This post is for Kim Harrison (and book lovers)

   

     For anyone who doesn't know who she is, she wrote the NY Times bestselling series the Hollows.  I loved the Hollows series and think she's an awesome writer.  She just released a new book at the beginning of October called the Drafter.  It's very good, a lot different from the Hollows but definitely worth a read.  Now you're probably wondering why I'm devoting most of my post to her book instead of just mentioning how awesome it is.  There is a reason.  I follow her on Facebook and she posted a blog earlier today.  Apparently the Drafter sold so poorly that her publisher is thinking about canceling the sequel, which would suck because I would really like to know what happens to Peri (the main character).  So even though I don't have a huge audience for my blog, I thought I would show my support.  Her Hollows series was hugely popular, so why the Drafter failed to sell is mystifying.  I find it really sad I might never get to read one of her books again.  I might just buy a bunch of copies and give them away as christmas presents!  If you'd like to check the Drafter out and help spread the word here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Drafter-Peri-Reed-Chronicles/dp/1501108697/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444698949&sr=8-1&keywords=the+drafter

Also here's a link to her Hollows series, which is now complete:http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Witch-Walking-Hollows-Book/dp/0060572965/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444699468&sr=8-1&keywords=dead+witch+walking

Star Wars Battlefront beta impressions

   
I played the beta for a few hours yesterday and today.  I love Star Wars and I've really been looking forward to this game.  I know a lot of people are not having a good first impression.  I don't think I've read a single positive thing actually.  (I'm sure there are some positive reviews I've just missed them).  It's hard to judge the beta because I don't know how deep the main game is going to be.  The graphics are beautiful.  There is some lag but hopefully the kinks will be worked out before release day.  The weapon variety isn't great, hopefully there's more weapons to be had than what I've seen.  The drop zone is kind of meh, it's the standard control match.  The walker assault is a lot more fun.  My only complaint is I saw jedi knights running around and people flying vehicles, but for the life of me I couldn't find those powerups on the map.  There's seven different multiplayer modes, so we're just getting a taste of what the game has to offer.  I can imagine how much fun the fighter squadron is going to be.  I'm assuming it's an all vehicle battle (hopefully) so that will just be wicked.  I want to run out and pre-order it, but I'm going to have to wait for reviews on this one.  It looks fun but I'd rather play it safe.

Taken King last impressions

     After playing pretty much nothing but Destiny for the past few weeks, I have a few new thoughts and observations.  The Taken King was a step forward in a few ways for Destiny, and I do like some of the changes they made.  But they got a lot of things wrong.  I was maxed out on my characters for Vanguard and crucible marks when the Taken King dropped, and I got no legendary marks to compensate for them.  Bungie could've easily worked out a system to translate those marks and given us something, even if it was a small amount.  I realize they probably wanted everyone to start off at the same point so it was fair to all.  But wouldn't giving everyone a few new marks in return for the old marks do the same thing?  I'd like those hours of my life back!
     Another big problem is the tweaking and recycling.  Bungie gave us new strikes?  Awesome.  Not so awesome?  Taking an old strike and inserting some Taken into it randomly.  Its lazy and unnecessary.  And everyone keeps asking when I'm going to go back and get the Stranger's Rifle again because apparently there's a rumor it might be worth a crap one day.  Never.  That's when I'm going to go get it.  Never.
     Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of things I love about Destiny.  The repetition is not one of them.  I'd really love to try the new raid, but I can't because I don't have enough light.  I can't even do nightfall yet!  My biggest problem is I simply don't have enough time to sink into the game.  It's great if you want to play with friends for a few hours, but when those hours get you nowhere it's kind of pointless.  If they'd cut back on the grind just a little bit, it'd make the game a lot more accessible for those of us with jobs and a life.  The only people I know that are uber powerful are old dudes and young kids who apparently have too much time on their hands.  Seriously, how do they have time do to schoolwork?  In any case, this'll probably be my last Destiny expansion.  I've enjoyed it, but I have too many other games I'd like to finish.