'Cola Overdrive

Michael Gray, GameCola.net's most prolific writer (most likely), recently announced his departure from the staff. In the meantime, the editors have been publishing any articles waiting to be reviewed almost as soon as they're ready. Until the past week or so, GameCola typically had 3-6 articles in reserve at all times, but I don't think I need to tell you how recent events have affected that.

This isn't a rant or a prediction of doom and gloom. On the contrary, it's a good thing that we've been releasing new material at a faster pace; more articles means more for our fans to read, and a greater chance that we'll be found on a random web search. And though we miss Michael, devoting less time to GameCola is giving him a chance to pursue Important Life Things.

I bring this up at all because I've spent this week writing material for GameCola as though it's my responsibility to fill our article reserve back up. Between regular blogging, releasing my first Mega Man 6 video, and focusing more on GameCola, there's been this sense of urgency and timing that's been largely absent from my life outside of work.

It's exciting, in a way; it gives my creative endeavors a little more meaning, knowing that people are counting on me to deliver something enjoyable in a timely manner. I think it's helping to improve my writing/commentary skills as well, that whole "learning to work creatively under pressure" thing. It hasn't been a burden, and I've still been taking time to myself where I need it.

It also helps a great deal that, when I do take some "Me Time" to play video games, I'm not getting frustrated by the game that's supposedly helping me unwind. My track record over the past year and a half has been pretty poor in terms of finding games that are fun, relaxing, and worthwhile all around, but I've picked up Dragon Warrior IV for the NES, and it's the perfect combination of familiarity, simplicity, discovery, challenge, and mindlessness for my needs.

It's funny how much I complain about the random battles in Final Fantasy, yet don't mind grinding just as much (if not more) to survive any given Dragon Warrior game. I believe that's due to the fact that I much prefer the designs of the Dragon Warrior enemies, and also the fact that each and every battle in Dragon Warrior could seriously be your last. Every hit point counts, and strategy matters. Not always the case in Final Fantasy.

I'm in a sort of creative Nirvana right now: a reason and drive to pursue blogging, videogame humor, and commentary recording, with the perfect game to refresh me when the creative well runs dry, and time enough to do everything. All is well.