Myst reviews and more

Sorry for the long time with no updates. Here is some of what is new here in the last year:

• The rules to the card game Russian Fish, also known as Literature. These are as taught to me by a fellow I met at Gen Con. It's a fun sort of Go Fish variant for exactly 6 players.
• I have some articles about 4th edition Dungeons & Dragons:
  • A table of roles, power sources, and classes for those interested in the patterns they form. (Last updated 2008-08-09)
  • An analysis of skill challenges in 4e. They're broken. (Last updated 2008-07-17)
  • Death save survival rates. Your character is at or below zero hit points. What are their odds of surviving until a party member can treat them? The answers are here. (Last updated 2008-07-12)
• In generic gaming news, I discussed why Adventure Paths are inherently flawed. (2008-09-06)
• Fans of data presentation might be interested in a simple, elegant graph with a solid story. (2008-01-17)
• Fans of video games might like some video game reviews.
  • Contra 4 (DS) - 6/10. Brutally hard, classic gameplay that hasn't joined the twenty-first century (2007-11-25)
  • realMyst (PC) - 9/10. A dreamlike, satisfying adventure game (2008-09-06)
  • Riven (PC) - 8/10. A solid, satisfying adventure game (2008-09-06)
  • Myst III: Exile (PC) - 7/10. A solid addition to the Myst series (2008-09-06)
  • Myst IV: Revelation (PC) - 6/10. Pleasant but flawed (2008-09-06)
  • Myst V: End of Ages (PC) - 5/10. A mediocre, hamfisted game that seems disconnected from the rest of this noble series (2008-09-06)
• And for fans of text adventures, I can offer some new interactive fiction reviews.
  • Nord and Bert Couldn't Make Head or Tail of It - 7/10. An amusing collection of wordplay puzzles (2007-11-11)
  • Ad Verbum - 7/10. An amusing collection of wordplay puzzles (2007-11-11)
  • Tales of the Traveling Swordsman - 7/10. A pleasant fantasy story that ties up nicely (2007-11-11)
• Also for the interactive fiction fans, I can offer a map and walkthrough for Harry Giles and Joey Jones philosophical adventure The Chinese Room.
• If you're interested in the excellent book you might be interested in my pages of statistics and graphs based on Hobby Games: the 100 Best
• Finally, for the very geeky, if you're curious how quickly events at Intercon H sold out, you might want to see my Intercon H ticket sales graphs.

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