James

[font=palatino linotype]Truly awesome and relatively new Melbourne-based band called [b]Little Red[/b]. Here's my favourite track from them: [center][media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoQwwcf2ERU[/media][/center] The rest of the Midnight Remember album is pretty good too.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]When I read the reviews, many of them seemed quite negative. I have to admit, actually getting my hands on this system has been a pleasant surprise - it's a big step up from previous DS systems in numerous respects. Although the pre-loaded games don't demonstrate this to a huge degree, it's obvious that the 3DS is getting pretty close to Wii-like hardware capability. Actually if you play the AR Games, I think you can see just how much power the machine has. Originally I thought that the game simply overlays images on a "real" backdrop (like a coffee table). That's true, but there's a lot more to it. The AR Games actually make your coffee table surface animate as well. One example is where you're aiming your 3DS at the table's surface and a hole appears in the middle of the table. As you physically lean over it (all while pointing your 3DS at it), you can actually peer down into the hole and see a target at the bottom to shoot. But it looks like the hole is physically part of your table - the system actually manages to composite the imagery extremely well. I think that element of 3DS is what I've been most impressed with so far, actually. Well, that and the fact that the 3D effect is actually genuinely good - I was getting the feeling it would suck, but it really doesn't at all. Still, this system is all about potential. The launch lineup is not terribly good (except for Ridge Racer and Pilotwings, neither of which I could buy yesterday). I'm definitely excited about the new Super Mario 3DS title though. I don't know if you've seen any of the footage, but it looks pretty crazy.[/font]

[center][font=trebuchet ms][size=6][b]Nintendo 3DS[/b][/size][/font] [img]http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/8292/aqua3ds.jpg[/img] [hr=teal]80[/hr][/center] [font=palatino linotype]I picked up an aqua 3DS last night (kind of randomly actually - somehow they managed to sell the thing around A$50 cheaper than EB Games). The last DS I bought was a DS Lite, so I completely skipped the DSi and the DS XL. I figured I'd wait until a full hardware refresh before buying another DS. So far I have not actually bought any games. I think the only launch game I'd have bothered buying would be Pilotwings Resort or Ridge Racer 3D. But neither of those games were available at the stores I was in and the rest of the launch lineup really does nothing for me. I guess I'll just wait for now. :) Anyway, before even buying this thing, I actually read quite a few reviews (Engadget, IGN and others). And I was kind of surprised to find that opinion is so split about whether or not the 3DS is actually a good platform. Some reviews were pretty harsh about the 3D effect and others really whinged about battery life. So I was pretty interested to actually get my hands on one and see for myself. For all the detailed stuff you can pretty much view any of the million reviews out there. I thought I'd just cover the main points that really stick out when I use the system. I'll add more detail to these as I play a little more. :) [list] [*][b]Hardware:[/b] Very well-built and solid, with fantastic controls (the thumb disc just slightly edges out the PSP version). The physical design of the system is actually pretty ugly, I think. It doesn't look far off from a prototype, honestly. The glossy photos you've seen on the Internet are quite different to the real thing. It's nowhere near as unattractive as the original DS, but I view it as a big step down from the DS Lite and DS XL. I'm assuming that a 3DS Lite will arrive eventually. [*][b]Hardware Features:[/b] The screens are a big improvement - particularly the top screen - and I am really pleased that Nintendo incorporated an SD card feature. You even get a 2GB SD card included, which is pretty nice. I also really like the concept behind the Notification Light; I think that will end up being a pretty cool little feature. [*][b]Interface:[/b] Really fantastic menu system that incorporates some ideas from Wii and then adds a number of really strong features. The whole notifications system looks great and the ability to "multi-task" by pausing apps and going back to the Home screen is a very big step forward for Nintendo. Generally everything is very clean and easy to understand, without feeling stripped back. I think Nintendo are really moving in a good direction here - I'd love to see a Wii system update that introduces some of these ideas, too. [*][b]3D Effect:[/b] It's as good as you can imagine, really. The 3D effect is every bit as good as you'll get when watching a 3D film at the theater. Viewing angle can be an issue, bit it's really not a huge concern unless someone else is watching your screen. The ability to adjust the "depth" of the effect is very welcome, because I don't think you'll want the full depth activated all the time. So far I'm really impressed with the effect and I think Nintendo is really signalling where 3D should be going in the future, for all devices (including TVs). [*][b]Software:[/b] I haven't yet bought any games, but the pack-in software is pretty great. Face Raiders is heaps of fun and the AR Games are pretty outstanding in terms of technology. When you see the middle of your coffee table literally open up in front of you before releasing a dragon into the room...you will no doubt be impressed. I also loved the fact that as you move around, the objects remain in place - it feels like the game is literally in the real world. I can really see a lot of applications for this beyond the pack-in AR Games. [/list] I'll leave it there for now - no doubt I will add more detail to the above points as I go. But I thought it'd be a good idea to get this topic going so that all you other early adopters can share your thoughts (and your Friend Codes, too, which we can also put in the Hardwired Online topic eventually). By the way, my 3DS Friend Code is [b]1719-3201-9906[/b].[/font]

[quote name='Charles' timestamp='1301370989' post='706046'] I just received Crysis 2 in the mail from Gamefly and boy are you right about the graphics; from a visual standpoint Crysis 2 is easily the best-looking console first person shooter I've played (I'm not a fan of Killzone 2's muddy visuals). The lighting effects in particular impress. The way light bleeds through open windows and doorways is quite attractive. I am literally only about fifteen minutes into the single player campaign, but my primary criticism at this marginal point is that sometimes I feel that I am suffering from a bit of visual overload. Everything looks a little "busy." Sometimes I find it difficult to identify the enemies. I suppose the HUD is supposed to alleviate that problem, but I am going to have to adapt. Additionally, I find the enemies to be rather bland and generic. I know that narrative shifts later on and allows for some more creativity with enemy designs; I just hope the shift occurs sooner rather than later.[/quote] [font=palatino linotype]I think one of the hardest things to get used to in Crysis 2 is actually tagging your targets using the HUD. If you tag your enemies (or most of them) in each area, you'll have an easier time. It also helps you a lot in terms of choosing the best routes through a level. In terms of enemy designs, I've found that (so far) they don't vary much...but this changes when you begin to fight the aliens proper. There's also some interplay between CELL and the aliens, which adds some variety. But thus far I have not really come across anything hugely varied.[/font] [quote name='Charles']Otherwise, my 3DS arrived from Amazon today, along with my copy of Pilotwings. I should also be receiving a copy of Ridge Racer later in the week. So far it's a nice little system that feels a bit heavier and sturdier than I expected. The glossy finish is quite alluring too. I found myself enjoying Face Raiders and the AR Games for a lengthy period before I even popped in Pilotwings. Although neither diversion really stands alone as a fully-featured game, they are both cool tech demos. In Face Raiders, you take a picture of a face and, which then morphs into an enemy. Afterward, you spin around the room with the DS shooting the faces as they attack you. The whole experience is very surreal, but enjoyable. I can imagine people taking pictures of other body parts though, which could be very disturbing.... I have only played one of the AR games, but it was neat doing battle with a dragon that had popped out of my kitchen counter. Pilotwings is a little bland, but I'm having fun with it in short bursts. The 3D is used subtly, but it is very effective. Screens do not do the game justice. The way the sun glints off the water and wind streams off the plane's wings is very eye-catching. There aren't a lot of effects that "pop" off the screen, but the sense of depth is commendable. As I play the game, I feel as if I am staring through a window. Now I'm just anxious for what's to come. :D [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]I'm glad you're enjoying 3DS. I'm kind of eager to read these "every day" accounts of what it's really like. I'm not sure if I want one yet. By the way, is Pilotwings just planes? Or do they have the jet packs and birdman and all that stuff too? I really want Pilotwings to be resurrected, but it sounds like the 3DS version is not as good as the N64 version.[/font]

[quote name='Sangome' timestamp='1301461452' post='706097'] [color="#9932CC"][font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]Can we film it and put it on Youtube!?[/font][/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Yep. I haven't yet decided what the consequences will be, but I'm sure they will be suitable for YouTube.[/font]

[quote name='Hummy' timestamp='1301453787' post='706092'] [color="#4169E1"][font="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Wait wut? I had administrator powers back in the day and no one told me? ._. Maaaan, so many missed opportunities to wreak havoc! [/font][/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]I think Boo is just throwing anyone under the bus so that he doesn't have to face the consequences. But believe me, he [i]will[/i] face the consequences. Morphy: I agree about the word "meme". No doubt the label being applied to this phenomenon was coined by the very same person who invented LOLcats.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]Oh I see. No wonder I had no idea where it was from. It figures that something horribly annoying came from the Dragonball universe.[/font]

[quote name='Sangome' timestamp='1301442466' post='706079'] [color="#9932CC"][font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]OVER 9000 used to send me into fits of rage. Now I don't really care anymore. I'm also not wildly fond "SCREW THE RULES I _____________" or whatever, but that's mainly because I've never been fond of that certain abridged series. I've also never liked the SO I HERD U LIEK MUDKIPZ thing, either. But I think that's about it; I usually ignore most of them if they annoy me too much.[/font][/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Was that OVER 9000 thing actually related to something on the Internet? When my posts went over 9000, somebody added that as my title here on OB (without my permission!) But I had no idea it was related to an actual Internet meme thing. I just thought it was a stupid suggestion from Boo.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]Speaking of confrontation and conflict, I just have one thing to say: the sooner LOLcats and its ilk disappears, the better. There's only so long that the combination of cats and deliberately stupid misspellings can actually be funny (and whether or not it was genuinely funny in the first place is pretty debatable). As far as Internet memes go, I think it has to be one of the lamest. Now, possibly this could use its own topic, but I figure I'll ask right here - do you guys have a [i]least[/i] favourite Internet meme? I mean, something that became popular and every time you saw it, you cringed. I think there may be a lot of people who felt this way about the whole rickrolling phenomenon as well (although I was pretty indifferent to that, myself).[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]Welcome to OB, everyone. :) ItalyBros_PASTA! has got to be one of the best names I've seen on OB. I'm a bit late in saying that, but better late than never! Kialish, don't feel any pressure - just enjoy yourself! I hope you have fun and I hope CaNz doesn't pressure you too much. ;) lazythirdeyeakabea (aka Bea), you must definitely share your cosplay stuff with us. We haven't had very much activity in that department in a long time, so it'd be good to get that going again. And pax et agape - I remember you! Hello. :)[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]This weekend I managed to squeeze in some time for [b]Crysis 2[/b] in between Uni work. I'm not all that far in yet, so I can't really draw any major conclusions but I've played enough to get a rough idea. The most obvious thing about Crysis 2 is definitely how beautiful it is. I'd have to say that it's one of the most beautiful games I've ever played - possibly [i]the[/i] most visually incredible title ever on a console (and probably on PC, too). The game takes place in a near-future New York City and they absolutely nailed it. They even replicated all the real buildings, with a few touches to make it seem like a few more years have passed (for instance, the new One World Trade Center tower already exists in Crysis 2). In terms of gameplay, Crysis 2 is a bit difficult to describe. It feels a bit like Half-Life 2 at times, especially given the fact that you can pick up almost any object and there's quite a lot of physics going on in the environment. However, there's an inconsistency in the environmental interaction that can also be annoying at times (i.e. some doors can be opened and others can't - and there's no obvious way to tell which is which - or the fact that collision detection can occasionally be very hit-and-miss). This is nowhere near a huge issue, but at times it really breaks your stride and can cause a bit of frustration (at least for me). The biggest element of gameplay is probably the nanosuit, which basically grants the player various abilities. You can cloak and enhance your shields, both of which sort of become the fundamental balancing act of the game. I am only playing on the second-highest difficulty (I think there are four levels) and I've found that you really can't ever be exposed to enemy fire. I mean, you pretty much need to be in cover or cloaked 90% of the time. The enemies are not only aggressive, but they are overwhelming at times. Having said that, the cloaking and shields do add a pretty interesting dynamic. Each ability drains your suit's power (cloaking drains very fast if you're running), so you need to be quite strategic in terms of how you use both features. Your suit also has the ability to take certain upgrades. I've only unlocked two, which are reasonably helpful. I think as time goes by, these suit upgrades will become more and more important. Aside from that, the gameplay is pretty straightforward. There are the typical explosive barrels and there are also some vehicular segments, which not only break up the game, but which are pretty fun in their own right. In terms of plot, well...so far nothing too spectacular. The actual characterisation is great, as is the voice acting. The story plays out "in real time" using scripted sequences, a lot like Half-Life and Halo. I guess it's become the standard in first person games these days. It's done very well in Crysis 2, but again, the plot is so far pretty thin. So far I've been enjoying Crysis 2, even though there are a few niggling annoyances. Admittedly they are only annoyances - all the fundamentals work very well (fantastic game control, great weapons, challenging enemies, brilliant graphics and sound). So it's a worthwhile purchase, but it doesn't really reinvent the wheel. As a fairly straightforward shooter, though, it's very much worthwhile.[/font]

[quote name='Magus' timestamp='1301007053' post='705900'] I'm also curious about it. I've been reading the reviews and they've been positive for the most part. I think there's been some talk about linearity or something of that nature might be a put off to some. [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Yeah, I've read that the game is solid but that it doesn't really do anything particularly new. In any case I'm sure I'll get the chance to play it over the next couple of days, so I'll post my thoughts either here or I'll make a Crysis 2 topic.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I just bought Crysis 2. Has anyone else tried this? I haven't yet played it but I'm hoping it's good (considering I really like Far Cry 2). [/font]

[font=franklin gothic medium]We have had a couple of pets topics in the past, but I thought it's high time for an update. I thought it would be fun to post some little stats about each pet; I'll definitely enjoy reading 'em. :) [b]Name:[/b] Amira [b]Gender:[/b] F [b]Picture(s):[/b] [attachment=15086:amira.JPG] [attachment=15087:amira_sleep.JPG] [b]Breed/Species:[/b] Siberian Husky [b]Age:[/b] Somewhere between 3 and 4. :P [b]Likes:[/b] Squeaky toys and/or defenseless animals smaller than herself, bones, socks, the fridge alarm (don't ask) [b]Dislikes:[/b] The garage[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]The slogan would frustrate me if that's all the sign says, because it's utterly meaningless. It could be a euphemism for a million different political concepts. I'd rather the candidate actually got directly to the point, or at least included a second line to put the phrase in context.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I just think the question is a bit nebulous. Surely each person's opinion on change will be dependent on the type of change. Even "lifestyle change" is pretty vague. But on that subject, Allamorph's story reminds me a little bit of my own. Well, kind of. Just after I finished University I definitely went through a period of really having no idea what direction to take. I really felt like I was just doing things day-by-day with no real plan or anything. So I literally just applied for a job at the other end of the country and I managed to get an interview (bear in mind that until this point, I had not lived on my own/away from home before). I flew over there with a one-way ticket and stayed with a friend. Luckily I got the job and I ended up living in that state for more than a year before returning to my home state. I guess for Americans it would be a bit like living in New York and suddenly moving to Florida. It's roughly equivalent to that in terms of distance and climate, I guess. For me, it was a very scary thing to do, because I did it all on my own. When I was on the flight, I did sometimes think "What the hell am I doing?!" But in the end, it worked out really well. In fact, it really did change the entire course of my life from then on. I really can't imagine how my life would be now if I hadn't taken that big leap. There were challenges and things along the way, but generally I'm so glad that I plucked up the courage to do it. I think Allamorph's plans are far more courageous than mine, though. I am sure that his experience will be similarly rewarding in the end. :)[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I'm playing through Mass Effect 2 again. This time my character is female and I'm pretty much taking the Renegade path. It's proving to be pretty interesting, with some notable changes. Plus, I loved ME2 so much that it is a real pleasure to play again anyway. I'm also playing through Pokemon Black, which is starting to grow on me.[/font]

[quote name='Boo' timestamp='1299076656' post='705425'] So. How's it hanging? [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]I've just added quite a bit more information to the front page of this topic. Yes, I'm still planning to launch this RPG. I clearly won't be able to put [i]everything[/i] up there beforehand, but hopefully what I put up will be useful for people who aren't as familiar with the Evangelion universe. Speaking of this, if anybody is interested in creating and organisation or adding a section - please feel free to send it to me in a message! Right now I am just setting the scene; I am not going to create an ending or anything else specific prior to the RPG going up. I find that it limits participants too much because everyone will just try to write according to my own ideas. I would really love for any interested people to add something unique to this and I'm really hoping to see some crazy Angel ideas come up when we get to that. :) In other words, as much as I'm setting the scene early on...I'm then going to pretty much let it all go and the RPG participants will really create the story itself. I hope that makes sense. By the time I launch this, I may have lost everyone anyway. :P [b]Edit:[/b] Lilt, sounds good to me. Sorry I didn't respond to you directly yet! I'm happy that you're still interested![/font]

[quote name='Adonis DNA' timestamp='1300531951' post='705794'] I saw a double rainbow the other day and shouted WHAT DOES IT MEAN? and people just looked at me weird. Look weirdos it's not my fault you don't get out on the net more often, now acknowledge my intelectual superiority and my internet connection, hmph. [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]Winning! Yeah, I also saw a double rainbow when I was on vacation just this week and I did the same thing, in a car full of people. One other person did get it though, thankfully.[/font]

[quote name='PiroMunkie' timestamp='1300480068' post='705782'] [color="#006400"]Oh and if you've ever seen or read about the Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask cursed game cartridge, that probably would have scared the crap out of me if it was for real, lol.[/color] [/quote] [font=palatino linotype]I had read about this for a while now, but I just finally went through and read all of his posts and watched the videos. Wow, he did a pretty good job! And funnily enough, Majora's Mask is such a perfect game for this type of story - it already has a very eerie atmosphere. I'm now not sure if I want to play it again, though. lol I'm not sure how he could ever have convinced anyone that this was real, even early on - it's so patently absurd and his writing is more than a little cliche. Still, he clearly put in a huge amount of effort, particularly in terms of making the videos themselves. That must have been quite painstaking. And on this general subject, I always find it a little eerie when a game breaks the fourth wall. It doesn't happen often, but my biggest memory of it is with Metal Gear Solid and Psycho Mantis. That was a truly awesome moment.[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]It probably depends what you mean by life-changing. Potentially almost anything can be life-changing, depending on your approach. Also, "life-changing" doesn't necessarily imply something [i]good[/i]. It might be something bad, in which case...why pursue it? You may have to elaborate a bit more so that I can better understand your question. :P[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I was re-reading this topic today and something else came to mind. Does anyone remember [spoiler]that black-and-white simulation in Fallout 3, where you're in that Pleasantville-style town with the psychotic little girl who orders you to do horrible things?[/spoiler] It would have been more fun if I'd actually done those terrible things, but I took the easy-yet-good way out and just solved the puzzle in the abandoned house to escape the simulation. In any case, I must admit, that was one of the scariest moments of Fallout 3 for me. And, certainly, Fallout 3 had a few eerie moments. I think the eerieness really mostly comes from the feeling of isolation combined with the fact that once you leave any kind of town, pretty much everything is out to kill you (and there are even some exceptions where towns are not safe, either!)[/font]

[font="Palatino Linotype"]I just picked this up yesterday and I haven't played it yet. I'll make sure to post my thoughts here once I've had a bit of play time with this - being my first Pokemon since Red/Blue, I'm pretty excited. :) Oh, and I ended up buying Pokemon Black, by the way. :)[/font]