James

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by roxieortatiana [/i] [B][color=indigo] The one puzzling mystery that will never be understood by me, is why men have, in ancient time(and modern, as well), been considered more important than women, when women are the ones who are producing all life, including males. Grrrrrrrr.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]That's interesting... In actual fact, [i]all[/i] human babies start out female. They simply require a certain chromosome at the right developmental stage to make them male. Therefore, males are [i]technically[/i] an offshoot of the female gender. Given that females also have longer life expectancy and are often more physically tolerable of disease...I think it's pretty easy to see that for the human race at least, females are actually the core gender (so males are actually a product of females and not the other way around...which kind of contradicts the Adam and Eve mythology). I find it funny that even though the female gender is the core of human existence...men have always dominated. Hopefully in the future, things will be a lot more equal (though things are certainly improving at the moment, anyway).[/color]

[color=royalblue]This is why I like the concept in Silent Hill 3 -- a woman who is on her way home from shopping...and as she passes through the train station, things start to go all dark and weird. Of course, it seems completely random...and for the character, there is an immense sense of confusion and unfamiliarity... And really, that is a great way to set up a frightening scenario. One of the aspects that makes Silent Hill so scary is the disorientation that the character (and thus, the player) experiences. By continually confusing and disorienting the player, Konami is able to achieve a more scary effect. I think Resident Evil needs to inject a little more of this concept, to create a more chilling atmosphere.[/color]

[color=royalblue]I don't think there is [i]anyone[/i] on OtakuBoards who isn't aware of ShineGet.com -- O3 Online's newest entertainment site. We won't be releasing any specific details about this site for a while yet, but we are still happy to build an early awareness. I'm still in the process of making banners for people (I've been too busy to get 'em done really quick...but rest assured, they're coming)...and now, I thought I'd put together a simple wallpaper for those who are interested... [URL=http://www.itsmysite.com/shineget/images/Wallpaper1.jpg][IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/shineget/images/Wallpaper1_thumb.jpg[/IMG][/URL] That is just a thumb of the bigger wallpaper. It's simple, yet effective. ;) A special thanks goes out to Semjaza Azazel, for making the sun icon (also used as the health icon in Super Mario Sunshine). He made it from scratch...and he will be working with me on ShineGet.com. Just another way for people to enjoy ShineGet before it actually launches. I hope you guys like it. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Um, we [i]have[/i] had hair topics I believe... And they are very rarely worthy of much discussion. I don't think that talking about the length or maintenance of hair is really very worthwhile...lol [/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by \¤~NoodleZ~¤/ [/i] [B][size=1] The worst word in the world!!!!:bawl: I went to church with my mom this morning and she started crying for some reason. I didn't know what was wrong but I tried to comfort her as good as I could. Then I got home and she told me and my sisters. I have been crying all afternoon and I can't stop. But I am sorta glad. I always hated my dad. :mad: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: I am glad that I have everyone here to talk to me and I am glad that I got this off of my back....:bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: [/size] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]That's really tough...I hope things work out for you and your mother. If anything, I think it's great that you can come to OB for some support and advice. I'm really happy about that. It sounds like you and your mother may actually be happier with the divorce (as you seem to indicate in your post)...so I really wish you luck and I hope that things are okay for you in future. :)[/color]

[i]Luca, Rasanak and Ami made their way around the side of the Arena, toward the players' entrance. They could see two Hume guards standing at the entrance, holding titanium phaser guns at the ready. The trio crouched down behind some bushes near the players' entrance, to consider their plans.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] So how are we going to get to the locker room? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Amadrienia_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Ami:[/b] I have some elemental magic abilities...I can take that pair out from here, before they even raise the alarm. [i]Luca shook his head.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] No, we can't do that...someone might see their bodies. And I don't want to kill them... [i]Rasanak tapped Luca on the shoulder.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Umm...why don't you just use your staff to stun 'em? It has lightning abilities, doesn't it? [i]Luca nodded and held up his staff, setting it to lightning mode.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Okay, Ami and I will distract them, while you come in from behind and stun them...okay? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Alright. Let's do it! [i]Rasanak and Ami both unsheathed their weapons (Rasanak's spear and Ami's twin blades) and approached the two guards.[/i] [b]Guard 1:[/b] Hey!! You there! What are you doing back here?! [i]The guard charged his titanium phaser to "stun". Rasanak held up his spear.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] We thought we could sneak into the game, of course! What are ya gonna do about it?! [i]The two guards looked at each other and aimed their phasers.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] C'mon! Go for it! [i]The two guards began firing their phasers in Ami and Rasanak's direction. Rasanak swung his spear around in the air with surprising grace, deflecting the various laser beams with relative ease. The second guard was firing on Ami, but she was too quick for him. She was backflipping and diving sideways, avoiding the laser beams -- and occasionally lifting her daggers to deflect the fire. The second guard began walking toward Ami, firing over and over again. But she didn't give any ground -- as the laser fire struck the ground near her feet, she summersaulted forward and through one of her daggers toward the guard; the blade of the dagger became lodged in the barrel of the guard's phaser. He fired again, but this time nothing came out of the phaser. Instead, the phaser blew back on itself...the resulting mini-explosion sent the guard spiralling backwards toward the ground. Meanwhile, Rasanak was still deflecting the first guard's fire. The first guard seemed a little more skilled -- as Rasanak attempted to strike him with his spear, the guard skillfully dodged the attacks. Rasanak was getting more frustrated and suddenly, he lunged at the guard with his spear. The guard grabbed the spear and pulled it out of Rasanak's hands, sending him sprawling forwards onto the ground, face first. He held the phaser over Rasanak's head. But just before he could fire, a burst of white light erupted from behind him, sending millions of tiny lightning bolts all over his body. His entire body shuddered for a moment and then he fell backwards onto the ground, dropping his phaser as he did so. Luca was standing behind him, his staff glowing softly from the charge. Luca walked over and helped Rasanak up. Ami had been able to dislodge her dagger from the second guard's phaser and was now standing next to Luca and Rasanak.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Amadrienia_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Ami:[/b] I don't know if the other guard is dead...but he sure doesn't look good. [i]Luca nodded.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] I'm sorry, Ami. I should have known that saving the Chancellor would not be an easy task. And we haven't even entered the Arena yet! I know you probably didn't plan to be fighting with Hume security guards... [i]Ami smiled and sheathed her daggers.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Amadrienia_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Ami:[/b] Hey, I said I'd help you guys, didn't I? I'm not the kind of person to go back on a promise. I know this will be hard...but I want to help you. I believe that you are doing the right thing. :) [i]Luca and Rasanak both smiled. Ami seemed genuine to them. Neither of them had ever really known an elf -- even in school as kids, they'd never seen elves. They guessed, on retrospect, that elven parents didn't want their children to be corrupted in the Hume educational system...especially since magic was outlawed. Luca knew that Ami must have been courageous. She was clearly a magic user, even though she hadn't used any magic to defeat the security guard. Magic was a very dangerous thing in Verdun, especially if you were caught using it. Even the use of one spell could ensure that Ami would spend a decade of her life inside Solace Prison. Despite these concerns, Luca knew that Ami's arrival was a perfect stroke of luck. Without her airship, they would probably never be able to escape the island. Afterall, they knew they were protecting the Chancellor -- but to outside observers, it would look like a kidnapping. Luca hadn't thought of things this way before, but he knew that it was a risk. And if he was seen to be a kidnapper, the authorities would be on the island within the blink of an eye...and he and Rasanak would be spending the rest of their natural lives in Solace Prison. Luca didn't know where they could go, once they lift off (assuming that they could be successful in rescuing the Chancellor). But he thought the best place to go was probably a quiet, out of the way place...perhaps a town in Almaran would be suitable as a makeshift hideout, whilst things cool down. Rasanak gestured toward the players' entrance of the Arena. It was time to go and get the Chancellor...[/i]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by sirven_2002 [/i] [B]Hey, James. in your opinion, do you think that any final fantasy will ever go shareware? just wondering. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Not a chance, I'm afraid. It's just too big of a franchise to ever go shareware. Even if Square stop producing games, it is very unlikely that it will ever become a shareware game. Shareware is becoming increasingly rare these days. I can't think of even one console game that is shareware -- the console industry tends not to work in that way. So, even in general terms...it's unlikely that you'll find a shareware console game. For those who want to play old Final Fantasy games, there are plenty of options -- you can either buy a second hand version of the original game, or you can buy one of the newer PSX remakes (which are still in circulation). :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Voodookanaka [/i] [B]really? I wonder y they put it on there websites then, ok i believe you no, but the chances of someone coming round and catching me within 24 hours has got to be soooo low it might as well be legal... o_O besides, on another note, they've stopped selling the early ff, so they must have become freeware, and i do know that its then not illgal ... :D [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]They put it on their websites to somehow legitimize their illegal activity. It's like saying "it's okay to buy a pirate CD if you have the original copy". When actually, it's illegal to buy the pirate CD, irrespective of whether you own the original or not. Furthermore, [i]no[/i] Final Fantasy games have become freeware. Squaresoft is still releasing these games in the form of remakes...so the point is moot. They are still releasing these games and thus, they are still in circulation -- and not freeware. Even old games that aren't in production are not necessarily freeware. Some companies defend their intellectual property very aggressively; if you are hosting old Nintendo ROMs for example (games that are out of public circulation), Nintendo can still sue you and press criminal charges. So, ROMs in any form are illegal (unless you are talking about shareware or something of that nature). The reason I make such a point about this, is because theOtaku.com has always had a history of fairly good relationships with gaming publishers. We've often had games sent to us for review when we used to have gaming sites running. And so, for us to push something illegal (or to allow it), would directly contradict that relationship with the industry. Granted, we no longer review video games. But we do have contact with anime companies and as such, we need to be very aware of issues of piracy and other illegal practices involving intellectual property. Phew...longwinded...but it might help some others on the boards to better understand our view on piracy and why we place importance on protecting against it. :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Voodookanaka [/i] [B]np, and ill delete em with in 24 hours anyways so there not illegal :D [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Heh, that's a complete misnoma. ;) Downloading such ROMs is illegal in itself, regardless of how long you keep 'em. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Well, the multi-player feature should add a lot of lastability to this game. The dungeons are specifically designed for mulitple players (an example would be where each person has to stand on a button to make a drawbridge extend over a gap; and then the players have to get over the bridge as quickly as possible, to find treasure on the other side). The demo at E3 floored many people -- it was very popular. And I'm certain that this will be a very valuable addition to the game -- much moreso than the SMB multi-player additions to Super Mario Advance, for example.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Voodoo, I'd appreciate it if you removed references to ROMs in your signature. Please remember that ROMs are illegal and are strictly against the rules here at OtakuBoards. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]I'm a huge Pikachu fan... So I'd probably do something along those lines. I don't really like Raichu though... So I'd probably do Pikachu with a different colour (maybe blue, white or black) with a pattern on his stomach or something *shrug* [/color]

[color=royalblue]Yep, you can give the "secondary" character (the one not directly under your immediate control) some commands, which dictate their actions. I think this is very useful; you can use your secondary character to form strategies for different situations. This aspect potentially adds a lot more thought and depth to the gameplay experience.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Final Fantasy XI will arrive on PS2 sometime next year. And it won't be arriving on GameCube at all; there has been absolutely [i]no[/i] confirmation or discussion about this game actually appearing on GameCube. There is a FF game destined for GCN, but it will apparently be a GBA/GCN link-up type game.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sensei-San [/i] [B] Duely noted, it is unfair to judge the soundtrack in that manner. It mainly depends on the atmosphere you are playing in. Resident Evil had a very scary soundtrack, and scary did suit that particular game, as it does with the others. However, Resident Evil 2 was more on the tragic side, seeing as the [i]whole city[/i] had become infested with the T-Virus, so RE2 worked better with tragic sounds in order to produce the "tragic effect". [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Well, what is the Resident Evil series about? It is, at heart, a horror series. And thus, the music needs to reflect the horrific theme of the game. Of course, Resident Evil is also about hopelessness and tragedy; these two elements are very important. Having said that, I felt that the music in the original achieved more than the music in sequels. I personally had more of an emotional response to RE's music. And while music is important for creating atmosphere (or [i]enhancing[/i] atmosphere), I felt that Silent Hill 2's approach of being completely devoid of music was also very effective. The sound in SH2 was something else entirely...it achieved so much more than Resident Evil ever could, in terms of building a very specific atmosphere that felt very real and dangerous.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Mr. Mikami needs to take a leaf out of Konami's book. Whilst I find Resident Evil becoming increasingly tame, I am continually amazed at the level of fear that the Silent Hill series can generate. I found that while Resident Evil: Code Veronica looked gorgeous, it was quite a boring and lifeless game. I didn't really enjoy the story, I felt that the environments (while pretty) were fairly uninspired and sterile...and there was really nothing scary about the game whatsoever. Resident Evil: Nemesis was somewhat more scary for me, simply because the addition of Nemesis (and his unpredictability) added something new and exciting to the formula. I believe that Capcom need to go for a mixed approach. On the one hand, they need to keep focusing on the traditional "jump out and give you a heart attack" type scares...but moreover, they need to start injecting some freaky/horrific atmosphere and a deeper/more disturbing storyline. The original Resident Evil (and thus, the remake) was my favourite in the series. I felt that it was the scariest, to some extent. The main reason for that is because of the way the main character is essentially trapped in the mansion in the middle of nowhere - with no real way of escaping. It provides a claustrophobic atmosphere that, I believe, is highly beneficial to the game's overall feel. I also felt that the original RE's music was the best. Very moody and subtle...it was very good. Resident Evil 0 sounds like a worthy addition to the series, from what I've read thus far. The inclusion of new innovations (like the dual character system) seems to definitely be a step in the right direction, as was mentioned previously. I also hope that the controls are massively overhauled -- no more of this silly "rotate and run" rubbish, please...let's actually fully utilize the GameCube's fantastic controller to really create a better gaming experience. If Capcom can get a good storyline going...and have an improved control system, combined with a better atmosphere...then I'm definitely going to get right back into the series. As it stands, Code Veronica definitely left a sour taste in my mouth. And since then, I've found myself becoming much more drawn to Silent Hill 2 (and really looking forward to Silent Hill 3). I am also interested to hear about RE4. It has been said that RE4 will be a major change in the series...and thus, will represent the future of the Resident Evil series overall. I can't wait to see what RE4 adds to the formula.[/color]

[color=royalblue]For the OAW RPG...I'm considering ditching it. As much as I put a [i]lot[/i] of work into the Sign Up, I feel that most people aren't interested anymore. Granted, Char! and Harlequin have been posting along with me (and posting very well, too)...but consider how many people originally signed up (and how many actually got in). I'm thinking of starting another RPG in the future, but it's kind of difficult because I don't want to put in a lot of work, for fear that it will die very quickly. Of course, it could be that my RPGs just suck and nobody is interested lol. But if that were the case, why would people sign up? I think that if people sign up, they should at least [i]try[/i] to go through with it. *shrug* Anyway, that's my rambling for now...lol[/color]

[color=royalblue]Yes, unfortunately we've had server problems lately. Unfortunately, neither Adam nor myself can really do much about it at this time. We've only [i]just[/i] moved to this server with the launch of v5 in late April. However, we are currently looking at our options. We may need to move servers [i]again[/i] (which would mean that the boards would be down while the database is being moved). However, the problems should go away once that is done. I'm still talking to Adam about it to see what we can do. I apologize for any inconvenience -- believe me, it's frustrating for Adam and myself as well as the members. Also, I'd ask people [i]not[/i] to IM me when the boards are down. If they are down, I will be aware of it...and I will be doing whatever is possible to get them back up. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]72 countries and territories...it's probably the second biggest sporting event aside from the Olympics itself (in terms of the number of participants). They will be replaying the opening ceremony here tonight...so I'll definitely watch it. :)[/color]

[i]The enormous black Missile Carriers were positioned in perfect alignment on the southern beach of Vanar Island. For a moment, there was complete silence. But within moments, a small armoured vehicle made its way past the group, toward the ocean. It stopped just before the water. The vehicle's hull had few obvious markings. The vehicle itself was somewhat egg-shaped, with a series of lines curving their way around the sides of the exterior. Several lines on the left hand side of the vehicle began to widen, forming a defined curved shape on the hull. And suddenly, the curved shape folded outwards like a giant wing...and a man stepped out. He was an elf, not a Hume. He was wearing an attractive Hume/Elf styled suit. The two forward Missle Carriers opened up at the front, expelling several Verdun Troopers. They lined up infront of the mysterious man on the beach.[/i] [b]???:[/b] Welcome, gentlemen. You know why you are here... [i]The man raised his arm and gestured towards the ocean behind him.[/i] [b]???:[/b] ...to destroy the targets as they are laid out on your overhead display units. [i]The man paused. He didn't explain exactly [i]what[/i] the targets were. Nor did he explain [i]why[/i] they were being attacked; the troopers had a job to do and they weren't about to question orders. The troopers nodded and marched back to their respective Missle Carriers. The man on the beach turned to face the ocean. And slowly, he raised his arm into the air. Just as he did so, he dropped it again, signalling the commencement of attack. Massive clouds of smoke and steam billowed from the Missle Carriers on the beach. The smoke swirled over the sand and surrounded the mysterious man's feet. He didn't move, he merely smirked arrogantly. Even as the gigantic rockets began to launch behind him, one by one, with a series of thunderous roars, the man didn't move at all. The man crossed his arms behind his back and looked up into the sky, watching the skyscraper-sized metallic cylanders cut through the clouds, leaving trails of white smoke behind them...[/i]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by GinnyLyn [/i] [B]*nods* Thankies, James. :) I am greatly pleased that we could all be mature about this, everyone! :angel: [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Me too. I think we [i]can[/i] have these discussions here if everyone is civil and respectful. And to think that people scoff at the rules on OB...those rules are there to facilitate this kind of discussion. lol Anyway, I'm rambling...I think I need some coffee. o_O;;[/color]

[color=royalblue]That was an interesting post, Ginny. A good one too. :) Religion has positive and negative aspects. In regard to Panny's situation...I think she definitely has to be searching for a religion for the right reasons. I mean, not just to get back at anyone or just because she's frustrated with her current religion. Another idea is to just be agnostic. Granted, it takes some level of strength for that (in the sense that you don't really [i]belong[/i] to a specific religion, yet you still have a spiritual faith or whatever)...and you may find that you are comfortable with that. In my opinion, your religion is what you make it. You can be positive and use it as a way of furthering yourself as a human being; or you can be blind and ignorant. So, I guess I'm saying that as long as you have the right reasons/ideals in mind...then whatever you settle upon in the end is okay. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Let's just get back on topic if we still can...lol[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Hybrid [/i] [B] [size=1][color=indigo] >.< Yes Mr. James... >.< Umm, if I get banned, is it a permenant ban or what? I mean, I can't ask you on AIM because you blocked me... >: |[/size][/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]It will be a full IP ban. I've warned you time and time again about your rotten language on the boards and your disrespect towards others. So you will have to clean it up if you want to stay.[/color]

[color=royalblue]His lesbian dyke freaking wife Hillary? Hybrid, that is your last warning. You speak like that again on these boards and you're out.[/color]