For example, one suggestion was that in a racing game, the speed of the car would erode down, and the finish point would erode away; allowing the player to continue to play the game, but without much point.

The real question is, do the gamers care?  There are already many demos out there that stop working after a player has gotten to a certain point; is this much different?  What are your thoughts on this?

Send an email to ContactNerdsSpot@gmail.com and tell us your opinion in as many or as few words as you like!

Include your name or nickname, and you could be featured in the follow-up article.

It's fair to say that Square Enix is doing something right.

The game was released for PS3 and XBOX 360 systems; though it's exclusive to PS3 in Japan.  At a suggested Yen price of 9,240 (almost 93 USD dollars), and a suggested Euro price of 59.99-69.99 (between 82-97 USD dollars), it would seem that the suggested USD Dollar price of 59.99 is indeed a blessing for Americans.  That is, if you don't want to buy the over $80 collectors edition, which comes with the game and the textbook-sized hardback game guide.

Sad to say that I haven't had the chance to play this highly praised game; left without a PS3 or an XBOX 360 (yes, I know; I'm behind in the times).  All the same, there's nothing to stop me from digging up as much as I can for you.  The graphics are, of course, amazing; which is almost synonymous with Square Enix these days.  Even the gameplay graphics, usually a good step below the quality of the cutscene graphics, will easily astound with their smooth transitions and remarkable detail.

I'll admit that I was slightly put off when I was first told that the game started out rather linear, with nothing to do but follow the main storyline.  After all, one of the biggest game disappointments of my life was the sequel to Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World.  For a prequel that was so astoundingly diverse, with so many things to do that it was impossible to do them all in one playthrough, the sequel was disappointingly linear with little character developments, no control over the world map, and no side quests.  With that being said, I was quickly reassured that the linearity of  Final Fantasy XII only pertained to the beginning of the game, and that as the story progressed more control would be released to the player.

The game follows the female protagonist Lightning; who has been referred to as the female, pink-haired version of Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII. The story once again takes place in a futuristic science-fiction setting, this time known as Pulse.  Mechanical beings known as the fal'Cie have marked certain humans, known as the l'Cie.  Each l'Cie has a Focus, or task that the fal'Cie wants them to complete in a certain amount of time. The l'Cie are able to summon Eidolons to fight with them; but if a l'Cie dies or fails to complete their Focus, they turn into a monster known as a Cie'th.  If the l'Cie does complete their Focus, then they turn into a crystal; which is why being a l'Cie is seen as a curse.  

If all these terms threw you off, don't worry, you're not alone.  Square Enix has either just plain run out of names for their races, or have decided the simplicity of calling their soldiers SOLDIERs was overrated.  But don't let the difficulty of telling the name of the good guys and the bad guys apart keep you from this game.  So if you haven't already, pick it up for only $54 with tax at Gamestop, and get %10 off of the $35 game guide.

Final Fantasy XII

Teen

I remember the first time I played Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney; I couldn't put it down.  It's amazing how much fun can be had out of a game that is based upon the foundations of law.  Then again, how can the Ace Attorney series not be fun; with loveable characters, a detailed storyline, and puzzles that leave you with a sense of accomplishment upon finishing them.  There's nothing quite like knowing you solved a crime, for the most part, on your own.  This is why I've waited for nearly a year for the release of the newest installment of the Ace Attorney series; Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth.

Those of you familiar with the Ace Attorney series know that the game normally consist of two sections; finding clues and uncovering information, and presenting them in court and cross-examining the witnesses.  The main protagonist of the first three games was Pheonix Wright; a quirky young defense attorney with a sense of justice and a spirit channeling sidekick.  His eternal rival was, of course, the prosecutor Miles Edgeworth; a stubborn, harsh young man, and a childhood friend of Pheonix.  The two didn't always see eye to eye; but occasionally found themselves teaming up; Pheonix even defending Miles in one murder case.

While the fourth game strayed into whole new characters (but with cameo's of the original cast, of course), Miles Edgeworth returns to the scene in Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth.  As the name suggests, the protagonist is indeed the prosecutor.  His bumbling, not-to-bright, but loveable sidekick, the detective Gumshoe, also returns in this game; though he occasionally makes way for new characters and old alike to stand by Miles' side.

Though some of the original cast has returned, this is defiantly not like the original Pheonix Wright games.  Yes, you still get to collect evidence, press witnesses, and cross-examine to uncover the truth; but this time there's whole new elements to the game.

For one, Miles never has to step foot inside of a courtroom.  That's right, no more being stuck in staring at a witness on the stand for 20 minutes as you try to figure out which part of their testimony is a lie; now you get to stare at them outside the courtroom for 20 minutes.  Cross-examinations take place anywhere, anytime; and quite often.

Another new aspect is the third person view.  You can quite literally see Miles walk around as he gather's evidence; the game switching back to first person view to closely examine evidence.  Using a stylus and a map located on the bottom screen, you get to lead Edgeworth throughout everything from offices to amusement parks.

The game has beautifully designed background and characters; as well as full-motion cut-scenes.  Overall, it's a game not to be passed up by fans and newcomers to the series alike.   If you're looking for a game that will keep you on your toes and rely on smarts rather than brawn, be sure to check out Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth.

I wasn't able to fit everything I wanted to in this video, which means more than likely there will be a second video coming up soon.  If you'd like to receive news of future videos subscribe to Nerd Spot's Newsletter, which you can do in the sidebar.    

A special thanks to Matthew Mercer and the production crew for putting me in the credits.  

Well, here it is.  A closed chapter on a great show.  I hope you enjoy it.

DISCLAIMER: Some language may not be considered appropriate for younger viewers.

I have yet to finish the series, but I do have a few updates:

The game is actually quite suspenseful.  The fact that you can only see what your flashlight is pointing at really helps with that.  Even though you can clearly tell the "nightmare" world from the real world, there's defiantly something creepy about Silent Hill (who would have guessed?).  From the flickering of your flashlight and the static that interrupt the screen to the eerie voicemails and text messages; this game will keep you on your toes.

The game begins with a scene in a psychiatrist's office, with you as the patient.  You'll be asked to answer a few questions before the game begins.  Your answers will effect how the world of Silent Hill looks and works, and the questions vary from your social life to your love life, and all the areas in between.

The monsters are, to me, a bit of a disappointment.  While they do seem to vary slightly in shape as the game progresses, they are far from realistic or scary. Still, the game makes up for it.

Another thing that bothers me is are the mazes of doors and ledges you have to get through to escape the "nightmare" world.  There's a lot of running in circles, and with crazed monsters on your tail you dont really have time to stop and figure out which way you've been before.  

I keep making comparisons to Clock Tower 3 with this game, partly because I find them a lot alike.  Personally, I prefer Clock Tower 3, the villains are creepier, and theres a "OMFG IT'S AFTER ME!" aspect to hearing the doors open behind you on that game.  Don't get me wrong, I still think Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is an awesome game.

All in all, so far this game has my seal of approval.  I wouldn't go so far as to give it an award, but I think it's worth the playthrough for those of you who don't mind a good scare.  

By the way, the Let's Play I'm watching belongs to YouTube user SillyGoosesinc.  Those of us who want to watch the game without being behind the controller should take a look at his homepage.  I enjoy a good Let's Play, especially when I'm sitting there yelling at my screen, "LEFT! LEFT! NO NOT THAT WAY! OH MY GOD IT'S RIGHT BEHIND YOU! MOVE! MOVE!!!" With total knowledge that the person can't actually hear me, and I'm just a loser screaming at my computer.

A tip of my hat to all you Let's Players out there.  

The following are the winners for this years Video Game Awards.

Assassin's Creed 2

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Coll of Duty: Modern Warefare 2

Left 4 Dead 2

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Halo 3: ODST

Left 4 Dead 2

All the same, I thought it only fair I brought you news on the newest installment to the haunted town of Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, for the Nintendo Wii, is a game that immerses you in the town.  Everything requires some sort of physical action, from turning knobs to shaking off the monsters that come out at night.  The game seems to return to the first Silent Hill game, with the main character Harry Manson looking for his lost daughter Cheryl after a car accident.  However, there are many differences in the game that will make it interesting for newcomers to the series and aged players.

The fog previously associated with Silent Hill's "Nightmare" has been replaced with ice and snow that blankets the town.

The game will pose questions to you based upon your fears and sexuality, then change the world around you to fit your personal fears.  The creatures, characters, dialog, and messages will all differ depending on you.  This allows multiple playthroughs that will still be new and interesting.

The monsters are impossible to damage, leaving you no choice but to run for your life.  It gives the game the fear aspect that's more common in games like "Clock Tower."  Basically, the game plays on your fear and your inability to fight back.  Though the monsters' appearances change based upon the player, it seems that there is only one "specie" of monster throughout the game.

There are hidden messages throughout the game, a majority of which seem to be transfered through your cell phone. Even the numbers on billboards and wanted ads can be called in order to receive ghostly messages and hints.

Overall, Silent Hill; Shattered Memories seems like a game to be enjoyed by both fans of the series, and newcomers;  so if you want a good scare be sure to check it out.  Just don't expect to catch me playing it any time soon.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories has been rated M by ESRB.

Dont miss the VGAs on Spike this Saturday December 12 at 8PM.  Be sure to vote at www.spike.com.  This year's Game of the Year nominees are: