And so it begins… freedom! My exams are done, project interviews completed, and results pending. In the mean time, I’ve pretty much been playing games solid, as well as fixing a few computers here and there. Currently, Oblivion is definitely eating up the majority of the time. Being a huge fan of Morrowind (Oblivion’s prequel), I couldn’t wait to dive into Oblivion. Originally I bought it for the PC, prior to buying my Xbox 360. Due to other commitments I never really got more than 10 hours into the PC version, and as my PC gaming habits faded due to my Xbox 360, I eventually decided the sell the PC version and substitute it for the Xbox 360 version. After all, regardless of what anyone says, achievements do entice you to play a game more. Other games further down the summer playlist include:

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Pokemon Diamond [DS] – I admit I used to be a Pokemon hater. I was one of those guys who’d only ever seen the annoying cartoon, never played the games, and hated the freakin sight of a Pikachu. That said, I just couldn’t ignore the hype on the new Pearl/Diamond Pokemon games on the DS, and so I decided to grab a copy of the Diamond version. So far I’m still learning the ropes, but it definitely has the addiction factor. Just not as addicitive as Oblivion for now.

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Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 [DS] – Osu!! Well to anyone that knows me, its no surprise that this is on my playlist. Having loved the original Ouendan, and then the American counterpart, Elite Beat Agents, another sequel is a welcome addition. Seriously, if you’ve never played these games you are truly missing out on a great fun rhythm game that only the DS could do so well.

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Picross [DS] – An addictive puzzle game which provides a more relaxing alternative to Sudoku. Admittedly this is more of a game for travelling or toilet stops, but its still awesome nevertheless. Also provides some great multiplayer features, such as creating your own puzzles and sharing them with your friends, as well as a traditional multiplayer battle.

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Crackdown [360] – Having only purchased this recently, I still have as yet to play it. Admittedly the Halo 3 beta was another factor in my purchase of it, but regardless I still enjoyed the demo, a lot more than I would a GTA game.

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God of War I / II [PS2] – Another recent classic that I need to, and will (hopefully), get round to.

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Final Fantasy XI [360] – So me and a mate have chosen this as our online summer game, since his PC is too crappy to run World of Warcraft or any other decent MMO. I just wish I knew it took up 6gb of the 360 hard drive before I purchased it!

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Final Fantasy VII [PSOne] – For shame, this is still on my to do list. I will get there, though.

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Earth Defence Force [360] – Cheap and cheerful fun. I really want to complete this, admittedly partly for the great achievement points!

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Zelda: Twilight Princess [Wii] – Yep, still have half of this to complete too.

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Colin McRae: DiRT [360] – I’m pretty broke for this summer period, but this will still be an essential purchase for me.

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Other possible titles to add to the list include:

• Kororinpa [Wii]
• Dead Rising [360]
• Rainbow Six Vegas [360]
• Ninja Gaiden Black [Xbox]

And some more online slaying on Gears of War and Halo 2 will no doubt be on the cards here and there too.