I have no love for Killzone. I did not play it on the PS2 and I think that Sony hailing it as a Halo killer is just an exaggeration. However, my interest pique due to the KZ2 trailer that generated quite a stir at E3 a couple of years back. Sony claimed that the video shown was real-time, but in the end confessed that it was actually pre-rendered and served as a concept video. So, graphically, how did Killzone 2 fare to the pre-rendered trailer shown? Pretty darn close.

The graphics are marvelous. The character models are detailed, the environments are lush and varied, guns are cool...and the lighting is just orgasmic! Definetely, the best I've seen. Kudos to Guerilla Games to actually meet and exceed the standards set by the pre-rendered videos shown.
Graphics:5/5

If you manage to tear yourself away from the graphics, you will realize that the sound is just as magnificent. They really translate the chaotic nature of war well. The music is Star Wars-ish and feels very epic. The voice acting is great.
However, the scripts are really bad. Talking about sandwiches during war, WTF? Since the script is not the voice actors fault but more of the writers, I am still going to rate the sound as one of the best I have ever heard.
Sounds:5/5

This is a tough one to judge. The gameplay is tight. Vehicular stages add some variety to the gameplay. The bosses are challenging. I love the final boss fight, feels so epic. KZ2 plays really really well.
However, KZ2 lacks innovation. Nothing new has been introduced in KZ2 except for the cover-system in FPS. The guns are not imaginative and the enemies look the same. The storyline is cliched beyond hell.
Gameplay:4/5

The single player campaign lasted for around 10 hours and was deeply satisfying. Besides that, as usual, there is an online mode which I do not really care about. You can replay previous missions to earn better medals.
Longevity:4/5

All in all, KZ2 is engaging and deeply satisfying. The production values are through the roof and it shows. The gameplay and pacing is tight. The only thing it lacks is innovation. KZ2 is truely a visceral experience not to be missed.
Overall:4/5

They say, there are no rules to love and war. Personally, I've only followed one simple rule: know when to stop. Every plan must have an exit strategy, because everyone knows, the battle will never stop regardless of you winning or losing.

It has been a while since I felt this way. It felt like I was on cloud nine. At that instant, I was content. I talked to Ay08 and the time breezed by as if it is not a constant. It felt like old times. Like as if nothing ever happened. However, once the cab stopped, we knew that things were not like old times. So much has changed and yet we both try to cling dearly to the past. We disguised our relationship as 'friends' but deep down, we both knew that it was something much more.

I opened her cab door for her. I took out some of her boxes while she paid the cab driver. After paying, she then helped me to carry all the boxes out. As the cab left, we both stood quietly in front of Ay08's new apartment. From the outside, it looks like a lovely place.
"So Ay08, aren't you letting me in?"
She still stood in awe. She was in a hypnotic state until I gave her a nudge.
"Huh, right, sure Jack."
She opened the main door to her apartment building and we both carried the boxes in. After all the boxes were in, it is time to visit her apartment.

We both carried a box each. The apartment was on the second floor and so we decided to take the stairs while leaving the boxes on the first floor. When we reached the front door, Ay08 gave a knock and then she used the key to open the door. We both entered and we were greeted by her housemate. After giving our introductions, Ay08 and me then proceed to go to Ay08's new room. Ay08 screams in shock as we entered the room. I just smiled as it happened.

The entire room was filled with flowers. There have to be at least 20 bouquets or so.
"Jack, was it you?"
I just smiled.
"How did you do it?"
"I called a couple of mutual friends, they tell me that you are moving here."
I could see that Ay08 was holding back her tears, tears of joy I hope.
"Why would you do this Jack?"
The actual reason I did this was as a goodbye present. But I guess now the main reason has changed.

I held Ay08's hand. I got down on one knee. I turned around and got something out from my knapsack.
"Because...I love you Ay08."
Ay08 looked surprised. I handed her that 'something' that I took out from my knapsack.
"Jack, this rose, it's..."
"It's the same one as the first rose that I gave you."
Ay08 is stunned.
"Let's start over, Ay08."
"But Jack, I have a boyfriend."
I will not be making the same mistake as I did previously. No more. This will not be Dublin all over again.

"I know, that's why I will not be asking for an answer right now."
"What do you mean Jack? I do not understand."
"Just let me know what do you think of us being together in 3 months time. That should give you an ample time to really think about it."
She grabbed my shoulders and pulled me up. There were tears in her eyes. Without saying a word, she hugged me.

Looks like someone has not been playing by his own rule. Will it lead to a triumphant victory or a humiliating defeat? Only time will tell.

Life is chaotic. It cannot be defined through neither equations nor statistics. Sure, we can plan a memorable event but normally, the most memorable ones are unplanned for. In the midst of all this chaos that life brings us, emerging from its ashes like a rising phoenix is love. From the chaos emerges a deterministic emotion called love.

We both just stared at each other as if time was frozen. For a split second, I could sense strong emotion emitting from her. At that moment, all I can think about was to kiss her . As I moved in for the kiss, I was surprised that she began closing her eyes, expecting it. However, I chickened out at the last moment. I am not entirely sure why I did that, sometimes I tend to amaze everyone including myself.

I got up from the bed. She looked disappointed, and I do not blame her. In order to just blatantly brush this incident aside, I started to focus on the uncarried boxes.
"Err...I think we should take this down now," I said blushingly.
She got up from the bed and pick a box while I picked another one.
"Hey, Ay08, this is kind of light. Are you sure we did not leave anything behind?"
Suddenly, she rushed to the side of the bed and pulled out a plastic bag. I can barely make out it's contents.
"That's it?"
She nodded. She gave me the plastic bag and I carried it along with the box.
We took a last look at the room, shut the door and went down the steps.

Same as the way up, the way down, is again, full of silence. In order to lighten the mood, I started building random conversation.
"So, what's in this plastic bag anyway? It is sure is very light."
"Oh, it's nothing."
"I bet you have some naughty stuffs in here, don't you?"
"Noo...and eeww, you pervert."
While we were talking, the plastic bag accidentally fell over and the contents were exposed all over the steps. I was shocked and I can see that Ay08 was feeling shy.

"You...you kept this?"
Ay08 just stayed quiet.
I picked up the dried withered flowers. Apparently, Ay08 has a whole bunch of them.
"Are these all mine? Is that the first flower that I gave you?"
She kept quiet.
"Why....why would you still keep these?"
She bent down and started to clear up the mess. I sat down and helped her.
"Because Jack...I.."

Now it was my turn to be quiet. I can sense that there was a huge stress on Ay08's vocal chords that caused her voice to be shaky. She seems to be trembling a little bit. Clearly, she was afraid. The thing that she was about to say must be really tough on her. Hence I pitied her, and being the altruist that I am, I rescued her from her distress.
"Because you love flowers so much, right?"I suggested it to her.
She just kept quiet and looked down.
I smiled at her then proceed to put the flowers back into the plastic. After clearing up, we continued walking down the steps.

I knew what she was going to say, but I could not let her say it. Not now at least. People say that you can never take back your words and I am afraid that she might make a huge mistake by uttering those words now. And at that moment, my love for Ay08 reignited.

Coincidentally, as we reached down the steps the taxi has already arrived. Without hesitation, I helped her moved all of her boxes into the taxi. After around 20 minutes of hardcore moving, she was ready to leave. She walked up to me, looked me directly in the eye, and with a shaky voice, said
"Promise you visit me sometime?"
I turned my back on her and walked back into the house, without saying a single word. I could see she was stunned and hurt. Ay08 then turned around and headed back into the taxi. As the taxi was about to leave, I shouted.
"Ay08, wait!"

She peered through the window and smiled at the sight of me carrying my knapsack. I then went over to the door and entered the taxi.
"You are leaving without me Ay08?"
"But Jack, I do not understand."
"You'll need help carrying those boxes to your apartment."
"How do you know that it is an apartment?"
I just smiled at Ay08. At first, she was taken aback for a second by my smile, but later on, she began smiling back. The look that she had on her face was priceless. So pure, and innocent. That was the day that I fell for her, again. Maybe things would end up differently this time? Fate can sometimes be so cruel.

I waited for Ay08 at the lounge. It was a cold Sunday afternoon. After a couple of minutes, there she came, punctual as usual.
"Morning Ay08."
I greeted her with a smile.
"Very funny old man."
"So shall we get going?"

I followed Ay08 up the steps. The first time I followed her was when she first arrived. I helped to carry all her bags up these steps, and by God, they were the heaviest bag I have ever carried. While we were walking, we did not say a word. Somehow, I knew that she was feeling the same as me, sad. This was the place we met, hence, I guess this is where it ends. A fitting ending to an epic tale. However, I guessed wrong.

We reached Ay08's room. As she opened the door, I was shocked by the amount of bags.
"My God. Did the bags gave birth or something?"
I said jokingly.
"Haha. Stop talking and help me move down the stuff."
"Damn, I think it's gonna take at least 10 trips."
I looked at her. She looked at me, and guilt was written all over her face. Guilt for troubling me that is.
"Guess I better get moving now or else I'll miss dinner."
I said in hope to enlighten the mode. She laughed a bit.
"Jack, thank you so much. "
"Seriously, when you called and asked for a favour, I was hoping for it to involve more intimate activities."
She slapped my arm and we both laughed.

After around 6 trips, I was exhausted. I stayed in her room while she served me some cold orange juice. I remembered the first time I came in here. It was 3 am and we talked all night. I've only known her for a month then, but I can just feel it that she is the girl that's going to change my life forever. Ay08's room brings back a lot of memories for me.

"So Ay08, where are you shifting to anyway?"
"Oh, I am going pretty far from here. St John's Wood. Come and visit me sometime."
"Sure, will do."
"Promise me that I won't become like Mi07?"
I kept quiet. I can't promise her that.
"What do you want from me Ay08? Are we friends or something more?"
"I don't know Jack. I just...want you to continue treating me this way."
Somehow, that got me boiling. It's unfair for me to treat her like the world and yet she would not even acknowledge that she likes me. She should just run back to her boyfriend.
"You can't have everything Ay08."
"Jack, I..."
Suddenly, my phone rang. We paused. I was uncertain whether to pick up the call. I looked at the caller ID and I was shocked out of my pants with a little bit of happiness tingling within.

"Hi Ha, what's up?"
"Hi Jack. Sorry to disturb you. Can we talk now?"
Ay08 was looking towards me wondering who the caller is. I signified the hand gesture 5 minutes to Ay08.
"Sure Ha. Anything?"
"I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight at this mamak stall nearby my house? Teh tarik and roti canai? Real authentic mamak stall."
Wow, I was taken off guard. A date invitation? That's a first.

I took a hard look at Ay08. Am I still going after her? Do I love her?
I don't know. But one thing was certain, she is unfinished business. I guess before I pursue Ha, I should settle things with Ay08. And how will I arrive to this settlement? I don't know, but I'll find out. With that in mind, I replied Ha.
"Sorry, Ha. I am helping a friend move out today. Next time, definitely.
"Okay Jack. Next time. I'll be looking forward to it."
"Me too Ha. Goodbye."
"Bye Jack."

After the conversation, I then turned to Ay08.
"So, 10 more boxes to go, better get moving."
However, I have realized that Ay08 is silent. I guess she was feeling awkward due to my anger outburst. Just like on the way up, we kept quiet all the way down.

After a couple trips, we were finally down with our last 2 boxes. I was so tired and I think Ay08 was tired as well.
"Ay08, you look tired. Can we take a break?"
"Yeah, right. You are the one whose tired."
"What, you wanna go at it? Wanna see who can bring these boxes the fastest?"
"Bring it on Jack."
As I was about to grab one of the boxes, Ay08 tickled my waist. As sort of an impulse, I threw her on the bed. We laughed. I then kept on tickling her and I ended up on top. The situation suddenly became tense. You can cut the tension with a knife. I gazed into her eyes as she gazes into mine. My palms were sweaty, my heart was thumping and my hormones were raging. Suddenly, Ay08 grabbed my hand and whispered into my ear.
"Do not leave me Jack."

I was confused. After yesterday's event, I am not sure what was going on between me and Ay08. Furthermore, I am not sure why did I take the ring back. I sat down in the middle of the college's common area and kept on pondering to the questions that I craved answers to. As I was contemplating, I was broken from my trance by a soft sweet voice.
"Excuse me, can you direct me to the cafeteria?"
I looked up and I saw someone that I thought I knew.
"An05, is that you?"
"Excuse me?"
Then I realized that it was not her. It can't be her, what was I thinking. The person who stood in front of me bared an uncanny resemblance to An05, but is slightly taller and fairer. Besides, how can An05 be in the UK?
"Never mind."

"So, guess you are a Malaysian as well? What's your name? I am Jack", I said while walking her to the cafeteria.
And that's how I met...
"I am Ha. Nice to meet you Jack."
"Likewise. Are you a PhD student?"
"Nope, I am a masters transfer student. Are you a PhD student?"
"Can't you tell?", I said cheekily.
She laughed.
"So, here's the cafeteria. Are you eating lunch over here or having a takeaway?"
"I am not sure yet."
Then, I did a spontaneous invitation, you know like a true player of the game.
"I am eating right now, would you care to join me?"
"Sure."
I opened the door for her. She walked in and I took the blue tray for her.

"So, lamb and chicken is halal, everything else is not, okay?"
"Got it. Ermm...what are you having Jack?"
"Hmmm...I'll go for the Barbeque Salmon."
"All right then, I guess I'll take the same."
She followed me around, all the way to the counter. I even paid for her as a sign of good gesture where she replied with a hearty smile.

I found us a table and we sat down facing each other. We both kept quiet and started eating away.
"Bet you the food tastes terrible, given that you've just came from Malaysia."
She laughs at my joke. That's a good sign.
"Yeah Jack, you are right. How did you know that I just came from Malaysia?"
"You didn't even know the cafeteria. That's a dead give away."
She smiled.
"So Ha, what's the story with you? What are you doing here?"
"I am doing a transfer program in molecular biology. I'll only be here for the next 2 months. "
"I see. I am doing a PhD in Electrical Engineering. 2nd year. How do you like it around here so far?"
"I miss home Jack. How long you've not been back to Malaysia?"
"Around a year plus."
"Don't you miss home? How can you cope?"
I just smiled at her.
"Don't worry Ha, you'll get home soon."

After an hour, we were done eating . Being a good samaritan that I am, I walked her back to her faculty. Upon reaching the steps to her faculty, it's time to say goodbye.
"Goodbye Ha, see you when I see you."
I turned around and walked away.
"Wait, Jack. Can I have your number? Maybe we can have lunch sometime?"
She likes me, a little bit at least. I felt it.
"Sure."
I gave her my number and walked away with a smile. I thought finding someone else that likes me was almost impossible, but there she was, and am I gonna blow Ha over Ay08 who has not come to terms with her feelings and already has a boyfriend? The obvious answer is no. But in life, it is not that obvious.

My phone rang and I picked it up without looking at the caller ID.
"Hello."
"Hi Jack."
It's Ay08. How unsurprising.
"Sorry about yesterday Jack..."
"No worries."
I wanted to ask her whether the hug meant something. But knowing Ay08, it's just a waste of time because she will never admit to anything. Never.
"This may sound bad Jack, but I need a favour from you."
And that's where it all started. From a favour.