Can someone please explain to me how August crept up so quickly? I understand I’ve just returned from an extended vacation and time flies when you’re having fun (it sure is nice to come back to a job I enjoy), but seriously…August? That means my birthday is on the horizon and school is creeping up. Well, if I wasn’t an old man (soon to be older) and no longer went to school, anyway.

I’ve been musing on what has me the most excited as far as indie games on the horizon. LIMBO is out. Joe Danger is out. And plenty of other heavy-hitting indies have made their way to the marketplace. But luckily we just caught wind that Super Meat Boy is heading into its alpha stage. I daresay that’s the next game that I’m really looking forward to. I played it at IGF, I played it at E3 and I’m ready to have the full game in my hands.

Also I’ve been itching for a chance to put more than show-floor demo time into Hazard: The Journey of Life. Alexander Bruce’s intriguing use of the Unreal Engine for this unique first-person shoo…game is nothing if not beautiful and haunting. I’ve seen videos and had a handful of minutes into it, but I want more.

What are you guys looking forward to?

We’re past the halfway point in the year, so in that same mindset. Which game has your vote for game of the year so far? VVVVVV still has a special place in my heart, especially after putting in the extra hours to get all the Trinkets. Its gameplay is pure excellence and if you haven’t even tried the demo yet…for shame.