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__THISRES__81653.jpg "Fly... by °Phill 1 month 1 week ago")
^nat
This wallpaper captures the urban essence that proliferated the art of Ghost in the Shell in every incarnation of the series. Phill does an amazing job of capturing a moment of surrealism.
While there are a few, stray building angles and shadows, you find that your eye forgives the minor details and instead focuses on the overall scene that is larger than life, with lights trailing off into infinity.
While there are a few, stray building angles and shadows, you find that your eye forgives the minor details and instead focuses on the overall scene that is larger than life, with lights trailing off into infinity.
ShoutBox
~kikyou93
12 minutes ago
N_n?
~GunHelix
16 minutes ago
DX
~kikyou93
24 minutes ago
XD
~ThreeNil78
25 minutes ago
...
~GunHelix
26 minutes ago
Low
~kikyou93
29 minutes ago
Hai!!
~GunHelix
33 minutes ago
Hai Hai Hai
~possessedheart
36 minutes ago
Hai hai =^______^=
~kikyou93
42 minutes ago
Hi people n_n
~Deerstalker
1 hour 50 minutes ago
Buh bye, have a great day too and best of luck with the show and report. =D
Atheism, a religion?
4 months 2 weeks ago
"This thread is more of about understanding Atheism, not saying what someone chooses to believe is wrong. I'm no Atheist, but I find that picture that you chose to post with that comment to be incredibly offensive since you're basically insulting what someone chooses to believe in.
Even if you're attempt isn't to, you've just come off as narrow-minded. I apologize if that's rude, but that's how it seems to me and I'm sure it'll be viewed as such by others as well.
Wait, what? Where are Earth are you gathering this from? This thread isn't trying to change what someone believes, but rather to enlighten others. The fact that you posted this proves you didn't even bother to read any of this thread. Considering the majority have only read the first post, you didn't even bother with that. This has been a very peaceful and well-mannered thread, for the most, to which no one has tried to change what anyone believes in. For future reference, I'd recommend reading a thread before you post.
I wanted to post to make a recommendation. At least read this thread before you post in it. Considering the majority of recent posts, no one has taken the time to really look at the discussion that occurred. This thread, personally, is about creating a mutual understanding of something. No one is right or wrong, but to enhance ones knowledge."
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Devil May Cry 4
4 months 2 weeks ago
"I second. Not as strongly, but I didn't care for Nero that much either. I got the impression that it was Capcom's attempt to change up the series. To be honest, Dante is the real big reason I have stuck with the series for as long as I did. I would of stopped playing after the second one if I didn't have my friend basically demanding I play the third and because they kept Dante and added Virgil. I can't agree enough that I found it to be rather disrespectful that Dante was simply added to lengthen the gameplay. At least that's the understanding I seem to get.
There are series that have been able to breathe life into themselves after some terrible games. I'm not saying that DMC 4 is outright terrible, but I just don't think the series is really doing much to progress forward. Capcom has had this issue before, just look at Street Fighter and Resident Evil. How many renditions of a game do we need before the series progresses? Sure, both series are fantastic, but there was no real progression until SF started doing Alpha and Resident Evil came out with the remade gamecube version and RE : 4.
The strongest feeling I get from DMC 4 is that it wasn't sure what it wanted to do. Honestly, I really wanted to find something to justify buying the game, but I couldn't find enough from the demo I played to even warrant the purchase of the game at 50 bucks. The game seems to play it safe, while I felt DMC 2 and DMC 3 tried to do things a bit differently than the first. Granted, the first game was absolutely incredible and honestly I'm not sure if we'll see a DMC that can top it, but it never hurts to try, does it? I still will end up picking up this game, it'll just be when it's cheaper. "
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Devil May Cry 4
4 months 2 weeks ago
"False.
The PS3 installs the game so that it runs faster, but it still has loads. There is about a 20-30 minute period that it takes to install the game, though."
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Devil May Cry 4
4 months 2 weeks ago
"Unless you plan on playing it with a controller, I'd highly recommend not getting it for the PC. I had the displeasure of playing DMC 3 SE and that game handled horribly. The only thing that made it better was using a controller via USB. There are certain games that shouldn't be made for certain systems and DMC is one that should not be made for the PC.
Well, considering how many people love the game, I'm gonna go with Spudsy. It's time to break up some of the fanatic praise this game is getting.
Don't get me wrong, I loved DMC. I even liked the poor second game and the surfer Dante in DMC 3. I just couldn't dig the game. I only played the demo, but it was enough for me to say no. For some reason, Capcom refuses to make the DMC series progress. Maybe it's because the series keeps changing hands in their internal studios, or maybe it's something else. Nero is basically Dante only with the Demon Arm, so I'd hardly call that a change. Combat still feels the same as it did in the third one, only re-vamped a bit more. Of course, they've been doing this since the first installment. At the end of the day, though, this is still the same ass-kickery we've all seen since the first DMC. I was pleased to see some progress with each installment, but I was hoping they'd go a bit more above and beyond with the fourth. Graphics are pretty sharp too and definitely give it the next gen look. Still, even with all these nice things, the game grew old for me. Couped in with what I've played and read, I have no desire to spend 60 bucks on this game, much less the outrageous 80 for the absurd collector's edition which offers dick.
This is a game I'd pick up if it dropped to 20-35. Anything above that is far too expensive for me, considering this game does not justify the high price tag. Honestly, it makes me rather sad to say that, considering I was quite excited for this game as well. Though, with such popularity, there can only be hope that the fifth one will breath life into this series.
Where do you live? In the States, PS3 and 360 games are both the same price. "
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Xbox 360 Versions
4 months 2 weeks ago
"Spudsy pretty much said it all. With the most recent version, they fixed the big problem that they were having. Obviously, keeping the system in an enclosed space is going to cause it to have overheating issues.Actually, Sony is starting to cut costs as well. The 60 gb PS3 was hardware backwards compatible while the 80 is software. What does this mean? Less backwards compatibility for us. Considering that they keep releasing so many different models as well and each seems to be a bit cheaper than the other, I'm not too sure about them either. I will agree that Microsoft screwed up big time releasing such a faulty product, but they are working towards a solution and have a more reliable product out now.
Though, this is about the 360. I don't think they are going to be doing any additional types, but you never know."
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Geneon and anime clubs
4 months 3 weeks ago
"I've heard Funimation is doing something. As to what the exact rules behind it are, I'm not familiar. I read up on it awhile back, but I'm not too sure if they are still doing something like that, so who knows. It was still around when Geneon was, so it could be gone."View
What makes a horror game a good game?
4 months 3 weeks ago
"To each his/her own. I personally felt that the game offered enough things to where I'd consider it to be part horror. This is mostly based off of the mutation, environment as well as considering the game chose to use the night time setting for the majority of the game, which the second one did as well. I remember when I played the game when it first came out, thing freaked me out with some of the things that happened. I'm glad to hear that there is another fan of the game nonetheless =D.
I thought I'd bring up something a bit interesting to the topic. I recently placed Fatal Frame 3 and I must say that the game was a huge disappointment. The game was actually the least scary out of the three in the series and also seemed to offer much less. I thought the first two were simply outstanding, but the third one just seemed to be more of 'meh' when it came to the horror department. I also noticed a similar trend with Silent Hill, but that started roughly around the 4th one.
My question to everyone is, while still being on topic of course, is what do you think horror games should do when they start to get stale after awhile? This can be towards anything in general. I just happened to say two games series that I felt were starting to lose their touch."
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Half Life 2...Episode 3?
4 months 3 weeks ago
"Ultra-pumped.I still need to finish Episode 1, but considering the greatness that is Half-Life I really can't wait. I only hope that Valve won't do what they did with the Orange Box. Granted, I love Portal and TF2, I really didn't want Ep 1 and HL-2 again. Let's hope they go for individual packaging!"
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Burst Angel / Bakuretsu Tenshi
4 months 3 weeks ago
"I had just bought the series and I cannot thank you enough. This saves me a great deal of time and suffering as well. I saw a few fan subs awhile back, but never got to see any more than it, so I didn't know if the series got better as it progressed or not. I bought it for incredibly cheap (4.50 per dvd, complete dvds) but even now I feel as if I was ripped off. Thankfully, I can still return it! Thanks, Spudsy!"View
Crisis Core
4 months 3 weeks ago
"I actually put up a metacritics quote eariler with a similar statement =P.
However, let's try to focus on the game itself, rather than attacks. I know no harm is ment, but we are getting a bit off topic and after all, this thread is about discussing Crisis Core.
Waaah? If you've played Kingdom Hearts, you can play this game. The gameplay is actually one of the things I really liked about CC. It was fast, controls felt rather responsive and aside from a sometimes clunky camera, it rocked my world. I suppose to each his/her own though, so I can understand that =D.
Glad to hear it. I haven't had much time to make any progression with the game, so it's really nice to see that through and through, it's a solid experience. I'm hoping to get some free time next week to possibly beat the game."
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Anime disapointments
4 months 3 weeks ago
"You are talking about a great deal of anime. Pretty much almost all of the anime that's released in Japan gets liscensed over in the states. Very few series don't make their way to the US. So, do you hate the series before it comes to the states, or after? I'm sorry to ask, but I am a bit curious.
Oh shi-! Only reason I didn't start buying Fate/Stay Night was because I never saw the final volume released. I know they had it on their website, but they also had the rest of Higurashi on there either and I guess they weren't for sale. Well, I know now at least.
As for Higurashi, I heard the same thing, but I figured Geneon took that to their grave when they didn't bother releasing the rest of the series, which disappointed me greatly =/. It wouldn't make any sense to just leave it as is, since it's just wasted money on their part then.
Yeah man! I haven't been to the recent anime club, but yeah. Anime club back in the day was great. I didn't attend that much, but what little I went to was so much fun. No one complained and everyone had fun. Best time ever.
"
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Wild Arms XF
4 months 4 weeks ago
"Well, it's completely different in terms of Wild Arms games. Since it decided to take it's hand in the tactical category. As for the game itself, it's not bad, but it doesn't function nearly as well as other tactical games do. IMO, at the price it's at, I wouldn't say it'd be worth the purchase.Of course that's my opinion. If you are a big tactical and Wild Arms fan, then by all means, I'd highly recommend it. Of course, I'd recommend searching around for a reviews before you do so."
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Kanokon's Protagonist; Love or Hate?
5 months 21 hours ago
"Loathe.The only way I see it work is for the possession. Considering he already looks very childish, it fits but it sure doesn't make it acceptable. I don't understand why more and more anime series seem to go for the little boy/girl look for people who are in high school. It also seems that anime series also like to make the male leads spineless wimps who can't even stand up for themselves. I watched one episode of the anime and that was enough to last me for the rest of my life. What bothers me even more is the girls seem to just eat guys like that up. What in the hell!"
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Anime disapointments
5 months 1 day ago
"Unfortunately, we'll never see or at least won't see anything finishing up for Higurashi and F/SN for awhile, since Geneon had the reigns of those and decided to let the English dub die when they did. As for Gurren, I'm not too sure what ADV has going on with that, but something seems to be going on as to why they can't release it. So, the only official thing I know of is Lucky Star. One thing that has certainly gained my attention over the past two years is the fact that Funimation has now taken ADV's spot as shelling out the most anime. I bet anyone to go to their local anime store and check out the most current anime, most likely half of it is going to be from Funimation. It's not bad, but so long as they don't get mediocre for the majority (ADV, I'm looking at you) of their production, then I'm fine with it. I am still rather happy that ADV was bringing so much anime over to the States during the late 90s- early 2000s. They brought over quite a large bit of variety and to that I thank them.
As for my opinion, I pretty much agree with nychi002 as where I don't put the blame on the US market. After all, the companies are only bringing over the anime series. It is greatly disappointing how everything is shifting over towards fan service and harem. Granted, I don't mind this (Golden Boy and Tenchi Muyo are two of my all time favorite anime series) but considering the excess amount of mediocrity they've been shoveling out, I don't know. The characters are usually unlikable. The story, if there even is one, is usually very lackluster or a copy pasta of some other more successful anime but not done nearly as well. It's been difficult to find a decent, new series to pick up lately. I still buy a decent amount of anime, but there's just one catch, it's older anime. Mainly series I either watched at the local college anime club, or borrowed from friends and I really liked it. I've tried watching some of the recent stuff, like Kanokon and Rosario + Vampire and I can barely get myself to watch them. It just seems like studios, even Gonzo, just aren't trying anymore. Or at least this is what I've observed from the past few years. Thankfully, not all hope is lost. There are still some great series coming out and that have been released, it's just that you'll have to waddle through the crap to find them. I can only hope that, as Spudsy said, it'll fade out.
One thing I personally am sick of is big series like Bleach and Naruto. Now, this isn't ment as an attack to anyone that is a fan of either series. Honestly, both of these shows are actually rather decent, but they are way too long. Seriously, is it about milking it for everything it's worth, or what? Shows like Shana and Zero no Tsukaima seem to be following similar paths, with both shows getting third seasons. This is something I wish Bleach and Naruto would do as oppose to be filler mania and horribly lenghty fight scenes drug out ala DBZ style. At least then they could let the manga get decently ahead so they weren't nipping at the heels of it. Probably one of the big reasons why I'm a fan of series who chose to start after the manga is finished. If more companies chose to do this, then maybe we'd get less shows that breach the 150+ episode mark, which is absolutely absurd.
Too bad you don't live where I do and attended the local anime club roughly five years ago. People there had a good taste for high quality anime and could appreciate it, as well as joke around with it. Everyone I know has a great taste for many different varieties of anime.
I wanted to apologize in case I offended anyone. Sorry in advance."
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Online Professional Disc Cleaners...CD-ROMs, DVD-ROM,etc.
5 months 4 days ago
"Well, I work for a company that uses a professional buffer. The machine itself is about the size of a computer tower and costs a few grand, but the thing works like a dream. So long as the scratches aren't too deep or there isn't top side damage, it'll pretty much get it out.This is the company that made the buffer that I work with. I haven't browsed their site, in fact I only just went to it to check if I got their address right, so I'm not sure if they make a cheaper home model. I'm sure they've got something that might cater to your needs.
Honestly, I'd recommend going that route rather than home remedies. Trust me, I've tried close to everything there is out there and nothing works as well as a professional buffer and is much safer with less chance of ruining your discs. If at all possible, though, stay away from Disc Doctor or Skip Doctor or whatever it's call. Thing rarely works and has actually ruined a few of my games/cds."
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Final Fantasy XII
5 months 5 days ago
"Deerstalker : Thanks =D.MMO's aren't really that bad, but in my opinion I stop caring when I start having to pay monthly. I've never been a big fan of monthly payments, which is a big reason I won't ever sign up for Xbox Live or pick up a full version of WoW. MMO's, in all respect, can be quite fun. Though, the big issue is the grinding and how most of them focus on you getting friends and forming a party. I'd definitely recommend checking a few out sometime if you get the chance, though. As for the battle system, I didn't actually mind it too much. It was rather different, granted and some of the functions didn't work that well, but it was still a big breath of fresh air for the genre.
Well, when I re-bought it, it was for a rather cheap price so I don't feel too stupid about doing it. I guess each time I felt I disliked the game because I wasn't giving it a fair chance.
I never got to say this, but I loved him too. He was my big reason for playing the game. I found him to be by far the best character from what I played. I also really liked his English VA =D. I will admit, I was a bit harsh on the story aspect. The story itself isn't bad, but it just wasn't very interesting for me.
I'd touch upon FF X-2 even more so, but I'd be going far too off topic, but I can say I felt close to the same that you did about it.
I do agree, though, that the game was absolutely lush for a PS2 title. It really showed what someone can do with the system. That was one of the big reasons I kept re-buying it as well was because I absolutely loved how vibrant the world was. Alas, since Mr. Uematsu left Square, the music just haven't been the same.
Sorry for the late response =S"
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Final Fantasy XII
5 months 5 days ago
"I've tried.I've tried many times to get into FFXII. To really like it.
I want to, I really do. Yet each time I play the game, I find something that disgusts me and I just can't push forward. Maybe it's because Vaan is one of the most unlikable and probably worst dressed characters in the history of gaming, maybe it's because Square Enix decided that it was a good idea to mix real time MMO style battles with elements of turn based. Maybe it's because the story bored me to tears.
I've sold this game and re-bought it three times so far, each time because I felt I wasn't giving it a proper chance. Each time I've ended up putting it down with close to a few hours into the game and found something new to dislike about it.
I won't deny it, there are some redeeming features in FFXII, but not nearly enough to really keep me involved in the game. I didn't care much for X-2 and considering they tried to put their hand in the big pool known as the MMO bugged me as well, but this, ugh."
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Crisis Core
5 months 6 days ago
"I do agree, whole-heartily, about spin offs. I love and believe me I can't stress it enough, originality. Yes, maybe it is because Final Fantasy 7 is the game that got me really into RPG's, or maybe it's because my standards of gaming have been lowered over the years due to the sheer mediocrity of so many games, but I really enjoyed Crisis Core.I didn't mean to be a jerk either, Deerstalker. It's just that for pretty much all of my work experience, I've worked retail in video game stores. The biggest pet peeve I've developed since then is bashing a game without playing it. I can understand if it's something like Drake and the 99 Dragons, or Aquaman to where the suck emanates from simple screenshots. Every game has it's quirks, but simply bashing a game because you hate the direction the company is taking or what it's doing with the franchise is just..not right. I can understand why, since I haven't been happy with the games Square Enix has done lately (I think a part of me died when I watch the Star Ocean 4 teaser and I've been obessed with that series). Nonetheless, I really like Crisis Core. Of course, it's still in my opinion, but I can say that based off of the fact that I have sat down with the game and played it for a relatively decent amount of time. I can respect the fact that you hate anything to do with FF7 since the original, but I don't respect bashing the game solely on that fact without even sitting down to play it. That's the main reason I got after you too, Spudsy. "
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Thoughts on Mnemosyne
5 months 1 week ago
"Well, one thing is definitely for sure and that this is a very mature anime.Not just because of the violence and nudity, but the things they deal with as well. I'm absolutely loving the series right now. It's nice to see a studio try something a bit different and even it it means it's going to only be six episodes, it's still wonderful.
So far, I've been very impressed with the animation as well, which is by far some of the best I've seen from Xebec. The voice actors also do a top knotch job and I also like the choice of time period for the story as well. What really has me involved with the anime, though, is the story. The show is incredibly interesting and has some very unique story elements.
I put off watching the first episode until the second one came out and I'm glad that I did. The show is very addicted and I watched both episodes back to back. I'm going to be following this one fully through. It's nice to see something that is a bit different and adult orientated out there as well, since it seems like so much of the anime I watch these days rarely strives for that, so it's nice to get a bit of a break."
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Crisis Core
5 months 1 week ago
"Deerstalker, I understand your frustration and hated of game companies milking series. It's pretty much the same way I feel about The Sims and most of the Street Fighter stuff (though, I am a fan of both of those games as well). I get the point of what you're saying, but honestly you sound like you are just hating on Crisis Core solely because of the fact that you feel it's being milked. If you want to talk about a series being milked, then let's take a look at The Sims. Considering The Sims has released numerous minor expansions that really only add small amounts of content to the game and then do different bundles with each release, yes, then you can classify something as being 'milked'.Now, what boggles my mind is you decide to bring in Kingdom Hearts, which doesn't have anything to do with what is being discussed. Look, if you don't like the game, that's fine, but I'd like to see a bit more substance to your statement rather than blindly throwing insults simply because it's a spin off. Big whoop, look at how many companies are now doing trilogies and what not. Honestly, I'm not a fan of it, but considering that the majority of it has been good, quality games, who am I to complain? I'm not saying don't say it's bad, but don't say it's bad when you have nothing to support your claim. Keep in mind that I say this not as a FF 7 fan, but as a fellow gamer.
As for Spudsy, I'm starting to question you. This is the second time I've seen you attack people in a thread for relatively no reason and contributed absolutely nothing to the discussion. Only question I have to ask is..why?
Onto the topic! After putting in roughly 5 hours of Crisis Core I can officially say this.
Hi, I'm Crimson Cyanide and I'm a Crisis Core addict.
I absolutely love the game. Though, I've noticed the game borrows some elements from Kingdom Hearts, such as the way the battle system works and the in game graphics strike a similarity to KH as well. Even with this, the game is absolutely stunning. I've gotten the chance to play the God of War rendition for the PSP and I must say that Crisis Core even beats that out in terms of graphics. Considering all the optional mission content they add, it's a fun little extra to take away from the story line. One thing I'm not liking about it at the moment is the fact that you can't skip cut scenes. You can pause during, which isn't bad, but you can't skip. Despite it all, I've really enjoyed the game. Alas, I wish Square Enix will start giving the option for Japanese vocals along with the English, but I doubt that will ever happen. Nonetheless, the voices aren't really terrible, what with Zach being the only one that has really somewhat annoyed me so far. All in all, it goes back to what I stated before, this game is definitely for the fans. Granted, it'll grab the attention of new-comers, but it'll be difficult for them to fully appreciate the game without having the knowledge of the original under their belt. Doesn't help that most copies of FF7 are going for around 70 bucks online too, so it makes it difficult to get the full story without spending a good chunk of cash. Still, it is a solid title and something that the PSP definitely needed."
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Crisis Core
5 months 1 week ago
"Gah, you caught on! We were hoping to get enough people to buy the game so that Square Enix would start doing more FF 7 prequel/sequel spin offs! Drat!
On a serious note though, why shouldn't we be? The game is actually good. Considering the fact that Final Fantasy 7 is Square's most popular title and it's been around for ten years, I'm actually surprised they haven't been more active with the title than they actually have. Also, keep in mind that they've only released two other games (that is if you count the Japan only cellphone game) and the only mediocre spin off they've done was Dirge of Cerberus, I think more credit should be given.
According to what metacritics has for an average, I'd say the game is really hitting it off with the critics as well. What with X-play giving the only poor review. I'm actually curious if you even played Crisis Core."
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should freinds quarel a little
5 months 1 week ago
"It's a given.People always have differences, so of course even the best of friends will find differences. I've got a friend that I have been friends with for about fifteen years now and we still quarrel or argue. Be it either we don't see eye to eye on something, or we just have strong differences about something. Honestly, I think it's healthy to, not all the time of course. I'd be more worried if friends didn't bicker every now and then. So long as it's not like a huge fight or something, then I'd say it's pretty natural."
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