Messages

Narangas, I'd say True Love would have to be my second favourite anime adventure (which isn't saying much on a anime adventure scale -- most are hentai garbage).

I liked True Love a lot not only because the focus was on relationship, but also on personal development.

This bring me to another point -- True Love isn't just about getting the girl. It's about improving yourself to get the girl.

For me, it started to go downhill at two points:

1) The death of Phil Hartman -- Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure were two of the greatest characters on the Simpsons. I thought they gave the show more of an edge than Homer did.

2) Ian Maxtone-Graham becomes the head writer -- This guy joined the Simpsons writing team after writing for Saturday Night Live. I hate SNL. The jokes go nowhere. But not only that, this guy had never seen an episode of the Simpsons before he joined up. I would figure the first requirement of someone writing for a TV show is that they actually KNOW the characters and the setting. He SNLed the Simpsons, turned it into a skit that doesn't go anywhere. His most disgusting effort what the whole Maude Flanders death -- it was so far-fetched, even Ron L Hubbard was scratching his head going "What the fuck was that?"

I like any show that can pay homage to the like of Kubrick and Hitchcock -- The Simpsons used to do it time and time again, and do it well.

Now they seem more intent on taking off films like Porkys, Animal House, or Rodeny Dangerfield.

WHile I'm not tying to discredit Porkys, Aaimal House, or Dangerfield, I do think if you're going to do a take-off of something, take it from the top drawer.

For example, the Homer goes into space episode was great -- It had funny jokes and paid it's dues to Kubrick (monkeys becoming super intelligent, The Blue Danube, Homer as the Star Child at the end).

I'm not saying the key is to include a Hitchcock or Kubrick reference every epsiode -- but I do believe things like that made it smarter.

It seems like very dumbed down humour now.

I like funny references that are smart and fit the context on the episode.

Like that episode, Last Exit To Springfield (the one where Homer becomes a Union leader), where they referenced such things as "Last Exit to Brooklyn" (obviously), Jimmy Hoffa, Dr Suess, and Marathon Man.

It just needs to get smarter -- not just cheap, one-off laughs.

But I'm just a pleb on an adventure game forum -- as if they'd listen to me.

Spoiler

And I'm a three-headed man spanking it!

[close]

I like the irony the late Bill Hicks expressed:

"We arm these littlel countries, then we send troops to blow the shit out of them! We're like the bullies of the world right now! We're like Jack palance in the movie Shane, throwing the pistol at the sheepherder's feet!"

There!

I've beaten RPG Creator to it!

While trying to finish Dark Hero, I've also made the RPG with the most playing time ever!

That makes me "RPG Maker Numero Uno"!

http://dgmacphee.tripod.com/1000Hourv1-2.zip
(Right-click and save)

EDIT: Version 1.2 is now ready with BONUS MIDI MUSIC!



Features:
- Hi-colour SVGA graphics
- Superb character interaction
- Wonderfully written fantasy story
- MIDI music and MP3 support*
- Over 1000 hours playing time



* To be implemented in 2014

GK3 has a great romance subplot -- and I especially like Mosley's advice to Gabriel after he and Grace do the nasty.

"Just pretend like it never happened."

You doofus, Mosley!

Aslo, I liked Grim Fandango's romance story -- particularly the way it ends.

However, I think the best romance plot (and a lot of people are going to see this coming a mile off) is Seasons of Sakura.

The romance is the focus of the game, and the NPCs are still well written without being subjected to anime "barbie doll" syndrome.

Alot of people don't like games like this though, because they're generally seen as "hentai" or perverted sex games -- however, there's very little sex throughout the game, and most of the erotic content is very toned-down.

My view is this: Compared to a lot of other "hentai" games out there, Seasons of Sakura couldn't really be called a hentai game -- the focus isn't as much the sexually content (like so many hentai games), but the general relationships between the main charatcer and the NPCs.

And that's the whole point of the games -- to develop relationships.

I can't say too much on this particular game, or else this post will be too big.

One day, I'll write a story and character tutorial and borrow examples from GK, Grim Fandango, Seasons of Sakura, and others.

Neon Genesis Evangelion -- Very philosphical series with big robots -- it doesn't take itself too seriously all the time -- And the characters have a lot of depth and feeling to them.

You forgot to mention the extremely depressing ending(s), but otherwise I'd agree.

Also, Trap, if you want something completely different visually I suggest you try Ebichu.

I haven't seen the ending as yet -- that is actually on my list of TO DO things this week.

I even bought an as-of-yet-unwatched copy of End of Eva several months ago, but promised myself I'd watch the final episodes in the series.

Then I I decided to watch them all from the beginning in Japanese w/subtitles.

Cowboy Beebop -- Sci-fi action series about bounty hunters

Neon Genesis Evangelion -- Very philosphical series with big robots -- it doesn't take itself too seriously all the time -- And the characters have a lot of depth and feeling to them.

Cowboy Beebop is currently showing on CNX channel on UK Sky Digital at 9pm each day. It always seems to be the episode with two cat space ship pilots, though...

As for NGE, aren't 99% of Mangas about very big robots? Gundam, Escaflowne, RoboTech, BattleTech, etc.?

I've got my ticket for the Cowboy Beebop movie that's playing at our local indie cinema -- and it's a subbed version too.

And yes, most series are about giant robots, but NGE is one of the better ones.

Well, the reason I liked Lilo and Stitch was because it WASN'T a huge emotional investment, it was just a fun, cute movie and yes, about 30 times better than Disney's recent films.
I would like to see Spirited Away some time, though. I guess what turns me off from most anime probably is the cultural difference. Japanese characters express emotion in a different way, and a lot of anime just strikes me as too serious, too messed up (Excel Saga), or too juvenile (Pokemon). I would like to know if there are any anime series you could recommend though, which you think I might like.

Most Miyazaki films, especially Castle of Cagliostro, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoko, Spirited Away, etc.

As for other stuff, try:

Berserk -- Cool fantasy anime with big-ass swords!

Bastard -- Same as above, plus with cool-assed magic that blows up lots of shit.

Cowboy Beebop -- Sci-fi action series about bounty hunters

Neon Genesis Evangelion -- Very philosphical series with big robots -- it doesn't take itself too seriously all the time -- And the characters have a lot of depth and feeling to them.

Initial D -- Series about teenager guys who race cars on highways -- character development isn't too great, but it's fun to watch.

Great Teacher Onizuka -- Very cool and funny series about a teacher who used to be part of a biker gang -- he beats up a lot of people too!


These are probably the most mature series without being too serious or too "out there".

Beautifully stated, Sasha.


I was interested to see both France and Germany joined together in opposition against the unsupported Iraqi War.

It's amazing what changes in 50 or 60 years.

It's funny how someone says Disney release their best work in ages (Lilo and Stitch), yet several months later they make their worst film to date (Treasure Planet).

Meanwhile, Miyazaki's last two films (Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke) were:

- critically successful (Currently, Spirited Away scores an average of 97% on RottenTomatoes.com, a website that collects all major newspaper and website reviews and calulates an average score -- and a 97% average is f-ing good! At the time of the US cinema release it had a 100% rating.)

- made a ton of money (Spirited Away grossed over $200 million before it hit US cinemas; Princess Mononoke grossed around $150 million before hitting the US)

- and have won a slew of awards (Besides Spirited Away winning best animated feature film at this year's Oscars, both films won BEST PICTURE at the Japanese Academy Awards; Also, Spirited Away swept the major American Animation awards, also known as the Annies).

My point is this: Disney needs to re-evaluate its work -- Their films reach nowhere near the heights of some of the other stuff out there.

Their only saving grace is Pixar (Toy Story 1 + 2, A Bugs Life, Monsters Inc, and the upcoming Finding Nemo), but I hear Pixar are looking to move out of the Mouse House.

And let us not mention Disney's rapidly declining share price since Treasure Planet, or else Michael Eisner will throw a hissy-fit.

Disney used to be on top -- but now they're a sad reflection of an animation empire that once was.

Uncle Walt must be rolling in his cryo-freeze chamber!**

As for live action movies, that's another story.  (*coughcoughMiramaxcoughcoughHarveyWeisteincoughcough*)




**Note: Apparently, Walt Disney is also a Nazi -- Ask Narangas for more details.

Wait until you get to episode 3 with the afro chest hair!

"Yeah! Cool and hip!"

rotfl--I watched episodes 3 and 4 tonight-- this show is getting better and better.

Guu's laugh > *

-Fro.

Aye -- it surely does get better!

Guu is now a cult anime at the club I go to!

The most fascinating thing about Neon Genesis was the great way they could seamlessly fit cleavage into any shot (hey, I didn't have cleavage like that when I was 14).

Thank god there was always a reason to bend over, or my interest would have been severely dminished.

I think you've just described the most fascinating thing about EVERY anime!

1) You are completely mad, and I fear for my safety (yes, it took me this long).
2) 'Hee' is the best name for a bird ever.
3) I AM going to have nightmares about that opening sequence.
4) Why does this fansub translate the first line of the opening song as 'make love, boys and girls'?  I know that isn't really a conclusion, but still, I wanna know.
5) 'Hee' is the best name for a bird ever.

Thanks heaps for the reccomendation.

Wait until you get to episode 3 with the afro chest hair!

"Yeah! Cool and hip!"

I think both of these are well done.

It's X the TV series -- I'm not all that enthused about it actually because it's hard to keep track over long periods.

I like She -- It has some decent character development. True, the missles coming out the back are a little silly, but I've heard the ending is a real tear-jerker.

And the Englush title for that anime is "Jungle wa Itsumo Hare Nochi Guu" -- see it cause it's a side-splitting cack!

[What is a Photoshop Phriday?]

Well, the last PP was a bit of a dud.

Hopefully, this one should be better.

Also, I'm starting it early because I'm going away over Easter!

-------------------------------------------

What is a Photoshop Phriday?

See this link:
http://www.somethingawful.com/photoshop/

And for other examples, see here:
http://www.worth1000.com/

The two above websites should give a fair idea of what is involved.
-------------------------
What do I have to do?

Today's Photoshop Phriday is this: "AGS Trading Cards".

All you have to do is build a trading card based upon AGS games, community members, or other related stuff (Andy Penis, BlueCup, etc)

Trading card can take any form: Pokemon cards, Magic: The Gathering, Advanced Dungeons And Dragons, Sporting cards, and any oither trading card you can spoof.

Pretty open competition this week!

Enjoy!

Mods: Phhhft -- if it were a fake user, I'd come up with a better name than 'visitor'.

Something like Spanky McDelicious!

Anyway, I've given up the fake characters.

Late last year I joined an anime group and have seen heaps of fansubs (stuff not commercially released in Australia)

Has anyone seen this one called "The Jungle Was Fine, Then Came Guu"?

It's my fav -- I've busted my guts out.

Sasha, you're a Brisbanite -- you should come to the group.

Their called BAS (Brisbane Anime Society) and they meet every fornight on alternate Saturdays and Sundays.

We're currently watching the following: Fruits Basket, Scryed, and Jungle Was Fine Then Came Guu on Sundays, and on Saturdays we're watching Earth Girl Arjuna, She" The Ultimate Weapon, and X (which is commercially released in some shops).

Their website is http://www.anime.com.au/bas/

Oh yeah, I'm also rewatching Neon Genesis Evangenlion on subtitled DVDs -- so much better than English language (although, I still like some of the English dubbing.)

P.S. I'm so damn glad Miyazaki won the animated Oscar this year for Spirited Away -- much better than the Disney crap like Treasure Planet and Lilo and Stitch!

I should step in before this gets out of hand.


Visitor, thank you for posting the link to add to the discussion. It is always good to have a different source or opinion to a certain topic as it contributes to the development of discussion.

However, why not join our little community?

We don't just make adventure games here -- we also discuss important topics of the day, such as global wars and stroomtrooper/len-flaer fantasies.

Please feel free to register an account with us and join in on the fun, games, and discussion.

We'd prefer to have you as a member and not just a visitor.

We have a saying here in Australia, don't we Las?

"If at first you don't succeed, try a bigger gun!"


I joke about such things, but it is a very serious issue.

Two years ago, a friend from high school shot himself.

There were a number of speculations why he did it, but in the end no one knows why.

I like the fact that it adds in the gun-related suicides in Australia.

Considering we have the highest suicide rate in the world.

At least we're ot killing each other -- just ourselves.

What a wonderful world!


Edit: I just read that RevoketheOscar.com page.

I was interested to read the opening blurb:

Bowling for Columbine is a nasty bit of anti-American propaganda. Viewers are taught that:

America was founded on violence and fear, as quarrelsome pilgrims fled to the new world, where their paranoia led them to massacre the Indians, then the British, and then each other;

Well how exactly did most of all those American Indians die?

Must have been floods or locusts.

The Columbine murderers' violence might have its roots in the fact that one had a father in our military (American soldiers are presumably murderers, and it must rub off on their kids) or that there was a defense contractor in the area;

The ol' Lockheed-Martin point.

Many say they only build rockets for launching satellites.

Then again, who knows what other pies they go their fingers in.

Business (in any country) is always a very hidden affair.

Charlton Heston (one of Hollywood's few upstanding men) is a callous fool;

I only half agree with this point.

Heston was a active campaigner for civil rights in the 60s.

He even marched with Martin Luther King.

He was awarded a Jean Hersholt humanitarian Oscar in 1977.

This point Moore omits in his doco.

However, oore does not call Heston a racist (as the essay says) or a fool (as the RevokeTheOscar sit says) -- he lets us make our minds up over the interview.

And despite Heston's work in the 60s, one has to wonder his current standing in the NRA -- he says he's exercising his constitutional rights.

However, at what point do constitution rights affect basic human rights (especially the right to live).

The terrorist attack on 9/11 is related to past American foreign policy -- in short, America's own fault;

Umm -- they were and it was, doofus!

I could go on for hours how Sept 11 was linked to American foreign policy and how it was their own fault -- but only if you're THAT desperate to privately post me and ask.

But this post is long enough now.



Whatever the case, I think all the controversy over Moore doco is just pedantic nitpicking.

The doco still raises far greater questions on a global scale than any other doco released that year.

Any statistic can be scewered any which way to push your own point of view across -- I've done it many times in the past.

Moore's doco questions a facet of the US -- it's something that doesn't happen very often in this fast-paced, profit-driven, give-the-people-what-they-want, media circus world of ours.

I'm glad Moore continues to write and make films -- his opinion may be unpopular, but that's what I like it.

It's an alternative.