James

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wrist cutter [/i] [B] I like to think of it as presenting a unique perspective. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Yeah, I suspected as much. lol Anyway, back on topic...[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wrist cutter [/i] [B]There are no aliens, or life on other planets. I know this for fact, I am smarter than all of you. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Though I'm certain that's a joke, I do think you should try a [i]little[/i] harder to post something that actually contributes to the discussion.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Don't be silly. I'm not flaming you. If you think [i]that[/i] was flaming, then you won't last long here. lol I'm just talking in general terms. Despite the initial outlay for hardware, the game [i]could[/i] be worthwhile. As I mentioned, it's proving to be very popular in Japan, despite all the costs (and bugs) involved.[/color]

[color=royalblue]It's not hard to spell the word "aliens". lol Anyway, I don't really have an opinion either way. Given that the Universe is basically infinite...and is continually expanding, I think that the idea that we are the [i]only[/i] life forms in the entire Universe is a bit self centered. There are probably millions of other planets with life forms...and that's probably just within our own Galaxy. I read somewhere that our Galaxy has more stars than there are grains of sand on the Earth. Just imagine that for a moment. And then consider that there are hundreds of millions (or billions) of Galaxies in the Universe. If we ARE the only life form...then that is probably [i]more[/i] incredible than the idea of there being many kinds of lifeforms.[/color]

[color=royalblue]I can understand the annoyance at the initial outlay (buying the HDD etc), but I think it's unfair to judge a game before you play. In any case, this really belongs in the Final Fantasy forum. You're advised to double check our rules, just to ensure that you fully understand how things work.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Heh, yeah. I can't say I watched it all that much...I watched it occasionally. But for some reason, shows like that always make me feel warm and fuzzy. lol Probably because I had less responsibility then or something...I just have very fond memories of those years. And seeing shows like that, which were really popular back then, kind of makes me remember everything really vividly.[/color]

[color=royalblue]If I ever see a rerun of Saved by the Bell on TV, it makes me think of the good ol' early 90's... Ahh those were the days. What? They were! o_O;;[/color]

[color=royalblue][i]If[/i] those boards go up...nope. OtakuBoards will remain its own entity and nothing will be changed or removed. Remember; this new site is not an Otaku site. It is essentially a completely different project, under the umbrella of the current network. So if a boards is produced, there won't be any cross over or any direct link, in terms of content and stuff. But anyway...I've taken all the suggestions into account. I'll probably start thinking about them again when the site is up.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Okay guys...thanks for all the input. ShineGet is going a little slow right now, but progress is still being made. I won't put up the site unless it's really ready. I'll probably start thinking more seriously about a forum next month. So, once again...thanks for everyone's input.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Shyguy [/i] [B][color=darkblue][size=1] Please ignore the attachment..[/color][/size] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Nuh uh. Sorry, Shyguy...but that is blatantly against the rules. As a staff member, I expect you to be up to date on them. Members are not permitted to post totally unrelated images here, just for the purpose of hosting. Please don't do it again.[/color]

[color=royalblue]What the hell is the point of this thread? All you're doing is advertising some stupid site. There is no discussion merit here at all... Plus, this is a music thread in the wrong forum. Bah. When will people read the rules?[/color]

[color=royalblue]Mnemolth wasn't bashing anything...his points were mostly pretty valid. The topic was closed because it was getting way off topic. And in addition, it was essentially a duplicate of this thread. Mnemolth would have been better off to post his comments here, rather than creating a new topic.[/color]

[color=royalblue]The article that Semjaza put up is interesting. And it raises many valid points. When playing games like ICO or Resident Evil, you definitely find that logical thinking and creative thinking are important. Especially a game like Silent Hill, with its emphasis on puzzles and puzzle solving. Some puzzles in the game can be quite difficult and often require that I take out some paper and a pen, and actually try and methodically work out a solution. In my view, this kind of puzzle solving is no different to the kind of mathematics or case studies that I would do in a school environment. The only difference is that I'm participating in an interactive entertainment medium. Furthermore, games that are historically accurate can teach children a lot. I've definitely found that my younger siblings have often learned by playing games. Either they've learned facts about history, or they've picked up small tidbits of information here and there through the game. Games also teach kids about direction and cinema production as well -- with a game like Final Fantasy X, my little sister is often asking questions about the significance of certain story elements (like when Tidus and Yuna practice their laughing). So, when I explain the meaning of these scenes to her...she is learning something about storytelling, in my view. It is the same as if I were reading her a book, and she'd stop me to ask about something. Ultimately, she is learning in a number of different ways. So given the benefits of video games...I'm not sure that this study from Japan should be the be-all and end-all of how people view video games.[/color]

[color=royalblue]I can't beat Gradius IV...mainly because you can't actually save during the game. lol So you have to beat it all in one sitting, pretty much. It's DAMN tough...one of the toughest games I've ever played. Super Mario Bros. is also pretty tough. Once you pass World 8-4...it starts getting nasty. lol[/color]

[color=royalblue]Strongest Points: 1) Intelligent 2) Loving 3) Creative thinking Weakest Points: 1) Uncompromising (sometimes I can be uncompromising on certain issues...maybe as a means to an end or something, if that makes any sense) 2) Self Critical (I can be incredibly harsh on myself sometimes...often for no good reason. Sometimes I can make myself believe that I've really done the wrong thing or behave badly. And this can cause me to unfairly compromise my position in some cases.) 3) Defensive (Sometimes I can be overly defensive of my ideas...or of people around me. That is why I am occasionally critical of some sites which mimmick theOtaku/OtakuBoards etc...; I absolutely loathe copycats. So in those circumstances, I try very hard to be positive and optimistic [which can sometimes lead to overcompensation as well lol]).[/color]

[color=royalblue]Your SMS sig is great, but you aren't allowed to have two images in your signature. So I trust that you will choose one over the other. :)[/color]

[quote]James we could of held up against the Japanese - give our army more credit.[/quote] [color=royalblue]To put it bluntly; bullshit. In the middle of the 21st century, when WWII broke out, Australia's national population was only around [i]six million[/i]. And at that time, many of our troops were fighting in Europe. We were severely depleted and we had [i][b]utterly no[/i][/b] chance against the Japanese. The Japanese made a big mistake by attacking Pearl Harbour -- they drew the complacent Americans into the battle. Had PH not happened, America may have left Australia to be conquered by Japan. Make no mistake; [i]we would not have been able to defeat Japan on our own[/i]. Not a chance in hell. That is like saying that in a war between New Zealand and Australia, new Zealand would win. It's just foolish. In that kind of situation, we would massively outnumber NZ and our technology is also far more advanced (and plentiful). The same comparison can be drawn between Japan and Australia during WWII. There was [i]that much[/i] variance in population [i]and[/i] military capability. In any case, we have had this thread before...and I believe that most opinions here are being repeated. Not much is being expressed now that hasn't been expressed before hand.[/color] [quote]I would also like people to read ALL of this post before responding but seeing as many people on Boards have relatively short attention spans, I'm not expecting much. [/quote] [color=royalblue]And while I'm on the subject of this thread, let me say one thing. Mnemolth, while I [i]am[/i] pleased that someone is putting throught into a thread in this forum, I do not believe that you will become a popular member by alienating the very people that you are trying to have a discussion with. Let's try and tone down the pompous rhetoric and discuss things in a more civil way. If people want to continue this discussion, I recommend that they use the other thread, rather than this one. As I said, all we are seeing is a broad re-statement of what has already been said. And in addition, we are starting to veer massively off course into ridiculous and inappropriate debate.[/color]

[quote]because the Majority of people simply don't pay attention to singles. At least not in countries where they are released after the initial album.[/quote] [color=royalblue]That's actually not true at all. Singles are the primary selling point for albums. Singles are also one of the most (if not THE most) profitable area for music artists. The album is the backdrop. When you release the album and a single to correspond, people buy the single because they can afford it and it is less risk to them (they may not like the album, so they buy the single of the song that they know they already like). Then, a month or so later, a second single might be released. Once again, this is an opportunity to draw more listeners into that particular song. But moreover, it entices people to purchase the album (that is why, when singles are released after the album, you'll notice that a lot of cross-promotion occurs...this is the best way of shifting albums out of stores). So in actual fact, singles are the lifeblood of the music industry in some ways. Singles can make or break an artist, regardless of their album, also. If you have a good, number 1 single...it doesn't matter that the rest of your album is horrible; the "tag effect" and cross promotion will ensure strong album sales. And thus, continued releases of singles post-album release, encourages a longer life expectancy for the album itself. If all singles are released before the album, then there are no singles to release [i]after[/i] the album is complete. Thus, the life expectancy/sales life of the album significantly diminishes.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Not all RPGs are going to be successful. I've worked on RPGs before that have been quite creative, yet have sunk like a rock. I don't believe that my Admin status positively affects my RPGs at all; it might get more sign ups, but not more commitment. My most recent RPG is spiralling downwards due to that fact that only about three of maybe twenty original players are actually [i]involved[/i]. So if you make a very long, drawn out RPG...you're taking that gamble. Unfortunately, the quality of RPGs in that forum has been declining steadily in recent times...and I'm sorry to say that I think it's in its worst period of creativity and effort ever. I never thought I'd say it, but I long for the good old days of that forum...where the biggest RPGs were also the most creative and rewarding RPGs. And where RPGs weren't being made every ten seconds, just for the sake of it...[/color]

[color=royalblue]There are several reasons why the singles are released after the main album. And actually, it's a [i]better[/i] and more intelligent way of publishing music than the Japanese way. Why? Simple. Let's say you release three singles in a row over a three month period. And in the fourth month, you release your album. By this time, your three "main" singles are older and have been out there for a little while. People are getting more bored of them and newer music is entering the charts. If you release your album first and then release your first single, people become interested in that single and they buy the album. Then, another month later, you might release a second single from the album. Because it's a new song (and presuming it is good) it reignites interest in your band/group. You keep your music fresh for the public and you draw out your album's popularity as long as possible. I hope I've explained that well enough. lol When I see albums that have been out for ages, but new singles are still being released...it makes me think that if I like a more recent single, I might be more encouraged to buy the actual album itself. Hope that made sense. o_O;;[/color]

[color=royalblue]Why do you hate Wiccans and not those of other faiths?[/color]

[quote](They have not done this in the past.)[/quote] [color=royalblue]They [i]did[/i] fight with us against Japan in WWII. Had the United States not fought against Japan during WWII, Australia alone would not have been able to stop them. We were not as developed, militarily, as we are now. So, we both owe our freedom to the United States of America in that sense. As far as Camp X-Ray goes...what difference does it make whether those guys are terrorists or mercenaries? The difference between the two is utterly irrelevant. They [i]are[/i] being treated as enemy soldiers...or Prisoners of War. I don't see how the USA would treat a terrorist differently from a POW; nor should they. As far as I'm concerned, these guys deserve to be at Camp X-Ray. Additionally, you are ignoring the fact that [i]many[/i] of them were not only mercenaries, but were actually a part of Al Qaeda's military operations in the country; people who had been trained and were a part of Al Qaeda. So I don't see the argument against Camp X-Ray, in your post. As for your comments about weapons against their own people etc...well, I don't have the time to pick it apart. But I think you have some of your facts/interpretations a bit wrong there. [/color]

[color=royalblue]I don't think I have much to add, except that many comments that Halo is the game that "knocks Goldeneye off its perch as the best console FPS" are a little far-fetched. I think people are forgetting how truly astounding Goldeneye was when it was first released. Granted, Halo is a good game by any measure, but does it really do for console FPSs what Goldeney did? I don't think so. So, that comparision is a little unfair in my view. I'm kind of saddened that the gaming media seems to be leaning more and more towards high scoring games with good graphics. Just look at the reviews of DoA3...it was basically the same as DoA2, with very little innovation, yet due to its relative leap in graphics, it was awarded with high honors. In some respects, the gaming media is just as guilty as the gaming companies when it comes to graphics over gameplay.[/color]

[color=royalblue]It's nice to see a more intelligent thread based on this subject. I'm not sure that I agree with the very last paragraph, though. But I won't go into the details of why just yet. I think it is important, for American members on these boards, to read the entire post and understand its context and meaning. For me personally, I have absolutely no hatred towards the USA or any country. It is Governments, not individuals, who end up making foreign policy decisions that can be harmful to themselves and others. Australia is essentially a "western" nation. And this country has fought alongside the USA in every International war over the last century. And for the most part, I agree with that relationship. But as an Australian...a citizen of a nation whose society is arguably more free and democratic, I can most definitely see both sides. The problem I have, is with people who are blind to either side. That is, people who blindly hate America and fail to look at the good that the country actually does every single day. At the same time, I have a problem with some "patriotic" politicians (and individuals) in America, who have an arrogant and holier-than-thou attitude. In truth, every single country in the world makes mistakes. The USA's mistakes are perhaps more obvious because of the relative reach and control that the country has on the rest of the world. I believe that such one-sided control is dangerous and that is why I believe that the European Union, for example, should provide a "global balance of power", so to speak. Even though I'm not a hater of the USA, I do believe that the USA needs to be accountable to the rest of the world. And that is why I strongly disagree with the Bush Administration's insistence that US troops must be [i]exempt[/i] from prosecution under the International Criminal Court. You simply can't endorse such a court for other countries, while at the same time resisting to submit your own legal system to such a court. That is one side of America that I really don't like -- and it won't really change unless America's power is evenly balanced by other nations/groups of nations. In a perfect world, the most powerful body in on Earth would be the United Nations. And in a perfect world, the UN would have the power to prosecute Americans (even the President) for war crimes or other negative issues. I'm not suggesting that Americans are responsible for war crimes, I'm just saying that there needs to be that fundamental [i]accountability[/i]. If the USA were truly accountable to the International community, I would not have any worry at all. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. But having said that, the attack on September 11 was totally unjustified. I don't care how people spin it, or how they point to "American injustice" -- such an attack was not targeted at the US defence system...it was targetted directly at innocent civilians. And an attack on innocent civilians amounts to terrorism in my book. So, I guess my general point is that the world isn't perfect. The USA happens to be the only superpower left on Earth. And due to its immense cultural reach worldwide, many in the world (mostly in the Middle East) blame the USA for their problems. However, as a footnote, I think it's important to mention that [i]none[/i] of these terrorist organizations seem to blame their own national Governments. They never seem to blame their circumstances on their own corruption and religious fundamentalism. The Middle East [i]does[/i] have the power and the opportunity to drag itself out of a culture of terrorism and dictatorship...and I believe that doing so would be a whole lot more productive than simply blaming the USA for every one of their problems. (Note: I understand that it isn't easy for people to do what I just said [the people from Iraq would find it very hard to get rid of Saddam Hussein on their own], but I do feel that if they embraced the International community more...and worked with countries like the USA, they could help to end a lot of the problems that they blame the USA for in the first place).[/color]

[color=royalblue]To be honest, I don't think that they are practising good parenting. Who cares if some aren't virgins, or if they don't believe in god? I mean, if that is a problem...then they need to get a [i]real[/i] problem. lol The grass thing I can somewhat understand...they don't want you to be exposed to drugs. That's totally understandable. But banning kids from friends is the first way to get them to fall exactly into the wrong position. The tighter the restrictions are, the more the child wants to rebel against their parents. So in this case...I frankly think they are wrong, based on what you have said. Having said that, I don't know all the details...so it's impossible to say once and for all who is right and who is wrong.[/color]