I wasn't expecting it, to be honest. I rarely get messages on Xbox LIVE these days: I'm an infrequent dabbler in multiplayer at the best of times, and when do I venture online... well, what is there to say?

It's that time again. In almost exactly five weeks Mr Gaston and I will be on our way to Los Angeles, the land of endless freeways, dizzying advertising, and ice-cream sundaes with bacon in them.

Thanks to the rampaging success of Tim Schafer's Kickstarter plan, Double Fine is now knuckling down to work on an old school adventure ...

Look! My blog is back from the dead! To celebrate this momentous occasion, my first post of 2012 will be guest-written by Captain Obvious.

Misery of the Misplaced Moggy - Part 3
(Part 1, Part 2)


After what feels like a half a month of hesitation, you gingerly climb the steps to the attic, wooden slats creaking underfoot. As you rise into the gloom, a damp staleness assaults your nostrils.

Misery of the Misplaced Moggy - Part 2
(For Part 1, click here.)

As you climb the stairs your footsteps scarcely make a sound, so plush is the carpet beneath you. Upon reaching the top, you pause.

Silence.

Are you an old person? Not so old that you smell of lavender and talk about TV presenters as if they were your friends, but old enough that you recall the days before Lord Internet turned up and made us his slaves? If so, you probably remember books.

I'm not a big fan of Subway. While I must confess that I tend to visit the one at Cologne Bonn airport, on my way back from gamescom, that's largely because it's the only food outlet once you've passed through security. Throughout the rest of the year, I steer well clear. I wouldn't normally classify sandwiches as fast food, but Subway's creations invariably taste like greasy junk in a bun.