Q: Why xm0123's Domain?
A: Because this is my special place on the net, where no one but me has control. It's good to be in control of something.
Q: Do you do anything other than doing schoolwork, playing games, reading comics, and ridiculing psychotic nerds?
A: Of course. I eat. I sleep. I urinate. I go for walks. I breathe, and I take showers, to name a few examples.
Q: In the beginning, you said you would always print something in each entry that goes against what you call "Popular opinion." Suffice to say, not every one of your entries bashes the status quo. How do you cope with being unable to live up to your promise?
A: Hey, I never promised anything. I was just saying that I could print many opinions that go against the norm, so don't be (too) shocked when you find out about them.
Q: Why do you hate Fruits Basket so much?
A: FB has only one thing in it; fangirl bait. That's all FB is, fangirl bait. There is absolutely no substance to speak of whatsoever, save for fangirl bait. Oh sure, someone who likes fangirl bait might get a kick out of FB, but you would have to be pretty damn stupid to declare a series, "One of the best manga/anime series ever!" simply because it's made of fangirl bait.
Q: I'm out of questions. If you want, you can make another blast at the status quo for your last answer, if you wish.
A: Very well. In that case . . . . . . . . . .
STOP! TALKING! ABOUT! FUCKING HALO!!!!!!!!!!
I HATE THAT FUCKING GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LATE EDIT: Thank the Arbiter for Halo Reach. Otherwise, I'd still hate all things Halo.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
"That chick looks like she's gonna kill you and devour your corpse!"
The quote in the title comes from the 4th volume of the Naruto magna (deliberate misspelling.) It's so hilarious.
So, I've been playing more UN3. It's so easy, so long as you don't play the VS mode and set the computer on the "insane" mode. I have already unlocked every fighter. I haven't tried them all out yet, but it's great so far. Kakashi's better now then he was in UN2! UN3 reflects his abilities in the anime/manga more accurately.
Also, special techniques, or ultimate jutsus, aren't as powerful as they were in UN2. On the plus side, they're easier to pull off. Characters have a wide variety of ultimate jutsus, but can only use one style of jutsu in a battle, unlike three in UN2. You can "equip" what jutsu to use before battle. The jutsu you equip also effects your stats, so choose wisely.
One last warning; if your opponent pulls off a summoning jutsu, you're pretty much screwed. Good luck standing toe-to-toe with a giant snake.
In other news, next month will be the last month of the semester. Until the semester ends, I'm gonna be crunching more then usual. If I don't update as frequently as before, you have only college life to blame for that.
Until next time. *disappears in a puff of smoke*
So, I've been playing more UN3. It's so easy, so long as you don't play the VS mode and set the computer on the "insane" mode. I have already unlocked every fighter. I haven't tried them all out yet, but it's great so far. Kakashi's better now then he was in UN2! UN3 reflects his abilities in the anime/manga more accurately.
Also, special techniques, or ultimate jutsus, aren't as powerful as they were in UN2. On the plus side, they're easier to pull off. Characters have a wide variety of ultimate jutsus, but can only use one style of jutsu in a battle, unlike three in UN2. You can "equip" what jutsu to use before battle. The jutsu you equip also effects your stats, so choose wisely.
One last warning; if your opponent pulls off a summoning jutsu, you're pretty much screwed. Good luck standing toe-to-toe with a giant snake.
In other news, next month will be the last month of the semester. Until the semester ends, I'm gonna be crunching more then usual. If I don't update as frequently as before, you have only college life to blame for that.
Until next time. *disappears in a puff of smoke*
Saturday, March 29, 2008
"NARUTO-KUN!"
Just one day after "acquiring" Xenogears, I get another game. That's right everyone, I got Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3. A real copy.
Allow me to compare and contrast it with UN2.
UN3 is a lot, easier. UN2 was absolutely brutal, yet UN3 is a cinch.
There are two "story" modes. One re-enacts fight scenes from the anime/manga. Beat this, and you unlock fighters for the Versus mode. The other is an "RPG" mode where you explore the Hidden Leaf Village, look for stuff, challenge fellow genin to duels, and hang out with Iruka-sensei. You can also unlock more fighters in this mode.
When you win a battle in the "RPG" mode, you gain experience. Gain enough experience, and your fighter levels up. Your stats raise themselves. Unlike in UN2, you can't distribute your XP to whichever stat you wanna increase.
Naruto Uzumaki can put up a much tougher front then he did in UN2. Lucky you.
You can play the game with either the English dubbed track or the original Japanese track. Bear in mind though, the game's readable script is based off the English dub script, not the Japanese one, "dubtitles" if you will. So even when someone addresses someone with a Japanese title of honor, ("Tsunade-sama!") or when Blonde Boy says "Dattebayo", it will not appear in the text. Although I dislike "dubtitles", please don't threaten to burn down the headquarters of Namco-Bandai.
There are new characters to play as. Rock on.
I will present more information in the future. For now, though, I'm gonna put off XG in favor of Naruto.
Allow me to compare and contrast it with UN2.
UN3 is a lot, easier. UN2 was absolutely brutal, yet UN3 is a cinch.
There are two "story" modes. One re-enacts fight scenes from the anime/manga. Beat this, and you unlock fighters for the Versus mode. The other is an "RPG" mode where you explore the Hidden Leaf Village, look for stuff, challenge fellow genin to duels, and hang out with Iruka-sensei. You can also unlock more fighters in this mode.
When you win a battle in the "RPG" mode, you gain experience. Gain enough experience, and your fighter levels up. Your stats raise themselves. Unlike in UN2, you can't distribute your XP to whichever stat you wanna increase.
Naruto Uzumaki can put up a much tougher front then he did in UN2. Lucky you.
You can play the game with either the English dubbed track or the original Japanese track. Bear in mind though, the game's readable script is based off the English dub script, not the Japanese one, "dubtitles" if you will. So even when someone addresses someone with a Japanese title of honor, ("Tsunade-sama!") or when Blonde Boy says "Dattebayo", it will not appear in the text. Although I dislike "dubtitles", please don't threaten to burn down the headquarters of Namco-Bandai.
There are new characters to play as. Rock on.
I will present more information in the future. For now, though, I'm gonna put off XG in favor of Naruto.
Friday, March 28, 2008
And Ye Shall Be As Gods
Hey internet, remember how I said I had perfected PS1 emulation? But the only problem was if I ran a PS1 CD, the access pauses hampered gameplay too much?
One could circumvent that with, ISOs.
"But xm! ISOs of commercial games are not supposed to be acquired for free!"
Try and stop me, internet.
I actually found a reliable web site for downloading "PSX" ISOs. Thing is though, there aren't really that many PS1 games that I haven't already played that I wanna play. As you know, the PS1 disappointed me in the long run. Still, I did come up with one PS1 game that I've never played that I now have an ISO of.
Xenogears.
That's all I've been playing today. Xenogears. Let that sink in for a moment. Let it sink in how Xenogears, nearly ten years after its release, has yet to see a sequel, prequel, or remake. Oh sure, there is the unofficial spinoff known as the Xenosaga series, but Xenogears . . . . .
. . . . . . I love Xenogears.
I love its unique graphic style, reminiscent of the Disgaea games that followed it. I love the battle system, how you can string together combos and deathblows. I LOVE the soundtrack, especially the epic battle themes. And the storyline is pretty good too. Oh sure, some of the passages are awkwardly worded, the cutscenes may have meager voices, and the graphics would look a lot better on a newer system, but that doesn't matter! This is a Square game without the words, "Final" or "Chrono" in its title that's actually good! Yeah, imagine that.
Can't talk. Must play more. Need, kill, more, robots.
LATE EDIT: Yeah, starts off promising, but wait 'til I drop the game.
Also, XG story: interesting concept, bad execution. Especially compared to the games I played in 2011.
One could circumvent that with, ISOs.
"But xm! ISOs of commercial games are not supposed to be acquired for free!"
Try and stop me, internet.
I actually found a reliable web site for downloading "PSX" ISOs. Thing is though, there aren't really that many PS1 games that I haven't already played that I wanna play. As you know, the PS1 disappointed me in the long run. Still, I did come up with one PS1 game that I've never played that I now have an ISO of.
Xenogears.
That's all I've been playing today. Xenogears. Let that sink in for a moment. Let it sink in how Xenogears, nearly ten years after its release, has yet to see a sequel, prequel, or remake. Oh sure, there is the unofficial spinoff known as the Xenosaga series, but Xenogears . . . . .
. . . . . . I love Xenogears.
I love its unique graphic style, reminiscent of the Disgaea games that followed it. I love the battle system, how you can string together combos and deathblows. I LOVE the soundtrack, especially the epic battle themes. And the storyline is pretty good too. Oh sure, some of the passages are awkwardly worded, the cutscenes may have meager voices, and the graphics would look a lot better on a newer system, but that doesn't matter! This is a Square game without the words, "Final" or "Chrono" in its title that's actually good! Yeah, imagine that.
Can't talk. Must play more. Need, kill, more, robots.
LATE EDIT: Yeah, starts off promising, but wait 'til I drop the game.
Also, XG story: interesting concept, bad execution. Especially compared to the games I played in 2011.
Monday, March 24, 2008
And now a word from me
Oh, hey yo, internet world. You got the xm-you got the xm! I have something for you; a review. A review for something I've avoided for nearly 7 years until now, give or take. This review is for all of my ex-friends who acted like what I'm about to review was a fuckin' riot. Now you're going to find out (one reason) why they are my EX friends.
I couple a days ago, I read a manga volume called The Slayers.
The manga version of the beloved Slayers, ladies and gentlemen. A "classic", or so I've been told. A delightful send-up of medieval fantasy and video RPGs.
Before I go on, let me just say, bless you, Terry Pratchett.
In case you can't tell by now, I didn't really buy into the hype of The Slayers. Like, at all. Then again, it's really hard for me to buy into the hype of The Slayers, considering that Slayers is the WORST FUCKING MANGA I'VE EVER READ IN MY 22 YEARS OF EXISTENCE ON THIS GODFORSAKEN WORLD!!!!! Holy Jesus Christ Shit! How the Holy Hell was Slayers so goddamned popular back in the late '90's and early 2000's!?
Slayers claims to be a comedy. To be a comedy, one must have two elements: humor, and lightheartedness. Well, the lightheartedness part is there, since Slayers never takes itself seriously, but the humor part, is lacking. Lacking as in non-existent, not there, absent, UNFUNNY!
Slayers is randomness with two recurring characters. That's it. There is nothing else to it. Things just suddenly happen out of nowhere, with little to no explanation, zero-dimensional characterization (though the last one could be excused.), and enough plot to fill half a children's book. Some of the 'jokes' constantly reoccur, the most obnoxious of which people claiming Lina Inverse's breasts are small (this, despite the fact that she does not have small breasts.). This kind of work would be acceptable, if it were the author's very first story he ever wrote by himself. Under normal circumstances, shit like this could never get published. How Slayers even got published is beyond my reasoning.
In spite of my hate, I did find two things to like. One, the artwork isn't bad. It's not superb, but it is decent. Secondly, I know of an online comic very similar to Slayers in terms of it being a parody of medieval fantasies and video RPGs. Even its art style is similar to that of Slayers. Except, you know, unlike Slayers, RPG World is actually funny, actually has story, actually has character depth, and is everything Slayers could only dream to be.
So thank you, idiots from high school who told me Slayers was "the shit." You just wasted a complete afternoon of my life. Granted, my reading of Slayers occurred long after I dumped your sorry asses and moved on to community college, but I still can't forgive you. And don't give me that, "But you haven't seen the Slayers anime yet! You might like that more!" talk either. I can't fathom how being in animated format could make Slayers any bit more tolerable.
In closing, FUCK the Slayers, FUCK the people who recommended it to me, and if you actually think Slayers is a "classic", I will view everything you say with suspicion. You have been warned, internet.
Thank you for your time.
Slayers manga score: 1 out of 10. Artwork doesn't offend me, but everything else does.
LATE EDIT: I'm nearly 26 now, and this is still the worst graphic novel I ever read.
I couple a days ago, I read a manga volume called The Slayers.
The manga version of the beloved Slayers, ladies and gentlemen. A "classic", or so I've been told. A delightful send-up of medieval fantasy and video RPGs.
Before I go on, let me just say, bless you, Terry Pratchett.
In case you can't tell by now, I didn't really buy into the hype of The Slayers. Like, at all. Then again, it's really hard for me to buy into the hype of The Slayers, considering that Slayers is the WORST FUCKING MANGA I'VE EVER READ IN MY 22 YEARS OF EXISTENCE ON THIS GODFORSAKEN WORLD!!!!! Holy Jesus Christ Shit! How the Holy Hell was Slayers so goddamned popular back in the late '90's and early 2000's!?
Slayers claims to be a comedy. To be a comedy, one must have two elements: humor, and lightheartedness. Well, the lightheartedness part is there, since Slayers never takes itself seriously, but the humor part, is lacking. Lacking as in non-existent, not there, absent, UNFUNNY!
Slayers is randomness with two recurring characters. That's it. There is nothing else to it. Things just suddenly happen out of nowhere, with little to no explanation, zero-dimensional characterization (though the last one could be excused.), and enough plot to fill half a children's book. Some of the 'jokes' constantly reoccur, the most obnoxious of which people claiming Lina Inverse's breasts are small (this, despite the fact that she does not have small breasts.). This kind of work would be acceptable, if it were the author's very first story he ever wrote by himself. Under normal circumstances, shit like this could never get published. How Slayers even got published is beyond my reasoning.
In spite of my hate, I did find two things to like. One, the artwork isn't bad. It's not superb, but it is decent. Secondly, I know of an online comic very similar to Slayers in terms of it being a parody of medieval fantasies and video RPGs. Even its art style is similar to that of Slayers. Except, you know, unlike Slayers, RPG World is actually funny, actually has story, actually has character depth, and is everything Slayers could only dream to be.
So thank you, idiots from high school who told me Slayers was "the shit." You just wasted a complete afternoon of my life. Granted, my reading of Slayers occurred long after I dumped your sorry asses and moved on to community college, but I still can't forgive you. And don't give me that, "But you haven't seen the Slayers anime yet! You might like that more!" talk either. I can't fathom how being in animated format could make Slayers any bit more tolerable.
In closing, FUCK the Slayers, FUCK the people who recommended it to me, and if you actually think Slayers is a "classic", I will view everything you say with suspicion. You have been warned, internet.
Thank you for your time.
Slayers manga score: 1 out of 10. Artwork doesn't offend me, but everything else does.
LATE EDIT: I'm nearly 26 now, and this is still the worst graphic novel I ever read.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Ballas
Barkley: Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden Chapter 1 of the Hoopz Barkley SaGa.
Google it. Download it. Love it.
LATE EDIT: Geeze, was I that lazy that day? I could at least try to explain this; it's fun, funny, and free. There.
Google it. Download it. Love it.
LATE EDIT: Geeze, was I that lazy that day? I could at least try to explain this; it's fun, funny, and free. There.
Friday, March 21, 2008
homework everywhere
I got homework in all of my current classes. It's not unimaginable, but it's just I have so much, I have to spend more time than usual on my homework. Pity me. Let's talk about something else.
Let's talk about Death Note.
I have been following the show's broadcast on adultswim.com religiously since its premiere in America. I saw the newest English dubbed episode just about an hour ago. I can't get enough. I haven't seen the whole series yet, but as it stands, Death note is my favorite anime tv series of all time. It is bloody brilliant, just brilliant! I have also read the first volume of the DN manga, but, I find myself enjoying the anime version more. It feels more tense when you can hear their voices.
*starts sitting and talking like L* And yet, this show, like any popular imported entertainment, has been criticized by the 'real' anime fans. Is it any wonder why most 'real' anime fans in the real world tend to be a dysfunctional, socially-retarded bunch? Can't they realize that Death Note isn't popular because, "OH EM GEE! IT'S JAPANEEEEEESE!" but rather, because of its originality, its suspense, its dark sense of humor, and its interesting characters?
But no. The 'real' fans feel they need to be separate from the crowd, and will continue enjoying anime and manga that's not popular amongst people who still refer to anime and manga as cartoons and comics. Frankly, their stupidity and elitism bore me.
*switches back to regular speaking manner* But, if I do see any episodes I don't particularly enjoy, I will not hold back any negative criticism. But, as it stands, Death Note is #1.
Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to take a potato chip . . . . . .
AND EAT IT!!!!!!
LATE EDIT: And so began my constant references. Wait until I discover an even better anime . . .
Let's talk about Death Note.
I have been following the show's broadcast on adultswim.com religiously since its premiere in America. I saw the newest English dubbed episode just about an hour ago. I can't get enough. I haven't seen the whole series yet, but as it stands, Death note is my favorite anime tv series of all time. It is bloody brilliant, just brilliant! I have also read the first volume of the DN manga, but, I find myself enjoying the anime version more. It feels more tense when you can hear their voices.
*starts sitting and talking like L* And yet, this show, like any popular imported entertainment, has been criticized by the 'real' anime fans. Is it any wonder why most 'real' anime fans in the real world tend to be a dysfunctional, socially-retarded bunch? Can't they realize that Death Note isn't popular because, "OH EM GEE! IT'S JAPANEEEEEESE!" but rather, because of its originality, its suspense, its dark sense of humor, and its interesting characters?
But no. The 'real' fans feel they need to be separate from the crowd, and will continue enjoying anime and manga that's not popular amongst people who still refer to anime and manga as cartoons and comics. Frankly, their stupidity and elitism bore me.
*switches back to regular speaking manner* But, if I do see any episodes I don't particularly enjoy, I will not hold back any negative criticism. But, as it stands, Death Note is #1.
Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to take a potato chip . . . . . .
AND EAT IT!!!!!!
LATE EDIT: And so began my constant references. Wait until I discover an even better anime . . .
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Things I don't care about
My dad thought me something important; in order to lessen your stress, only care about things that are very important to you. I took this to heart. As a result, there are many things I just don't care about, because they aren't worth the blood pressure.
Some examples:
Sports.
Celebrities.
Celebrity babies.
ANY baby who is not a blood relative of mine. ("Elaine, you gotta see the baby!" Man, I can totally relate.)
Any game that comes out for a system I don't own. ("Oh. So that's why you don't talk about DMC4. Sucks to be you!")
Reality shows.
Updating this blog.
And . . . . . . I just got writer's block again.
Some examples:
Sports.
Celebrities.
Celebrity babies.
ANY baby who is not a blood relative of mine. ("Elaine, you gotta see the baby!" Man, I can totally relate.)
Any game that comes out for a system I don't own. ("Oh. So that's why you don't talk about DMC4. Sucks to be you!")
Reality shows.
Updating this blog.
And . . . . . . I just got writer's block again.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Lots of stuff for you
I got lots of stuff and lots of more stuff to report.
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
This is not Oscar bait. This is actually a really good movie. Intelligent, edgy, superbly acted, and suspenseful like you can't imagine. I've always liked the Coen Brothers' movies, but this is good, even by their standards. Was it really the best movie of the year? I can't say for sure. But it sure is good. Not for the squeamish.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST VOL. 15
I checked out this volume at the library. The FMA goodness doesn't let up. But this is by far the most depressing volume yet. And Kimblee scares me. Like, really scares me. Can't wait for Vol. 16.
THOSE DAMN DIRTY APES! THEY BLEW IT UP!
Sorry, I just had to throw in a quote from one of my all-time favorite films.
THERAPY THROUGH FRAGFESTS
I believe that videogames with violent content actually lower real-life violence, not raise it. See here, let's say you just got fired from your job. And your girlfriend left you for a worthless man. And you have to take the bus home because your car decided it would be fuckin' hilarious if it suddenly wouldn't start up for you. What do you in a situation like this? Kill yourself? No! You're still a productive member of society! Do you take it out on other people? No! Then you'd be an asshole! Do you take it out on headcrabs in Half-Life 2? YES! You incur no damage on yourself, on other people, and on property, but rather, on fictitious alien things. Do this long enough and the pain you suffered earlier in the day will heal itself in no time. Videogames, the anti-drug.
NOW TO VALIDATE MY HETEROSEXUALITY
I believe there's nothing more beautiful than a beautiful human female. Yes, a lot of heterosexual males believe this, but how many of them actually articulate it like I just did? My point exactly.
I'M ALL OUT OF IDEAS
It's what happens when you struggle with Writer's Block. One moment, you'll be typing something, then the next, you can't think of anything else to . . . . . . . . . . . You see what I mean!?
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
This is not Oscar bait. This is actually a really good movie. Intelligent, edgy, superbly acted, and suspenseful like you can't imagine. I've always liked the Coen Brothers' movies, but this is good, even by their standards. Was it really the best movie of the year? I can't say for sure. But it sure is good. Not for the squeamish.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST VOL. 15
I checked out this volume at the library. The FMA goodness doesn't let up. But this is by far the most depressing volume yet. And Kimblee scares me. Like, really scares me. Can't wait for Vol. 16.
THOSE DAMN DIRTY APES! THEY BLEW IT UP!
Sorry, I just had to throw in a quote from one of my all-time favorite films.
THERAPY THROUGH FRAGFESTS
I believe that videogames with violent content actually lower real-life violence, not raise it. See here, let's say you just got fired from your job. And your girlfriend left you for a worthless man. And you have to take the bus home because your car decided it would be fuckin' hilarious if it suddenly wouldn't start up for you. What do you in a situation like this? Kill yourself? No! You're still a productive member of society! Do you take it out on other people? No! Then you'd be an asshole! Do you take it out on headcrabs in Half-Life 2? YES! You incur no damage on yourself, on other people, and on property, but rather, on fictitious alien things. Do this long enough and the pain you suffered earlier in the day will heal itself in no time. Videogames, the anti-drug.
NOW TO VALIDATE MY HETEROSEXUALITY
I believe there's nothing more beautiful than a beautiful human female. Yes, a lot of heterosexual males believe this, but how many of them actually articulate it like I just did? My point exactly.
I'M ALL OUT OF IDEAS
It's what happens when you struggle with Writer's Block. One moment, you'll be typing something, then the next, you can't think of anything else to . . . . . . . . . . . You see what I mean!?
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Elegy for an artform
Remember when pinball used to be popular?
Remember pinball, period?
I do. So does my dad. But now isn't made and distributed anymore, and that's makes us sad pinball wizards. Dad's played pinball since like forever, and I relished in the pinball boom of the 1990's. It was great.
Some of them were better than others, but most of the pinball greats of the 90's, as in the ones I played, were licensed games; T2: Judgment Day, The Addams Family, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Judge Dredd, The Twilight Zone, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Star Trek: Next Generation. All these great pinball games, and now they're gone, or in disrepair. It really does sadden me.
The 'newest' pinball game I've seen in Star Wars: the Phantom Menace. Came out in 1999. It was fun. But I haven't seen a new pinball game since. No more of these licensed pinball games anymore. Think of all the licenses that came out this decade that could've had pinball games. There could be a Pirates of the Caribbean pinball game, complete with new Jack Sparrow-isms. There could be a Lord of the Rings pinball game, where winning the battle at Helm's Deep with just your flippers and silver ball nets you a jackpot. There could be a Fullmetal Alchemist pinball game, where 'transmuting' a multiball would fall within equivalent exchange. The possibilities are endless.
And now pinball is dead. I weep for the pinball-less.
Remember pinball, period?
I do. So does my dad. But now isn't made and distributed anymore, and that's makes us sad pinball wizards. Dad's played pinball since like forever, and I relished in the pinball boom of the 1990's. It was great.
Some of them were better than others, but most of the pinball greats of the 90's, as in the ones I played, were licensed games; T2: Judgment Day, The Addams Family, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Judge Dredd, The Twilight Zone, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Star Trek: Next Generation. All these great pinball games, and now they're gone, or in disrepair. It really does sadden me.
The 'newest' pinball game I've seen in Star Wars: the Phantom Menace. Came out in 1999. It was fun. But I haven't seen a new pinball game since. No more of these licensed pinball games anymore. Think of all the licenses that came out this decade that could've had pinball games. There could be a Pirates of the Caribbean pinball game, complete with new Jack Sparrow-isms. There could be a Lord of the Rings pinball game, where winning the battle at Helm's Deep with just your flippers and silver ball nets you a jackpot. There could be a Fullmetal Alchemist pinball game, where 'transmuting' a multiball would fall within equivalent exchange. The possibilities are endless.
And now pinball is dead. I weep for the pinball-less.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Will they ever shut up?
Will the internet ever shut up about Super Smash Bros. Brawl? Or do I have to endure the constant yammering of The Only Nintendo Series Anyone Gives A Shit About Anymore(tm) for the rest of my life?
Yes, I liked the N64 Smash. It made for a good rental, but please peoples, it's not the best fighting game ever. It's not the best fighting game series ever either. It's just a bunch of Nintendo nerd conversations turned into videogame format. Yes, I do find it amusing to see Kirby using the hammer from Donkey Kong, and for Pikachu to fire a ray gun, but it's nothing to constantly orgy over, day in and day out.
And you know something else? Have you ever noticed that ever since the release of the N64 Smash, that a lot of people try to pretend to be fans of all Nintendo series? Yes, everybody knows about Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon, but it takes a special breed of gamer to also be a fan of Kirby, Star Fox, Mother, Metroid, and so on.
What I mean is this. I, a hardcore gamer, have had conversations like this:
[Me] I played Kirby Superstar the other day.
[Smash freak] Kirby? You mean like from Super Smash Bros.?!
[Me] No, I mean Kirby from Kirby's Adventure.
[Smash freak] Oh. Kirby is in other games?
[Me] Yes. He has his own game series.
[Smash freak] What are they like?
[Me] *explains Kirby games*
[Smash freak] That sounds really gay.
[Me] Well of course. You're an idiot, and an asshole.
[Smash freak] Whatever. See ya later, homo.
[Me] (thinking to myself) I wished people stopped breeding.
So you can imagine how I feel; not upset, but definitely annoyed. However, I can do something about it. I can do the following rant:
Hey yo, you might think the Wii Smash Bros. is gonna be the best fighting game of the year, right? Well guess what; it won't be. The best fighting game this year is coming out on the 25th, for the PS2. A game that will certainly outclass anything you've seen on Smash. A game that, despite being licensed from a manga/anime series, feels more at home as a fighter.
I'm talking about Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3.
So while you wankers will be staging fights between Bowser and Ganondorf and Wolf and King Dedede, I'll be beating the crap out of Neji as Hinata. I'll be smiling, winking, giving a thumbs-up, and indulging in the Spirit of Youth a la Gai and Lee. *ping* And I'll tear Naruto a new one as Sasuke in his Level 2 Cursed form.
This way, you can all scream over the new Smash like how the girls of the Hidden Leaf squeal, "SAW-SKAY-KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!" while I play a product with less fanfare and more summoned toads, because summoned toads always make things more fun.
LATE EDIT: Yeah, and I'd like to see The Only Nintendo Series Anyone Gives A Shit About Anymore(tm) compare to GG:AC+, and BB:CS2. Booyah!
Yes, I liked the N64 Smash. It made for a good rental, but please peoples, it's not the best fighting game ever. It's not the best fighting game series ever either. It's just a bunch of Nintendo nerd conversations turned into videogame format. Yes, I do find it amusing to see Kirby using the hammer from Donkey Kong, and for Pikachu to fire a ray gun, but it's nothing to constantly orgy over, day in and day out.
And you know something else? Have you ever noticed that ever since the release of the N64 Smash, that a lot of people try to pretend to be fans of all Nintendo series? Yes, everybody knows about Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon, but it takes a special breed of gamer to also be a fan of Kirby, Star Fox, Mother, Metroid, and so on.
What I mean is this. I, a hardcore gamer, have had conversations like this:
[Me] I played Kirby Superstar the other day.
[Smash freak] Kirby? You mean like from Super Smash Bros.?!
[Me] No, I mean Kirby from Kirby's Adventure.
[Smash freak] Oh. Kirby is in other games?
[Me] Yes. He has his own game series.
[Smash freak] What are they like?
[Me] *explains Kirby games*
[Smash freak] That sounds really gay.
[Me] Well of course. You're an idiot, and an asshole.
[Smash freak] Whatever. See ya later, homo.
[Me] (thinking to myself) I wished people stopped breeding.
So you can imagine how I feel; not upset, but definitely annoyed. However, I can do something about it. I can do the following rant:
Hey yo, you might think the Wii Smash Bros. is gonna be the best fighting game of the year, right? Well guess what; it won't be. The best fighting game this year is coming out on the 25th, for the PS2. A game that will certainly outclass anything you've seen on Smash. A game that, despite being licensed from a manga/anime series, feels more at home as a fighter.
I'm talking about Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3.
So while you wankers will be staging fights between Bowser and Ganondorf and Wolf and King Dedede, I'll be beating the crap out of Neji as Hinata. I'll be smiling, winking, giving a thumbs-up, and indulging in the Spirit of Youth a la Gai and Lee. *ping* And I'll tear Naruto a new one as Sasuke in his Level 2 Cursed form.
This way, you can all scream over the new Smash like how the girls of the Hidden Leaf squeal, "SAW-SKAY-KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!" while I play a product with less fanfare and more summoned toads, because summoned toads always make things more fun.
LATE EDIT: Yeah, and I'd like to see The Only Nintendo Series Anyone Gives A Shit About Anymore(tm) compare to GG:AC+, and BB:CS2. Booyah!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
I think I'm trippin'
Last night, I had a dream. The dream was about something I hate. And what's weird is, it all started because of something I've told people in the real world before.
In the dream, I'm talking to a friend. Not a real friend, just a person who was willing to listen to me in the dream. He asked me about something. He asked, "I know you had a very dismissive attitude towards anime during your teen years. Looking back, many anime programs that came in America back then were crap. However, I must ask; Inuyasha came out during your late teen years, and you despise it. Why? Why the hate, speaking as an Inu fan myself?"
Normally, I would say, "Dood, WTF!? U liek Inu? Man, u suk! That manga/anime iz ballz! Its like Naruto, but stupider!" But, I decided to be formal. I launched a lengthy monologue that started like this:
"Well, hate. That may sound extreme, but, I don't hate Inuyasha. Or should I say, not, everything about Inuyasha. There is one thing I rather like. The one saving grace of an otherwise terrible Japanese import. And that one thing is: Kagome's hair. Let me be honest, she has really pretty hair. It's long, perfectly straight, clean, refined, and it's so dark, it reflects light beautifully. Well, I am biased. Her hair is black, and black is my second-favorite hair color. Now begs the question, if I like her hair, does that means she's pretty? Uh, suffice to say, not really. Kagome's hair is her only outstanding feature. Hair follicles notwithstanding, she's a rather ordinary-looking girl . . ."
And throughout the whole time I was talking about Kagome, all I could see was a montage of scenes from the Inuyasha anime showing scenes with Kagome alone, always positioned to show her hair. There was no audio from the montage. I was definitely talking, but all I could see was a montage. Which is strange, because I've only seen about 4 episodes of the Inu anime before giving up forever, so this meant my brain created new Inuyasha footage just for this dream. And, as my monologue went on, I started talking about other things, and the montage played other scenes, such as fight scenes between Inuyasha and Naraku, fights between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, Scenes of Miroku trying desperately to get laid with various women, Kagome having a conversation with Shippo, and so on. And this went on until I was finished. Then, the montage stopped, and reality (thankfully) set in. The listener was impressed; although I had not swayed his feelings, he had come to respect me more.
The dream ended, and I have to go back to school tomorrow. But, I didn't tell the Inu fan the following: sure, I may like Kagome's hair, but I've seen manga/anime chicks with nicer hair than her.
BURNED!!!!!!
In the dream, I'm talking to a friend. Not a real friend, just a person who was willing to listen to me in the dream. He asked me about something. He asked, "I know you had a very dismissive attitude towards anime during your teen years. Looking back, many anime programs that came in America back then were crap. However, I must ask; Inuyasha came out during your late teen years, and you despise it. Why? Why the hate, speaking as an Inu fan myself?"
Normally, I would say, "Dood, WTF!? U liek Inu? Man, u suk! That manga/anime iz ballz! Its like Naruto, but stupider!" But, I decided to be formal. I launched a lengthy monologue that started like this:
"Well, hate. That may sound extreme, but, I don't hate Inuyasha. Or should I say, not, everything about Inuyasha. There is one thing I rather like. The one saving grace of an otherwise terrible Japanese import. And that one thing is: Kagome's hair. Let me be honest, she has really pretty hair. It's long, perfectly straight, clean, refined, and it's so dark, it reflects light beautifully. Well, I am biased. Her hair is black, and black is my second-favorite hair color. Now begs the question, if I like her hair, does that means she's pretty? Uh, suffice to say, not really. Kagome's hair is her only outstanding feature. Hair follicles notwithstanding, she's a rather ordinary-looking girl . . ."
And throughout the whole time I was talking about Kagome, all I could see was a montage of scenes from the Inuyasha anime showing scenes with Kagome alone, always positioned to show her hair. There was no audio from the montage. I was definitely talking, but all I could see was a montage. Which is strange, because I've only seen about 4 episodes of the Inu anime before giving up forever, so this meant my brain created new Inuyasha footage just for this dream. And, as my monologue went on, I started talking about other things, and the montage played other scenes, such as fight scenes between Inuyasha and Naraku, fights between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, Scenes of Miroku trying desperately to get laid with various women, Kagome having a conversation with Shippo, and so on. And this went on until I was finished. Then, the montage stopped, and reality (thankfully) set in. The listener was impressed; although I had not swayed his feelings, he had come to respect me more.
The dream ended, and I have to go back to school tomorrow. But, I didn't tell the Inu fan the following: sure, I may like Kagome's hair, but I've seen manga/anime chicks with nicer hair than her.
BURNED!!!!!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
I'm scared of myself now.
I have three things to talk about.
One: I just finished reading a one-shot comic. A comic called Watchmen. It is literature at its finest. Now I understand why people from a messageboard I go to regard Alan Moore as a god amongst men. Makes you think twice about vigilantism, that's certain.
Two: "I can't believe you're reading a graphic novel when all of these manga are out now!" is what the 'real' anime fans wanna say right now. Yeah, well, it's true; most comics I've read in the last year came out in Japan. This is no surprise, seeing as how most comics being released in America right now are of Japanese origin. Still, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy comics from my home country. Yes, I rave about FMA and Nausicaa constantly, but the funniest comics I've read were both of American origin. Sam & Max and Futurama forever!
By the way, in the real world, I never use the terms, "Manga" and "Anime." Once I got out of high school, I dropped out of contact of asswipes who would say,"Nuh-uh! Dragonball isn't a comic book! It's a manga!" if you used English words to their faces, and, I don't wanna confuse anyone who isn't keen on this hobby, so, yeah. I only the terms here because inevitably, someone would try to "correct" me if I didn't.
BEFORE I GET TO POINT THREE, IF YOU HAVE NOT READ WATCHMEN, AND DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER! SKIP TO ANOTHER ENTRY!
Three: I'm scared of myself, now. In Watchmen, Zero Hour occurs on November 2, 1985.
November 2, 1985 was the day I was born.
Not only that, the one character who didn't appear to have any personal problems was the one responsible for Zero Hour.
This scares me, for ever since I got out of high school, my own problems have been disappearing. There are only two majors issues of mine that remain unresolved. (One is, "get a job that will give you financial security." The other . . . I'll discuss another time.) I'm not a junkie, I haven't been to jail, I'm on good terms with most of my family, I'm more peaceful now then when I was younger, I'm a better writer now, I have good friends, I am open-minded, and my car runs very well.
My birthdate, combined with my seemingly idyllic lifestyle, can only mean one thing; I am destined to become one of the most evil people in human history.
But I don't want to be evil!
Well, if I want to make sure I don't become evil later in life, I guess I better start fucking up my life now before I do something drastic. Where can I get wasted, kill someone in cold blood, destroy all of my relationships, and advocate acting on hate all at once?
"Uh, the local bar?"
Nah. I'm just being silly. There's no way I could become a bad man, right?
Right!?
One: I just finished reading a one-shot comic. A comic called Watchmen. It is literature at its finest. Now I understand why people from a messageboard I go to regard Alan Moore as a god amongst men. Makes you think twice about vigilantism, that's certain.
Two: "I can't believe you're reading a graphic novel when all of these manga are out now!" is what the 'real' anime fans wanna say right now. Yeah, well, it's true; most comics I've read in the last year came out in Japan. This is no surprise, seeing as how most comics being released in America right now are of Japanese origin. Still, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy comics from my home country. Yes, I rave about FMA and Nausicaa constantly, but the funniest comics I've read were both of American origin. Sam & Max and Futurama forever!
By the way, in the real world, I never use the terms, "Manga" and "Anime." Once I got out of high school, I dropped out of contact of asswipes who would say,"Nuh-uh! Dragonball isn't a comic book! It's a manga!" if you used English words to their faces, and, I don't wanna confuse anyone who isn't keen on this hobby, so, yeah. I only the terms here because inevitably, someone would try to "correct" me if I didn't.
BEFORE I GET TO POINT THREE, IF YOU HAVE NOT READ WATCHMEN, AND DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER! SKIP TO ANOTHER ENTRY!
Three: I'm scared of myself, now. In Watchmen, Zero Hour occurs on November 2, 1985.
November 2, 1985 was the day I was born.
Not only that, the one character who didn't appear to have any personal problems was the one responsible for Zero Hour.
This scares me, for ever since I got out of high school, my own problems have been disappearing. There are only two majors issues of mine that remain unresolved. (One is, "get a job that will give you financial security." The other . . . I'll discuss another time.) I'm not a junkie, I haven't been to jail, I'm on good terms with most of my family, I'm more peaceful now then when I was younger, I'm a better writer now, I have good friends, I am open-minded, and my car runs very well.
My birthdate, combined with my seemingly idyllic lifestyle, can only mean one thing; I am destined to become one of the most evil people in human history.
But I don't want to be evil!
Well, if I want to make sure I don't become evil later in life, I guess I better start fucking up my life now before I do something drastic. Where can I get wasted, kill someone in cold blood, destroy all of my relationships, and advocate acting on hate all at once?
"Uh, the local bar?"
Nah. I'm just being silly. There's no way I could become a bad man, right?
Right!?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
"Gibs on the liver!"
I have completed Separate Ways on my copy of Resident Evil 4. Now I can replay Separate Ways with every weapon and with an absurd amount of ammo. Let's see how Los Ganados like me how!
And in mercenary mode, I have unlocked every character. Lemme break it down for you: Wesker>Krauser>Kennedy>Wong>"HUNK." HUNK sucks, but everyone else has at least one good weapon, so yeah. Mercenary mode is fun!
I haven't completed Assignment Ada yet. It doesn't help that you can't save on that mode. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough.
Can't talk. Must play more.
And in mercenary mode, I have unlocked every character. Lemme break it down for you: Wesker>Krauser>Kennedy>Wong>"HUNK." HUNK sucks, but everyone else has at least one good weapon, so yeah. Mercenary mode is fun!
I haven't completed Assignment Ada yet. It doesn't help that you can't save on that mode. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough.
Can't talk. Must play more.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Resident Weevil . . . . . . 4
I bought Resident Evil 4 for my PS2 last Friday. It's all I can play anymore, which is strange; I normally avoid action games marketed as "survival horror" like the plague. I used to despise the RE franchise a lifetime ago. And now, I can honestly say RE, and Capcom for that manner, have redeemed themselves.
I rented RE4 a few months ago and liked it. Then, since it was so cheap, I bought a copy, feeling bored. But, before I go into any more detail, let me summarize my thoughts of when I play a Resident Evil game in the past and the present.
RE1 for PS1: This game sucks. The controls suck. The camera angles suck. All it does is be as "scary" and violent as possible. Yet even another overrated PS1 "classic." Whut thuh fuck are Sony fanboys thinking!?
RE2 for PS1: Two CDs, and you get better weapons earlier on, but that doesn't change the fact that the controls and camera still sucks. And what the hell is with this inventory!? And it's too hard!
RE3 for PS1: Start off with a bunch of weapons, and you can dodge attacks, yeah, this doesn't totally suck, but it's still hard as Hell.
RE: Code Veronica for DC: Whoa. These graphics. Are. A. lot. Better. But, it's not as "good" as RE3. I swear, I'm gonna get back at these RE fans for tricking me into renting all of these half-assed shooters. Some day.
Good thing I never got a GC, 'cause that saved me from all of its exclusive-RE games. Ha!
Resident Evil 4 for PS2 (when I rented it.): I can't move and shoot at the same time!? I can't strafe!? What kind of action game is this!? But . . . at the same time, they completely overhauled everything: the inventory is less of a constraint, I can aim more precisely, the camera works, and these boss fights, wow. This is pretty good.
Resident Evil 4 for PS2 (When I bought it.): Must. Kill. Monsters. Things . . . everywhere, just waiting to be killed. Mercenary mode . . . fuggin' awesome. Ada's side chapters . . . so fun. And, the game let's me do a "+ game" with Leon's story . . . I. Am. In. Zombie-blasting heaven. PRAISE CAPCOM!!!!!!
And now I'm an addict. I wish I had an Xbox360, or a PS3, 'cause I here RE5, yes 5, will play like RE4. NOOOOOOOOO! I want to kill things as Chris Redfield (but not in RE1)! Why!?
But I shouldn't complain. I'm pretty satisfied with what I have. Imagine, a good Capcom game besides DMC3, MM3, MMX3, and MML2. If you understand those acronyms, then you're cool.
Oh, by the way, my best friend in high school was the world's biggest RE fan. He even likes the Re movies! He's crazy, but hey, he already knows how sublime RE4 is, so I don't mind.
I rented RE4 a few months ago and liked it. Then, since it was so cheap, I bought a copy, feeling bored. But, before I go into any more detail, let me summarize my thoughts of when I play a Resident Evil game in the past and the present.
RE1 for PS1: This game sucks. The controls suck. The camera angles suck. All it does is be as "scary" and violent as possible. Yet even another overrated PS1 "classic." Whut thuh fuck are Sony fanboys thinking!?
RE2 for PS1: Two CDs, and you get better weapons earlier on, but that doesn't change the fact that the controls and camera still sucks. And what the hell is with this inventory!? And it's too hard!
RE3 for PS1: Start off with a bunch of weapons, and you can dodge attacks, yeah, this doesn't totally suck, but it's still hard as Hell.
RE: Code Veronica for DC: Whoa. These graphics. Are. A. lot. Better. But, it's not as "good" as RE3. I swear, I'm gonna get back at these RE fans for tricking me into renting all of these half-assed shooters. Some day.
Good thing I never got a GC, 'cause that saved me from all of its exclusive-RE games. Ha!
Resident Evil 4 for PS2 (when I rented it.): I can't move and shoot at the same time!? I can't strafe!? What kind of action game is this!? But . . . at the same time, they completely overhauled everything: the inventory is less of a constraint, I can aim more precisely, the camera works, and these boss fights, wow. This is pretty good.
Resident Evil 4 for PS2 (When I bought it.): Must. Kill. Monsters. Things . . . everywhere, just waiting to be killed. Mercenary mode . . . fuggin' awesome. Ada's side chapters . . . so fun. And, the game let's me do a "+ game" with Leon's story . . . I. Am. In. Zombie-blasting heaven. PRAISE CAPCOM!!!!!!
And now I'm an addict. I wish I had an Xbox360, or a PS3, 'cause I here RE5, yes 5, will play like RE4. NOOOOOOOOO! I want to kill things as Chris Redfield (but not in RE1)! Why!?
But I shouldn't complain. I'm pretty satisfied with what I have. Imagine, a good Capcom game besides DMC3, MM3, MMX3, and MML2. If you understand those acronyms, then you're cool.
Oh, by the way, my best friend in high school was the world's biggest RE fan. He even likes the Re movies! He's crazy, but hey, he already knows how sublime RE4 is, so I don't mind.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Fullmetal Update
I took a trip to the county library yesterday. I got some books. I got books that I like to describe as, illustrative literature.
"That's just xm's euphemism for comic books."
And one of the books I got was Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 14. I have now read up to vol. 14, and I still love it.
However, I've noticed something about the FMA manga. It's a serial. And the plot moves quickly. And continuity actually exists. Do you know what that means? FMA is like, a soap opera series! Dear Lord in Elysium, FMA is a soap opera!
"Like, ohmigod, did you read the chapter where Col. Mustang got mad at 2nd Lt. Maria Ross? I was like, no way!"
Imagine if comics were more mainstream, conversations like this would be more commonplace. Hey, imagine that, a world where people obsess not over American Idol, but rather, over comic series.
People other than Japan-whoring weirdos.
Wouldn't that be fun? I think it would be.
"That's just xm's euphemism for comic books."
And one of the books I got was Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 14. I have now read up to vol. 14, and I still love it.
However, I've noticed something about the FMA manga. It's a serial. And the plot moves quickly. And continuity actually exists. Do you know what that means? FMA is like, a soap opera series! Dear Lord in Elysium, FMA is a soap opera!
"Like, ohmigod, did you read the chapter where Col. Mustang got mad at 2nd Lt. Maria Ross? I was like, no way!"
Imagine if comics were more mainstream, conversations like this would be more commonplace. Hey, imagine that, a world where people obsess not over American Idol, but rather, over comic series.
People other than Japan-whoring weirdos.
Wouldn't that be fun? I think it would be.
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