James

[color=#808080]I imagine that if this building was big enough, it'd have its own automated fire protection systems and stuff like that. And if you linked three together...maybe that would help to further limit any wind resistance issues. In any case, this looks very cool. The idea of living a kilometer into the sky...and still having parks/lakes/etc within your living environment is really remarkable. And this really [i]could[/i] limit effects on the environment. It's a great way of controlling overpopulation, if it works.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sara [/i] [B][size=1]*is completely mesmerized* This sounds really spiffy. I really don't know anything about the .hack stuff, though..[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080]Well, if you're interested in joining, you might want to read the introduction to .hack//SIGN on [url]www.theotaku.com/dothack[/url] Reading the timeline is also really beneficial to get some background. Other than that, there isn't much you need to know. I've taken some massive liberties with this RPG; it's quite different to .hack//SIGN, even though it retains many similar principles. Anyway, I think many who have signed up probably know little about .hack//SIGN too. So there's no need to worry. As long as everyone takes a look at the timeline (and maybe the introduction to .hack//SIGN article), you'll be armed with all you need. ~_^[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Syeren [/i] [B]Your saying your sick of his opinion, if you don't like it then dont read it, it's as simple as that. He stated his opinion in this thread and you flame him for what is required in this forum, hmmm, are you Stupid or something? By stating his opinion i dont see any implemention in his post saying that he his better then everyone else around here, you have simply come up with that conclusion by looking at his opinion, which is supid again. So what do proof do you have of him being "mr. great graphics"? You dont have any, unless that you like his work, into which you just completly contridicted yourself. So heres some advice, check yourself before you wreck yourself. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080] Stating an opinion is fine. Nobody says otherwise; including Elite. [i]However[/i], go and read our rules. Our rules state that rudeness/abuse to other members is unacceptable. Clearly, your statements were rude and insensitive. The idea of this forum is not to say something like "your work is **** and I hate it". The idea is to provide [i]constructive[/i] criticism. Yes, point out what you dislike. But do so in a way that is sensitive to a person's feelings; do so in a way that isn't utterly rude and impolite. Elite has [i]every right[/i] to rebuff his utterly rude post. Because that's what it was; a rude post. There was absolutely nothing useful included in it. His posts frequently come across as being an arrogant reinforcement that his graphics are [i]always[/i] wonderful and that nobody is as good as him. It's childish, immature and a waste of everybody's time. This forum is not for blind self-gratification. It is for constructive criticism, discussion of art and sharing the learning process amongst everyone. Providing a constant air of arrogant rudeness isn't going to further [i]any[/i] discussions here. I would also remind you that [i]this[/i] is why he was banned. He were banned because he has demonstrated a consistent contempt for other members. And that kind of attitude isn't welcome here. If you (or anyone else) want to post this kind of venomous criticism, please do it elsewhere. OtakuBoards is definitely not the place for it.[/color]

[color=#808080]I like it. I like the font, too. Sometimes it's nice to stray from the angles and precise lines. I don't know if I like the scanlines though. I'm just really sick of scanlines generally. So maybe try another way of adding that layered effect. Overall though, very good. I'd give it 8/10.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by (<AA>) [/i] [B]Well, If they can do that on paper... can't they do that on, like a T-shirt? Wouldn't that be AWESOME? [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080]They can't actually do it on paper. It's done on a special material that is somewhat like plastic but more flexible (so you can roll it up and stuff. However, in order to do this, they have to fit millions (hundreds of millions) of parts inside the material (I forget if it's transistors or silicon chips or what...I can't remember lol). From what I remember, it's a sort of fibre that uses light to display a colour (and thus, an image). But the fibre can be controlled with electronic impulses that are transmitted remotely. So you could change the colour of your t-shirt by walking past a beacon or something, you know? So you might go into the auto-show or something and as you walk past each stand, your t-shirt has pictures of that manufacturer's car on it or something. I mean, I doubt it'd be that intrusive (advertising on your clothing lol), but there are LOTS of cool possibilities.[/color]

[color=#808080]As much as I appreciate your corrections, I'm afraid that they won't really be noticed here. The [i]best[/i] way to get your corrections heard is to email Adam or the writer of the Trigun section (and I'm not sure who that is, sorry lol). Adam's email is: [email][email protected][/email] [/color]

[color=#808080]Jamvis, I'm sorry...but I think you're a bit ignorant here. You obviously have no clue how we handle things at the moment. What was Otaku Big Brother II? A block of flats? You're also looking at v2 through rose coloured glasses. Believe me, the so-called "wars" were not that interesting -- it was nothing more than a bunch of people typing stupid crap to one another. If anything, I'd say things have gotten [i]more[/i] interesting. Just look at the RPGs (which are very free form in themselves), the art and all of the discussions that have been going on here over recent months. Sure, we have the occasional serious topic, but we also give people plenty of opportunity to let their hair down (and if you can't see that from the OL main page, you're blind). If you actually think that being flamed is [i]fun[/i] (or if u thnk typng lik thiz iz kool), then you're [i]definitely[/i] on the wrong site. lol[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by darkrequiemX99 [/i] [B]magic the gathering is for dorks! u guys are nerds and geeks combined to form the legendary group of unbelievable 80 yr olds with special geek power like throwing flaming chess pieces and sharp pieces of glass from your broken glasses!lol.ive had my fun.now u can joke me!experience the joy of making fun of someone as youve been too scared to since people might hurt u but this is the internet an no one can actually do ANYTHING!ahhhh.the internet is a wonderful thing. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080]But isn't that what you're doing? Abusing people because you know they can't get you back? You're probably a bigger geek than [i]anyone[/i] here, which is what makes your post so ironic. lol Anyway, that's not the point. I'm really surprised that someone didn't deal with this guy sooner. But I'll deal with him now.[/color]

[color=#808080]At this juncture, I want to remind everyone to read the timeline if you can -- The World hasn't been around for more than maybe two or three years. If you read the timeline, you'll have a really good background for this RPG. You don't need to have seen the TV seriers to really understand it.[/color]

[color=#808080]Missile Combos? o_O I'm talking about those Super Missiles (I think that's what they're called). I don't want to spoil it for you though, if you don't yet have the ability.[/color]

[color=#808080]*nods* Yep. Thardus is that large rocky bastard. I think it took me three tries to kill him. Which, in retrospect, isn't much (considering the heightened difficulty). However, at the time the battles were all quite long. He physically takes a while to kill, even if you can avoid dying. My recommendation for dealing with Thardus is to have [i]plenty[/i] of missiles. Get as MANY missile upgrades as you can, because you'll need them. Later in the game, you consume missiles at a much more rapid rate (you'll see why) and Thardus really only responds to missiles (you can hurt him with regular beam weaponry, but it takes [i]ages[/i]).[/color]

[color=#808080]I personally have no feeling about actual e-dating services; I don't think they are any different to an ad in a newspaper. In fact, they're probably better. Because ads in papers always seem to be limited by a couple of sentences or something. At least on the Internet, people can have full profiles/images, etc. So, that's something which people may find more useful. As far as actually meeting someone who you've known online...I think it's fine, IF you are careful. In other words, it has to be someone you've known for a while and preferably someone you've already spoken to (on the phone or smoething). But really, it's no different to a blind date or dating services through the newspaper, is it? In every case, you don't [i]really[/i] know the person at all. And you may not even have seen them before. So at least the Internet allows for chatting and images or something, you know? At the end of the day, I think the Internet is just another communication tool. If you want to use it deliberately to find a date, then good luck! It [i]may[/i] very well be better than a newspaper or something because of the points I mentioned earlier. That's up to you. And if you have someone that you want to meet...I mean, just look at all the Otaku members who've met in real life (via OtakuBoards). It can be done and it can be done safely, if you are careful. If more people from OB lived closer to me, I'd be happy to meet them! And generally I trust OB members because I know so many of you. So yeah, I really am not against it. I don't think I'd specifically use the Internet to seek out a date...but I'm not adverse to meeting someone that I've known online. (I might meet Zidane when he comes to Australia, for instance -- we are going to drop "theOtaku.com" leaflets all over the city...ahem. ^_^;;) EDIT: Oh and...I [i]assume[/i] that we're talking about people meeting (either soon after chatting or years after -- but still meeting). If you NEVER meet...then yes, I'd have to agree that there's no point. If you [i]can't[/i] meet for whatever reason (distance/money/etc), but you [i]plan[/i] to meet, then I think that's fine. It just depends on your situation really. But if you are ALWAYS going to keep it online...that seems a bit pointless to me.[/color]

[color=#808080]Ohh, yes, I remember that boss. It's especially nasty when you consider that the PAL version's default difficulty is the hard mode on the American version. o_O I definitely found Flaagra to be the first real sign of difficulty in Metroid Prime. Thardus was also pretty tough. X_X[/color]

[size=6][b].hack//EXPANSION[/b][/size] [u][b]Before We Begin...[/b][/u] [color=#808080]Before I begin explaining this story, I must first point out that my RPG does [i]not[/i] include the events of .hack//SIGN whatsoever. If you take a look at the [url="http://www.theotaku.com/dothack/timeline.shtml"]official timeline[/url], you will find that the events involving Tsukasa begin after 24th December, 2007. For the sake of this story, those events do not exist. Rather, I'm placing my own alternative story in that spot. In addition, I am not following some of .hack's most important conventions -- in other words, I will be creating my own character classes (based loosely on .hack//SIGN) and there might be a few new rules. So please don't send me an angry PM, telling me that I'm ignoring the official story...you might even consider this an "alternative universe", if it makes you happy. ~_^ To understand this RPG, you'll need to read various pieces of information. I'll present each piece below (including your sign up field requirements).[/color] [b][u]What is .hack//EXPANSION?[/u][/b] .hack//EXPANSION is the tale of a massive change within [url="http://theotaku.com/dothack/faq.shtml"]The World[/url]. Specifically, this tale begins on the date of [b]1st March, 2008[/b]. On this day, CyberConnect Corporation (CC Corporation hereafter) released a unique program on the Internet, called [b]TWAS_Install.exe[/b]. TWAS_Install.exe is the install file for a CC Corp. sanctioned expansion pack for The World, known as "[b]Azure Sea[/b]". Azure Sea's origins are not clear-cut. While CC Corporation did actually release the expansion itself, the original creator of Azure Sea is unknown. Discussions on Internet bulletin boards suggest that the expansion may have been created originally by the same boy who developed the infamous [b]Pluto's Kiss[/b] virus, which severely damaged the entire Internet and caused panic across the world. Of course, CC Corporation attacked such rumors with a vigorous PR campaign across the world's business and gaming publications. In addition, Azure Sea was highly unstable for its first 24 hours online. During the very first hour, around 600,000 players accessed the AS Server (Azure Sea utilizes its own server). And at the same time, player profiles began to disappear and individual player characters began to experience "warping". Some characters were losing limbs, their heads were flickering on and off and their abilities were malfunctioning. This occurrance affected around 120,000 players during the first hour -- and more than 200,000 players within the first 24 hours. Its effects were devistating; over 6,800 players were rushed to hospital after their experience. Some were suffering from mild concussion, whilst others were experiencing nerve damage in the limbs. Others still were experiencing various forms of brain damage, including complete paralysis. The day after, CC Corporation officially apologized for the occurrance of the previous day. And it offered to compensate all those who suffered. While player numbers dwindled and averaged around 400,000 over the next three months or so, numbers quickly rose to beyond 1,000,000 within the six months after Azure Sea's launch. People had quickly forgotten (and forgiven) the problems, such was the scale of Azure Sea's gorgeous visual landscape and variety of interaction. Azure Sea soon became the most popular location within The World and its server began experiencing downtime on rare occasions. [u][b]Today[/u][/b] Today is 20th August, 2008. And you have recently downloaded TWAS_install.exe via your high speed connection. You have purchased (or already own) the necessary VR equipment to experience The World for yourself. Some of you will have been here before -- you will be experienced players with higher levels. And some of you will never have moved beyond your PlayStation 3. Now's as good a time as any. Afterall, haven't you heard how great Azure Sea is? All the kids at school are talking about it. And you [i]know[/i] you're curious. All you've seen are the occasional banner advertisements on gaming web sites. You've heard rumors (both good and bad) on all sorts of message boards across the Internet (including the very message board that you're reading right now). You may even know someone who experiences Azure Sea on a regular basis. But, no doubt, you have some questions. What [i]is[/i] Azure Sea? How do I play? What kind of character should I create? These are all important questions. And if you refer to your instruction manual (included within the TWAS zip file), you'll find some important information on all of these points. Thank you for downloading Azure Sea (TM). We hope you enjoy yourself and have many exciting adventures! [u][b]Creating a Character[/u] (Page 20 of your instruction manual)[/b] [i]Azure Sea (TM) is just [b]full[/b] of possibilities! In fact, you'll find that there are many new additions to our popular expansion. If you require any character updates, or if you want to upload your custom skin for others to use, please visit our official website. Thank you![/i] Welcome to Azure Sea (TM). If you've already read our expansion's Reader Notes and Health Warning summaries, please feel free to read about the creation of a character. To create your character, you will need to ensure that all relevant hardware is activated before you begin. Make sure that all PC connections are stable and be careful to choose a comfortable position in close proximity to your computer. When you first activate the portal, you will see three flashes of light. Red, Green & Blue. These are normal and are designed to test your eyesight very briefly. This data is used to improve and optimize your viewing experience. Once this process is complete, you will be taken to a simple menu screen which allows you to log in. Once logged in, you will be taken to your Profile Home. Your Profile Home looks like this: [b]Profile Home For: UserXX32[/b] [u]Instruction Manual Character Creation/Manipulation & Inventory My Email & Private Messager Quest Status Center Quick Entry Search (Buddy Search, Quest Search, Item Search) Server List[/u] Touch the "Character Creation/Manipulation & Inventory" with your hand or a designated icon. Character types and descriptions are provided below: [b]Knight[/b] [i]The Knight is one of the most commonly chosen character bases within Azure Sea (TM). Knights are experts with physical combat and are generally highly physically strong; they are able to break open certain chests and doors that other character bases cannot. In addition, Knights are able to carry both light and heavy weapons. Knight characters have lower intelligence and thus, they are sometimes unable to recognize visual clues within the game world (in other words, certain visual indicators [such as hint icons] are not visible to Knights). Knights also have a very low magic usage ability. Knights are able to use basic defensive and attack spells, but are [b]not[/b] able to heal themselves with magic (only with items). Knights are average with Item Synergy (the process of combining items to build new items). Strength: 8/10 Speed: 7/10 Stamina: 7/10 Intelligence: 4/10 Magic: 2/10 Item Synergy: 5/10 Health: 8/10[/i] [b]Heavy Axe[/b] [i]The Heavy Axe character base is the strongest character in terms of physical attack. However, Heavy Axe characters suffer from slower movement, lack of projectile attacks and have zero magical ability. However, Heavy Axe characters are able to break open [i]any[/i] chest or door within the game world and Heavy Axe characters are extremely effective in hand-to-hand combat. Heavy Axe characters have maximum stamina in combat. They also have a higher lifespan than any other player type. Strength: 10/10 Speed: 4/10 Stamina: 10/10 Intelligence: 4/10 Magic: 0/10 Item Synergy: 2/10 Health: 10/10[/i] [b]Light Warrior[/b] [i]The Light Warrior character base is a diversion from the traditional Knight character base. The Light Warrior was originally created by a South Korean fan site, called "Super Hackers" and was later adopted by CC Corporation as an official character base. The Light Warrior, whilst having less health and stamina than the Knight, maintains greater speed and marginally greater intelligence. Strength: 6/10 Speed: 9/10 Stamina: 5/10 Intelligence: 6/10 Magic: 2/10 Item Synergy: 5/10 Health: 6/10[/i] [b]Wave Master[/b] [i]The Wave Master character base is typically designed with magic use in mind. In addition, the Wave Master maintains greater intelligence than most other character bases. However, the Wave Master isn't highly adept with Item Synergy and features only average health. Strength: 5/10 Speed: 6/10 Stamina: 4/10 Intelligence: 9/10 Magic: 8/10 Item Synergy: 5/10 Health: 6/10[/i] [b]Sky Runner[/b] [i]The Sky Runner character base leans toward high intelligence and speed. Sky Runner characters typically receive more hints from the game environment and maintain higher communication standards. While Sky Runners are physically weak, they do maintain powerful projectile attacks (and are thus poor at close-quarters fighting). Sky Runners typically chose to utilize the bow-and-arrow as their primary weapon, to which there are dozens of variations available. Sky Runners are average with Item Synergy, despite their high intelligence. Strength: 4/10 Speed: 10/10 Stamina: 4/10 Intelligence: 10/10 Magic: 6/10 Item Synergy: 5/10 Health: 7/10[/i] [b]Little Hat (also known as "MechaniCap" and "Gizmo Cap")[/b] [i]The Little Hat character base is the final character base for this game. Little Hat characters are primarily focused on Item Synergy, which is a highly specialized field. Little Hat characters are frequently levelled up until they are able to build items from nothing and sell them to the open player market. Little Hats are traditionally used as traders and are often used as secondary characters in player parties. But they should not be underrated; Little Hats can build unique weapons that sit outside the default CC created items. And their intelligence levels can be valuable to any party. Strength: 4/10 Speed: 5/10 Stamina: 6/10 Intelligence: 10/10 Magic: 2/10 Item Synergy: 10/10 Health: 8/10[/i] Please note that these are [i]character bases[/i]. You can make your character appear however you like, either with your own custom skin (and model) or with a pre-selected skin and model. In addition, you will find that more experienced players sell their wares (new skins specifically) within stores all over Azure Sea (TM). You can also level-up your character during play. The more you fight, the more you level-up. But you can also level-up by securing certain items (such as the Gold Puchiguso, which increases your level by five). Generally, a player will acquire significant new abilities every five levels. You can gear your player however you like, depending on the items you use to level-up. If you're a Wave Master, you can fine tune your magic skills and then build up your physical strength, to enable you the use of Knight weaponry. But bear in mind that this is not an easy process and can take weeks or months of game play. [u][b]Key Locations in Azure Sea (TM)[/b][/u] [i]Come join us in the marble streets of Azure City! Or explore the wind-swept cliffs of Orbit Island! Follow us, won't you?[/i] [b]Azure City[/b] The bustling metropolis of Azure City; full of players just waiting to trade their wares or have a leisurely chat. Use the Inns of Azure City to find other players for your party or buy an apartment in one of the White Towers -- you can store your items safely, use it as a meeting point for buddies, organize your account, check your email/Private Messages and keep your online pet safe. Note: Only small size virtual pets can be kept in apartments; Puchiguso and other medium/large size creatures must be stored in designated stables or pet care facilities. [b]Orbit Island[/b] Full of beautiful beaches, a lush green rainforest and dank, dark caves...Orbit Island has it all! But don't let the pretty graphics fool you; Orbit Island contains all sorts of nasty creatures, just waiting to battle you and your party. Stray from the pathways, and you'll be in trouble! [b]Pebble Cove[/b] Pebble Cove is a famous (or [i]infamous[/i]) location on the northern tip of Orbit Island. It is said that treasures await brave players there -- but danger follows everyone who enters Pebble Cove. [b]The Church[/b] Ah yes, The Church. Scene of some of the most difficult battles in The World's history, The Church has been replicated and placed right into Azure Sea's (TM) world. It lies just outside Azure City. You'll find some high level battles at this location, so be careful and make sure that your items are well stocked. [b]Net Slum #42[/b] Ever seen the Net Slum? Be cautioned! It's not as easy to pass through here as it might sound. The Net Slum is the place where old code lies; discarded user profiles, accidentally copied files, failed patches and game cheats. If you enter Net Slum #42, you're literally risking your own user account. [b]Puchiguso Pete's Farm[/b] Azure Sea (TM) would not be complete without Puchiguso Pete's Farm! It sits on the calm, golden wheat fields of Summer Grove. There are no roads leading to the farm though, so you'll have to fight your way there (unless you can acquire some sort of unique transport ;)). Teleportation is not allowed anywhere near Puchiguso Pete's Farm. [b]Summer Grove[/b] Summer Grove -- the home of Puchiguso Pete's Farm -- is the second major continent in the Azure Sea (besides Azure City, which is its own continent). It is recommended that users with a level of 20 or higher enter Summer Grove; lesser developed users should not enter. [b]The Silver Oyster[/b] Azure Sea {TM} isn't just a sea with islands scattered over its surface; it contains a vast array of underwater fields, caverns, cities and towns. The Silver Oyster is perhaps the most noteable area under the ocean; it's the place where [i]everyone[/i] goes for a good time. It's even been said that illegal actions take place there (such as the trading of bootlegged anime episodes, distribution of hentai and other materials). Go there to gamble your Player Credits away or simply have fun with your friends and enjoy the ambience. [b][u]Other Notes on the Game[/u][/b] [b]Virtual Pets[/b] In this game, you can collect virtual pets of various types. Everything from Puchiguso (which have their own various types) as well as Baby Dragons, Giant Swordfish and other assorted creatures. These creatures can be caught in the wild or purchased -- if caught, they require additional training to build trust with the owner. Virtual pets are useful for a variety of reasons; they can compensate for low intelligence by finding hidden objects in the game environment. They can also be used in battles with enemies and can be used as transport. All virtual pets can be mated -- even different species. See what you can create! [b]Currency[/b] Azure Sea (TM) uses a currency known simply as "Player Credits". Player Credits can be found in the environment, traded (or given as gifts) between players and obtained by completing specific challenges and by eliminating enemies. [b]Trivia Events[/b] Occasionally, the System Administrator will beam his/her presence across Azure Sea (TM) and present a [b]trivia question[/b] to all players. The first to answer will receive extra experience points and other unique items. Some of these prizes can even be used outside the game world. [b]Competitions[/b] In addition, the System Administrator will occasionally launch minor competitions to all players. These can range from banner making to poetry writing -- once again, rewards will be issued either within or outside the game environment. [b][u]Thank You[/b][/u] Thank you again for downloading [i]Azure Sea (TM)[/i] from CyberConnect Corporation. We hope you enjoy your stay! [color=#808080]Okay. If there are any questions, you can issue them in this thread and I'll do my best to satisfy them. Regarding character making...you MUST create a character within the available types provided. However, as the manual mentioned, your character can look like anything you want. And you can level up your character in any way you wish -- so everyone will start with limited options and move up from there. Competitions and Trivia will be operated by me (I will control the System Administrator, who lives outside The World). You'll see how they work when we start. And now, the sign up fields. There are two different categories to fill out -- your online character and your real life character. The real life character can be [i]you[/i] or someone made up. You will probably rarely use your real life character, but sometimes you might want to actually role play [i]outside[/i] the RPG. So, let me be clear about that; this RPG is VERY open ended. Some of it WILL take place outside The World. So there are many, many different variables to take into account here. You might want to play your character [i]primarily[/i] in real life...so they might write diaries about their experiences in The World. Or you might want to play [i]completely[/i] inside the game. That's up to you. Because of these two "dimensions" that exist, everyone must designate what they are referring to very clearly. If you're referring to the real world, please make it CLEAR. If you're referring to something inside the game, please make it CLEAR. You can use brackets, alternating colours with a legend/key or anything you wish. If you use a legend/key, please REPEAT that key in EVERY post (at the end or the beginning) so that everyone understands your style. I will select members, but don't feel as though there's any pressure...as long as you remember the basic things I mentioned above, you'll be fine. Remember, this is very open ended; it can be whatever you make it. Although, if you are unsure, you might want to follow my posts for a lead on how the main story is progressing. ALSO: The locations I've listed are the MAIN locations in the game. But there are hundreds (or even thousands) of different locations). These will become apparent during the RPG; you can even make some up yourself if you like.[/color] [b]Category One: Your Online Character[/b] [b]Name:[/b] [b]Character Base/Type:[/b] [b]Weapon/s:[/b] (Two maximum. Don't make them ridiculous; no machine guns or pistols. The world of .hack is based around magical, hand-to-hand and manual projectile weapons (such as bow and arrows). But you [i]can[/i] be creative and dream something up (a picture would be good if you do that). [b]Appearance:[/b] (Picture or description; up to you). [b]Sex:[/b] (The sex of your online character; it can be different to your real life character, too). [b]Category Two: Your Real Life Character[/b] [b]Name:[/b] [b]Age:[/b] [b]Occupation:[/b] (or school level) [b]Location:[/b] (where does your real life character originate?) [b]Biography:[/b] (brief history of your real life character) [b]Personality:[/b] (brief profile of your real life character's personality) [b]Interests:[/b] (your real life character's interests - list as many as you like) [color=#808080]I think that's everything. If I think of anything else, I'll add it. I'll also add my profile later (too much typing right now lol).[/color]

[color=#808080]Who is Flaagra again? Is he the big ice/rock boss in Phendrana Drifts?[/color]

[color=#808080]Looks good. Nice font, good blending of images and a strong use of colour. Very "red". ~_^[/color]

[color=#808080]Anubis...I urge you to read our rules. Firstly, double posting is not allowed at OtakuBoards. Secondly, you might want to put a little more effort into your posts. I feel that with RPGs in particular, it's important to put at least [i]some[/i] effort in -- this shows respect for fellow members and for the RPG's creator. It's also a general rule of thumb for OB. Please take care in future.[/color]

[color=#808080]I love it! Very impressive. Your basic proportions are good and your linework is nice and clean. It's also a very expressive picture; it can be hard to capture an emotion in a static drawing. So you've done that very well. [/color]

[color=#808080]And try your best not to SSPPPAAAAM!! SPAAAMM!!!SSPPAAAAAAMMM!!! Ahem. *adjusts tie* I'll be closing this now. ^_^;[/color]

[color=#808080]I think 'breko uses PSP rather than Photoshop. Anyway, I've noticed these banners on the boards here and there. They're all pretty good. ^_^ The first one is my least favourite. That's mainly because the cropped edges are not anti-aliased. And generally I'd say that it's really important to have edges that are as smooth as possible. So for the first one, I'd give maybe 6.5/10. Second one is a lot nicer; I like this one. The background is great and the characters look pretty smooth. Everything's blended together quite well. 8/10 for that one. Third one...this one suffers from the problem in the first banner; non-smooth edges. For me, that really detracts from the banner. The font you've chosen is quite nice, but it also has very jagged/messy edges, which makes things look a bit uneasy. So I'd give this one 7/10. And the fourth...this one's kinda in between for me. Some parts suffer from aliasing (most noteably the two fish), but your text is a [i]lot[/i] nicer and the composition is quite good. 8/10 for that one. ^_^[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Semjaza Azazel [/i] [B]I don't see the problem with the name honestly. The name Billy Hatcher makes sense to me since he's hatching eggs, but whatever. Sega isn't likely to change a name anyway lol. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080] Eh, I still think the name sounds a tad stpuid. It seems that this name is for the Japanese version. I hope it's changed in the western versions, but who knows. Either way, I'm looking forward to hearing more about this game. [i]Hopefully[/i] it's better than Sonic Adventure 2. I'm also greatly looking forward to the demo disc. I remember a while ago that the EIC of Nintendo Gamer was telling me that Nintendo Australia was planning to bundle demo discs in with that magazine -- but nothing has happened yet. So this might be their opportunity; who knows.[/color]

[color=#808080]Helping someone because it makes you feel good is, I think, not necessarily a conscious thought. So I don't believe that there is some kind of selfish intention for the most part. I think it's a natural human instinct -- to support your species or whatever. Know what I mean? I think it's just a really fundamental drive for most people. So yeah, if you really do analyze people's behavior...I think we generally do things because it helps us personally in some sense. But we don't actually think "how is this going to help me?" You might incur pain by helping a friend, but if that friend is helped, that might remove a problem in your life or something. I don't know. I just mean that I don't think we always consciously think about whether or not something is going to help us at the end of the day. EDIT: Wow, I shouldn't post when I'm busy. I can't think properly. lol[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Black_Phoenix [/i] [B]Okay, this (talk of mental illness) is where all arguements break down. I was talking about people that are fully aware of what they are doing, the result and everything else. Unfortunately, a person with mental illness will probably not have such a choice. On the same note, this whole subject could not fully apply to people with mental illness or depressiong, because they may not know what they are doing. You cannot say the actions of a person who is unaware are justified or not justified.[/b][/quote] [color=#808080]But I don't think you grasp the full extent of my point. Mentally ill people [i]often[/i] are fully aware of what they are doing. And the term "mentally ill" is being used by me in a very general way -- as I said to Harlequin, I could be talking about someone with more severe symptoms (who still knows what they're doing) or someone with far less severe symptoms (like mild depression). Of course, I'm talking about people who know what they're doing when they commit suicide. I would never even bother referring to those who have no idea what they're doing -- because that really doesn't relate to the subject. So, I never said that we're talking about people who have no knowledge of what they're doing. That's important to remember. Again, as I said to Harlequin (and I guess anyone who is reading), you can know what you're doing...you can [i]know[/i] that you're killing yourself (I'd imagine that most people do have that presence of mind afterall, even on a basic level), and obviously that suggests that you have a different coping ability to other people. As I said, it's not merely a question of how hard you try or how courageous you are. To say that is to simplify the entire issue. It's a question of what [i]you[/i] can cope with and what you are going through. Everyone thinks in a different way and everyone has different ways of coping with problems -- something that's easy for you isn't necessarily easy for a more depressed person. To say to someone "aw god, just try harder" or something is not only somewhat cruel, but it's also pretty arrogant. It is based on the assumption that everyone has the same coping ability as you. And that's just not the case.[/color]

[color=#808080]I don't know if you're pointing to me or not in that post, Harlequin. But to answer your point -- my cousin suffers from mental illness. And she has had mental illness for several years now; her condition has been decreasing for a while. And I can tell you that from having someone close to me in my family go through this, I understand mental illness. My cousin actually has a number of illnesses -- schitzophrenia is a very generic term used to describe general symptoms/conditions. You can be schitzophrenic and be essentially "normal" with a clearly logical train of thought. Or you can have a complete loss of control and mental presence. I did not mean to imply that people [i]don't know what they're doing[/i]. What I'm trying to point out is that there are many reasons for suicide. And in many cases, there is a level of mental "illness" involved. It might not be a diagnosed illness or something incredibly serious (it might be anything from a slight depression to something far more invasive). The point is, in most cases, suicide isn't occurring when a person has full presence of mind. I think the term "mental luxuries" is [i]very[/i] appropriate here, in illustrating the issue. There was an attempt to say that suicidal people simply "are too weak" to deal with issues in life. And I was trying to explain that everyone has different coping abilities -- everyone isn't the same. And depending on the individual (their level of depression/mental illness/personal circumstances/etc), the situation will always be different. And thus, the explanation or "rationale" for suicide will always be unique. So I'm saying that it's [i]easy[/i] for a non-depressed, mentally fit person to sit there and say "Well that's just stupid; suicide is only for the weak". That's a very dismissive comment. We have to understand that there are many complex issues involved. It's not simply a case of "being weak". Different levels of mental illness (from mild to severe) can play a massive role in a person's judgement and their ability to cope with their surroundings. If you are mentally ill and you commit suicide, does it mean that you don't know what you're doing? No, not at all. It just means that your threshold -- in terms of actually committing the act -- is different. It's very important in a discussion like this to accurately interpret what people are saying. I'm coming at this from a position of having some knowledge -- and everyone has different levels of that. I [i]hope[/i] that I'm a bit clearer with my point in this post.[/color]

[color=#808080]Looks pretty good to me. I like the background and I think you've superimposed Rikku very well. The animation just adds to it. Very nice. 8.5/10. EDIT: Oh, Rikku...just so you know, we don't allow members to have more than one image in their signature. So you'll have to choose whether or not you want the banner or the anti-spammer button. ^_^[/color]