What are you playing?

Finally beat Suikoden, had numerous distractions:

 such as...

Beating Super Mario 64 again, but for first time on VC
Getting half way through Paper Mario on the VC
Giving 3 new games a "quality test" (usually I spend 3 hours into a game without saving if it's used just to be sure it works. once got a copy of FFX that worked for about 1.5 hours, but would always crash when entering the first temple)
Found a java app game called MineQuest and lost 3 days digging a hole and making a staircase -_-
Got Aran to 50
Got Evan to 30
Going back and forth on websites to see whether or not I should keep the 159$ credit I have on one site for Suikoden II which may never be in stock there or spend it on 6 of so games and save up a separate 100 for it on eBay
Taking down wall mounted media storage for risk of another earthquake
Class junk

As for how I feel about it:

 Suikoden Spoilers again

Another thing I'm not so fond of. Ending with all the character's life stories after the game ends. I know there are sequels, but it just always gives me the feeling of "They all lived happily [or not] ever after... now forget about them, they lived out their lives and your done with them so stop thinking they have another adventure. Ordinary lives are fine too.

I dunno why, but I just don't like closure like that. I'm fine if you end it where everyone is happy together right after the climax, but having to state that they all go they're separate ways and never see each other again bothers me.


Another thing. Saying something about a person's goals and leaving it be/areas that look eventually accessible but never are. There were a few characters that mention their personal goals here and people they seek, but never get around to doing anything to that end in this game. Again, I realize this has a sequel, but it's another of my pet peeves. Worst one in another game for me was an underground treasury at a mayor's place where the guard says your not allowed in without permission, and it looks like a fully accessible area, but it's never mentioned again once you pass by the area.

Anyway, regardless of pet peeves, it was a good game. Thinking about the time of release, I'd say this was a masterpiece of it's time. Maybe I've been spoiled, but I thought that the characterization could use just a bit more depth to be a timeless classic. Just wish I had the next one lying around somewhere right now. I could always go back to that guy I bought it for and ask him to lend it to me... after all he owed me 40$... then aagin, I haven't seen him in 4 years so it might not be the best greeting.

As for what I'm playing now, the next ratchet game and persona 4 have gained my interest while I was testing them, although I really should get to finishing some of the old ones. Gonna see if I can go back and finish Xenosaga II or La Pucelle for now.