The only part of my initial post that I would like to take back is the fact that I'm stepping down as mod. After talking with Jared about it I don't feel the need to do so like I did when I proclaimed I would stop frequenting sports videogame impression threads. I really thought it would be a disservice to Jared to be a moderator if I was going to stop reading impression threads. Being the cool guy that he is Jared made me realize that wasn't the case.
I'll probably glance over impression threads during the first day of release because I think that's where the most objective impressions come but after that I won't be checking them out.
Something that I've realized since my blowout with JackB1 is the fact that I really have no interest in arguing over the int3rn3tz anymore. I hold no ill will towards Jack but he totally hates me for comments I've made during arguments. That's not who I am nor is that who I want to be. Another thing I realized with the release of the hockey games is that what I look for in sports games no longer jives with what I'm reading in the lasting impressions of games. I'm still absolutely floored that people are enjoying NHL 2k8 only 3 short years after bashing NHL 2005 for being a checkfest and unplayable yet 2k8 does the same exact thing and is fun. I can't explain it but it makes me feel like a total outsider looking in.
I look for the fun in my hobby because that's why I got started with it in the first place. Where 5 years ago I worried about shot totals, shooting percentages, or fouls I now worry about whether I'm enjoying my time with the game. I'm done analyzing games to death and trying to find every flaw each game has, now I want to know if I will have fun with what is there or what the game does right. I've done a 180 in my thinking and most of that is contributed to the fact that I have a 4-year-old daughter who brings me so much joy that videogames is just the sprinkles on the frosted cake in my life. The good news is that another cake is on the way.
I still plan on sharing my thoughts about sports videogames but I won't be doing that in threads. I will most likely start posting my impressions on the blog for those that care. I'm sure I'll also get a chance to talk to many of you about them online.
I always try to be fair in my moderation of the forums and will continue to do so. Please let me know if something is going on in one of the impression threads that needs a moderators' attention.
*Title changed by Jared to more accurately reflect the thread
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