James

[quote name='�°°' timestamp='1311117389' post='708493'] Pitch changing can get you a long way. :V [color="#FFFFFF"][s]I wish someone would auto-tune theirs.[/s][/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Why do I have this feeling that we'll end up with a huge amount of chipmunks at the end of this?[/font]

[quote name='PiroMunkie' timestamp='1311097025' post='708488'] [color="#006400"]Video/Audio clip ftl. D: How am I supposed to keep up my mystique if you can see/hear me?[/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]It can be just audio - that will be easier I think. :)[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]Good idea, Elle Jay. We will look into that - I think it would be a good feature to have. If it's something we can do, then I'm happy for us to do it. :)[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I haven't listened to this yet, but it might be a good idea to put some more information about your clan here. Maybe even use this topic as a place for your clan members to post. I think if you just link to a podcast, it doesn't necessarily generate much discussion initially. :) Anyway I will have a listen soon and I'll make sure to put up a proper post then![/font]

[font=palatino linotype]I just finished reading [i]Nineteen Eighty-Four[/i] for maybe the third time now. It's still my favourite novel. The sheer horror of it - especially the final third of the novel - still gets to me.[/font]

[quote name='Brasil' timestamp='1293988798' post='703567'] James, by the way, I just added you on Live. [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Cool, thanks. I've still got a few people to add. Last night I played a few matches of Halo: Reach...wow, such a brilliant game! The multiplayer is truly awesome, although it takes me a [i]long[/i] time to find matches initially. But once I do, things seem to run very smoothly. It's probably a good thing that the initial match-making is slow for me, because if it wasn't...I'd have spent literally the entire weekend playing. I'm absolutely horrible when it comes to playing FPS titles with a game controller, but you can't help but have a blast with Reach. And I really love that you can designate your "psyche profile" to include people who are in it for a good time rather than just "to win". Very awesome idea and really well implemented. Time to see if we have a Reach topic, methinks... [b]Edit:[/b] I also need to add my [b]Steam I.D.[/b] to this topic. It is: www.steamcommunity.com/id/ingsoc[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I just picked up [b]The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D[/b] on the weekend and I've been playing it a little bit. I'm up to the Fire Temple right now. In some respects I'm a little bit surprised at how much I'm enjoying the game. I haven't played Ocarina of Time since it came out on Nintendo 64 - I've actually only been playing Majora's Mask on Virtual Console recently. There's something really cool about playing Ocarina of Time on a handheld. Somehow the game really suits the handheld format. I was playing the game in my lounge room with the lights off last night and I just became completely immersed - wearing earphones and having the game right there in your hands makes a big difference. It's true that numerous console-like games have been released on DS and PSP in the past. But I think there's another reason why OoT 3D is so different to those examples: the 3D effect. I know there are people who see this as a gimmick, but honestly, I think it makes a huge difference with this game. It was a great effect in Pilotwings as well, but playing a Zelda game in stereoscopic 3D has really made me a believer. When you play this game with the 3D turned all the way up, you literally feel like you're looking in on a real little world. In addition to that - and as most people know - the game's graphics have been completely re-drawn. The end result is not really something too different than the original, but more like the [i]ideal[/i] version of the game. The graphics really live up to the original concept art, which is pretty cool. And if you remember the original N64 game very well, then you will notice a ton of changes everywhere - even Hyrule Castle looks better than ever before. And the actual towns - especially the interiors of buildings - look so much better now. They are warm and inviting and full of colour and life. I also haven't minded the changed controls on 3DS. The touch screen keeps the main screen uncluttered and it's not too difficult to use. In fact, there are a lot of practical changes that make the game feel tighter and more focused, in terms of controls. The fact that you no longer have to switch in and out of menu screens is also very welcome. So, for me, this game is really the first major title that makes me glad I bought a 3DS. Pilotwings is really fun, but Zelda is a big adventure game that is a huge time-suck on the 3DS. And it represents a great technical demonstration of the platform as well. Now I'm really [i]really[/i] hoping they do a similar remake for Majora's Mask. I would [i]love[/i] to see Majora's Mask receive the same treatment, especially with the crazy and vibrant artwork of that game. Here's hoping! [/font]

[quote name='Elle Jay' timestamp='1309569006' post='708239'] [color="#008080"][size="3"][font="Times New Roman"]I.. I.. I.. ._. I'm scared of this city now. I was at Taco Bell and there were two cars, one guy was out of his car, and he was doing the "I'm gonna shoot you" symbol to the guy in the other car. ._. And then another guy came out from the same car and did the same thing. I couldn't see the faces of the guy in the car... but I was getting really scared. I couldn't hear them either since I had the radio on and was driving away (and besides, I didn't stare, either, because they might've noticed ._.). But then the guy who was sitting in the car started following me for two miles... ;A; I was seriously about to cry.. [/font][/size][/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]That sounds terrible - I'm glad you are OK. The worst part about this type of thing is that even if nothing happens, it makes you a little bit more nervous about going to certain places in your own city. And that's pretty horrible for anyone. In terms of safety in the streets, most places here are not too bad. But like anywhere, there are the specific places that you'd probably rather not go, just in case. Although I did have one really weird incident that reminds me a lot of your experience. I'd gone to Brisbane with my mum (it's about a 2.5 hour flight from here, so we were on holiday a little far from home). We were on the train going from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, which takes maybe an hour or so. And as we're sitting there, these two dodgy-looking guys were ahead of us and they kept looking back. At first I took no notice. But then, one of them wandered down to us and sat in the seat right opposite us, across the aisle. He just kept staring. And his friend kept looking back at him, then at us. It was really weird and it started to feel very uncomfortable. Eventually my mum just quietly said "Why are these guys staring at us like that?" We had a lot of shopping bags and stuff, so for a moment I really wondered if they were going to try to mug us or something. There were only a couple of other people on that carriage, too. I just told my mum to ignore them. I figured that we would be getting off at a pretty big city station where lots of people are around, so I didn't want to get off early at a quieter place and allow them to follow us. Eventually - after what felt like a long time - they both got off the train just near the city. The whole thing was really bizarre. Nothing [i]actually[/i] happened, but it's one of the very few times where I've actually felt that I might be in danger. I think that I still won't have any problem getting that train again in future, but I do wonder how I'll feel next time - whether I'll be a little more nervous about it or something.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]Wow, no holiday on the 16th of July? Scary! I'm not sure what I'll do on that day...[/font]

[quote name='CaNz' timestamp='1309162746' post='708156'] Thanks for looking at it James, It really is much easier for me to search now. It was possible to get around the three and lower ban by only typing the words in a title that are fiour and up... (I used to do this a lot) but it would unusually make searches take forever. It sucks that certain words can't be banned... but wit the quoting option even words like the and and can still be added without making the search pull up thousands of f threads. [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Yeah, I think there are probably enough modifiers to allow people to search without getting heaps of irrelevant junk coming up. Although I really think I prefer the IPB software to Virtual Bulletin, I occasionally come across funny little things like this where there just isn't a good option. The language censor is a great example of that - we used to be able to apply the censor on a per-forum basis. I don't think we have that capability now. In any case, I'm glad this helps. Thanks for raising it in the first place - this is why I'm really keen for members to provide feedback on even tiny things. I really never use the search feature myself, so it is therefore likely that I will miss this type of thing. [/font]

[quote name='CaNz' timestamp='1307149838' post='707832'] I think a slightly better advanced search would be helpful. My only real issue is with all three letter words being banned, it gets difficult to find things. If I was looking for The Cat in The Hat for instance, It would be impossible. Perhapse words like "a", "An", "and", "the", "to" and other simple words would clog up results, but I think those should be individually banned. If time was taken to ban those individual words, searching could be much more effective, especially searching with quotes since the word phrases need to be exact. [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Try running the search now and see how you go. I've reviewed the settings and I've made a change that will affect this - but it's not a permanent change. I want to see what sort of impact it has first. Unfortunately it looks like we can not block specific words from the search engine though. So that will make things a bit tricky.[/font]

[quote name='Magus' timestamp='1308295601' post='707998'] Yessir, depends on what you're suggesting though. I have been thinking about trying out S/TRPGs lately, and then there's the whole Yu-Gi-Oh thing that I usually don't play but find it quite addicting (I just ordered one of them games for the PSP) [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Well, I notice that you mentioned FPS games earlier - I'm kind of with you in the sense that I try a few and there are only a couple of series I actually stick with. But one series I quite like are the Battlefield: Bad Company games. Bad Company 2, in particular, is a really solid title. At first I didn't think I'd really like the Bad Company games because they are sort of farcical in terms of plot. But as you go on and begin to get to know the characters, you can't help but become attached to them. I would have to say that the Bad Company games are among my favourite FPS games generally I think. It's worth playing both of them, but Bad Company 2 is my favourite - the gameplay is even better than the original and the graphics are absolutely stunning. I really love the destructible environments as well. They aren't just cosmetic, too; they really bring a layer of added strategy to the game. Bad Company 2 seems to be a bit more varied in terms of locales as well, which is an advantage compared to the original game. So yeah, if you are looking for an FPS that's a little bit different from the norm, then I do recommend the Bad Company games. Great production values combined with really strong gameplay and a pretty funny story/characters.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I think I do prefer remakes that add something substantial, but honestly... if I had to choose between A Link to the Past (original, poorly emulated Virtual Console version) versus A Link to the Past (re-drawn/upscaled for 1080p) then I'd definitely choose the latter. So I guess it really depends on what is being offered in the first place. I will buy Ocarina of Time 3D, simply because I would like to own OoT on a handheld. I think it's a game I'd enjoy playing when I'm on the plane and that sort of thing. The graphics improvements are a nice bonus, because they actually bring the game a lot closer to the original concept art (something that the Nintendo 64 was physically unable to achieve). In some respects, I feel like OoT 3D is the "Director's Cut", in the sense that it sits closer to the designers' original intentions. And for me, that's quite valuable. And actually, on that note, I'm [i]very[/i] keen to get Metal Gear Solid 3 on 3DS as well. And that's simply because a) MGS 3 is by far my favourite MGS title and b) I would really love to have a portable version of it. And to have a portable version that is not a pale, scaled back console port is pretty nice, to boot.[/font]

[quote name='Sangome' timestamp='1308770544' post='708082'] [color="#9932CC"][font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]Really guys? Really? It couldn't have been lemons? Asbestos? Not even SPAAAAAAAAAAAAACE? I give up. *sob*[/font][/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Actually I was originally thinking about a potato. Don't worry, there's plenty of time for all of these things. We're at the beginning of our descent into Aperture's bowels (er, so to speak). :P[/font]

[quote name='Sangome' timestamp='1308723637' post='708067'] [color="#9932CC"][font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]I think the main problem with the FFVII remake ordeal is that, unlike stuff such as, say, Zelda or Pokemon [save for some mild references to past gens in the latter], is that we'd have the Compilation to deal with. How much of that would be included or excluded in some form or fashion, if at all? I myself am kind of split on the matter. It could definitely use a new script, yes, and maybe a graphical update [although I personally find the graphics and environments kinda charming], but I'm not sure I want any allusions to the compilation in it. Maybe some Crisis Core references [since that's the only one I actually liked], but if Genesis, who I absolutely [i]despise[/i], came within a mile of a remake...I...would not be very happy. And I find it interesting that you mention people getting tired of Nintendo re-releases, James - I've noticed the exact opposite. Well, I can see a case for that for the 3DS, but most remakes that have come out have been due to fan demand. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver are a prime example of that - they came out almost exclusively due to an [i]extremely[/i] high fan demand, and we got our wish. They put a lot of love into the games, too, so it's basically one giant love letter from Nintendo and Game Freak to the fans. But yeah. I'm generally fine with remakes as well, as long as the company produces more original stuff as well.[/font][/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]In terms of Nintendo re-releases, I would say that re-releasing old games and charging fairly hefty prices is one of the biggest complaints you may find about Nintendo. A lot of people took issue, for example, with the Virtual Console service for this reason. In some cases the prices are relatively high but the emulation quality is quite poor. I think that the people who complain about constant re-releasing of old games from Nintendo tend not to be huge Nintendo players themselves, but it's something I notice as being a strong criticism from gamers (at least, when gamers [i]do[/i] criticise Nintendo, this is often cited). In terms of FFVII, I'm not very familiar with the compilation stuff (although I do own Crisis Core), but personally I would [i]just[/i] want to see Final Fantasy VII dealt with on its own terms. The cost and time involved in updating that game would be enormous - I think a lot of gamers don't realise what is actually involved. It would be very much like creating an entirely new game. I think a lot of gamers - particularly those in the Americas - would be pretty happy with at least a better translation. The PAL territories got a slightly better version, apparently, which is why I think translation doesn't seem to be such a problem in those regions. I figure if they improved the translation, re-draw the pre-rendered backgrounds in high definition, update the character models and [i]maybe[/i] if they offer us fully-orchestrated music rather than MIDI, that might just be enough for a lot of people. Beyond that though, I'm sure there's plenty you could add/change if you wanted to.[/font]

[quote name='Midget Ninja' timestamp='1308574967' post='708036'] Anyway, I know this wasn't the best answer to write but I did it anyway, my first sentence was "I don't see why I should write about something I don't believe in" then I went on to justify why...........I'll probably get pulled up about it or maybe even asked to leave the school, but honestly I really don't want to have to write about something I do not believe in at all nor should I have to be told that the school does not care about the student's beliefs.... >.> [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]I understand how you feel, but I think you can answer the question without having a belief yourself. In fact, [i]not[/i] having a belief may help you to more objectively answer why people believe in things without evidence. Maybe if you answer from that point of view, your response will be unexpected - probably they won't like it, but at least you honestly answered the question.[/font] [quote=Shishou]I was woken up at 3:30AM (thereabouts) due to incessantly loud thunder. orz [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]We had huge storms here a couple of nights ago that kept waking me up. I love storms, except that the front door of my house seems to be a bit dodgy at the moment... a really really strong wind gust and push it open, even if it is locked. It's rare, but once or twice it's happened. That's kind of freaky, especially because my bedroom is right at the front of the house - so the door will literally slam open right behind my head if it happens. o_O[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I pretty much agree with Gavin. Generally I have no interest in straight ports from older platforms, unless they are part of some sort of Virtual Console service (which should mean that they are much cheaper than a full-priced new game). But if a game is "remade" and somehow updated/improved from the original, then I think that can be pretty worthwhile. It's good for people who never owned the original game (I'm sure that a lot of people who buy Ocarina of Time 3D will be in that camp) and it can be good for people who did own the original (OoT 3D has had a pretty substantial graphics overhaul and the addition of Master Quest is welcome). Some games don't translate well in remake form, but I think it depends on the individual game really (I'm thinking about Turtles in Time, which was a pretty awful remake - it didn't have the feeling of the original game). In terms of Final Fantasy VII versus other remakes... I haven't really noticed any major difference as compared to other remakes, except that more people seem to want a Final Fantasy VII remake than a remake of various other titles. There might be controversy about it, but I notice that a lot of people get very tired of Nintendo re-relasing old titles. I personally don't really care what any company re-releases, so long as they continue to work on new projects as well. A Final Fantasy VII remake would be great, but I think it depends very much on how seriously the game is overhauled. If the translation was improved and if the graphics were completely re-drawn (not in terms of art style, but just in terms of resolution and quality) then I think it'd be pretty worthwhile.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I'm really excited about this competition. Stay tuned for more details, everyone. :)[/font]

[quote name='Magus' timestamp='1308261740' post='707995'] Like other recs, no Little Black Planet, No GTA, No racing, no S/TRPGs, no music [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Heh, cutting out all of those styles of games makes it a bit difficult to give recommendations at times. Would you ever attempt to play a game that sits in a genre you don't normally play? I only just got a PSP for my birthday last year and I have a few games on it, but honestly...it's been collecting dust. I tried playing Resistance, but it doesn't feel right without dual analog control (or at least, they way they have implemented it on PSP doesn't feel quite right). Wipeout Pure is awesome, but that's a racing game. Well, of sorts. Um... I also really love Loco-Roco, but that might be a bit too far outside your sphere. It's very simple (deceptively so) and incredibly creative. In some respects it reminds me of Katamari Damacy, in the sense that it relies on ridiculously simple mechanics and yet is still incredibly addictive.[/font]

[quote name='CaNz' timestamp='1307225657' post='707849'] Since I don't have Portal 2, I am going back and playing a classic that I missed. [b]Mario Paint[/b] is definitely a simple game, really it is just a coloring book, soundboard, and pack of sticky notes that you can use to make crude animations. That being said if you have the tiniest creative bone in your body (and the ability to read music like myself) you can make some amazing stuff. I have already stayed up till 5am making songs, as well as colored the sky full of raindrops, and making a rainbow colored Yoshi. I can't get past the freaking pink room in the fly swatting game, [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Mario Paint was great, although it wasn't something I played with for very long. In many ways, Electroplankton on Nintendo DS reminds me a lot of Mario Paint, except that I preferred Electroplankton. For more than a decade, Nintendo was working on a project that has, at different times, been referred to as "Marionette". It evolved over the years and it kind of became a demonstration of different kinds of technology Nintendo was working on. But, in essence, it was a lot like Mario Paint in spirit - you could make music, use your face in-game (nothing new now, but it was certainly new back when the concept first materialized on Nintendo 64). In some ways it's a shame that this concept never became a reality. I can understand that Nintendo probably could never make it "work" as a stand alone game, but it's the kind of thing that might be a fun download on the eShop or Wii Shop Channel. The biggest thing I disliked about Mario Paint was just that you couldn't really save anything you created. I know that when this game was new, that was not as easy as it sounds now (given that it came out in the early 90's). But certainly, in today's world, it would be pretty easy to save and share your creations. I almost think a new Mario Paint type product would be a fun idea for Nintendo to include as a pre-installed software on the Wii 2.[/font]

[quote name='Magus' timestamp='1307205306' post='707845'] Oh, as far as FFXIII goes, it's the only game I hear that does something practically different even though it's turn-based (or is it?) [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]I'm not really sure what you mean by "practically different". The game is definitely turn-based, but I would just say that it's a lot more streamlined than previous Final Fantasy games. It feels like a Final Fantasy that is designed for almost anyone to enjoy, even if they are not regular RPG players. In some respects it's a step forward - and I like the battle system - but the story is a convoluted and uninspired mess and Vanille is incredibly annoying. For me personally, it was mostly enjoyable for the battles and the beautiful graphics. It didn't feel nearly as interesting as XII, but I am aware that a lot of hardcore Final Fantasy players didn't like XII. So, who knows. It's worth playing though, at any rate. :)[/font]