Last Sunday (26/09) I completed Ventus' story in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and have since started Aqua's story. Yes, I completed his arc in one day...around 13 hours to be exact.
Going into my opinion of his arc, I have to say it's quite cute with his quest for friendship, but the pacing seems to be pretty off. The majority of the arc is dedicated to bouncing around worlds and making friends, while realising that his relationship with Terra and Aqua is unshakable. The last hour is then spent speeding through the important bit of the game's story...the χ-Blade (pronounced: 'ki-blade') of which we have a vague understanding about, taking Terra's story into account. Also, there is a major spoiler I'm very confused about...
Again, I reserve judgement until completing the game, but I shall leave you with this one thought...Zack is too freaking cute! He has always - even as far back as Final Fantasy VII - struck me as the kind of guy who made friends easily. I wish I could be more like that, or perhaps even have someone like that in my life...ah such childish dreams...but I'm learning. Though that line in Terra's arc was a little weird...wouldn't 'freeing one's heart' in effect kill them? I know what it was in reference to...but surely there was a better choice of words.
Speaking of 'kill', why oh why does everyone in a game/anime/manga/cartoon/comic/book whose death is a pivotal point in a story never do the deed themselves...why do they always expect someone else to do it for them? DRAMA!
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Monday 20 September 2010
Review: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep - Terra
I received my copy of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep on Thursday 9th September - one day before release this side! I experienced a mix of excitement and trepidation, but I guess this could sum up my reaction:
Well, really the last 3 seconds, but I love that clip. Cracking open the box, I looked at the artbook first and frankly, I'm disappointed by it. It could hardly be called an 'artbook', for it was full of promotional art and CG renderings and images - where was the concept art?! The only hint of 'artwork'/'concept art' was a 2-page spread on world designs. Now I may be a little picky, but Tekken 6 had a better 'artbook' supplied with it's Limited Edition - and I wear the hoodie with pride.
Going back to the game, I haven't even sampled the selected OST yet, but it was strangely addicting. I was hooked on Command Melding and maxing out my D-Links. I've chosen to complete it Terra - Ventus - Aqua, as recommended, and while his story was an innane tango with Light and Dark, the ending to his arc was a twist I did not see coming. Clearly, someone has learned from the master that is Hideo Kojima *cough*Snake Eater*cough*
Seriously though, I loved that twist, though I really feel that the division of Light and Dark is too simple - would one consider 'Anger' an aspect of Darkness? Surely the force behind the sense of 'Anger' is what determines it's classification? There are also a few a things I don't quite understand, but am hoping the other arcs will explain, though if not, I'll revisit them in a summary post.
Jupiter and Uranus to Waltz Tonight
Okay, so they're not exactly dancing, but for them to be merely 1-degree apart in the heavens is quite a sight and one I hope not to miss tonight - I've reserved a telescope that I will be picking up tonight from my local Argos.
It's really interesting how much celestial news I pick up from AOL News, the last time was in regards to the annual Perseids meteor shower every August. I missed it this time, though I did try to spot a few but am unsure if I caught any because of the light-pollution - so any of you folk out in the country, I envy you. Hopefully, I can catch the show next year if this telescope proves its worth and if my eyes hold out - I have this nagging and irrational fear that while I can see everything fine now, my condition will rapidly deteriorate much to my annoyance...and yet, I haven't really done anything marked on my Bucket List yet...
But anyway, I found out about Jupiter being the closest it's been to Earth since 46 years ago, and the next time will probably be in 2022...though I doubt it will be in conjunction with Uranus. Thus it is considered a very rare opportunity.
Wish me luck in being able to find it!
Article: Jupiter to make closest to Earth since 1963
The Sky Tonight
It's really interesting how much celestial news I pick up from AOL News, the last time was in regards to the annual Perseids meteor shower every August. I missed it this time, though I did try to spot a few but am unsure if I caught any because of the light-pollution - so any of you folk out in the country, I envy you. Hopefully, I can catch the show next year if this telescope proves its worth and if my eyes hold out - I have this nagging and irrational fear that while I can see everything fine now, my condition will rapidly deteriorate much to my annoyance...and yet, I haven't really done anything marked on my Bucket List yet...
But anyway, I found out about Jupiter being the closest it's been to Earth since 46 years ago, and the next time will probably be in 2022...though I doubt it will be in conjunction with Uranus. Thus it is considered a very rare opportunity.
Wish me luck in being able to find it!
Article: Jupiter to make closest to Earth since 1963
The Sky Tonight
Saturday 18 September 2010
My New Consoles and Data Transfer
So, what with my brothers going to Uni this weekend, I've been forced to buy my own PS3 and XBox 360. It's an investment I was going to make at some point, as I had hoped to have moved out by now, but someone's got to be there for my mum until they get back...
Anyway, with these shiny new consoles, the issue came with transferring my data over. Especially the PS3 - we've all heard the horror stories about not being able to transfer the 'copy-protected' stuff.
Moving my data to my XBox was pretty painless - luckily my bro had a 16GB memory stick on hand that had to be formatted for 360 use. I transferred my GamerTag, after syncing my achievements, and moved/copied over all my save data and downloads. Then naturally these were moved to my 360 and all was well. The reason for copying some of the data was in case something went wrong; after formatting the memory stick a warning was thrown up saying that while it has been formatted, the memory stick wasn't 360 approved and some data may be lost during transfer or some such.
The PS3 was a little more worrying as I had progress I didn't want to lose on Bayonetta, so using a method I found a few months ago that preserved data (which I can't seem to find on the net anymore...) I gave it a shot...after backing up the data on my bro's PS3 in case something went wrong. I then created a dummy account and initiated the transfer using this account after following the deactivation steps and syncing trophies for the other accounts. Once the transfer was complete, I checked both consoles and all data was intact, though the 'copy-protected' data had moved completely to my PS3. the next thing was to test the Bayonetta save files and everything was fine, though for some reason my trophies were re-achieved...
So I'm not sure if Sony fixed the data transfer issues or this method of using a dummy account was what did it, but I didn't lose anything...Either way though, I'm happy and sorted for my gaming needs. Though I also heard that once certain data has been moved, you can't earn future trophies on that data - will update once tested.
Anyway, with these shiny new consoles, the issue came with transferring my data over. Especially the PS3 - we've all heard the horror stories about not being able to transfer the 'copy-protected' stuff.
Moving my data to my XBox was pretty painless - luckily my bro had a 16GB memory stick on hand that had to be formatted for 360 use. I transferred my GamerTag, after syncing my achievements, and moved/copied over all my save data and downloads. Then naturally these were moved to my 360 and all was well. The reason for copying some of the data was in case something went wrong; after formatting the memory stick a warning was thrown up saying that while it has been formatted, the memory stick wasn't 360 approved and some data may be lost during transfer or some such.
The PS3 was a little more worrying as I had progress I didn't want to lose on Bayonetta, so using a method I found a few months ago that preserved data (which I can't seem to find on the net anymore...) I gave it a shot...after backing up the data on my bro's PS3 in case something went wrong. I then created a dummy account and initiated the transfer using this account after following the deactivation steps and syncing trophies for the other accounts. Once the transfer was complete, I checked both consoles and all data was intact, though the 'copy-protected' data had moved completely to my PS3. the next thing was to test the Bayonetta save files and everything was fine, though for some reason my trophies were re-achieved...
So I'm not sure if Sony fixed the data transfer issues or this method of using a dummy account was what did it, but I didn't lose anything...Either way though, I'm happy and sorted for my gaming needs. Though I also heard that once certain data has been moved, you can't earn future trophies on that data - will update once tested.
Monday 13 September 2010
Eid Mubarak
A little late, but Eid Mubarak - yes, I am a Muslim. Every year I try to keep the fast during the month of Ramadan, and while I keep a few...I don't always keep as much as I should. Also, we're supposed to make up the ones that we miss, but I never do...not because I don't care, but rather because as a personal belief, I feel that we shouldn't have to make them up - what's the point in fasting if it's not during Ramadan, the holy month will have been and gone. Yes, I'm also very casual in regards to my religion, however everything I do doesn't go against the teachings of the Qu'ran, though you won't find me wearing a hijab/head-scarf anytime soon and that's a personal choice based on my interpretation.
That's a problem though isn't it, 'interpretation'. Every year when Eid or Ramadan rolls around, I'm reminded that based on the interpretation of the Qu'ran by one man, I'm always celebrating a day after everyone else. It's quite difficult to explain to people why I celebrate events a day after, especially to other Muslims considering the denomination I belong to isn't accepted by the others and people who belong to the denomination I follow are victimised in various ways. Though of course, that's only when regarding the extremists, and I never ask a person their religion - that's quite easy to deduce, but even then your religion is not my business and if you are like me, your religion doesn't define you and your actions, it's simply a part of you. I of course respect the decision of others to follow their religion faithfully, I admire them in fact for having the courage, strength and belief to do so. I do believe in God, but I'd rather believe in him my own way.
That's a problem though isn't it, 'interpretation'. Every year when Eid or Ramadan rolls around, I'm reminded that based on the interpretation of the Qu'ran by one man, I'm always celebrating a day after everyone else. It's quite difficult to explain to people why I celebrate events a day after, especially to other Muslims considering the denomination I belong to isn't accepted by the others and people who belong to the denomination I follow are victimised in various ways. Though of course, that's only when regarding the extremists, and I never ask a person their religion - that's quite easy to deduce, but even then your religion is not my business and if you are like me, your religion doesn't define you and your actions, it's simply a part of you. I of course respect the decision of others to follow their religion faithfully, I admire them in fact for having the courage, strength and belief to do so. I do believe in God, but I'd rather believe in him my own way.
Tuesday 7 September 2010
Go! Pikachu-!...rin?
I remember reading about this some years ago, only back then I think the article was poking fun at the name. I mean, come on...Pikachurin? This is the article in question, though I'm pretty sure I read it on a more credible source like BBC News or the Independent, seeing as I don't really troll GamerTell.com. For your convenience, the following is a Wiki link on the protein.
I understand why it's called as such, but seriously? That's the best they could come up with? It's a protein that's been around since time immemorial, surely it's more deserving of a more dignified name.
What brought this to my attention however, was reading up on what I have. Apparently in 2008, when the protein was discovered, the scientists on the team believe it could lead to the development of treatments for various ocular conditions, including RP.
Needless to say, if they are successful, I will be fighting to keep a straight face when I pop those pills, though I do have more hope for Gene Therapy/Stem Cells/Transplants.
Here are some other examples of oddly named proteins and whatnot in the body:
P.S. I don't mean to be snarky, but I do agree with the sentiment that if something's wrong with me and there is only one cure, I would appreciate it, in either case, not being named after something stemming from pop culture...unless it was Hadoken. No, seriously.
I understand why it's called as such, but seriously? That's the best they could come up with? It's a protein that's been around since time immemorial, surely it's more deserving of a more dignified name.
What brought this to my attention however, was reading up on what I have. Apparently in 2008, when the protein was discovered, the scientists on the team believe it could lead to the development of treatments for various ocular conditions, including RP.
Needless to say, if they are successful, I will be fighting to keep a straight face when I pop those pills, though I do have more hope for Gene Therapy/Stem Cells/Transplants.
Here are some other examples of oddly named proteins and whatnot in the body:
P.S. I don't mean to be snarky, but I do agree with the sentiment that if something's wrong with me and there is only one cure, I would appreciate it, in either case, not being named after something stemming from pop culture...unless it was Hadoken. No, seriously.
Monday 6 September 2010
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, a Fangirl's Dream
Well...maybe not in regards to the entire game, but I may as well admit this now. When I was young, I was raised on the Spider-Man Animated TV Series...you know, the 90's one. My most favourite episode/story arc had to be the one with Captain America - those episodes alone spawned an everlasting love for the heroic American icon.
But going back to Spider-Man, I crushed on him so hard...kind of weird when you take my age at the time into account. My next favourite episode/story arc was the one with the Spider-Men from alternate timelines being brought together, oh and then the one with the Heroes vs Villains. However, there were so many good episodes/story arcs, it's hard to just pick the top ones, though those are the ones that stick in my memory.
Even though I just found about this game a few days ago and it's due for release in a few days, I have been thinking a lot on this. That and my brother happened to zero in on the one aspect of the game that would interest me - the voice-acting...though story is always top on my list when it comes to rating a game. I don't usually have a gripe with the voice-acting in a game, but it is really cool that they brought back the Spider-Men VA's from most of the series out there...and it's especially cool that Prince Eric has come back as Noir Spider-Man, even though he voiced the 90's one. So yes people, Prince Eric/Spider-Man is my dream.
Watching the trailer, however, he sounds different...not that it's a bad thing - the tone suits the Noir-ness of the level. Needless to say, I will be stealing my brother's copy and he'll be lucky to ever see it again.
Final Fantasy XIV - To Buy or Not To Buy...?
It's September...I have my pre-orders in for Valkyria Chronicles II and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Limited Collector's Edition - the latter of the two somewhat (actually pretty much) grudgingly. You must wonder why I even bother buying a game, let alone the collector's edition, that I'm not too fond of...and I'll cover that another day - actually, I just thought about the content of this post and you'll most likely find out why a little later on.
One game I'm not sure about putting my hard-earned cash towards is Final Fantasy XIV. I'm probably not the only one who thinks this, but from what I've seen it looks like Final Fantasy XI repackaged - why would I want to pay for an essential clone? I'm not fond of MMORPG's - I see the upside of community, teamwork and playing with real people, but for me the downside lies in monotony, subscription fees and playing with real people. Why would playing with real people be a plus and a downside? Well playing with people is fun, you can talk and login for reasons other than hacking away at enemies and progressing the story - you can complete sidequests together. One fond memory I have of FFXI is when I was around Lv. 6 or so and I logged in to meet a friend, I had somehow earned the aggro from a Goblin and it nearly killed me when my friend swooped in and killed it at the last moment. Totally something out of an anime.
What I'm not too fond of when it comes to playing with people is 'teamwork'. If you're unlucky and end up in a crappy group, everyone will be out for themselves, or there'll be an evident imbalance in the team make-up. What frustrates me is that the very nature of the game forces you to play with other people and it's nigh impossible to play on your own after a certain point. Sometimes, well me in any case, one needs to be able to login and hack a few things, perhaps progress through a quest without the help of someone else, simply because rather than waiting for a team to be put together, I could handle it more quickly solo.
One game I'm not sure about putting my hard-earned cash towards is Final Fantasy XIV. I'm probably not the only one who thinks this, but from what I've seen it looks like Final Fantasy XI repackaged - why would I want to pay for an essential clone? I'm not fond of MMORPG's - I see the upside of community, teamwork and playing with real people, but for me the downside lies in monotony, subscription fees and playing with real people. Why would playing with real people be a plus and a downside? Well playing with people is fun, you can talk and login for reasons other than hacking away at enemies and progressing the story - you can complete sidequests together. One fond memory I have of FFXI is when I was around Lv. 6 or so and I logged in to meet a friend, I had somehow earned the aggro from a Goblin and it nearly killed me when my friend swooped in and killed it at the last moment. Totally something out of an anime.
What I'm not too fond of when it comes to playing with people is 'teamwork'. If you're unlucky and end up in a crappy group, everyone will be out for themselves, or there'll be an evident imbalance in the team make-up. What frustrates me is that the very nature of the game forces you to play with other people and it's nigh impossible to play on your own after a certain point. Sometimes, well me in any case, one needs to be able to login and hack a few things, perhaps progress through a quest without the help of someone else, simply because rather than waiting for a team to be put together, I could handle it more quickly solo.
Thursday 2 September 2010
Final Fantasy I and II for the iPhone?!
So, surfing through the Apps available on the iPhone, I decide to browse the games - I love playing video games; if you came to my house you'll be in awe of the sheer number my brothers and I own. I think I'll take a picture and put it up, though there's hardly any point as the collection keeps growing. However, the more games I buy, the more I have to get through and so I have a great number in backlog...there's just not enough time in the day - what with work, TV and sleep!
Anyway, while browsing the games, I'm surprised to find that Square-Enix has actually released the first two games in the Final Fantasy series. Looking at the screens, the graphics, while still 2D sprites, are actually quite nice! However, this makes me wonder what version of the game this was ported from - it's been so long since I last popped in my Final Fantasy: Origins for the PSX that I'm not sure if it was ported from that...What if it's ported from the PSP or the DS version of the game? Or perhaps even the Wii?
Actually...I just Wiki-ed it and it turns out the iPhone version is a port of the PSP version.
Now I'm faced with a dilemma...since I actually like the graphics for these ports...should I buy the PSP version? Perhaps the load times will be faster? You see, what ultimately prevented me from completing Final Fantasy II were the awful load times upon enemy encounter.
This is all quite perplexing, especially when considering the scenario for a comic-strip I have yet to draw...Yes, I'm a comic fan too and an anime and manga one as well.
Anyway, while browsing the games, I'm surprised to find that Square-Enix has actually released the first two games in the Final Fantasy series. Looking at the screens, the graphics, while still 2D sprites, are actually quite nice! However, this makes me wonder what version of the game this was ported from - it's been so long since I last popped in my Final Fantasy: Origins for the PSX that I'm not sure if it was ported from that...What if it's ported from the PSP or the DS version of the game? Or perhaps even the Wii?
Actually...I just Wiki-ed it and it turns out the iPhone version is a port of the PSP version.
Now I'm faced with a dilemma...since I actually like the graphics for these ports...should I buy the PSP version? Perhaps the load times will be faster? You see, what ultimately prevented me from completing Final Fantasy II were the awful load times upon enemy encounter.
This is all quite perplexing, especially when considering the scenario for a comic-strip I have yet to draw...Yes, I'm a comic fan too and an anime and manga one as well.
Wednesday 1 September 2010
In Memoriam - Frank Waters, my Step-Grandfather
Not my ideal second post, but I feel like I should at least write something.
Over the Bank Holiday weekend, my step-grandfather, Frank, was admitted to hospital due to a heart attack. He suffered another one and died at the age of 81. At this moment his funeral plans are being organised by his eldest step-daughter, Irene...but I don't think we're invited (more on this later)
I don't have very many memories of Frank, simply because we hardly kept in contact with my father's side of the family and after their divorce, we just never kept in contact - there wasn't really any reason to since the whole point was to break ties completely. From the one lasting memory I do have from my very young years, I get the impression that he was quite strict - I took a bite from something on his plate and put it back and he tersely told me to finish it. Other memories have him being more pleasant as I grew older, but we never spoke much and I never got to know him.
The last time I saw him was about 4 years ago - my mother's younger sister and three cousins had come over to visit from New Zealand and wanted to meet my father's younger brother as he had attended a funeral and met them briefly. My cousin and I knocked on his door and the youngest of his two daughters answered; despite the obvious flash of recognition in his eyes, he insisted he didn't know us, when I mentioned we had come with my mother, and denied going to New Zealand, until my cousin spoke up and he caved. We entered and it was then that we saw Frank in the front room - I remember it had once been a living room, but had since been converted into his room due to his deteriorating mobility. He seemed so happy to see us and greeted my mother warmly, though we didn't stay long.
Over the Bank Holiday weekend, my step-grandfather, Frank, was admitted to hospital due to a heart attack. He suffered another one and died at the age of 81. At this moment his funeral plans are being organised by his eldest step-daughter, Irene...but I don't think we're invited (more on this later)
I don't have very many memories of Frank, simply because we hardly kept in contact with my father's side of the family and after their divorce, we just never kept in contact - there wasn't really any reason to since the whole point was to break ties completely. From the one lasting memory I do have from my very young years, I get the impression that he was quite strict - I took a bite from something on his plate and put it back and he tersely told me to finish it. Other memories have him being more pleasant as I grew older, but we never spoke much and I never got to know him.
The last time I saw him was about 4 years ago - my mother's younger sister and three cousins had come over to visit from New Zealand and wanted to meet my father's younger brother as he had attended a funeral and met them briefly. My cousin and I knocked on his door and the youngest of his two daughters answered; despite the obvious flash of recognition in his eyes, he insisted he didn't know us, when I mentioned we had come with my mother, and denied going to New Zealand, until my cousin spoke up and he caved. We entered and it was then that we saw Frank in the front room - I remember it had once been a living room, but had since been converted into his room due to his deteriorating mobility. He seemed so happy to see us and greeted my mother warmly, though we didn't stay long.
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