Blog Herding: Community Edition 12/15/11

The number of blogs posted this week rebounds back to normal levels while witnessing quite a few exceptional posts by infrequent bloggers. And as many of us are busy preparing for the holidays, quite a few gamers are preparing for the imminent release of The Old Republic. What better way to help pass the time than reading some community blogs, including a sampling of the best included below?

Blog Herding Stats:

Period Reviewed: December 05 – December 11, 2011
Number of User Blogs: 110
Number of User Bloggers: 67
Number of User Blogs Herded: 8

Community Blogs:

Embracing Interactivity
It's common for video games to use cinema-like cut scenes to stitch the story and the gameplay together, but can this method be a distraction? Read Matthew Fugere's thoughts on the subject and see if you agree.

Custom GI Avatars: Your Early Christmas Presents
Who doesn't love free presents? That's exactly what you get with this blog by TurdFurgy. His latest collection of custom GI avatars is perfect for decking the virtual halls of GIO with holiday cheer.

Are Video Games Art?
There might be some who question the decision to include this blog by God of Irony that uses his personal art form to answer the controversial topic of whether video games are art or not. Don't miss the splendor of this blog that the community really seems to have enjoyed.

Nintendo's Rising Stars
While Nintendo's legendary personality Shigeru Miymoto has been making headlines lately, this original blog by TGM focuses on other noteworthy Nintendo figures and the games they've developed.

The Way Uncharted 3 Killed Itself
Many gamers rave about Uncharted 3, but not everybody is impressed with it. This blog by Anticitizen-One details his specific concerns with the game, and various members of the community weigh in with their thoughts.

Video Games: The Road To Where I Am
A beautifully crafted blog by Samurai Zero revealing the influence video games had on shaping who he is as a person and prospective video game journalist, and what games contributed to the journey.

Will The "Real" Samus Please Stand Up
Disappointed with Metroid Other M and the overall direction and frequency of the Metroid series, The Mysterious Stranger submits his list of demands he hopes the developers will meet with the next game.

Who Knows Better, Gamers Or The Industry?
This is only the second blog submitted by Marco Polo, but it is a thought provoking piece that questions the development cycle and the influence consumers (gamers) have on the process.

Community Reviews:

User Review Herding - 12/10/11
Welcome to one of the newest community features being spearheaded by Samurai Zero to promote the user review community. Essentially it is a blog that summarizes a collection of notable user reviews in one single source.

Skyward Bore
While some have given The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword fairly high marks, this review by LaLiLuLeLo raises some interesting concerns with the game and marks it a 7 out of 10. The review also includes a handy list ranking all of the Zelda games.

Community Podcasts:

The Indie & Mojo Show Episode 16
The good news is this episode includes GIO regular Shootist2600; the bad news is (the better) half of the show was Missing In Action as indiejones was detained by real life obligations. Still, the show must go on as the hosts discuss various topics including Skyrim and The Walking Dead.

Podcast Number 1
Another community podcast joins the fray as Brad Tramel and fellow gamer, Eugene Strowbridge, submit their first podcast focusing on the epic game of Skyrim.

The 4th Floor Episode 28
The ever jolly Liz and Nick return to spread cheer throughout the community with their podcast that includes talk on an eclectic collection of topics including a Glee Star Wars Holiday Special.

Gameinformer Online Radio – Episode 31
On the latest episode, the many hosts (Michael, Dan, Joel, JR, and Matt) of the GIOR podcast talk about Skyrim and Saints Row: The Third. Listener discretion is advised.

Robot In The Corner Podcast: Episode 2-12
The RITC crew talks about the Kindle Fire, their Netflix Instant Queue Movie Review for The Warrior's Way and plug their Skyrim Gear Contest. Don't forget to visit their website to vote for your Game of the Year choice.

Don't forget to send your feedback, recommendations, and community events in to my personal Game Informer account located here to ensure this feature continues to provide the content you're eager to read.

Happy Blogging!

Your friendly neighborhood blogging community (Dec 05 - Dec 11, 2011):
agentmaine; aidanrinku (2); Allen; Andrew Elore; AndyDwyer; Anticitizen-One; Archbishop insectopod; Arkhammoved (4); benderstrike64; BioshockLegend; born4this; Brad Tramel; Bryan M. Stafford; Chief Beef; Cru Hunter; DeadManWalking; Derreck; dkeller2 (2); Doctor Apozem (4); durararaGO95 (5); Enigma (2); Forsberg; God Of Irony; GoldvsSilver (6); Good Samaritan Demon Ragnarok; Grand Admiral Thrawn; Joshua Weibel; KAGEHOSHI- (3); Kflame21; Marco Polo; markus1142; Matt-boy; Matthew Fugere; Mike (4); Minty Essence; mojomonkey12 (2); Mr. Charmander; Mr. L; Mr. Sir; Nintendo Fan; Noobtubin8er; Oni no Tenshi (2); Ownzoir; Psychedub Dude; reidloS doG; Roxas Num.XIII; Rswithandrew; Samurai Zero (2); Sean; ShadowDragyn; shooterboy23; Silvershine08 (5); Tee Koyle (Bearded Nord) (3); TGM; thatfoxguy (4); The Monster Hunter; the Mysterious Stranger; TheBen; thegodofwine7 (2); ThisBlueSquid; TOGNick; TurdFurgy; tutelsongo; Vermanubis; wayoverdue (5); xXBourne07Xx; and of course yours truly...Saint.

Video Game Quote of the Week:
"Never negotiate with a terrorist. You will only encourage more acts of terror." – Sam Carter, Deus Ex