I've noticed that lately I don't play video games as much anymore. I still buy the big games when they come out and give them a shot, but they rarely keep my interest long enough for me to beat them. Grand Theft Auto 4, Call of duty 4, Metal Gear 4, Soul Calibur 4... (whoa, there was a fuckload of part 4's this year...) they were all cool I guess. But I have to say the best game I played all year wasn't even on PS3 or 360. It was on PSP, and with an MSRP of $19.99. The game is called Patapon. If you have a flight or trip coming up, I strongly suggest you either download the demo on PSN, or fork over the twenty smackers for a good fun/cheddar ratio.
Its a game where you enter commands to the beat like a rythm game. A certain pattern causes your army to rush, retreat, guard, move, and attack. You start off with like 2 of these little shits, and they throw some dinky spears for dick damage. As play you can get more guys to your army, and in all different types of classes. Archers, big ogre club swinging dudes, grunts, etc. What makes the game fun is that you can pimp out you little soldier dudes with some buff ass armor, and shit like swords that set the enemies on fire. I know this sounds pretty weird, but somehow, the music, rythm, fighting, and upgrading just works. It's definately the most innovative game I've played, and for the price tag, it easily wins as the best game I've played on 2008. Don't get it twisted, these cute little fuckers will burn the house down when you mob up 15 deep while catching fever mode.
Patapon 2 comes out in a couple months, and like after beating the demo, you can transfer your save file for some special weapons and such when you start. The best thing is that Patapon 2 will have a multiplayer mode it battle it out. Pon-Pon-Pata-Pon bitches!
First we went Xcaret which is an awesome spot. If you're in this region I highly suggest you hit this place up for an experience buffet on everything local. You can see the local animals, swim through submerged caves, scuba, snorkel, jungle trails, even sit back on a beach and do nothing if that's your thing.
We then traveled to Chitchen Itza on the hottest day of the trip. They don't let anyone climb on the Ruins anymore which sucks, but makes sense. Tourism seems to be the big revenue generator for the area, and they need to make sure it stays that way for years to come. Not to mention, how many people probably fell and tumbled down the stairs like a chinese gymnist.
After a hot sunburn filled day at the Ruins, we finally get to Ik Kil the "Sacred Blue Cenote". In Mayan times, these was their only resources for fresh water, and they also represented the entrance to the underworld. This place was badass. Its like straight out of a movie, and the waters are cool and sweet. There was something uplifting about climbing the stone stairs and taking a dive into the blue waters that I can't explain. This and scuba through Barracuda reef definately stand out as my favorites.
All the clothes are washed, the luggage stowed away, and even went into the office only 6 hours after getting home. The daily grind is back in full effect. With a handful of new memories and experiences, it definately makes it a bit sweeter. Viva la Mexico.