I can’t believe summer is over already. Most of us were too busy playing outside in August to spend much time with video games, but we still managed to sneak in a few sessions here and there. Read on to find out how we here at 4cr played the season out, and be sure to chime in and let us know what kept you busy during the month that was, too.

Edgar:

I played a little bit of Eve Online to try it out. I like it, but I don’t have enough time to play an MMO. In fact, I haven’t been able to fit any MMOs in my schedule since the baby came.

I’ve Also been playing Mystery Dungeon : Shiren the Wanderer on the DS, which has been kicking my ass. Shadow Complex, though, has been my main attraction since it launched. Really enjoying it.

Jody:

Haven’t really played much this month. Bits and pieces of different things, really. Wii Sports Resort is probably the most played. I started up Prince of Persia on 360 as well, but I don’t really like it. Waiting for someone to match with me on Goozex so I can trade it for points that I will use on GBA games that I probably won’t play. Hooray! I also started up Lufia for SNES. Oh, and I played a bit of The Simpsons: Hit and Run on GameCube, which is actually a good amount of fun. Nothing fantastic, but a solidly fun game. On the portable side, I have been playing Advance Wars: Dual Strike. I guess I’ve played more this month than I realized.

I’ve also been playing Star Tropics on the Wii VC. It is such a good game.

Sean Corse:

I spent most weekends in August playing Penny Arcade episodes 1 and 2. Not only am I a fan of the PA writing and visual style (handsomely represented in the game, especially the dialogue scenes), but Hothead Games succeeded in marrying that off-kilter sensibility with a fully functional adventure. What other game gives you permission to feel good about the violent dispatch of hobos?

On the surface, the games seem like a simple turn-based RPG, but mastery of the full depth of its system (hidden beneath its unassuming exterior) is necessary to unlock a good number of the available achievements/trophies. I accrued them all by the second playthrough of the first episode, and nearly all on my first playthrough of the second; I suspect the final achievement is attached to the new Insanity Mode — the full extent of which cannot be comprehended (nor accessed) until the game has already been played through once.

The second game makes some improvements over the first, largely in the interface. It was originally difficult to interact with items in the environment. This has been remedied by adding the ability to scroll through all items in your character’s field of view, much easier for locating those hard-to-find hidden sketches that you need for an achievement.

A! Highly recommended! Must buy!

Rumas:

I started the month with more Mother 3, and finished it with Wii Sports, which I will never, ever tire of. It is the perfect game for people like me — ‘core’ gamers who still love nothing more than simple, pick-up-and-play fun that can be enjoyed with family members and friends who have no experience whatsoever with video games.

I ordered Wii Sports Resort, too, and can’t wait to try it. I fear it may take over my life.