's all for this favorite video game series. Now, I'll have to think of some other topics. A life update would be good, I haven't done one of those in a little while.

Favorite Video Games: Playstation 2

We are coming into much more modern times, as I take a look at my favorite games from the Playstation 2. This was the first system that I purchased with my own money (prior to this, they had been gifts from my parents). Video games became a much larger portion of my free time starting with this system, and the steps games a whole made were very large. Without further boredom, let's take a look at my top 5 PS2 games.

5. Madden Football
I've played Madden ever since my first go round on the SNES. For the most part, each version was getting a little better than the last. 2005 was my final version on the PS2 and I loved the game. The fantasy draft for franchise mode was super fun, and made the game that much more fun.

4. TimeSplitters 3
I had not played the previous two TimeSplitters games, but greatly enjoyed this one. The single player was fun, and really humorous. This game really shines in multi-player though. Many an hour were spent with the brother playing this game against various bots. The characters are outstanding. I'll never forget the Ginger Bread Man: "Bite my crunchy brown @$$."

3. God of War (I and II)
I would easily rate God of War as the best platforming game of recent memory and certainly have it in the conversation for best ever. An absolutely amazing game. Graphics were awesome, story was engaging, level design superb, and the most badass character ever in the history of video games. I kept my PS2 after buying the Xbox 360, exclusively so I could play God of War II. I wasn't disappointed. I might have to get a PS3 once God of War 3 makes it out. These games rocked.

2. Resident Evil 4
This game probably ranks in my top 5 of best games of all time. I never played any of the other Resident Evil games, but was immediately hooked on this one. I just did not want to put the controller down. The combination of suspense and action was excellently balanced. They kept you right on the cusp of low ammo. Enough to keep you worried, but not so often to actually be annoyed by it. The section of game where you lock yourself in the farm house is simply one of the best levels ever.

And the number 1 game on the PS2...

1. Star Wars Battlefront (1 and 2)


It's tough to pick between these two games, so I won't. I'm not sure I could tally how many hours my brother and I played these two games, but it's a frickin' lot. I like first person shooters, I like Star Wars, and capture point battles are also fun. The combination makes for a nearly perfect game. Flying a snowspeeder and taking out AT-ATs is a blast. Holding off the droid army at Bespin platforms is super fun. The battles never played out the same way twice (with the exception of us winning). I'm eagerly anticipating Battlefront 3...and more Star Wars butt-kicking.

Honorable mentions: Grand Theft Auto III, Smuggler's Run (way more fun than it needed to be)

I have very fond memories of the PS2. Up next, my current system and first foray into the Microsoft gaming world, the X-box 360. My series concludes within the week. Stay tuned.

Favorite Video Games: Nintendo 64

Continuing the stroll down video game memory lane, we now come to the years of the Nintendo 64. The final cartridge system, and my final run on a Nintendo. Many, many good hours were spent playing this system. Both single player games, and multi-player battles with my brother (and occasionally sister). This is certainly one of my favorite systems ever. The controller was unique for its time, and the entry into 3D gaming was awesome. Now that the fanboy gushing is over, let's get on with the countdown.

5. Super Mario 64

Mario's first stint in the 3D realm was outstanding. The control scheme was excellent, the level design was phenomenal, and putting on the winged hat and flying around was so enjoyable. An amazing game at anytime, and even more impressive for a launch title.

4. Goldeneye 007 and Perfect Dark (tie)



Due to the similarity of these two games, I've opted to give them the number 4 spot. These two games mark my first foray into console first person shooters. This genre of game is now my favorite type (along with sports). Both games had excellent single players, but really shined in multi-player. I remember vividly playing Perfect Dark with my brother and sister against a Perfect Bot and trying to stay alive...really funny stuff.

3. Star Fox 64
I enjoyed Star Fox for the SNES, but the difficulty of the game kept me from loving it. This version however, was super fun to play. One of the few games I can (or at least could) beat on one life. The fact that how you played levels actually affected how the story progressed was unique and made certain choices that much more important. Awesomely fun.

2. Zelda: Ocarina of Time
It is really hard not to put this game at number 1. This really represented my first (and only) journey through Hyrule, and I loved every minute of it. This game was darn near perfect. Good puzzles, excellent fighting, and superb story. From start to finish, an amazing adventure. I definitely played through this game more than once.

And the reason Zelda isn't at number 1....

1. Mario Kart 64
They honestly don't make games any better than this. Probably the best racing game ever put on a console. The AI was appropriately difficult, the tracks are ingenious, and best of all, the battle mode! I'm not sure how many hours my brother and I played this game in battle mode. Avoiding red turtle shells, flooding the level with green shells, and the suspense when we were both down to one balloon. The best Mario Kart to date (granted I've not played the Wii version, but I can't imagine it beats this one). Best game ever for the N64.

Honorable mentions: Mario Golf, Wrestlemania 2000, and Star Wars: Rouge Squadron.

I fondly look back on the N64, and sometimes wish to find games as enjoyable as they were on this system.

Stay tuned, up next...the Playstation 2.