(So if anyone wonders why I'm putting the year in the titles for this group of posts... its because I make a TON of random ideas in my free time. Thus, its more so that I can remember when, approximately, I first came up with the stuff.)
Damien
"The Mayor's heart, whose bright, fun nature keeps his partner in positive standing, especially with the youth demographic. Tends to be quite selective and harsh with words but is as equally kind, if not more-so, deep down."
Gender: ♂
Age: 24
Ethnicity: White/Unknown (some concentration of Lebanese and African roots are apparent)
Occupation: Comedian
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 186 lbs
Build: Full & Soft
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Hazel
Skin Color: Light
Loves: his boyfriend, singing, making others laugh
Hates: being alone, his impulses
Favorite Food: Pomegranate Tea or his boyfriend's cooking
Weapon of Choice: Rifle (semi-automatic)
Back-story and Personality:
Although he can be a very selfish person, you would hardly know it from the way Damien carries himself. Always around people and rarely without a posse of groupies or general acquaintances, with a big, dopey grin on his face. Still, in the present, he has much to smile about. In the past... quite less. It's rather foggy, perhaps from overdosing on narcotics for a time, but what is clear is that Damien moved around a lot in his childhood, enough so that it was pretty difficult to make lasting friends at all. Despite full awareness of the consequences, he began exhibiting reckless choices when his age reached the teens. Perhaps that is part of why he wandered onto a suicide page on the internet and peered through a forum that seemed even-split between prevention and acceptance (promotion wasn't encouraged but it was a rather sketchy place to visit all the same). At first, meeting the future mayor was a chance for Damien to simply joke around and pick up the shmuck's broken state, mending it through humor. But later, after his first attempts at a local relationship fell to ruin, it was Damien who forgot how to laugh. Still, his new friend was ever-vigilant and devoted much time to him, despite being some miles away (Damien resided in northern California at this time). This odd level of understanding eventually got Damien to laugh again and drove him to consider a career in entertaining people. When Kyung, almost surprisingly, came out and offered his devotion, Damien accepted. Though at times he is prone to wonder as to why someone so nice can possibly love someone like his self, Damien does feel more confidence in knowing that he is cared for. A foul-mouthed, simple looking "loser" like him with a model of masculinity, kindness and warmth?? How funny! But... even if it's not forever... Damien is happy that Kyung is with him...
SH2
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Just a little sidetrack...
I'll admit, I keep occasionally going back to semeuke (dot) com to take this really ridiculous personality quiz. They even changed the questions to make it even more... flaming, lol. So eh, my usual result is..
I don't think I'm that manipulative but its so true. x.x The full profile for this... "stereotype" of gay people like me goes on to say...
"Mischievous, loyal, and intelligent, the Chibi Seme always seems to have a quiet energy whispering around them, suggesting that there is much more to them then what there first appears to be. Laid-back, and not one to call a lot of attention to themselves, they tend to guard their creative, forceful, (and somewhat manipulative) inner self behind an easygoing and playful exterior shell, which makes it impossible for most to truly know them. It takes a special Uke personality to see into the Chibi Seme's deep hidden self and release their sensual side, but once the Chibi Seme has let in that one special person, they will be forever loyal, loving, and protective.
A Chibi Seme will never be completely happy with just the ordinary. Setting themselves somewhat apart from the rest of the world, they need someone like-minded to keep them challenged intellectually and spiritually - a partner to inspire their dark naughty adventures and give them the motivation to take control."
So for those not in the know, the seme is the giving partner (in most instances) and the uke is the receiving (in that way, ya). Well its no shock to me what my preferred role is. I'm just surprised to remain static. Though, with the old quiz I sometimes got this or "opportunist seme" at times. None of them are outright negative though some are pretty tightly "defined" and makes me wonder who seriously behaves in such a way. I'm not sure what... this guy I really like a heck of a lot would end up as. He'd say, "well it depends on my mood." But I'll admit, it truly surprised me when he said, "well if you see me, there'd be tension," it's like... is... that... a vague admission that you kinda want me? Anyway, I'm really derailing my thoughts again. I'm told this is normal behavior for people with Asperger's but it sure can be annoying. : / He can be flaming a bit, which I like. Idk, I think he's just so adorbs and I really want to see him again. Oh well, a guy can hope, right? I will see him again but my hope is towards... maybe finding something more. Not that I can't be in just a friendship but its weird, even for me. Why can't I resist these overly affectionate feelings? Doesn't help that the universe almost seems to be pushing me into him, either, lawl. Well ah, good night, readers.
"You are a Chibi Seme
You are the seme in
disguise. Able to fit in and get along with uke and seme alike, you are
able to get close to the uke on their level before exerting your
dominance. This makes you at times manipulative and able to fool others
about your true seme nature. Because of your harmless appearance, it
takes the flamboyant Flaming Uke to match wits and really bring out your
aggressive side to expose you for the seme that you are."I don't think I'm that manipulative but its so true. x.x The full profile for this... "stereotype" of gay people like me goes on to say...
"Mischievous, loyal, and intelligent, the Chibi Seme always seems to have a quiet energy whispering around them, suggesting that there is much more to them then what there first appears to be. Laid-back, and not one to call a lot of attention to themselves, they tend to guard their creative, forceful, (and somewhat manipulative) inner self behind an easygoing and playful exterior shell, which makes it impossible for most to truly know them. It takes a special Uke personality to see into the Chibi Seme's deep hidden self and release their sensual side, but once the Chibi Seme has let in that one special person, they will be forever loyal, loving, and protective.
A Chibi Seme will never be completely happy with just the ordinary. Setting themselves somewhat apart from the rest of the world, they need someone like-minded to keep them challenged intellectually and spiritually - a partner to inspire their dark naughty adventures and give them the motivation to take control."
So for those not in the know, the seme is the giving partner (in most instances) and the uke is the receiving (in that way, ya). Well its no shock to me what my preferred role is. I'm just surprised to remain static. Though, with the old quiz I sometimes got this or "opportunist seme" at times. None of them are outright negative though some are pretty tightly "defined" and makes me wonder who seriously behaves in such a way. I'm not sure what... this guy I really like a heck of a lot would end up as. He'd say, "well it depends on my mood." But I'll admit, it truly surprised me when he said, "well if you see me, there'd be tension," it's like... is... that... a vague admission that you kinda want me? Anyway, I'm really derailing my thoughts again. I'm told this is normal behavior for people with Asperger's but it sure can be annoying. : / He can be flaming a bit, which I like. Idk, I think he's just so adorbs and I really want to see him again. Oh well, a guy can hope, right? I will see him again but my hope is towards... maybe finding something more. Not that I can't be in just a friendship but its weird, even for me. Why can't I resist these overly affectionate feelings? Doesn't help that the universe almost seems to be pushing me into him, either, lawl. Well ah, good night, readers.
Game character concepts (2015, "the mayor")
About two (or was it three?) days after thinking him up, I have a name for this guy... (and it starts with my favorite letter, haha.)
Kyung-joon
"A kind, newly elected Mayor of ____(leaning to someplace, probably made up, in Oregon, USA) whom bears a strong sense of justice. Freely places his own life in danger for the sake of his causes, delegating the mundane duties to his cabinet officials."
Gender: ♂
Age: 28
Ethnicity: Korean-Irish
Occupation: Mayor
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 165 lbs
Build: Muscular
Hair Color: Dark Auburn
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Skin Color: Intermediate
Loves: his boyfriend, family (in concept), swimming
Hates: killing, self-destructive behavior, excess noise
Favorite Food: Tacos
Weapon of Choice: Meteor Hammer
Back-story and Personality:
Kyung's mother was a war refugee and became with child shortly before her emigration to America, falling in love with a soldier of Irish descent. The father died bravely in the ongoing war and his love would pass on stories of him to her son, from what relatives of the deceased would relay to her (although they were never married, the father's relations residing in America took a liking to their would-be in-laws). At age 12, tragedy would strike and claim Kyung's mother's life to sudden illness, causing him to move in with a cousin of his father's elsewhere, as his mother's family only existed in Korea and had no means to contact him. This man was strange and made Kyung very uncomfortable, committing some atrocious acts with Kyung unable to disobey, or else become homeless. Those actions nearly drove Kyung to end his life then, at age 17, if not for one most fateful encounter on a suicide-themed forum with a person whom he felt an especially magnetic attachment to, much quicker than most people he's connected with beforehand (barring a childhood friend he knew before moving in with his father's cousin). After a few more years, with the backing of his friend who fatefully wandered back into his life as well, he began a courtship with this young boy, and quickly pushed his recent abusive years far back into the dark corners of his brain. Though they tend to argue at times, they rarely stay mad at one another and are a stable, positive influence in each other's lives. Although Kyung is especially professional and eloquent in public, he adapts his partner's shyness and sharper tongue if stressed or overwhelmed. He longs to one day start a family, a proper, loving family... perhaps with... well, all in due time...
Well, one down. ^_^ Hope... whoever reads this may like it perhaps, lol.
Kyung-joon
"A kind, newly elected Mayor of ____(leaning to someplace, probably made up, in Oregon, USA) whom bears a strong sense of justice. Freely places his own life in danger for the sake of his causes, delegating the mundane duties to his cabinet officials."
Gender: ♂
Age: 28
Ethnicity: Korean-Irish
Occupation: Mayor
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 165 lbs
Build: Muscular
Hair Color: Dark Auburn
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Skin Color: Intermediate
Loves: his boyfriend, family (in concept), swimming
Hates: killing, self-destructive behavior, excess noise
Favorite Food: Tacos
Weapon of Choice: Meteor Hammer
Back-story and Personality:
Kyung's mother was a war refugee and became with child shortly before her emigration to America, falling in love with a soldier of Irish descent. The father died bravely in the ongoing war and his love would pass on stories of him to her son, from what relatives of the deceased would relay to her (although they were never married, the father's relations residing in America took a liking to their would-be in-laws). At age 12, tragedy would strike and claim Kyung's mother's life to sudden illness, causing him to move in with a cousin of his father's elsewhere, as his mother's family only existed in Korea and had no means to contact him. This man was strange and made Kyung very uncomfortable, committing some atrocious acts with Kyung unable to disobey, or else become homeless. Those actions nearly drove Kyung to end his life then, at age 17, if not for one most fateful encounter on a suicide-themed forum with a person whom he felt an especially magnetic attachment to, much quicker than most people he's connected with beforehand (barring a childhood friend he knew before moving in with his father's cousin). After a few more years, with the backing of his friend who fatefully wandered back into his life as well, he began a courtship with this young boy, and quickly pushed his recent abusive years far back into the dark corners of his brain. Though they tend to argue at times, they rarely stay mad at one another and are a stable, positive influence in each other's lives. Although Kyung is especially professional and eloquent in public, he adapts his partner's shyness and sharper tongue if stressed or overwhelmed. He longs to one day start a family, a proper, loving family... perhaps with... well, all in due time...
Well, one down. ^_^ Hope... whoever reads this may like it perhaps, lol.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Game Character concepts (2015, intro)
Every now and then I dig deep and just pull out some pretty intriguing fictional characters from the ether. I do oft dream of one day working on a video game (most likely an RPG, my favorite genre) to present such characters in. Although programming is a hindrance in the way of that, and funding for obvious reasons, I do enjoy writing characters nontheless. So here's some random stuff I've done recently...
The general premise for this game's plot is to follow a young, freshly elected political figure (a mayor, to be precise) and experience his life as it plays out, now in such a position and forced to overcome past demons and impending strife while not neglecting his true duty to the people he truly cares about and vows to serve. The major characters intended to be "playable" at this point in time boil down to....
The Mayor, age 28 (male)
his Heart, age 24 (male)
his Spirit, age 26 (female)
an intrepid photo-journalist, age 28 (female)
her pillar, age 30 (male)
A loyal concillor, age 57 (male)
some woman, age to be determined
a synthetic humanoid (no physical gender)
This work of fiction takes place on a parallel Earth, with a modern setting (in terms of locale) and actual place names, but has some light fantasy elements presented, anyway... Onto the completed character profiles at this point. (going to make separate posts for each since these get Long).
The general premise for this game's plot is to follow a young, freshly elected political figure (a mayor, to be precise) and experience his life as it plays out, now in such a position and forced to overcome past demons and impending strife while not neglecting his true duty to the people he truly cares about and vows to serve. The major characters intended to be "playable" at this point in time boil down to....
The Mayor, age 28 (male)
his Heart, age 24 (male)
his Spirit, age 26 (female)
an intrepid photo-journalist, age 28 (female)
her pillar, age 30 (male)
A loyal concillor, age 57 (male)
some woman, age to be determined
a synthetic humanoid (no physical gender)
This work of fiction takes place on a parallel Earth, with a modern setting (in terms of locale) and actual place names, but has some light fantasy elements presented, anyway... Onto the completed character profiles at this point. (going to make separate posts for each since these get Long).
Thursday, November 27, 2014
And All the Rest
Back to my list... ah, yes~.
6). Final Fantasy 6
Entries 6 and 7 honestly flip-flop for me depending on my mood. There is very little difference of favoritism between them but, as I am not going to discuss them at the same time, they will get their own spots on the ladder. So, I think FF6 is... okay. Pretty much just "okay", as lame as that may be of an opinion but I don't feel too strongly about it. It meets most of my criteria for a good JRPG experience--memorable characters (to some extents), with each having at least a slightly unique contribution to battles, the battles aren't too monotonous and it has a good atmosphere (music, the way characters speak and so on). However, there isn't much to do in this game, which is unfortunate. In addition, it has very likable characters (Celes, Sabin, Edgar, Cyan, to name the most in my opinion) with some very bland characters (Gau, Mog, (not in personality but he does almost nothing important after you get him) the two fully optional recruits)) which causes a bit of mood whiplash. I don't know how too feel about this game, but its not one I dislike playing so... its fine for what it is.
7). Final Fantasy 8
This was the very first Final Fantasy I had ever played. Some people feel that one's first introduction to a series will remain one of the highest regarded if the series itself earns high esteem in one's mind. Eh, maybe I'm just too objective then in my opinion of this game at times. Which is odd because I do have strong feelings about it. And... ultimately, its okay. I like the game but I don't enjoy it more than 9 or 4 or 10-2. If you put all four games (those three and FF8) in front of me, I would usually pick out any other to play before it. Unless I had spent an excessively long time without playing 8. Which isn't too likely, I usually visit it every year at least once. Anywho, the story is a bit... odd. Not the most boring but if you try to take things at face value, you may not really be happy with the way things play out. And the ending of the game is really, really dumb. Still, the characters aren't totally unlikable. They are teenagers and pretty much act like it. I think people who prefer more seasoned, insightful characters in fiction may be the most disappointed in 8's group of protagonists but I still prefer them over those in games lower on this list. Perhaps that is because they felt relevant to me when I first picked up this game at 13 years old. So, I guess playing a game featuring people in my age range just suits me. Somewhat. There's plenty to do in 8 though, not a ton, but the card game is pretty fun if downright frustrating if you advance deep into it. The game even rewards you for playing Triple Triad with tons of useful items you can create from the cards. And for those who don't like much linearity, the game does open completely by the time you're on the second disc, and moreso on the third. I can't deny that.
8). Final Fantasy
The first one, that is. Okay, this game is very simple. But that is why its fun (for me). There's very little story, so while you're playing you can make up your own. The characters are all nameless but strongly defined in their battle roles (as each is locked to its job class) with no two being completely similar. The game is probably the shortest (beating it within 20 hours is normal) but is it fun? Well, yeah. Relaxing is the best word because you can pretty much do whatever you want. Want to spend 5 hours grinding? Go ahead. Want to wander around and encounter monsters way too strong for your current level? Be my guest. I'm sure some may get lost on their first time playing (at least without a guide) and that's quite alright. I just can't say much negative about it besides the most obvious -- old, barely any story or reason to progress beyond personal interest but if you don't like to read a lot and just want to mow down lots of monsters, it might appeal to you.
9). Final Fantasy 7
FF7 is well, not a game I'm too crazy about. Maybe because to me, most of it is quite boring. And the largest reason for that is... the characters in battle. So, as any fan of this game or the series more-than-likely knows, 7 employs a materia system to bestow magic abilities on its characters, who are all just ordinary humans with no special powers (in general). Because of this, no character has anything unique they can do in a fight without materia, barring their Limit Breaks. Since those Limit Breaks can only be used after a while and only if you've been taking lots of damage, you never really know when you'll have one to use. More irritating is that when your Limit is available... you can't attack normally at all. What. The. Hell. It is so dumb and makes absolutely no sense! Now okay, most Limits ARE indeed attacks but lets assume a possible scenario where the character Aerith gets in a battle with her Limit just a smidge below ready and an enemy hits her and, perhaps because she wasn't in use for a while, she has no materia set. She then won't be able to actually harm an enemy without using up her Limit (which are all supportive in nature), in other words, she has to waste her turn because somehow she "forgot" how to bop something with her staff. This, and because I am not a fan of blank-slate characters in RPGs (regarding their magic/supplemental skills), is why I really don't care for playing 7. The game is also long... a bit too drawn out, though I don't dislike the story itself. I have a hard time finishing this game if I try to play it seriously and well... that's a pretty fair reason for not feeling too strongly for the experience.
10). Final Fantasy 2
Now, in my honest opinion. FF2 is almost a complete and unarguable improvement over its predecessor. Yet, still I don't care for it as much as the 1st entry and it is mostly because it has they same key flaws as FF7 while being a less interesting game overall (in regards to its plot). The problem, for me, is its characters are just barely memorable (but I do really like Joseph and Minwu) and the core team are almost totally devoid of character which is a major downer. All they have is their appearance and the occasional line of dialogue and well, when the guest party member is usually more involved in the circumstances than your heroes... yeah~. Being full blank slates in battle is also not a point in their favor. But, really, the game isn't a complete downer for me like the next entries may evoke feelings of being. I can actually finish 2 when I decide to play it which is more than I can usually say for 7 or those to follow, wow!
11). Final Fantasy 5
Hoo boy... FF5. Agh. The characters in this game are likable. Really! But why, Why, WHY do they have to be blank slates totally hamstrung to grinding out job classes just to do anything of worth in battle!? Why does Galuf, who is established as a seasoned adventurer, have no more talent to his name than the princess with next to no combat experience whatsoever and why is said princess so naturally gifted for sorcery? Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind job class systems. Hell, when FF9 and FF4 ARE my favorites, I gotta like something about them, right!? And I love 10-2. But FF5 doesn't do anything to really make the classes matter to the characters besides minor stat differences which barely matter in the long run. Really, if the grind wasn't so boring and perhaps if a more open system like FFTactics, 10-2 and Bravely Default offered, I would enjoy this game so much more. As it stands though, its long, sloggy, and just frustrating that Faris is a far more interesting character than Bartz and isn't the main character. The truth comes out...
12). Final Fantasy 3
Everything I just said negative about 5 is present in 3. I'm sorry, but I don't care for this game and its really just FF5 with even less interesting characters. In part, because its an old game and didn't put the effort in because time, budget and technology restraints. So, I can forgive it for trying. And being the first game in the series to approach the open job leveling system separate from your character wasn't bad.
13). Final Fantasy 12
Firstly, I do not think 12 is a bad game. It merely disappoints me on a few fronts that are just borderline unforgivable. I am basing my opinion off the standard release, not the International version which improves on some aspects. But, as I cannot play that, 12 is burdened with the dishonor of being my least favorite Final Fantasy. FF12 has one of the Best worlds in the franchise. In fact, Ivalice is probably my third favorite world of all after Gaia (FF9) and Spira (FF10). Its so massive in scope (as the game shows so well, almost TOO well) and the multiple races found coexisting here is really nice and worth experiencing. But, most of the cast the player must follow are bland to borderline annoying. Again, the side characters are generally more interesting which, for an RPG, is not a good thing when you are expected to spend around 60 hours with them. Disliked, perhaps not all the time, but gosh do I just not care about Vaan when he does all of diddly squat after the party is united. And yet the game somehow wants me to care about him. I don't. Sorry. He's my least favorite character and you bet I'm steamed over Dissidia Duodecim including him in the game at all when Gabranth is a much, much better choice to represent the game. And I hate the license board, so... very... much. Not the idea but just the simple fact that the ONLY unique thing characters can get are Espers and several you have to go out of your way to find (good luck with that in the first place as the game does nothing to guide you towards the optional ones at all) and that the Quickening system is pointless for most of the game anyway as most enemies you're required to fight won't be much problem if you've enough licenses. Yeah... I'm miffed. Long, boring, characters that are blank slates, Quickenings using up MP (which is bad and also can make magic pretty pointless at times), and just... utterly disappointing to me (because I truly wanted to like this game more), is why FF12, though a perfectly reasonable game and RPG, is my least favorite Final Fantasy.
Woo-hoo, done! Happy holidays to whoever chooses to read this~. Buh-bye. ^~^
6). Final Fantasy 6
Entries 6 and 7 honestly flip-flop for me depending on my mood. There is very little difference of favoritism between them but, as I am not going to discuss them at the same time, they will get their own spots on the ladder. So, I think FF6 is... okay. Pretty much just "okay", as lame as that may be of an opinion but I don't feel too strongly about it. It meets most of my criteria for a good JRPG experience--memorable characters (to some extents), with each having at least a slightly unique contribution to battles, the battles aren't too monotonous and it has a good atmosphere (music, the way characters speak and so on). However, there isn't much to do in this game, which is unfortunate. In addition, it has very likable characters (Celes, Sabin, Edgar, Cyan, to name the most in my opinion) with some very bland characters (Gau, Mog, (not in personality but he does almost nothing important after you get him) the two fully optional recruits)) which causes a bit of mood whiplash. I don't know how too feel about this game, but its not one I dislike playing so... its fine for what it is.
7). Final Fantasy 8
This was the very first Final Fantasy I had ever played. Some people feel that one's first introduction to a series will remain one of the highest regarded if the series itself earns high esteem in one's mind. Eh, maybe I'm just too objective then in my opinion of this game at times. Which is odd because I do have strong feelings about it. And... ultimately, its okay. I like the game but I don't enjoy it more than 9 or 4 or 10-2. If you put all four games (those three and FF8) in front of me, I would usually pick out any other to play before it. Unless I had spent an excessively long time without playing 8. Which isn't too likely, I usually visit it every year at least once. Anywho, the story is a bit... odd. Not the most boring but if you try to take things at face value, you may not really be happy with the way things play out. And the ending of the game is really, really dumb. Still, the characters aren't totally unlikable. They are teenagers and pretty much act like it. I think people who prefer more seasoned, insightful characters in fiction may be the most disappointed in 8's group of protagonists but I still prefer them over those in games lower on this list. Perhaps that is because they felt relevant to me when I first picked up this game at 13 years old. So, I guess playing a game featuring people in my age range just suits me. Somewhat. There's plenty to do in 8 though, not a ton, but the card game is pretty fun if downright frustrating if you advance deep into it. The game even rewards you for playing Triple Triad with tons of useful items you can create from the cards. And for those who don't like much linearity, the game does open completely by the time you're on the second disc, and moreso on the third. I can't deny that.
8). Final Fantasy
The first one, that is. Okay, this game is very simple. But that is why its fun (for me). There's very little story, so while you're playing you can make up your own. The characters are all nameless but strongly defined in their battle roles (as each is locked to its job class) with no two being completely similar. The game is probably the shortest (beating it within 20 hours is normal) but is it fun? Well, yeah. Relaxing is the best word because you can pretty much do whatever you want. Want to spend 5 hours grinding? Go ahead. Want to wander around and encounter monsters way too strong for your current level? Be my guest. I'm sure some may get lost on their first time playing (at least without a guide) and that's quite alright. I just can't say much negative about it besides the most obvious -- old, barely any story or reason to progress beyond personal interest but if you don't like to read a lot and just want to mow down lots of monsters, it might appeal to you.
9). Final Fantasy 7
FF7 is well, not a game I'm too crazy about. Maybe because to me, most of it is quite boring. And the largest reason for that is... the characters in battle. So, as any fan of this game or the series more-than-likely knows, 7 employs a materia system to bestow magic abilities on its characters, who are all just ordinary humans with no special powers (in general). Because of this, no character has anything unique they can do in a fight without materia, barring their Limit Breaks. Since those Limit Breaks can only be used after a while and only if you've been taking lots of damage, you never really know when you'll have one to use. More irritating is that when your Limit is available... you can't attack normally at all. What. The. Hell. It is so dumb and makes absolutely no sense! Now okay, most Limits ARE indeed attacks but lets assume a possible scenario where the character Aerith gets in a battle with her Limit just a smidge below ready and an enemy hits her and, perhaps because she wasn't in use for a while, she has no materia set. She then won't be able to actually harm an enemy without using up her Limit (which are all supportive in nature), in other words, she has to waste her turn because somehow she "forgot" how to bop something with her staff. This, and because I am not a fan of blank-slate characters in RPGs (regarding their magic/supplemental skills), is why I really don't care for playing 7. The game is also long... a bit too drawn out, though I don't dislike the story itself. I have a hard time finishing this game if I try to play it seriously and well... that's a pretty fair reason for not feeling too strongly for the experience.
10). Final Fantasy 2
Now, in my honest opinion. FF2 is almost a complete and unarguable improvement over its predecessor. Yet, still I don't care for it as much as the 1st entry and it is mostly because it has they same key flaws as FF7 while being a less interesting game overall (in regards to its plot). The problem, for me, is its characters are just barely memorable (but I do really like Joseph and Minwu) and the core team are almost totally devoid of character which is a major downer. All they have is their appearance and the occasional line of dialogue and well, when the guest party member is usually more involved in the circumstances than your heroes... yeah~. Being full blank slates in battle is also not a point in their favor. But, really, the game isn't a complete downer for me like the next entries may evoke feelings of being. I can actually finish 2 when I decide to play it which is more than I can usually say for 7 or those to follow, wow!
11). Final Fantasy 5
Hoo boy... FF5. Agh. The characters in this game are likable. Really! But why, Why, WHY do they have to be blank slates totally hamstrung to grinding out job classes just to do anything of worth in battle!? Why does Galuf, who is established as a seasoned adventurer, have no more talent to his name than the princess with next to no combat experience whatsoever and why is said princess so naturally gifted for sorcery? Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind job class systems. Hell, when FF9 and FF4 ARE my favorites, I gotta like something about them, right!? And I love 10-2. But FF5 doesn't do anything to really make the classes matter to the characters besides minor stat differences which barely matter in the long run. Really, if the grind wasn't so boring and perhaps if a more open system like FFTactics, 10-2 and Bravely Default offered, I would enjoy this game so much more. As it stands though, its long, sloggy, and just frustrating that Faris is a far more interesting character than Bartz and isn't the main character. The truth comes out...
12). Final Fantasy 3
Everything I just said negative about 5 is present in 3. I'm sorry, but I don't care for this game and its really just FF5 with even less interesting characters. In part, because its an old game and didn't put the effort in because time, budget and technology restraints. So, I can forgive it for trying. And being the first game in the series to approach the open job leveling system separate from your character wasn't bad.
13). Final Fantasy 12
Firstly, I do not think 12 is a bad game. It merely disappoints me on a few fronts that are just borderline unforgivable. I am basing my opinion off the standard release, not the International version which improves on some aspects. But, as I cannot play that, 12 is burdened with the dishonor of being my least favorite Final Fantasy. FF12 has one of the Best worlds in the franchise. In fact, Ivalice is probably my third favorite world of all after Gaia (FF9) and Spira (FF10). Its so massive in scope (as the game shows so well, almost TOO well) and the multiple races found coexisting here is really nice and worth experiencing. But, most of the cast the player must follow are bland to borderline annoying. Again, the side characters are generally more interesting which, for an RPG, is not a good thing when you are expected to spend around 60 hours with them. Disliked, perhaps not all the time, but gosh do I just not care about Vaan when he does all of diddly squat after the party is united. And yet the game somehow wants me to care about him. I don't. Sorry. He's my least favorite character and you bet I'm steamed over Dissidia Duodecim including him in the game at all when Gabranth is a much, much better choice to represent the game. And I hate the license board, so... very... much. Not the idea but just the simple fact that the ONLY unique thing characters can get are Espers and several you have to go out of your way to find (good luck with that in the first place as the game does nothing to guide you towards the optional ones at all) and that the Quickening system is pointless for most of the game anyway as most enemies you're required to fight won't be much problem if you've enough licenses. Yeah... I'm miffed. Long, boring, characters that are blank slates, Quickenings using up MP (which is bad and also can make magic pretty pointless at times), and just... utterly disappointing to me (because I truly wanted to like this game more), is why FF12, though a perfectly reasonable game and RPG, is my least favorite Final Fantasy.
Woo-hoo, done! Happy holidays to whoever chooses to read this~. Buh-bye. ^~^
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Time to Liven Things Up
Really, I mope enough and all and I realize it has been too long since I start just sharing my feelings and opinions on things that aren't so depressing or equate to me whining or raving on about idiotic people, hah. So, I thought I'd take the time to discuss each major entry in a long time video game franchise that I genuinely enjoy for the most part -- Final Fantasy. No frou-frou analysis intended here, just my opinion. Take anything with a grain of salt as, after all, I am not you (whoever may read this) and thus I may vastly prefer or dislike things you very much don't.
In order of my personally most liked to my least liked, predominantly main-entry titles:
1). Final Fantasy 9
After much careful deliberation, this game is most definitely my favorite game in the series. Mind you, this comes from a person who first played this game as their third foray into FF, so the intended nostalgic motifs are not really important to me at all. The reason I truly like this game most is because it is the one I most enjoy replaying; as it feels packed to the brim of content possible for a game of its era of release, which was pretty much the tail-end of the Playstation 1's lifespan. Not only is there so much to do, I personally enjoy doing most of it all; and it doesn't hurt that the main story and game is quite enjoyable when I'm not entertaining myself with Chocobo Hot & Cold or the card game, Tetra Master. It amuses that the game also presents a reward for players looking to complete it as fast as possible (which I will never do, I dislike rushing) which seems completely against the design of the game itself, hah, but I feel that shows that the developers really did try to think of everyone when they were making this. This game has quite a lot of heart and so I'm always elated to admit FF9 as my very favorite Square game.
2). Final Fantasy 4
Final Fantasy 4 could tie with 9, as they are both very simplistic RPGs with similar styles in several aspects. But, that would be disregarding the fact that 4 just doesn't have nearly as much to do in the game as 9 does. Still, it ranks highly for me because of one simple fact. The characters are each memorable and distinct. No two major characters are exactly alike in their play-styles even if they share several abilities, and that is truly wonderful because it strengthens their overall identity. Which is sometimes forgotten in console-style RPGs, professional or not, these days. I appreciate this facet very strongly, and it is one key factor in why the Final Fantasies that are at the bottom of this are there. Their characters just aren't as well-defined nor worth repeated visits (in my opinion).
3). Final Fantasy 10-2
This is the only spin-off entry I shall be including on my list because it probably will prove the most interesting to talk about. Well, if anyone did want to seriously discuss with me, "why DO you like 10-2 more than... so many other FFs?" I am not ashamed about this... I like this game quite a bit and yes, more than its prequel. The primary reason is precisely why 9 appeals to me just a hair more than FF4 -- there is simply quite a lot to do in X-2, even more if you own the HD remaster. That's nothing to say of its combat, which I feel is among, if not THE best combat experience in the Final Fantasy series. It is not too slow nor too hectic and is just plain fun, frankly. Yes the game is full of fan-service, you will pretty much get that from the first three minutes of it being on, but really, it does not detract from the joy of playing this game so much that I can truly say I never want to not be able to play it again. I do not yet own a PS3 but when I do, I fully intend to play this game for several more years before I truly feel ready to close this chapter of "my story".
4). Final Fantasy 10
It was the first game I owned on my PS2, the second FF title I ever experienced and the first that I would complete in full. Needless to say, I am still a fan of 10. I can't even play it right now and I just still appreciate seeing others enjoy (or critique, if desired) the game. This game represents, to me, the quintessential FF and all-round RPG experience to me. An emotional, yet compelling character-driven story where the eventual destination means so much after the arduous journey to get there. This was the first game to give me tears when experiencing the ending because I really felt what the characters themselves were feeling after becoming invested in their lives. Why is it not my favorite FF? Because there is very little replayability, as it is very much a "once and done" sort of game. There's also not really a great deal of variety to do in this game as it can summarized by three things: battles, blitzball or chocobo racing. That's literally it. Mind you, two of those things aren't unique to this game and the one that is, is just... super repetitive and just not as addictive as the mini-games in 9, nor 10-2, are. Although I do enjoy 10's blitzball more than 10-2, 10-2 just has Sphere Break which wins me over (I like math, sue me).
5). Final Fantasy 13
Well, here you have it. I am not a person who strongly dislikes 13. Prepare your shotguns, but do be careful, you could shoot your eye out. This game is honestly not that bad. I suppose its biggest problems, at least when compared to other RPGs, is that its story is not cohesive at all, its presentation reflects the disorganization (mostly in terms of set/environmental design aspects) and (most egregious for me) there is just very little to do in the game. You do, primarily, one thing ever -- fight battles. If you're not in a battle or a cut-scene, you're facilitating things that either lead to more cut-scenes or affect your performance in battle. Granted, there is a lot to be said about 13's battles. I feel that the positives usually out-weigh the cons for the majority of the battles. Only a few bosses or optional encounters are really worth groaning over and when you seriously sit down and think about how few of those aches there truly are, the game is still an experience that can be enjoyed. Instead of making you solve puzzles in the field, 13 has you solve them for each unique enemy group and honestly, that's a pretty interesting thing that few games ever attempt and many never succeed at. Finally, although a lot of abilities are shared, the game does ensure that each character's role progression is fully unique to them and only a few characters truly handle their roles the same. Even more, it is important to note that the availability of some abilities means than some characters are just better suited to being in a certain role than their competition, so (to me), the characters have just enough of a touch of uniqueness to care about in the long run.
(I am tired right now and will continue in a future, hopefully soon, post. Take care.)
In order of my personally most liked to my least liked, predominantly main-entry titles:
1). Final Fantasy 9
After much careful deliberation, this game is most definitely my favorite game in the series. Mind you, this comes from a person who first played this game as their third foray into FF, so the intended nostalgic motifs are not really important to me at all. The reason I truly like this game most is because it is the one I most enjoy replaying; as it feels packed to the brim of content possible for a game of its era of release, which was pretty much the tail-end of the Playstation 1's lifespan. Not only is there so much to do, I personally enjoy doing most of it all; and it doesn't hurt that the main story and game is quite enjoyable when I'm not entertaining myself with Chocobo Hot & Cold or the card game, Tetra Master. It amuses that the game also presents a reward for players looking to complete it as fast as possible (which I will never do, I dislike rushing) which seems completely against the design of the game itself, hah, but I feel that shows that the developers really did try to think of everyone when they were making this. This game has quite a lot of heart and so I'm always elated to admit FF9 as my very favorite Square game.
2). Final Fantasy 4
Final Fantasy 4 could tie with 9, as they are both very simplistic RPGs with similar styles in several aspects. But, that would be disregarding the fact that 4 just doesn't have nearly as much to do in the game as 9 does. Still, it ranks highly for me because of one simple fact. The characters are each memorable and distinct. No two major characters are exactly alike in their play-styles even if they share several abilities, and that is truly wonderful because it strengthens their overall identity. Which is sometimes forgotten in console-style RPGs, professional or not, these days. I appreciate this facet very strongly, and it is one key factor in why the Final Fantasies that are at the bottom of this are there. Their characters just aren't as well-defined nor worth repeated visits (in my opinion).
3). Final Fantasy 10-2
This is the only spin-off entry I shall be including on my list because it probably will prove the most interesting to talk about. Well, if anyone did want to seriously discuss with me, "why DO you like 10-2 more than... so many other FFs?" I am not ashamed about this... I like this game quite a bit and yes, more than its prequel. The primary reason is precisely why 9 appeals to me just a hair more than FF4 -- there is simply quite a lot to do in X-2, even more if you own the HD remaster. That's nothing to say of its combat, which I feel is among, if not THE best combat experience in the Final Fantasy series. It is not too slow nor too hectic and is just plain fun, frankly. Yes the game is full of fan-service, you will pretty much get that from the first three minutes of it being on, but really, it does not detract from the joy of playing this game so much that I can truly say I never want to not be able to play it again. I do not yet own a PS3 but when I do, I fully intend to play this game for several more years before I truly feel ready to close this chapter of "my story".
4). Final Fantasy 10
It was the first game I owned on my PS2, the second FF title I ever experienced and the first that I would complete in full. Needless to say, I am still a fan of 10. I can't even play it right now and I just still appreciate seeing others enjoy (or critique, if desired) the game. This game represents, to me, the quintessential FF and all-round RPG experience to me. An emotional, yet compelling character-driven story where the eventual destination means so much after the arduous journey to get there. This was the first game to give me tears when experiencing the ending because I really felt what the characters themselves were feeling after becoming invested in their lives. Why is it not my favorite FF? Because there is very little replayability, as it is very much a "once and done" sort of game. There's also not really a great deal of variety to do in this game as it can summarized by three things: battles, blitzball or chocobo racing. That's literally it. Mind you, two of those things aren't unique to this game and the one that is, is just... super repetitive and just not as addictive as the mini-games in 9, nor 10-2, are. Although I do enjoy 10's blitzball more than 10-2, 10-2 just has Sphere Break which wins me over (I like math, sue me).
5). Final Fantasy 13
Well, here you have it. I am not a person who strongly dislikes 13. Prepare your shotguns, but do be careful, you could shoot your eye out. This game is honestly not that bad. I suppose its biggest problems, at least when compared to other RPGs, is that its story is not cohesive at all, its presentation reflects the disorganization (mostly in terms of set/environmental design aspects) and (most egregious for me) there is just very little to do in the game. You do, primarily, one thing ever -- fight battles. If you're not in a battle or a cut-scene, you're facilitating things that either lead to more cut-scenes or affect your performance in battle. Granted, there is a lot to be said about 13's battles. I feel that the positives usually out-weigh the cons for the majority of the battles. Only a few bosses or optional encounters are really worth groaning over and when you seriously sit down and think about how few of those aches there truly are, the game is still an experience that can be enjoyed. Instead of making you solve puzzles in the field, 13 has you solve them for each unique enemy group and honestly, that's a pretty interesting thing that few games ever attempt and many never succeed at. Finally, although a lot of abilities are shared, the game does ensure that each character's role progression is fully unique to them and only a few characters truly handle their roles the same. Even more, it is important to note that the availability of some abilities means than some characters are just better suited to being in a certain role than their competition, so (to me), the characters have just enough of a touch of uniqueness to care about in the long run.
(I am tired right now and will continue in a future, hopefully soon, post. Take care.)
Saturday, October 4, 2014
My Ideal (strictly hypothetically speaking)
Well, every now and then I do sort of wonder if I really know what I want from people. I'd at least like to claim that I have some vague idea as to what I hope to find in an eventual long-time relationship. So, I thought that I'd share the qualities that I would hope to find in a person I'd think of as truly ideal...
-my ideal lover should be either male or strongly in touch with his/her masculinity
-my ideal lover would rarely exert dominance, instead emphasizing harmony
-my ideal lover should be shorter than me by at least two inches or more (I'm 6'4")
-my ideal lover could have nearly any body type as long as they suffer from no major illnesses or conditions
-my ideal lover would understand the importance of restraint, save when it comes to passionate excursions or defending the wrongfully accused
-my ideal lover would not be one for giving nor receiving praise, simply believing in positive reinforcement when it appears pertinent
-my ideal lover would seek my help after first attempting a solution to their problem by their own merit
-my ideal lover should understand that to be with me is to be loved, to be wanted and needed simultaneously; which that is why I use the word "lover" in reference to them and not "partner"
-my ideal lover would inject humor even at their own expense if I'm down, showing true commitment and depth of character
-my ideal lover could cry if they wanted to and understand that I don't think of it as a sign of weakness, but to be endeared for entrusting me with their emotions
-my ideal lover should never willfully impose harm on their own well-being, let alone the livelihood of others (including things such as smoking, over-drinking, self-mutilation and etc.)
-my ideal lover would understand that it's okay to not meet all of these expectations and if they truly do love me, compromises can be reached
That's pretty much it. I, personally, don't think that is a completely unreasonable nor too long list of traits (in fact I meet a large number of them personally, but I'm hoping for someone with different interests or at least someone not too much like me in appearance or necessarily interests to help me really enjoy life and appreciate differences without being overly aggressive about it). Felt I'd keep this to remind myself of what's important now and perhaps late I can come back and see if anything has changed? Perhaps.
-my ideal lover should be either male or strongly in touch with his/her masculinity
-my ideal lover would rarely exert dominance, instead emphasizing harmony
-my ideal lover should be shorter than me by at least two inches or more (I'm 6'4")
-my ideal lover could have nearly any body type as long as they suffer from no major illnesses or conditions
-my ideal lover would understand the importance of restraint, save when it comes to passionate excursions or defending the wrongfully accused
-my ideal lover would not be one for giving nor receiving praise, simply believing in positive reinforcement when it appears pertinent
-my ideal lover would seek my help after first attempting a solution to their problem by their own merit
-my ideal lover should understand that to be with me is to be loved, to be wanted and needed simultaneously; which that is why I use the word "lover" in reference to them and not "partner"
-my ideal lover would inject humor even at their own expense if I'm down, showing true commitment and depth of character
-my ideal lover could cry if they wanted to and understand that I don't think of it as a sign of weakness, but to be endeared for entrusting me with their emotions
-my ideal lover should never willfully impose harm on their own well-being, let alone the livelihood of others (including things such as smoking, over-drinking, self-mutilation and etc.)
-my ideal lover would understand that it's okay to not meet all of these expectations and if they truly do love me, compromises can be reached
That's pretty much it. I, personally, don't think that is a completely unreasonable nor too long list of traits (in fact I meet a large number of them personally, but I'm hoping for someone with different interests or at least someone not too much like me in appearance or necessarily interests to help me really enjoy life and appreciate differences without being overly aggressive about it). Felt I'd keep this to remind myself of what's important now and perhaps late I can come back and see if anything has changed? Perhaps.
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