Stream of consciousness ramblings:

Home finally launched yesterday on the PS3, and while it is early, and rather spartan, I have to say I'm impressed with it, or at least its potential. The first thing that struck me was how smooth it seemed. The avatar's movements are very fluid, and feel right. The graphics work well, with your furniture and other "stuff" looking like they fit within your apartment; they could have easily looked forced or out of place. The harbor and outside world looked good, and made you want the big ol' yacht sitting there.

Communication, however, isn't easy. Using the controller to type has never been natural, but that's how most of the world is going to do it, at least in the near future. I did hear a couple of voice chatters, but that too will be the exception for now.

The mall is interesting, but there isn't much to buy yet. Plus, the prices are higher than I'm willing to pay. 99 cents for a new pair of pants? No thanks. Now, a quarter, that's possibility. We'll see how things go. Maybe a price tracking graph is in order.

As with stores, and things to buy, your character customization options were lacking (not unlike on the 360's NXE.) It seems as if they would want to make this as robust as possible, especially when it comes to face/body design. Limiting the clothes makes sense given the economic model of the app, but some people will want to do as much as possible to make their avatar stand out, or at least look how they want them to. You can build a better character in any wrestling game released in the last few years. Sony needs to catch up there.

All in all, though, it is a good beginning to their new world. Also, it is a beginning to the change in how people will access gaming, and interact with their new and old friends. Just being in Home, you can tell that there is a shift coming in online access, and ease of use of virtual worlds. There will be people who gather here often, both with people they know and don't know in the real world. In a decade or so, things like Home will be commonplace. Jump in now to get a glimpse of the future.

And, if you are looking for me, search for Boucaner (also on Xbox). Now, don't be surprised when you find a dainty little barefoot girl instead of a 6-3, 235 pound middle age moron. If I have to look at an avatar the whole time I'm in there, I sure don't want it to be what I see in the mirror every day. And I'm saving you that pain as well.