I do not use my mic.

I play games.

I am a girl.

I have Xbox LIVE and play online frequently with many titles.

I do not use my headset outside of personal parties with people I know.

Why?

Because I understand that not everyone who plays on LIVE is on the same maturity level as myself, because I know people on LIVE don't all believe in the same things I believe in, have the same interests, understand the difference between me being a bitch and me joking around. Because I understand that harassment does hurt no matter how much I wish it did not.

Some women go on and goad them menfolk, some girls go on in a feeble attempt to get attention. When they are met with "go back to the kitchen and make me a sandwich!" they are often insulted and offended.

I know these are possibilities, so to the large percentage out there that I have played with, or people who know me and wonder why I don't speak, that is why.

I don't have a problem with it so much, but sometimes it makes gaming a bit difficult. In games like Left 4 Dead when you're playing in that game, communication is a huge key in victory. Communication is used when alerting players of strategy, so being afraid to speak out of fear of starting a fire that cannot be put out is bothersome. I guess the easy way to fix that is to play with all friends! That isn't always as easy as it sounds.

The friends I do play with, I understand their banter. "God that sucked, you should focus on making pies!" But the underlying sexism involved with strangers is much more intimidating, especially since there isn't much that you can do about it. Sure you can report them, but does that do justice to the belittling you just faced? Does that actually decrease the rage and the wanting to find them and punch them in the balls? Not really.

There is no solution to this problem. People are people and they won't change. But don't expect me to turn on my mic anytime soon.

Thank you IGN

The wait is finally over, BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger arrives this summer.

March 6, 2009 - Torrance, CA (March 5th, 2008) - Aksys Games, a leading publisher of interactive entertainment products, is very proud to announce today that BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger will arrive on PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. Developed by Arc System Works, creators of the widely popular Guilty Gear franchise, BlazBlue will give fighting game fans across the globe the chance to enjoy the title that has been hailed as "the true renaissance of 2D fighting games" when it is released in Summer of 2009!

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger features twelve, extraordinarily detailed, hand-drawn characters in true high-definition glory. Each character has been finely crafted to express their personality traits through unique "Drive" attacks that can turn the tide of battle instantly. Fans of the Guilty Gear series will also be pleased hear the hard-hitting rock soundtrack, composed by famed Guilty Gear creator, Daisuke Ishiwatari!

"As the spiritual successor to the Guilty Gear series, BlazBlue pushes the 2D fighting game genre by introducing intuitive system mechanics with beautiful 2D animation and gorgeous 3D backgrounds," states Michael Manzanares, Associate Producer, Aksys Games. "Once you play BB, you'll find it hard to go back to anything less."

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Features

• The First HD 2D Fighter from the Creators of the Guilty Gear Series! Be prepared to be blinded by the awesomeness that is BlazBlue, with its stunning characters--each one animated with over 1800 frames of hand-drawn, high-definition sprites!


• Console-Exclusive Content! Brand new music, animations, backgrounds, and a fully fleshed-out story mode have been made exclusively for the console release!!


• Dual Language Support! Experience the fully realized BlazBlue saga with fully-voiced dialogue in English or Japanese!!


• Online Battle Train your skills online through ranked and player battles. Create online lobbies where up to six players can battle each other or spectate from the sidelines to gauge their opponents!!


• A Plethora of Defensive and Offensive Options at Your Disposal! Take advantage of Barriers, Counter Assaults, Rapid Cancels, Barrier Bursts, Ukemi Tactics, Distortion Drives, and console-exclusive Astral Heat for all characters!

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger has not yet been rated by the ESRB. More information about Aksys Games and BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger can be found at www.aksysgames.com.

Hack n' Slash

Recently I took it upon myself to see what people thought the greatest Hack and Slash game of all time was. Because really, that is my real genre of choice. But I was disappointed to see games such as Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry on those lists.

Don't get me wrong, those are great games, but I don't consider them Hack 'n Slash. Here is why: They are linear. They have a story to follow, it's ABOUT something, you are progressing towards something. There are puzzles, and boss battles.

I consider hack 'n slash like dynasty warriors, or devil kings. There is a story there but it's not nearly as important as killing everyone. Unlocking people and mounts, unlocking costumes, unlocking cutscenes. They are repetitive and if you've played one you've played them all, but the name of the genre screams "repetition!" hack and slash, rinse and repeat!

Hand of God does wonders.

Apparently, I should be gay.

pleasepleaseplease

Please come to me!

Kotaku made my heart jump today.

This is a game I have been waiting for and wanting, so very much.