So here we are.

So I've been putting this off for literally months. For a bit it was just "eh, I'll get to it later" before it was just full blown "fuck it". Well, here I am again.

A freakin' in-grown toenail put me here.

I'm writing this before I dig the damn thing out. My foot is soaking in uncomfortably hot salt water.

I'm writing this as my final thoughts before I risk amputation of my foot.

~`~

This summer, something happened I can't stop thinking about.

It's always on my mind.

...

Well, I do work a lot.

This summer, I played a fantastic game. It was developed by Clover Studios, and published by Capcom.

It's titled Okami.

It really is hard to overestimate how beautiful and fun this game is. Basically, it's amazing, and if you have a Wii or PS2, I highly recommend it if you can find it. I have the Wii version, and for all motion control's flaws, this game really takes advantage of them.

I got it used at my workplace for 29.99. I forgot how much it was with my discounts and stuff.

I bought it used.

~`~

I do a lot of reading on the Escapist. And of course, they occasionally write about the used game market. It's some pretty neutral reporting, but it gives both sides. Developers want money for their games, they don't get money from used games. People buy used games typically because they're cheaper (and Gamestop totally milks them for all they're worth).

Dunno if I've mentioned it, but I would like to be a game developer one day. And I can only imagine how much I'd be frustrated if all I got was a big sale at launch, and nothing after because they all went into used circulation. Not that I wouldn't sympathize, either, since used games take aaaaages to fall in price. So I'd probably drop their price a little more reliably too. Maybe.

~`~

I hope you understand how good Okami was to make me sincerely feel guilty about getting it used. For 30 bucks it felt like a steal. I would have gladly shelled out $60 to get this new. It probably wouldn't have done much. I'm pretty sure that by the time the Wii release came out, Clover had already been dissolved, but Capcom still deserves their share for a damn good game.

Now, every day I'm at work I can't stop thinking about the new vs used game argument. Of course I still offer people the cheaper, used version if we have it. I like being able to offer people a product that's a bit cheaper, if not a bit scuffed. Yet, whenever I'm looking for games, I try and find them new before I get them used now. Sure, if I can't find it, I'll go for the used game...I still want to play it. And I think used games have a niche like that. For older, harder to find titles.

I doubt this debate will ever really be resolved in my head.

~`~

Guess I'll just go rip out my toenail instead.

Want to tell this author what you think, but you don't want anyone else to see it? Think she's full of it and need to set her straight? Want to worship the ground she walks on? Well, good luck with that last one, but you can email Chrys at catharticgamer@yahoo.com and at least tell her what you think.