Blog Herding: Community Edition 12/29/11

The blogging community worked through the holidays to bring you all a gift in the form of exceptional video game-inspired user blogs and podcasts. This marks the final Blog Herding blog of the year, so have a safe and Happy New Year and we'll see you back here next week.

Blog Herding Stats:

Period Reviewed: December 19 – December 25 2011
Number of User Blogs: 86
Number of User Bloggers: 62
Number of User Blogs Herded: 11

Community Blogs:

What The Next Gen Xbox Needs
A solid post with a completely impartial perspective written by Allen that discusses a few interesting proposals he would like to see incorporated into the next generation of the Xbox.

If I Could Make Games Into Movies
We all know the track record of video game to movie crossovers, but that doesn't mean we can't hope that one day someone will get it right. This blog by wayoverdue compiles a list of video games he'd like to see made into movies.

To Be Link, Or Not To Be Link
An interesting blog about a topic you've probably never considered, the Mysterious Stranger questions whether the next episode of Zelda should have Link actually talk or not.

Things I Want To Say To Video Game Characters
Be honest, have you ever wanted to talk to a video game character? If so, you're not alone. The always clever and fan favorite blogger, Oni no Tenshi, shares her thoughts on which characters she would like to talk to and what she would say to them.

A Look At The Classes Of Mass Effect 3
Slated for a March 2012 release and barring any delays, Mass Effect 3 will be on storeroom shelves before we know it and thegodofwine7 provides an insightful look into the character classes that will be available, including pros, cons, and his thoughts on their role in the multiplayer mode.

Music From Games I Can't Live Without
Listening to the soundtrack from your favorite movie is nothing new, but this practice is gaining in popularity with gamers as developers devote more money to the audio tracks found within video games. Cru Hunter lists a few of his favorite video game soundtracks.

The Forums – A Challenge To The Community
In an ongoing effort to grow and promote the GIO community, moderator supersnake challenges all of us to participate in supporting the forums in a positive and productive manner. Join the cause now.

My Video Gaming Wish List For The New Year
One of the newest members and bloggers of the GIO Community, Walnuts and Drillhands provides a unique video gaming wish list for 2012 that focuses more on the direction he'd like to see the industry take instead of listing actual video games he wants.

Demonomics: Capcom
What do Demon Ragnarok and Michael Pachter have in common? Well, besides being notoriously provocative, they enjoying handing out industry predictions, like this blog about Capcom.

ThatFoxGuy's New Year's Resolutions
It's that time of year when many people start contemplating their New Year's resolutions. This short blog by thatfoxguy outlines his video game-inspired resolutions. Quit playing Skyrim? Yeah, right.

Community Member Of The Year
As the year comes to an end, Delancey selects his community member of the year, and the winner has received an overwhelming positive endorsement from the GIO community. Click the link to see who it is.

Community Reviews:

Gliding Into First Place
A short and concise review of Mario Kart 7 by RadiantChaos that captures all the key elements of the game culminating in a final score of 9 out of 10, compared to Adam Biessener's score of 8.5 out of 10.

Left 4 Dead 2 Much
A brief review of the follow-up to Valve's zombie shooter, GIO member squadcar provides his thoughts on Left 4 Dead 2 and awards the game a score of 9.5 out of 10. It's an older game, but still worth playing.

Community Podcasts:

The Indie And Mojo Show: Episode 18
In this episode, Mojomonkey12 talks about his household chores before welcoming community member thatfoxguy. The trio discusses their Game of the Year picks and after much debate, finally decides on one game to rule them all.

Robot In The Corner Podcast: Episode 2–14
This week the RITC podcast has a surprise intro sure to blow you away, plus the hosts talk about Uncharted 3 and their 2011 Game of the Year Awards, including the listeners' pick for Game of the Year.

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 19 - Dec 25, 2011):
aidanrinku; Allen; Anticitizen-One; ARC Trooper Dan; Archbishop insectopod; BioshockLegend; BMW; born4this; Bryan M. Stafford; Colossus365; Cru Hunter (4); Delancey; Di5a5terp13ce ; Doctor Apozem; durararaGO95; ElGreatSquatso; Enigma; Ezio9heAssassin; Good Samaritan Demon Ragnarok; JBBs; Jellosnake; Joshua Bowers; KAGEHOSHI-; kebebasan; Kflame210; luciablee; Mass Revolution (5); Matt The Hedgehog (2); Mike; Mister Doctor Professor Chancellor Admiral Chris; mohawkman5; mojomonkey12; Mr. Charmander; Mray901; nathan98; Noe Ramirez; Noobtubin8er; Oni no Tenshi; PIZZAKING92; PudyMaster; reidloS doG; Shootist2600; Skullmanic; Sora3Ben; supersnake; thatfoxguy (2); The Christmas Metroid; The guy who is meh (2); The journey man; The Legendary Ewok King; The Monster Hunter; the Mysterious Stranger; The Towel Boy; thegodofwine7 (3); Tyrax Lightning; Vurtax; Walnuts and Drillhands (2); Warm(Or) Puke (2); wayoverdue (7); xXBourne07Xx (2); YepImAPersonWaving; and of course yours truly...Saint.

Video Game Quote of the Week:
"This place is dangerous. I like it!" – Catwoman, Batman: Arkham City