Clive Thompson writes about the myth of the 40 hour game in Wired. And uses the newest Tomb Raider game as the introduction.
Introduction to the growing gap between hardcore and casual gamers, and the inability of the latter to finish games. Despite games getting easier and shorter, they still represent a formidable hurdle for the truly casual gamers. Demanding dedication, learning and time. Especially time.
Unlike Mr. Thompson, I actually finished the newest installment of the Lara Croft franchise. The game was of an optimal size, and the individual levels interesting enough to warrant the fifteen hours it took to finish the adventure.
The first Tomb Raider game was pretty much the reason I bought the original Playstation back in 1996, but the series deteriorated quickly after that. Moving from sense-of-wonder- filled thrills to too common firefights and repetitive storylines. But this game brings the Indiana Jones back into the fold. Free-form exploration is coupled with massive set pieces involving physical puzzles and graceful acrobatics. The storyline, sadly, isn’t very good. But then again, I didn’t expect much better.
The game itself is pleasant to play, though it is slightly marred by the odd autosave system, which allows no easy restarts of individual levels. Got bitten twice – and ended up spending a lot more time within two major fights than I would’ve needed, had it been possible to rewind a bit and not waste first aid kits or ammo in lesser combats prior to a tough one.
After a brief pause (missed “memory” last week), here’s this week’s entry – an icon.
Visited the 
Arrived just in time to see the feeding of the penguins. Who, like the kids, were behaving oddly well. The divers supplying them with small fish were actually able to feed them one bird at a time.
Had a slow lunch in the McCormick & Schmick in Faneuil Hall. Watching Notre Dame getting maimed at the hands of Michigan over boat-fresh calamari and a pint of Sam Adams’ finest sure was an enjoyable way to spend a good chunk of a lazy afternoon.
Visited Harvard, the usual location of accommodation on trips to Boston.
Had an excellent steak dinner at 
Cambridgeside Galleria seemed like a nice fit for the shopping needs: nano for me and a Canon S3 for Mr. T.
Last day in the conference went pretty much as the previous. Listening to presentations of variable quality, and walking in the expo floor in the meantime.
Spent the evening in the official conference party.