This year is going to be a big year for me, video game wise. I currently own a PlayStation, and only a PlayStation, as I will not be sucked into the "our system is better" marketing and go out and buy a N64 and/or a Dreamcast system. Although, I did at one time own a N64, I discarded it because (with exception to Zelda64, F-ZeroX, and Rogue Squadron) the games sucked. Not to mention, Nintendo is being stupid by continuing it's cartridge based console. But in short, you wouldn't catch me playing very many computer video games.

...And, I shouldn't even call it a PlayStation... I should call it a SQUARESOFTStation. 90% of the games I own, imports included, are by Squaresoft... So, why is it a big year for me as far as video games are concerned? My answers:

Ehrgeiz: Got it, played it, was as disappointed as I was with Star Wars: Episode One. It's an OK fighter, but way difficult to control, even with the Analog/Dual Shock controller. And, it didn't come with any Final Fantasy 8 demo as it was said to have contained. But it was entertaining to use Final Fantasy 7 characters in a Fighting game atmosphere.

Final Fantasy VIII: Released in Japan, To be released in the USA: 9/99. Well, I got impatient. I ordered the Import version of the game and a game enhancer to be able to play imports and backups on my PSX. WELL WORTH IT. Despite the fact that you can't really follow the story line, due to it all being in Japanese, it was still worth the 79 bucks. Thanks to translation sites on the net, I know the storyline and the items, and I can play it like a pro. But, I'm still anxiously awaiting the North American release of the game in Sepetember.

Final Fantasy Collections/Anthology: Released in Japan, To be released in the USA: 11/99. This is another set of games I'm going to become impatient for and probably order. But this time I have a very good reason: The Japanese version of this game collection includes remasters of Final Fantasy 4, 5 AND 6, whereas the North American version will only contain translated remasteres of 5 and 6. Who knows why they are not including 4, but I have my bets that Nintendo is not letting them.

There were two other games which I was looking forward to this year, but they have already been released. Sim City 3000, which is by far the most advanced (and most fun) of all the Sim City games, and Electronic Arts' Need for Speed: High Stakes. I've managed to get my hands on Need For Speed, but chances are, it'll gather dust while I play Ehrgeiz in May.

But, all in all, I don't play too many video games, which is the main reason why the only games I own are made by either Squaresoft or Electronic Arts. There are many other things I like to do, which include shooting pool (although I really suck at it), shooting darts, bowling, and enjoying the outdoors, whenever possible. Also, I am a Monopoly junkie, and you can always talk me into playing a good game of Monopoly anytime - but none of this "Short Game Rules" bullcrap... :)

Travelling is also something that I enjoy doing, and I try to do whenever possible. But, sadly, it's too expensive to be able to travel as much as I want to. Hopefully I'll win a multi-million dollar lottery someday.