Up Too Late

It is currently ten 'til 2 of the ante meridian, and I am still at the computer. Why?

THIS.

It's a PC game called Fate: you can pick it up at Walmart for about $20 or download it for the same price. In a nutshell, it's a Rogue-like game with endless random dungeons, scores of monsters, and loads of neat gear, with a diverting fishing mini-game. Like NetHack, you get a pet -- a dog or a cat -- which develops along with your character. Feed it the fish you catch, and you can change it into different creatures temporarily or permanently. Like Diablo, items are generated randomly, with varying degrees of enchantment. And, like most Rogue-like games, it's set in a world that bears more than a passing resemblance to old-school D&D. Sure, they may call 'em Abominations, but they're clearly Beholders. And the Shrike (below)? Totally an Owlbear.

Did I mention that this is rated E? That's right: dungeon crawling for the kiddies. What a wonderful world we live in.