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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.
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The World Ends With You
4 months 3 weeks ago
"I picked it up the other day, and though I haven't played it very much (I've been sick, and a little busy with work and graduation what nots), but it's pretty fun. I'm only on the second day, so I haven't figured out much yet.It looks promising so far, and someone who I think has good taste in games recommended it to me. So far, she's been right.
I'll post more of what I think about it when I've gotten further into the game."
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OKami for the Wii:
4 months 3 weeks ago
"I actually don't have a Wii. It's not really my kind of console, so I probably won't get one. But I have friends who have them and love them. After playing the PS2 version, I thought the Wii version would have been really great. I mean, you have an actual "celestial brush" because of the wiimote, but I haven't heard anything really good about the port. I do hope you'll get to play the game soon, because it's really worth it (at least for the PS2).
Anyway... I really don't think you should have to watch anything to figure out the controls of a game. That's just silly."
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Persona 3: FES
4 months 3 weeks ago
"I'm still working through the replay of the journey. I haven't had much time to devote to it, but it's still one of my favorite games. I've always really enjoyed the series, even though there's been little things I don't like about each game.I think Persona 3's downfall was that, really, there's only one dungeon. It doesn't matter that it has over 250 random floors, it's still the same dungeon, even with the extra dungeon added in. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was doing the same thing over and over again. Also, the squealing of the shadows if you were too high of a level really got on my nerves.
I'm not going to start up with The Answer until I finish where I am now, but I'm still enjoying playing it again. Personally, I'm looking forward to the re-release of SMT: Nocturne because I haven't been able to play that one yet."
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What makes a horror game a good game?
5 months 1 day ago
"I don't know about only one or two sequels. Take a look at Silent Hill and Fatal Frame. I've played each game in both series, and I love them. Sure, thanks to Fatal Frame, I'm too freaked out to sleep with the lights out and just leave them on, but it's a great horror game.Also, Silent Hill: Origins with headphones in the dark is amazing. They completely made that game work for the PSP console, and even told you to play it with the lights off and your headphones on for maximum impact. There's so much that you miss if you don't play it the way they say. Anyway, a horror game is no good without some serious mind f-ing, as it were."
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OKami for the Wii:
5 months 1 day ago
"The watermark thing is totally funny. I'll have to swing by gamestop on my break from work tomorrow and check it out.I had such high hopes for Okami for the Wii. I told one of my friends he absolutely had to play it, because I figured it would work great with the wiimote. Apparently it doesn't, and I hope he hasn't bought it. I don't know why they'd take the filter out that makes it look like a woodcut painting. That's one of the defining characteristics of the game. I felt like I was playing in a woodblock painting the entire time, and I thought the same feel would have been passed along on the Wii version."
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The Sega Dreamcast; was it worth buying?
5 months 2 weeks ago
"I never had one, but I have a friend with one. The only thing I ever played on it was Space Channel 5 (I don't know why I picked that one...), but it seemed like a good console overall."View
Patapon
5 months 2 weeks ago
"I wasn't sure about this game at first, but I'm hooked. Cute little patapons running around throwing spears and what not... and I love music, so it's pretty cool to be able to "direct" both the music and the battle at once. Even hunting is fun. It's just a great way to kill time. This is so much better than lumines (gag)."View
Crisis Core
5 months 3 weeks ago
"My next mission is to get all the scenes to play. You know, the scenes when you go into "overdrive mode" (I forget what it's actually called, but it's kind of useful, especially when you end up with double HP). I like the realtime aspect of the fighting, but some parts were annoying. The camera wasn't too bad, except I did get trapped in a corner by a few enemies in the final level. Basically, I had to fight blind because there was no way to change the view so it worked."
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Final Fantasy XII
5 months 3 weeks ago
"God, that part of the game was annoying. I really wanted to beat Vaan with something, but it was part of the game that just had to be done to advance the storyline. *sigh* I turned the volume waaaaaaaaaaay down so I wouldn't have to hear Vaan yelling all over the place."
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Crisis Core
6 months 2 days ago
"I got a PSP to play it. But if you get one of the new ones (rather than an older refurbished one), don't forget to buy a memory stick. They don't come with them anymore. :3 I'm just hoping there'll be something on it in the future so I don't have to admit to buying a console just to play one game. :xBut if you have a PS3, you can hook the new version of the PSP up to it and play it that way."
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 4 days ago
"Oh, that makes sense. I think I knew that. It's still sad for me, since I've bought every soundtrack since Final Fantasy 7, including the piano versions. Even my Mom listens to the soundtracks because she likes Nobuo Uematsu's music a lot.
And what is that supposed to mean? I've played it, and I can't get into the game. It's not the game for me. I don't like the alchemy. I don't like the characters. I only really liked Albel, and it was because he was running around calling people maggots all the time. When he stopped doing that, he wasn't as interesting of a character to me any more. Star Ocean 3 is just not my thing. Deal with it. I've fully explained my reasons for liking FF12. I haven't seen you fully explain one little thing, Mr. 'I've worked in the gaming industry for 10+ years but don't know what Famitsu is'. I'm still waiting for your explanation, buddy. You scream hypocrite and liar to me. :)
I think you still have a lot of explaining to do, if you head back a few pages. Until you explain every single discrepancy in what you've said, I'm afraid your opinion doesn't matter.
"
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"I thought the battle system was one of the most redeeming features of the game. I'd never played an MMO before because my computer wasn't good enough. Now it is, and I might invest in FFXI. I want to try out a couple free MMOs first and see how I like them.
Okay, if you have to do that, then you're done with the game. I bought it once. I wouldn't buy it again. But it sounds like you're doing what I did with Star Ocean 3. I really want to like the game, but I just can't get into it.
There are better characters than the main ones in the story. I've said more than once that Balthier is my favorite. I might have liked it more if he was the main character, and not Vaan. I'm kind of iffy with the plot. There are things I like and things I don't. But every game is like that. And, well, X-2 was just stupid in a lot of parts. I felt like I was replaying FFX. I really didn't want to do that, and Yuna is so wishy washy all the time.
I've played FF12 a few times over, and I've enjoyed it each time. Not as much as I've enjoyed some other games, and I can only play it a few hours at a time before I have to go do something else. There's not really much replay value in the game, because I've found that I don't really enjoy playing it again. :/
Nevertheless, I thought the game itself was absolutely gorgeous (with the exception of a few fashionably challenged characters), and there was life everywhere (even if it was undead life). I liked that there was no sappy romantic plot anywhere to be seen. Sadly, one of the things I really remember about a lot of the other FF games is the music. I don't know what happened with 12, but the music doesn't even stick out in my mind. And for as much as I pay attention to music, that's a really sad thing."
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"It only counts as proof if the attempt is successful. Given that the majority of people are disgusted by Vaan's appearance, I don't think it worked."
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Crisis Core
6 months 5 days ago
"Still playing it. Every time I think it's going to end, it doesn't. I'm currently running around the Shinra Mansion in Nibelheim. I figure there's some overlap between Crisis Core and FF VII. That's the only way all of this could be happening now when it also happened in FF VII. Of course, I haven't played FF VII in a while, so I might be fuzzy with minor details. I've got too many games running around in my head.View
Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"Um, yes, let me put it on the record that Vaan's abs scare me and please, someone teach Square Enix the value of shirts. I thought Balthier was awesome. Best dressed of the game, definitely.And, I mean, I know I don't come off as "girly", but come on now. Klavier Gavin (the guy in the avatar) isn't the most masculine character either. ^^; That's a little off the topic too. Ahem. And if you find out any more, Deerstalker, I may have to kill you. Or friend you. I haven't decided.
Now now, not everyone sucked. Balthier! He is incapable of sucking. Well, except for that part where he says something kind of nasty about Fran and men. >.> Basch was pretty useful, considering he looked like an emaciated hobo when you found him. But, well, he'd been locked up for a few years. I guess it's to be expected. That said, the plot twists were kind of, er, predictable, but not completely bad. Well, er, not all the time, anyway. ^^;
My point is, even really good games have flaws, and no game is perfect for everyone. >.> Unless it's Phoenix Wright (but that's another topic for another thread).
"
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"There's absolutely nothing wrong with seeking peace for her country. What is wrong is that she cops an attitude with the people who are trying to help her. Would you really want to help someone out who tells you to shut up so she can think? I sure wouldn't.This isn't to say that Ashe isn't a valuable character. She just isn't one that I can identify with or like very much."
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What makes a horror game a good game?
6 months 5 days ago
"The one and only video game that has scared the crap out of me is the Fatal Frame series. I cannot play it at night, and I cannot play it in the dark. I will have nightmares for days if I do. I'm a hard person to scare, but Fatal Frame has never failed to deliver.Even though I know I don't get a lot of the Japanese references (I had to do some research before fully understanding the legends that were used in the game), that never made it any less scary. Maybe it was scarier because I took the time to figure out what was behind the legends in the game."
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"When did I ever say that? I don't like Ashe because of her attitude towards other characters in the game. It has nothing to do with the length of her skirt, or how much of her stomach she shows. Don't assume, it makes you look like an ass (so leave me out of it).
The quip of how female video game characters are dressed is more of a general issue of mine, rather than with any one character, and one that I'm not ready to get into at this time. Not only because it's not the right place, but because it's a delicate topic to address, and I'm not ready to address it at this point in time."
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"Yeah, but does anyone actually like Vaan showing skin? I haven't found anyone who doesn't think he needs a shirt. Ashe is another matter entirely. I know what I'd like to say, but I'm not sure how to approach the subject delicately (and it needs it). I'm really not a delicate person, and I never will be.So I'm just not going to really get into it at all. Well, at least not until I figure out a way to discuss this thoroughly and with tact."
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"First of all, please don't call me dude. I hate that, especially when I'm not one. Thanks.Second of all, because I'm a girl, I didn't really feel like watching all of Ashe's assets hanging out of her clothes throughout the entire game. I didn't really like her attitude, so I didn't use her much. Nothing I could do about the cut scenes. It's possible to play the game while using Ashe as little as possible. Still, she had her uses. They just didn't provide enough of an advantage when faced with her attitude. But, well, I guess that only came out in cut scenes, not in actual game play.
Still, no one can deny that no matter how strong a female character is, she's really nothing without minimal clothing. I haven't really seen many video games that portray women as both strong and not scantily clad. I'm still waiting for the majority of the game industry to join the rest of us in the 21st century.
Edit: In terms of attitude, it's really what you see of her in the cut scenes. I would never tell people who were helping me fight a (practically losing) battle to regain control of my country to "shut up" because I was "trying to think". It's just plain rude."
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"That has just put so many crazy ideas into my head, I don't know where to start sorting them out.
Uh, yeah, some of the temples were annoying. I liked retrieving the Sword of Kings. I got to take away Ashe's MP. I really didn't like Ashe. She was the worst spoiled princess ever, and I thought she needed more clothes. Now that I think about it, Vaan could use a shirt. Maybe Penelo needed to hit up a spandex addiction workshop. However, Balthier was perfect. In, well, a sky pirate sort of way.
Even though there are all these little nit-picky faults I find with the game, I still enjoyed playing it. The whole two times I've played it. I haven't played it since. Too much other stuff out there to play. I'd mention it, but that would only drag me off topic again."
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Crisis Core
6 months 5 days ago
"For some reason, I've still got a thing for Final Fantasy. I think it's because Final Fantasy VII was actually my first video game.Also, I love Phoenix Wright. I just keep on playing them, even after I finish them. It's the same with every one in the series. I could never bear to sell it, because even though nothing changes, the replay value is still pretty high for me.
Right, Final Fantasy VII. Actually, now that I think about it, I forgot to mention the materia system in Crisis Core. I'm curious what kind of materia I can make by combining them together, so I'm working on leveling up everything I have. It's all trial and error, but the surprise factor is what makes it fun, or at least interesting."
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"No biggie. I don't think I would have even given Kingdom Hearts 2 a 39. I mean, seriously, enough with the Disney crap already. I never want to see Atlantica again. I can deal with Donald and Goofy, but singing & dancing Sora? I don't think so.
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Crisis Core
6 months 5 days ago
"Agreed. I don't think anyone should play this without playing the original first. There's a lot you'll miss. It's made as an extension of FF VII, not a replacement. The original is much more satisfying.
On another note (kind of echoing something mentioned above), Square Enix is a powerhouse. They've got the money to put into marketing that smaller studios like Aruze, Atlus, and Clover (who all made some of my favorite games) don't. It's sad that some really great games are pushed onto the back burner by Square Enix releases, but there's not much that can be done. Sometimes people don't realize there are other fantastic games out there, if they'd look past the "louder" games to find them. Just because a game yells loudly doesn't mean anyone should give it all their attention. I enjoyed the Kingdom Hearts 1 & 2. I refused to play Chain of Memories, and I probably won't go for any of the newer releases coming out. That's starting to bother me.
That said, I don't think enjoying a game that Square Enix puts out is wrong, but their games never really top my favorites list. So far, those favorite spots have gone to the first two Shadow Hearts games (the third was all right, but nowhere near as good as the first two), Koudelka, Okami, Vagrant Story, Radiata Stories, and the Phoenix Wright series (for, well, something a little different). Maybe Growlanser Generations, but I can only play so much of that at once. Sadly, I only have a list of 10 games that I can firmly list as my favorite games.
... I think that's enough ranting about that for now. ^^;"
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Final Fantasy XII
6 months 5 days ago
"Ever heard of debating? You've got to have other reputable sources to back you up. I consider people who make their living reviewing video games to be both knowledgeable and reputable.
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. I never said they weren't decent games, but as games evolve, the newer games are going to have better combat systems, graphics, etc. by comparison.
I might take your words at a higher value if you could recognize the difference between "whose" and "who's/who has". They mean two different things, and I highly doubt you've been in any sort of business for over 10 years. However, if you have, feel free to dish out the proof and I'll eat my words. Of course, if it's true, I'm sure your employer wouldn't be pleased with you representing their company in such a way.
It has merit in that they're professionals paid to review video games. It sounds like you're insinuating that game reviewers are taking bribes from game companies to review well. I'm pretty sure their standards haven't changed with their paychecks. But if you can prove otherwise, go right ahead.
Also, it's "their" not "they're", and your punctuation is atrocious.
For someone who claims to work in the gaming industry, you seriously don't know what Famitsu is? Famitsu is a panel of 4 video game reviewers. Each reviewer scores a game from 1 to 10. The scores are combined for a total of 40, which is a perfect score. Since 1986, 7 games have received perfect scores. Final Fantasy XII was one of them. I'm pretty sure that speaks for itself. Also, Kingdom Hearts II didn't get a perfect score. It was one point shy. I'd normally say close enough, but not with Famitsu being the ones doing the scoring. No other Final Fantasy game has ever gotten close to receiving a perfect score. I think it's safe to say that no one's hands are in Famitsu's pockets.
Since you ranted on and on about how you "don't trust reviewers", you're contradicting yourself there. Pick a side. Do you trust them or not? If you don't, why are you using reviewers you don't trust as your sources? Also, since when do you see the paycheck of every game reviewer in the industry? Stop assuming, and back up your claims.
Please, don't get me started on consumers in general. I work in a retail environment and I see the decisions the general public makes. It's called "Oprah's Book Club". I think that says it all.
"
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