Yes, I know, I'm late. You would think that the replacement for the host proper would at least be able to update on time, but a lack of editorials this week kind of killed that plan. Oh well, at least it gave me something to write about in the intro. Mistress Nightshadow is still busying away at the details of her life, which is why you're stuck with me this week (and probably next week as well). I'm going to use this prime real estate here to send out a request for editorials. There has been a serious dearth lately, which kind of makes it difficult to get the section up on time. I would like to encourage you (yes, I'm taking to you) to take some time to sit and jot down your thoughts. This is the premiere region of RPGamer for the discussion of videogames, giving you the freedom to talk about whatever you want to, just as long as you make a convincing argument. I'm pretty sure that our genre of choice hasn't fallen so far by the wayside that there is nothing interesting left to discuss.

To accompany the lack of editorials, this week we have a distinct lack of news. You'll no doubt have heard by now that the Greatest Hits version of Final Fantasy Tactics is a disaster. Seems that there was a problem in the production of the discs, and thousands of eager gamers are now left with shiny frisbees. Is this gross negligence a sign of the apocalypse, or merely indicative of the zeitgeist of the console gaming arena? Who knows, but one thing is certain, the videogame industry is adrift in its usual summer doldrums. Thankfully, with the launch of both the Xbox and GameCube fast approaching, things are bound to perk up soon.

All hope is not lost, however, as we do have a few editorials this week. Mecha Master Bill weighs in on why we need the occasional mammoth game, metaphorically speaking, while Jeff Peoples ponders the lack of growth in RPGs. As if in response to this outcry, Michael Harnest inscribed his analysis of RPGs, and goes so far as provide the proverbial shovel for RPGs to dig themselves out of the rut they seem to be in.

Well, I've gabbed for long enough. Time for you to hit the editorials. And please, if the urge should strike you, feel free to send in a rebuttal, or an original essay. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the current state of our pastime.