Ha, you know, you're right. The word "balanced" is basically meaningless in games writing at this point. I guess what I meant is that it will still be tough no matter how many cool-looking spells they show off in a demo.

I don't think you're part of any problem. I agree with pretty much everything you're saying here. I think you're equating skepticism with cynicism. I am looking forward to almost all of the games on this list, but some healthy skepticism is still in order when you're at a marketing-driven event such as E3.

I hope you keep commenting on the series as it proceeds, and when you can. I'd love to hear the perspective of someone "on the inside" of this profession.

It's a good question. Another point: David mentions to Ruth in this episode, "I know what you and Dad thought of Kroner." Presumably the company had made overtures before, and they had been rebuffed. The fact that they redouble their efforts now that Nathaniel's dead (the instant he's in the ground, in fact), makes…

Brenda was lying. The number on the bus was different. The route was the same though.

I don't understand your complaint. The top of this thread is one big spoiler warning. You can still read the thread if you'd like.

Arrgh, I meant RFG. OK, I'm done.

To clarify that last bit: If you think RFA is a vapid pile of shit, that's super, but make an argument rather than just spouting reflexive anti-intellectual claptrap.

One of the major things that I love about games, and about art, is the way that they can allow you to assume an unfamiliar perspective. I loved Red Faction: Guerrilla because it put you in the mindset of an insurgent who has to manage an uprising against a seemingly intractable foe. (Note I did not say terrorist or…

I meant to say that I'd encourage people to talk foreshadowing and whatnot in that one special thread. But you probably figured that out.

I agree with Pairesta — there is a particular urge to assess the entire arc of the show on the post for the premiere episode. It should calm down soon. Next week, I'll create a comments thread specifically for talk of things to come and encourage people to talk foreshadowing, series arcs, and so on. That way,…

Great insight, Affrosponge.

Yes. The "bad" stretches are a step down from the show's greatest heights, but they're not as awful as many people say they are. That's my opinion. This is fact: You can step away from the show at any time if you get bored, and you'll still have enjoyed some great TV along the way. The seasons are fairly…

It's been a while since we checked into either the WiiWare or DSiWare store. I'll take a look for the next column, AB. Thank you for the suggestion.

Gold stars for dougery and Never Forget. The rest of you are out of the will.

My opinion: If you're not charmed after the first hour, I doubt that it will win you over in the end. There is more to the game than the atmosphere, but not a whole lot more. And, no, you're not a philistine for failing to fall head over heels in love with it.

Hmm, OK, I'll give Children a shot! Thank you for the tip. I've heard that Niven slapped Throne together quickly after he failed to finish a different novel he was working on. I don't know if that's true, but if it is, it would explain a lot.

In researching this article, I came across a great set of videos on the History website where the pawn-shop guys talk about their business. They're way more natural and less amped-up in these videos than they are on the show. (Heck, even the "Corey explains Facebook" bit is pretty funny, since it's not so scripted as…

Yeah, I've heard that one before. Not buying it.

Ask and ye shall receive: I'm doing Pawn Stars next Monday.