I just got a new computer two weeks ago. It is a Pentium D 820 with 2GB RAM and 160GB HD. I also have a decent graphics card - Nvidia Geforce 6800 (I balked at the 7800 at the last minute). But the kicker is my bad ass Dell 2405FPW UltraSharp 24″ wide screen monitor that I got with it. It is truly a visual orgy!! I swear that it even helps with productivity. I can see a lot more on the screen when it comes to coding and being able to set applications side by side. It has single handedly rejuvenated my Photoshopping!! This is the first system I have had since 2000 in which I can play the latest computer games. I went cheap skate on my last PC and got an integrated graphic card (dumb move), though the system itself served admirably for all my development needs.

Now I have not gamed on my PC since 2001. The last game I put serious time into was Diablo II. I also prefer third person games over first person unless it is a pure shooter like Unreal or Quake. That had made me less inclined to PC game over the last few years. I think I’m the only person on the planet that didn’t like Half Life!

The one game that has gotten some serious buzz in the last few months has been F.E.A.R. Everyone was talking about this game when I was researching graphic cards, so of course I had to try it. Well let me tell you, it has lived up to its billing!!! This game is truly awesome from both a visual standpoint as well as a storyline. Though the graphics are incredible, it is nothing groundbreaking. The story on the other hand is where the game shines. This is the story that should have been used in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty rather than that junior high cheese fest that Konami went with. Being a casual PC gamer, I have fell in love with F.E.A.R. . Unfortunately my other time commitments will probably prevent me from making any serious progress in the game, but it is a nice way to unwind for about 45 minutes after a long day.