Buying stuff is hard. We all have a limited amount of money, but a seemingly infinite amount of things to spend it on.So while I normally spend my time here creating wacky lists of the best super-hero costumes, or interviewing crime fighters about their personal lives, today I’d like to do something different. Over the past few weeks I’ve been absolutely flooded with books, games, and movies that are full of awesome, and I’d like to share a few of the best with you all in order to help steer your future purchasing decisions in the right direction.

Hellboy Vol.8: Darkness Calls

Ok, this one came out a while ago, May to be exact, but it should still be checked out by all. This collected volume finds Hellboy finally returning from his long oceanic journey, only to be dragged away by a group of vicious witches, who deliver him into the clutches of the vengeful Baba Yaga. The stories in this book draw heavily from Russian folklore, and prove that Mike Mignola did the right thing when he decided to focus solely on writing the Hellboy books from now on.

Penny Arcade Vol.5: The Case of the Mummy’s Gold

We here at Shox love Penny Arcade, so when a new PA book comes out it is definitely a time to celebrate. This fifth volume collects all of the strips posted by the dynamic duo in 2004, and puts them in an easy-to-read book form. In addition to the aforementioned comics, the collection also features a number of hilarious, if odd bonus pages, as well as a wonderful introduction by the king of the nerds, Wil Wheaton.

Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard

Fans of long, time-consuming, and complicated old-school flavored role-playing games are in for a treat with this game. The second Etrian Odyssey builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor–which included a terrifying difficulty level, classic first-person perspective, and even the ability to draw your own maps–by adding new classes, abilities, and levels to challenge gamers. There is even a treat for those select, brave few who were able to complete the first game. Sadly, I am not yet among them.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift

If you’re looking for a different kind of addicting RPG, look no further then FFTA2. A strategy game with role-playing elements, this game allows players to build up a dream team of warriors by featuring an incredibly deep class system, which allows for a great deal of customization. These clans of warriors can then be used in epic, turn-based strategic battles, where they will fight against all kinds of dangerous monsters. Veteran players looking for an even greater challenge can check out the new hard difficulty, which will tax your mind as well as your thumbs.

The Machine Girl

Ah, Japanese horror, how I love thee. The Machine Girl follows the Tokyo Shock tradition of over the top, anime-like violence, but adds its own unique twist. The titular machine girl has a heavy duty machine gun strapped where her left arm once was, and has to use it to get revenge on the Yakuza clan that killed her family. Unfortunately for her (but fortunately for us), her enemies use equally unique and deadly weapons, including a flying guillotine and a drill bra. Yes, a drill bra.

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Andrew Webster is a freelance writer based in Toronto who covers comics, movies, videogames, and anything else that will rot out your brain. Check out his personal site to read more of his incoherent ramblings.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 12:00 am and is filed under Tales From The Basement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.