This edition of the Spotlight takes on a strangely analytical feel as a few of the featured writers tackling familiar topics in a refreshing way

Paul Jeremiah Hayes begins with his stance on the evolution of the arcade from free-standing locales to digital game markets. Juan Letona takes us in a different direction by admitting he's never played a Final Fantasy game, but Final Fantasy 13 might be the one to break his life-long streak of unintentional avoidance. Luke Waters continues the theme with his first playthrough of Final Fantasy 7 and analyzes the origins of Barret and Avalanche's ecoterrorism.

Dana Laratta takes an interesting stance on Steam's amazing sales, comparing their sales practices with the time-tested strategies of a local furniture retailer with a sizable loyal customer base. Garret Staus takes on a more somber tone as he reveals how gaming seems tarnished after his recent breakup.

Finally, Trevor Hinkle shares his wish list for a Batman: Arkham Asylum sequel and encourages the community to share their hopes as well.

The New Arcade
By Paul Jeremiah Hayes
Paul fondly remembers the arcade scene of his youth. Sadly, both arcades in his town have faded away. Though the cabinets are gone, the spirit of the arcade lives on in the PlayStation 3's and Xbox 360's virtual stores.

Video-Game Virgin, or How I Never Played a Final Fantasy Game
By Juan Letona
Juan's path through the world of gaming never collided with the Final Fantasy series. With the North American launch of Final Fantasy 13 swiftly approaching, it's about time he descends into the world of Japanese-RPG madness.

The Sephiroth and the Fury -- Part 2: Barret Wallace
By Luke Waters
Part 2 of Luke's first playthrough of Final Fantasy 7 touches on Barret's questionable character design and the motivations of the ecoterrorist group Avalanche. It blows my mind that he hasn't played this game before now, and it's incredibly interesting seeing FF7 dissected so thoroughly.

Steam Sales, Jake Jabbs, and the Perceived Value of Intangible Items
By Dana Laratta
I find myself simultaneously agreeing and disagreeing with Dana's stance on Steam's sale practices. Where I do value game collecting and having tangible items, I do value the satisfying, though limited, price cuts Steam occasionally offers. But is this practice breeding distrust in the consumers who miss out on brief sales and who pay full price for a title that goes on sale for a third of the price a day later?

Breakups and Video Games

By Garret Staus
Breakups are rarely easy, but Garret's recent one is taking an unusual toll on his life. He no longer finds joy in gaming, and no amount of forcing himself to play is getting him through the weird sense of disinterest. What's a guy to do?

My Wish List for a Batman: Arkham Asylum Sequel

By Trevor Hinkle
Trevor is still playing Batman: Arkham Asylum but can't help looking forward to the announced sequel. He has a list of improvements that make a great deal of sense. Do you have an Arkham Asylum 2 wish list? Trevor wants to hear from you.