They have finally done it. When you analyze stores, you come to realize that the items conveniently placed at the check out isle are meant to be impulse buys. Sometimes they work. I mean, who doesn't want a nice candy bar every now and then? But who knew that the best way to stick me with impulse buys would actually be on the internet. I am in no way inclined to look at these products, yet 3 or 4 times in the past week or two alone, I have felt myself compelled to buy a game, or a collection of games.

As you can tell from the photo accompanying this article, I'm in a bit of a bind.

No, I'm not literally stuck in a computer. That sort of thing could only happen to Rick Moranis

On one hand I find myself in a very unique position. I've just turned 20 and for the first time in my life I can see myself getting into PC gaming.

On the other hand, I can't help but shudder at the sheer amount of material available and, I have to admit, I'm not at all equipped with the knowledge - or hardware - I need to give the platform the chance it deserves.

Of course, I've played games on PC.

I loved the LucasArts games as a kid. I'm a huge fan of the Discworld series, so to have been able to play those games when they were easy to work was a joy. Shogun: Total War introduced me to a strategy series that I've always been fascinated by. (But barely dipped into.)

It goes without saying that I sunk days of my life into the Sims and, at one point, I was a happily benign God who let his creature roam the world spreading peace and love and throwing rocks at my enemies in a poor attempt at converting them...