Ian Benedict

2009 is finally here, though 2008 was pretty good to me. The holidays have ended (already) and the new school semester has begun. I don’t think many of the courses this semester will be too much of a pain so I should have enough time to get back into things like Kendo and guitar practice. As for new year’s resolutions, I think I’ll go with the general self-betterment plan this time around. I haven’t really had much to reflect upon this past year, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to aim to become a better person.

I’ve picked up a few things over the break. I got a brand new high definition monitor from BenQ. It is the E2200HD model to be exact. It supports up to 1080p which is ideal for my Xbox 360. I’ve been rediscovering all of the games in my collection in glorious high definition. It’s also pretty stunning to see anime in high definition. I also picked up a copy of Watchmen, the graphic novel that I’ve heard so much about but have yet to read. I’ve been going through that at a steady pace.

Also, after playing through Persona 4 on PS2, I have to say that the soundtrack for this game is very well done. I find myself listening to it a lot during my commutes. Sometimes, even more so than my regular stuff. I guess it goes to show that sometimes art can transcend the medium.

Here’s hoping for a happy and healthy 2009!

The fall semester is drawing to a close with only a few assignments and the exams remaining. Overall, I think I enjoyed my courses a lot more than I thought I would. Computer graphics was a pretty interesting course and actually put those dull linear algebra classes to use. I hope next semester is just as good, if not better.

On the gaming front, I finally got my hands on a PSP slim. It has opened a huge door to multitudes of Japanese RPGs and an assortment of other PSP exclusive games. My favourites so far would have to be Crisis Core and Initial D: Street Stage. Being able to play PS1 games on it pretty much sweetened the deal for me. As well, Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo: HD Remix finally hit Xbox Live! Being the huge Street Fighter dork that I am, I had to pick this up. This game has been rebalanced by David Sirlin, who is a competitive tournament player and Capcom employee. It’s a must-have if you’re into fighting games at all, and it’s available on both XBLA and PSN.

I’d better wrap up now and get back to studying.