Well I haven't made an entirely new feature this time around, but don't worry I have a very interesting topic in the draft stage. And yes, "draft-stage" implies that it is research-based hence the time delay. Luckily I have most of it written up, just need to edit it and tighten up some points with a bit more research. The topic has interested me for quite some time, so I want to 1) give it justice and 2) formulate a comprehensiveargument…

But anyways onto the mini-topic…

If you gamers haven't heard already, CAG (Cheapassgamer.com) is a fantastic site where any gaming related deals are posted for the viewing of the public. Thankfully a Membership or sign-up is not necessary. Posted today was the upcoming July 26th release of El Shaddai:Ascension of the Metatron for the 360 and PS3. For those of us keeping up with news knowjust how unique looking the game is, a fresh departure from the standard drab browns and grays of post- apocalyptia. The gameplay also looks interesting with standard action similar to the most recent Prince of Persia (minus the safety net I'm sure) in addition to some platforming elements thrown in for good measure. Personally its a nice constrast from watchingmuscle-bondmeatbags, hunkering across a battlefield, decapitating alien baddies as ugly as their owndilapidated mugs. To make matters even worse for our wallets is it's a Japanese interpretation of the lost biblical book of Enoch. Religiosity aside, the Bible has some pretty action packed brutality throughout its lengthy text, so seeing, for one, a book that didn't make Constantine's cut, in the hands of the eccentric brilliance of the Japanese should make any gamer that has typed "games as art"more than once this generation, gyrate with angelic jubilee! Alas we gamers are a cheap lot, so to sweeten the pot (and deepening your chasm of guilt) Amazon is also offering a $10 gift card with any pre-order of the game.

Well I have employed every motivational device in my repertoire. And of course I won't stoop as low as guilt tripping you with saying your purchase is aiding the feeble, diminished economy of recently devastated Japan…

…yeah…

So anyways if you have ever complained about a lack of gaming innovation, vote with your dollar with the purchase of this title. This game not your cup of tea, try Mikami and Suda51's Shadows of the Damned (the makers of Killer7, No More Heroes, and Resident Evil 4)! Still too expensive, support Greg Kasavin's Bastion on the XBLA on July 20th. Still not enough money…well stop preordering Call of Duty 9 and 15 dollar"War is Hell": Map Pack DLC. Personally I can't wait to pick this up. Not only will I be able to play a (more than likely) stellar game, but to also support a new IP that has little chances of survival, just makes the humanitarian in me glow with pride. Do not wait to buy this at GameStop for $10 used in the future. That gives the developer absolutely no money, and only serves to soften the already cushy pedestal that GameStop occupies atop the throats of us gamers. There are times to complain and there are times to finally take charge and support progressive game design and direction. I'm making my contribution, how about you! (….and Peer-Pressure! Okay now I've done them all)

Share your major or minor contributions to the fight in the comments below!