I was curious if you would let us know which systems you have and which ones the rest of the staff has.... also what is the oldest console you still keep and play?

-Michael

Since I just consolidated my systems onto one TV (I've created my very own fire hazard) I have this info sitting at the front of my brain. I own a PS3, 360, Wii, PS2, GameCube, Xbox, Dreamcast, Playstation, SNES, NES, DS, and PSP. I'm looking to fill in the gaps with the other systems as soon as I have a bit more space. I guess it goes without saying that my NES is the oldest console I still play, because as much as I love the Virtual Console, there is something about blowing into a cartridge that just makes me feel right. What about my fellow staffers?

I own a Wii and Xbox 360 in the main living room. On the TV in the bedroom I still have my Xbox, PS2 and GameCube hooked up. Oh, and the N64 is in there, too, though I don't think it's currently hooked to the TV. The oldest console I still have is my Sega Genesis (with the CD and even more ill-advised 32X attachments), but that's in a box in the closet, and hasn't actually been played in years. Oh, and in a box at the top shelf of a closet I still have a Commodore 64 -- not a console, but I only ever really used it for games, despite what my parents intended! ~Wootini

NES, SNES, N64, GC, Wii, GB, GBA (like six of them), DS, PS1, PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360, PC, iPhone - but the oldest console that I still play is my own personal joystick, 31 years old and still giving me better 1UPs than any silly old machine.  Multiplayer mode rocks too, co-op or head-to-head. ~Tiny Dancer

I have a ton of systems: NES, SNES, Genesis, Nomad, Saturn, N64, Dreamcast, GBA SP, Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, DS Lite.  I used to own Gamecube, PS2, and Xbox, but sold them for their backwards compatible new systems.  I also used to own a PSP but it was stolen, although I can't say I particularly miss it.  I used to break out the NES, SNES, and Genesis from time to time, but now the games that I'd want to play on them are on the virtual console (which is more convenient to bring to school than a ton of systems) so the oldest system I play regularly would be my Saturn. ~Navi Fairy

PS3, PS2, PS1, Gamecube, Wii, Xbox 360, Xbox, Dreamcast, Genesis The oldest one I still play is the Dreamcast. Mainly for: Rival Schools, Wetrix, Soul Calibur and Rez ~Fruit Brute

Doc,

-Bourgtai

I think Star Ocean: The Last Hope being released on the 360 is actually the direct result of Square-Enix's success on Microsoft's system. While this generation has seen the PS3 lacking almost any jRPG, the 360 has become one of the primary platforms for the genre. Releases such as Blue Dragon, Tales of Vesperia, Infinite Undiscovery, among others have proven that Japanese gamers will go where the games are at. I don't see an end to 360 jRPGs, but what is a bit troubling is where this leaves the PS3. Case in point, Final Fantasy XIII going multi-platform in the united states to take advantage of the huge 360 install base. I'll be dodging bullets this entire console war.

Whatever happened to the Earthbound sequel that was coming to the Wii?

-Fern

If you're holding your breath it might be best to stop. There doesn't look to be any information concerning a Wii sequel (beyond a rumor near the end of 2007), although the original game did show up on the ESRB website suggesting it might be seeing a release on the Virtual Console in the future. EarthBound may have a swarm of die hard fans, but it looks as if even their loyalty and devotion is not enough to warrant Nintendo's revisiting of the franchise.

It's been a little while since the "20 gayest video game characters" feature that launched your blog to its current level of notoriety. I can't help but think, however, that there has been some LGBT representation since the list was compiled. What about a feature that profiles prominent LGBT characters in new games, one per post? 
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-Anthony

I like the way you think, Anthony. Considering since the feature launched, a handful of games actually now feature prominent LGBT characters it seems time for a bit of an update. I will be running this idea by our most revered Brute of Fruits and keep you guys posted.

What's the greatest length of time the staff has played one game continuously? As in, no logging out, no resetting, just play, play, play.

-Jme

I played straight through Final Fantasy VII. It took a little over 30 hours, and I had the company of my brother to keep me sane, but dammit I did it. Since then I have never been able to do another marathon gaming session. Now I can only go for about five hours before I need to take a break. I wonder if they have a blue pill for that? As for my compatriots:

I just started Fallout 3 recently and suddenly discovered that almost two hours had flown by and I still wasn't even out of the Vault yet. But that's about it. I've never had any kind of 6-8 hour marathon session. Usually after a couple hours of immersing myself in an RPG or something, I'll have to eat or pee or my hands will cramp around the controller so I take a break. ~Wootini

I have definitely played WoW for at least 8 hours at a stretch.  However I think there was a weekend in college where I played Ocarina of Time for even longer.  But the cake-taker has to be Civilization, whichever number it was up to at the time.  It was high school, and I remember skipping dinner and seeing dawn.  And cheating my little ass off. ~Tiny Dancer

The greatest length of time I've played a game continuously was probably Harvest Moon 64, which I played pretty much non-stop over a 3-day weekend once.  Although I'm not sure if that really counts since I did take a few bathroom breaks and ate a few times, but other than those it was 3-days continuously.  If that doesn't count then I'd say Shining Force 2 was my longest playtime in one sitting since I played it for 13 hours of actually non-stop play once. ~Navi Fairy

14 hours on Chrono Cross ~Fruit Brute

We've reached the end of another week. Until next time, I'm The Doctor and you're...someone who isn't me...