Conclusion

I think I'm at the end of Splinter Cell Double Agent. It really feels like it. On the one hand I'm very glad because the final maps set in Africa were ridiculous. It's broad bloody daylight and there's a huge battle going on. I got a 32% stealth rating on that level because I killed every rebel and soldier in the final area after reloading my most recent checkpoint about thirty times. I was that tired of it, usually I refrain from even knocking enemies unconscious and just creep on by without being noticed but this part of the map just pissed me off no end. And I usually don't get a stealth rating below 80% (even then I can't justify "Identified as Intruder x 2", "Alarms x0" when the hell was I seen? Who employs these sentries? Do they say Oh hey, there's a spy. Should we hit the alarm? No, don't be silly, then we'd have to chase him and I think he has a knife. It's like the Ankh Morpork guards were imported to Splinter Cell or something. If they at least had the common courtesy to shoot a few bullets my way then at least I'd know where I went wrong).

On the other hand, the level after Africa is fantastic! It's got everything that defines what the game is/should be about. Shadows; betrayal; choices with dire, dire consequences; sneaking... there's no frustration as you're spotted by the mystery guard for the umpteenth time; there are no stray bullets flying into you from random directions; your objectives are clear; the areas are well paced and laid out. So now I'm kind of disappointed that there had to be some really irritating levels (I'm looking at you, Russian tanker!), that would feel more at home in Hitman 2 than Splinter Cell, between the really awesome levels.

I'm also at the climax of Half Life 2: Episode Two. How do I know? Well I haven't looked at the chapter list recently but if there is anything more intense than the battle I'm taking part in now then I'm not going to be able to complete the game without changing my underwear at least once. I tried to play it last night to get it over and done with but my computer (which desperately needs replacing now) froze at the game menu and would not respond. "Fine" I said "I'll just play some Guild Wars!"

I've been writing more about Windy Cross (the village, not the blog) for my D&D campaign. But there is so much to write that it will take a while before that's finished alongside adventure 4.

In other (real world related) news Sam's ferret, Whisper, had to be put down yesterday. £100+ and the vet still can't tell anyone what ailed the poor creature. "I have no idea what's wrong with him but I can kill him for you. That'll be fifty quid please." I don't think Sam has taken it very well at all. He still has Whisper's mate, Jessica, but Whisper was his favourite and was a better working ferret than Jessica. Also, ferreting is generally done in the winter and guess what season we're on the brink of. Actually I'm not sure if we've had anything but winter this year.