That just SAVE GAME feeling.

You know, no matter how good the games get, and how good the players THINK they are, nothing in the world will ever beat the feeling of a well timed 'save game'. Single player games need regular save points, especially if they are challenging enough to warrant them.

Its games like the old UFO-Enemy Unknown, saving just before trooper Darren Pine steps out from behind cover gets vaporised by a plasma rifle from the shadows. Or Half Life when you step out from behind cover and get screwed over by a sniper rifle shot to the head. Then there is Hitman, when you attempt to do the heroic macho idiot maneuver and try and kill your target, guards and security forces in open public with the assault rifle with no cover of bulletproof vest. The list goes on.

And in more recent games, F.E.A.R. has a few points when a save point is more welcome then a French Hooker who just passed her STD tests with flying colours. Oh yes, those occasions do exist.

You see, many people don't like single player games because they are too easy... well yes, IF YOU ONLY PLAY ON EASY MODE... up the difficulty a little and you'll find that the level you supposedly 'pissed all over' is pissing all over you.

So, why am I talking about this? Well, Fallout: Tactics was loaded back up on the laptop, but despite my best to remember, I'm constantly having to remember to save before doing something stupid, like walking my heavy weapons guy into a room with a pacification bot.

Why is that important? Well, pacification bot has 500 hp, my guy has 150. Pacification bot has an armour of 100, my guy has 50. Pacification bot has a Gatling laser cannon, by guy has a browning .50 cal WITHOUT the depleted uranium rounds. Odds are, he gonna die before getting a shot off, which is what happens most of the time.

Three missions off from the final assault, and I keep forgetting to save just before throwing my men into certain danger, which is annoying as hell when you pull off an assault perfectly, only to get blown up by that land mine I didn't detect. Joy.

However, its been sinking in more and more as I play. Its been months since I sat down and played a game properly, and that was mostly due to illness, recovery and retraining, I just haven't played single player games enough, and the old skills have been fading.

Sod being able to dodge into cover in time, or being able to compete online against younger or hardcore players, just being able to remember to save at the right time is up there with "Free second? Reload!" or "Grenade!!!!".

Restricting the save game numbers, or using 'save points' just adds to a games charm and difficulty, but they are essential and very much welcome on those games where danger really does lurk around every corner.

All hail the Save Game, and the stress is alleviates.