Here we go again, folks!  Your favorite 48 year-old ranter writing about something with which he only has limited experience.  No, I don't mean NASCAR or virgins or understanding what women actually mean when they say something. 

I am actually referring to video games.  To be more specific, I mean any video game made after 1980.  (Oddly enough, I also prefer to date women who were made AFTER 1980. . .but, I digress. . .besides, sometimes there is no substitute for experience.)

"Controlling 2 player situation
will surely result in hesitation"--Audio Karate

"I don't have Spyhunter
Galaga or Burger Time
don't look here for Frogger
Dig-Dug aint no friend of mine
don't ask me, you'll cross the line"--Freezepop

There are two new games coming out in September 2009: Guitar Hero 5 and Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes. Here is a little information about them in preparation for their release. If nothing else, you can decide if you even want them at all let alone camp out in line for them.

Guitar Hero 5

Put out by Activision/Neversoft, this is the fifth incarnation of the rhythm/music genre hit video game. It has a tentative release date of September 1st with a "Teen" rating. It will be released for the following gaming platforms: PS2, PS3, Wii and X360.

One of the questions plaguing critics and future fans alike was: How will they ever follow up Guitar Hero World Tour? The answer: They will do so quite easily. They aren't adding instruments or anything else that might be considered groundbreaking or radical. Word has it that all they are doing is taking the experience already available to players and taking it to a new level.

Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes

Put out by LucasArts, this is a game based on the Star Wars The Clone Wars TV show. It is naturally in the Sci-Fi Action/Adventure genre. It has a tentative release date of September 15th. It will be released for the following gaming platforms: PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, DS, Wii and X360.

This game allows players to swing (their light sabers) both ways. Players can fight as both Clone Troopers and Jedi Knights.

The game includes over 30 unique missions and is generally believed to be very family-friendly because it is based on the child-oriented clone wars franchise.

Is "Star Wars: really just another 'clone" of an early game? Will Guitar Hero 5 really "rock"? We'll all find out soon! "See you in September. . ."

My name is Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line.