Okay, maybe this reviewer thing isn't all it's cracked up to be… Right now, I'm in the middle of reviewing a string of games that really don't interest me much at all. First, it was MotoGP 2007, which is a fine game if you're a fan of the MotoGP circuit, which I'm not. Now, it's Dragonball Z 3, of which I'm vaguely familiar, but by no means knowledgeable about the context of the series. Next up is Godzilla Unleashed; at least I'm a Godzilla fan. All of these are PS2, which means I'm getting hardly any time with my 360.
Part of it is the fact that I have still have a working PS2, and I'm willing to take whatever games I can get for review. I need to build the resume, and the extra money is nice. If I tried to hold out for the triple "A" titles, I would probably get about two assignments per year! There are just better, more experienced, and more proven reviewers on the staff. Beggars can't be choosers, I guess.
Also, I feel like I'm in a bit of a rut. My reviews feel formulaic. Insert comment A into section B about graphics. Ugh. I want to improve my writing - I want to transcend the "average" review, and write something profound and of value. I'm not having much luck doing that, especially with these games that invoke almost no passion from me. Part of me wants to "retire." It's been almost a year, and I've enjoyed the ride. But, a bigger part of me wants to see it through. I want to see where it will take me. I want to grow, improve, and challenge myself to do better than I thought I could. I don't want to back off of the commitment, which I've seemingly done so many times in the past when it comes to writing and the video game hobby.
What to do, what to do...
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Who Hired Sybil?
(Think actress Sally Field’s portrayal of multiple personality stricken Sybil Dorset.)
Let’s face it, we all play many roles in our lives but recently I played the role of an unemployed chick. Honestly, and I’ve said it before, what happened with my prior employer left me a little jaded, skeptical, uneasy. A definite kick in the ‘gut’ that left a sickening feeling that just seemed to linger.
Now you certainly can’t portray any of those feelings in an interview and, trust me on this, I did not portray any of those feelings. In fact, you probably would NOT have recognized me at all. I was charismatic, astute, relaxed, yet showed great interest in (nearly) every interview. I had all the right answers (most of the time), I always came back for “seconds” (great for an interview… not so great when it comes to food) and I had plenty of experiences to draw upon. Not one question hung me up. I even, at one time, was a little, smug. (I’m not proud of that…I’m just being honest.)
That “smug girl” was getting on my nerves so I (finally) decided which job to focus on…go for…see if they were worthy… whatever. (I know, I know…still a bit jaded, or maybe you thought smug. I was going for jaded.)
I’m used to working with people who like me for being, well, ME - a “straight shooter” and “not sugar coating.” That’s who I am.
Sometimes I think the people that interviewed me wonder what happened to that bright, positive, upbeat woman they interviewed. They still remember her. She was the little over-achieving go-getter who started the interview herself and promptly ended it when they refused to discuss vacation. Yet, they called her back for “seconds" and ultimately hired her (uhm, me)!
Don’t’ get me wrong, I do my job and I do it well. I came in after someone who did the best they could but it wasn’t what this employer was looking for. Still, I’m not the excited girl they interviewed. I’m not easily excited about anything having to do with work – especially at a new job. (Although I tend to perk up with monetary incentives!) I’m still learning the ropes and how to maneuver them. I’m in a bit of “culture shock” when you compare my current employer to my former one.
I'm also holding my own.
One day, after a joint effort of problem solving and designing a new procedure, my boss commented to me, “you don’t seem very excited about it.” It was probably right about then that the answer to “Who hired Sybil?” hit him with full force…
… I hired “Sybil!”
Let’s face it, we all play many roles in our lives but recently I played the role of an unemployed chick. Honestly, and I’ve said it before, what happened with my prior employer left me a little jaded, skeptical, uneasy. A definite kick in the ‘gut’ that left a sickening feeling that just seemed to linger.
Now you certainly can’t portray any of those feelings in an interview and, trust me on this, I did not portray any of those feelings. In fact, you probably would NOT have recognized me at all. I was charismatic, astute, relaxed, yet showed great interest in (nearly) every interview. I had all the right answers (most of the time), I always came back for “seconds” (great for an interview… not so great when it comes to food) and I had plenty of experiences to draw upon. Not one question hung me up. I even, at one time, was a little, smug. (I’m not proud of that…I’m just being honest.)
That “smug girl” was getting on my nerves so I (finally) decided which job to focus on…go for…see if they were worthy… whatever. (I know, I know…still a bit jaded, or maybe you thought smug. I was going for jaded.)
I’m used to working with people who like me for being, well, ME - a “straight shooter” and “not sugar coating.” That’s who I am.
Sometimes I think the people that interviewed me wonder what happened to that bright, positive, upbeat woman they interviewed. They still remember her. She was the little over-achieving go-getter who started the interview herself and promptly ended it when they refused to discuss vacation. Yet, they called her back for “seconds" and ultimately hired her (uhm, me)!
Don’t’ get me wrong, I do my job and I do it well. I came in after someone who did the best they could but it wasn’t what this employer was looking for. Still, I’m not the excited girl they interviewed. I’m not easily excited about anything having to do with work – especially at a new job. (Although I tend to perk up with monetary incentives!) I’m still learning the ropes and how to maneuver them. I’m in a bit of “culture shock” when you compare my current employer to my former one.
I'm also holding my own.
One day, after a joint effort of problem solving and designing a new procedure, my boss commented to me, “you don’t seem very excited about it.” It was probably right about then that the answer to “Who hired Sybil?” hit him with full force…
… I hired “Sybil!”
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Reviewing Machine
My Thrillville review was just posted. I also just turned in my review of Diamond Mind Baseball Online, and I currently have Moto GP for the PS2 in the works. I also found out that I'll be getting the Dragonball Z game for the PS2 to review, plus America's Army for the 360 at some point.
Man, since soccer has ended, I've been busier than ever reviewing games. I'm enjoying it though, and the extra cash will come in handy at Christmas. Plus, hopefully, I'll get to review some games for the Wii next year! These machines are paying for themselves, LOL. I also have a pretty good supplemental income to purchase games that I want, especially counting the dogs that I review that I can turn in for credit at the store.
So far, I'm enjoying this gig a lot... My only complaint is that with my limited time, I don't get to play the games I WANT to play as much. However, I'm trying games that I normally wouldn't play, so I guess it's kind of a wash.
Man, since soccer has ended, I've been busier than ever reviewing games. I'm enjoying it though, and the extra cash will come in handy at Christmas. Plus, hopefully, I'll get to review some games for the Wii next year! These machines are paying for themselves, LOL. I also have a pretty good supplemental income to purchase games that I want, especially counting the dogs that I review that I can turn in for credit at the store.
So far, I'm enjoying this gig a lot... My only complaint is that with my limited time, I don't get to play the games I WANT to play as much. However, I'm trying games that I normally wouldn't play, so I guess it's kind of a wash.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Update
I just finished my Thrillville review. It's a very good game... for pre-teens. "Mature" gamers can have some family-type fun out of it, but would be better served by playing the Roller Coaster Tycoon series.
I just got Moto GP for the PS2 to review. I have about a week to get that done. Soccer's over, but now I have more reviews this month than I've ever had (counting DMB online and America's Army, which I assume is coming this month). That's okay, though. The extra cash will come in handy next month!
The new job is going great! My team has been excellent to work with. And, I'm really enjoying getting back into systems. I've already solved a few Access problems, and it's very rewarding. Honestly, it's the problem-solving aspect that draws me to pseudo-programming and gaming, I believe. I'm getting the hang of the network stuff, too, although it's pretty convoluted. Overall, though, I'm really happy with the move.
The past couple of days, the kids and I have had some fun playing Dance Dance Revolution. I might get another DDR title for Christmas, for some fresh tunes. Also, the Wii came in yesterday. I just had to open the shipping box and look at it, since I've never seen one - even in the store! We got Mario Party, Paper Mario, and Wii Play to go along with it. I know we'll be having a blast Christmas morning...
I just got Moto GP for the PS2 to review. I have about a week to get that done. Soccer's over, but now I have more reviews this month than I've ever had (counting DMB online and America's Army, which I assume is coming this month). That's okay, though. The extra cash will come in handy next month!
The new job is going great! My team has been excellent to work with. And, I'm really enjoying getting back into systems. I've already solved a few Access problems, and it's very rewarding. Honestly, it's the problem-solving aspect that draws me to pseudo-programming and gaming, I believe. I'm getting the hang of the network stuff, too, although it's pretty convoluted. Overall, though, I'm really happy with the move.
The past couple of days, the kids and I have had some fun playing Dance Dance Revolution. I might get another DDR title for Christmas, for some fresh tunes. Also, the Wii came in yesterday. I just had to open the shipping box and look at it, since I've never seen one - even in the store! We got Mario Party, Paper Mario, and Wii Play to go along with it. I know we'll be having a blast Christmas morning...
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