Anime Review: Clannad (TV series)

Plot Summary: Okazaki Tomoya is a high-school student in his third year. However, he's a delinquent because of his strained relationship with his father. One day, he meets a girl named Furukawa Nagisa, whose a year older than him but is repeating a year due to her weak health. She plans to reopen the Theatre Club and Tomoya somehow got himself mixed up into it (though he actually volunteered to help, but not join.). Through Nagisa, he learns to see life in a new way.

Storyline: 8/10. Another of Key's work. Superb, but not as great as Kanon. But this time, unlike Key's previous works, the lead male has a more headstrong character rather than the usual passive ones common in Key's works. There is less drama, but the comedy makes up for all of it.

Music: 9/10. I actually prefer the music here over Kanon's. Dango Daikazoku is also my best friend's favourite song right now.

Artwork: 8.5/10. It still looks a lot like Kanon and Air, but there is some improvement. The colours are brighter than Kanon since it leans more to the comedy side than drama.

Overall: 8.8/10. I loved this series for the comedy. Each girl's story isn't that impressive anymore, but as I have said, comedy is this show's best point. Everytime they make you feel down, they make you laugh again with very suitable jokes. I also highly recommend this anime. And I can't wait for the sequel!

Anime Review: Kanon 2006

Plot Summary: Yuuichi returns to a small town after a seven year absence. He used to visit the place when he was a child. When he returns, he realises that he has little memory of the place, even though he has a feeling that important things had happened there. During his stay, he meets several girls, his cousin, Nayuki; an amnesiac with a grudge, Makoto; a taiyaki lover and childhood friend, Ayu; a sickly girl who often visits his school, Shiori; and a self-proclaimed demon slayer, Mai. As he helps them solves their problems, old memories began to arise.

Storyline: 9.5/10. Beautiful! Superb! Magnificent! Probably the best of its kind. Every arc comes with a twist and some adequate drama. In my opinion, the Makoto arc is the best of them all.

Music: 8.5/10. I'm no music expert. Heck, I'm not even an amateur, but if I'm not mistaken, several famous pieces are played throughout the series (Kanon being the most obvious). Anyway, the opening and ending are lighthearted songs with little change in tone, but quite adequate considering the mood of the series.

Artwork: 8/10. Impressive art, as expected from Key (original creators) and Kyoto Animation (makers of the anime).

Overall: 9/10. I'd be lying if I didn't say that this is one of the best anime (and possibly the best of its genre) I've watched so far. A perfect mix of drama and comedy with a fairytale-ish touch. It's the only anime that was close to making me tear. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this!

Anime Quiz #1

Let's see if anyone can guess the title of this anime!

1. Overture
2. Introit
3. Partita
4. Caprice
5. Serenade
6. Divertimento
7. Fuga
8. Fantasie
9. Berceuse
10. Requiem
11. Intermezzo
12. Waltz
13. Trio
14. Concerto
15. Sonatina
16. Oratorio
17. Lieder Ohne Worte
18. Adagio
19. Etude
20. Nocturn
21. Ronde
22. Symphony
23. Finale
24. Canon

Yes, it was meant to be easy.

Anime Review: .hack//G.U. Trilogy

Plot Summary: The story is based off the 3 .hack//G.U. games. As the "Terror of Death", Haseo searches on for the mysterious PK "Tri-Edge" who defeated Shino and caused her to become comatose. After an 8-month disappearance, Ovan returns and told Haseo where to find Tri-Edge. In a fit of rage, Haseo went there, but was completely defeated by Tri-Edge. After being blasted by an unknown Skill, Haseo wakes up to realise that his level had fallen from Lvl. 133 to Lvl. 1. He was then told that he wielded a special power known as "Avatar", which only a selected few have. Now, he must learn to control this power and also, his own emotions, as he unravels the mysteries that now plague The World.

Storyline: 4/10. Good, but a little rushed. Scratch that. It was VERY rushed. You'd have to watch the whole movie 2-3 times just to get the story right. Sometimes, you're not even sure when one scene ends and another begins. IMO, I didn't like the fact that they changed most of the story. What happened to all the other characters, like Silabus, Gaspard, Alkaid, Endrance, Sakubo etc.?! What happened to the fight against Cubia to save, not only The World, but the entire world-wide web!? I guess 3 games are a little too long to squeeze into a 90-minute movie.

Music: 8/10. Once again, good job to the music composers of .hack. Although I still prefer the game OST better because the Lost Grounds had wonderful medieval and melancholic music.

Artwork: 10/10. Oh yeah! This is what it's all about! If you've read my posts from a few months ago, you would've seen the fight scenes from the movie. It was beautiful, fluent, creative and just plain scary! Imagine if a MMORPG could let you pull out stunts like that, I assure you that the company would make a hell lot more money than even WOW!!! And I'd like to add that the CG fights make FFVII: Advent Childen look mediocre.

Overall: 5/10. Why such a low rating? Because the animation and fighting were the only good things about it. Sure, the storyline was compelling, but it moved too fast for most people to even grasp an impression. I'd recommend just watching the fight scenes and screwing the story!

Anime Review: .hack//ROOTS

Plot Summary: The story takes place before the .hack//GU games. The anime tells the story of the relationship between Haseo and Shino, the relationship between Haseo and Ovan, and the events that caused Haseo to be known as the PKK, "The Terror of Death". It begins from when Haseo was saved from two PKs by Ovan. Following Haseo's meeting with Shino, Haseo joins the Twilight Brigade. The Brigade's main objective was to find the legendary item, the Key of the twilight, which was said to surpass even the system. However, many challenges await them along their quest. What's even worse is the appearance of a mysterious character known only as "Tri-Edge".

Storyline: 9/10. Wonderfully done!! The series reveals the answer to Haseo's past, Ovan's identity and Azure Kite's role in the story. The bad thing? Well, those who play the games weren't happy that most of the mysteries were revealed to them before they played the game. This made playing .hack//GU Vol. 2 quite uninteresting.

Music: 8.5/10. Besides the opening and ending (which were terrible IMO), the rest of the music used the OST of .hack//GU. Eternal City Mac Anu's background music is still as calming as ever. However, they occasionally put the wrong music at the wrong time.

Artwork: 5/10. Now, this.... THIS WAS TERRIBLE!! Compared with the previous two anime series, the 7 games and the movie, .hack//ROOTS had terrible artwork. Animation was also so bad, I couldn't believe the same guys made the games (the CG fights were thoroughly impressive)!

Overall: 7.5/10. If it weren't for the terrible art, it would've been a masterpiece. Pity... Maybe they should've used the CG from .hack//G.U. Trilogy. Haha!

Anime Review: .hack//Legend of Twilight

Plot Summary: The story takes place after the original four .hack games. Shugo and Rena won an online contest and was allowed to use the limited edition legendary characters, Kite and Black Rose. At the same time, invincible monsters have started to appear in The World. If anyone were to be killed by these monsters, the player would fall into a coma. After being killed once by one of these monsters, Shugo was revived by Aura and given a weaker version of the Twilight Bracelet. Later, Rena was also killed and became comatosed. Shugo must now learn to control this bracelet and unravel the mysteries behind these strange happenings in order to save Rena.

Storyline: 6/10. The comedy wasn't too bad, but it's .hack we're talking about. Comedy just isn't suitable for this series. I do applaud their efforts and also thank them for bringing back some of the dothackers (Balmung and Sanjuro)...even though they aren't Kite and BlackRose themselves.

Music: 8.5/10. It's cute... and somewhat annoying after you listen to it about 20-30 times, but after some time, you'll miss the wacky tunes. Travel in Mind was one of the best happy songs I've heard so far.

Artwork: 7/10. Chibi versions of Kite and BlackRose! How cute! Only the battle scenes need some extra touching-ups.

Overall: First, it's "save the online world"! Then, it's psychology. Now, it's comedy. And damn, do they do a good job in all of 'em! 7/10!

Anime Review: .hack//SIGN

Now, I'll start following the series in order.

Plot summary: The story takes place before the original .hack games. Tsukasa wakes up in The World (it's the name of the MMORPG they play in .hack) and finds himself unable to log out from the game. In fact, he is unable to make any contact with the outside world. Soon after, he hears a voice who gives him a companion. However, ever since that companion appeared, strange happenings occur around Tsukasa. This leads to the Crimson Knights (They stop hackers, defeat PKs and others) to start going after him. Meanwhile, Bear, Mimiru and BT seek to understand Tsukasa and help him return to the real world.

Storyline: 8/10. Unlike the games, where the main objective is to prevent the World Network Crisis by stopping a rogue AI, this anime focuses more on psychology, mainly Tsukasa's. However, the other characters also learn about themselves and their lives. A very impressive introduction to Harold Herwick, Morganna and Aura (the three key factors of the original games).

Music: Once again, Yuki Kajiura presents one of the best OSTs I've heard. Her melancholic songs are always so wonderful. Many people might find the opening song annoying, but I found it rather impressive. It's just a matter of taste. 9.5/10

Artwork: Wonderful artwork, which blends in very well with the storyline. Dark and mysterious, and that is what the World is and forever will be. 8/10

Overall: What can I say? I love the .hack series, be it the anime or the games. 8.5/10

Anime Review: .hack//4KOMA

Plot summary: There is no plot!

Details: OK, as the title states, it's a 4koma (a 4-box comic strip). Here, it's just 4 short clips. It's short, simple, and in my opinion, unimpressive. It was included in the video game .hack//GU Vol. 3: Redemption. That was where I found it. That was where my jaw fell off in shock of the lameness of the jokes, and that, as they say, was that.

Music: I doubt there was any, besides the "boing" that constantly pops up.

Artwork: 2/10. The artwork seriously did not fit with the mood. .hack//GU was drawn to be quite dark, but making dark things look bright will just give you a disgusted feeling in your stomach.

Overall: I'm just gonna give you the ratings. 2/10

My list of hobbies.

Just so y'all know, I'm a guy who can't get bored easily. The following is a list of things I can do while I have free time, and the required materials.

1. Video games
2. Anime
3. Writing fantasy stories
4. Reading storybooks (mystery and fantasy are my pick)
5. Thinking of fantasy stories (I can do this all day)
6. Playing with a stick (I managed to entertain myself for an hour once just doing that)
7. Meditating (Breathe in and centralise all strength into abdomen. Then, breathe out and release strength little by little. Once it is possible to do naturally, practice moving the entire force from one part of your body to another.)
8. Find mathematical trends in my head. (Not something I recommend doing often unless you want to walk into a wall.)
9. Practice Hare Hare Yukai.
10. Singing (not something I do often nowadays)
11. Humming
12. Whistling
13. Blogging.
14. Throwing a ball against a surface.
15. Basketball
16. Stack a tower with anything I can find.
17. Origami
18. Cycling
19. Playing board games against myself
20. Researching anime and video games
21. Ranking things
22. Tormenting my tortoise (It's proven itself almost immortal and it's a tortoise serial killer)
23. Playing with my dog
24. Chasing after cats and patting them
25. Swirling things around (e.g. pencil with rubber band)
26. Listing things
27. Coming up with names
28. Brainstorming car number plates
29. Scribbling on faces of modern celebrities (all of them are liars and drama queens)
30. Hiking
31. Flipping through the pages of a book back and forth without reading them.
32. Performing fight scenes for my stories. (It's easier to describe when you know what to do)
33. Cleaning my anime and video game discs
34. Cleaning my PS2
35. Opening old CPUs, taking them apart and spend weeks figuring out how to put them back before somebody finds out.
36. Poking holes through old rags.
37. Carving wood. (or should I call it torturing wood, cause I just carve and carve and carve until nothing is left but woodshavings)
38. Quoting others.
39. Thinking of new hobbies...
and anything else that pops out of my mind.

well, I'll add more if I remember anything else.

The Adventure of the Lunatic in the General Lab

I've been reading Sherlock Holmes again. And that's where the title came from. And I've been doing something similar to what he does, namely investigating.

Now that I've completed the Phoenix Wright series, I've started on the Apollo Justice game (technically, it's not a series yet). And unlike the previous three games, the mic is more sensitive, and I obviously could not pass up a chance like that. I bet some people are still raising brows about someone screaming "Hold it!" "Objection!" "Take that!" and "Gotcha!" in the Gen lab. Yep, that was me. A pretend lawyer's gotta do what a pretend lawyer's gotta do! Point out contradictions, display evidence and prove the innocence of his make-believe client. And that's what I've been doing.

Sure I'm still disappointed that no one (besides ywheen) wants to VS me in Advance Wars, but for now, I'll enjoy a good game of Apollo Justice before pestering people again. Of course, once I complete that game, only Ouendan and Ouendan 2 will remain for me to play (The X chapters in Trauma Centre are near impossible to do without a real DS... not that their any lot more possible WITH the DS). I hope AW players will get their game on by then. This CO is prepared to whip y'all into shape! Yeehaw!

P.S. I ain't slackin' on any CO training either. I'll be stronger than a wrestlin' whale before y'all know it! So, y'all best not dilly-dally while I'm entertained with my current make-believe-lawyer career.

Review: Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora

The title literally means "Looking up at the Half-Moon". With a total of 6 episodes, it tells the tale of Ezaki Yuuichi who met a stuck-up girl in a hospital. He soon learns the reason she keeps pushing him around - she has a heart condition and her chances of survival are low. They quickly developed feelings for each other after that as Yuuichi tries to fulfill her every wish.

My Opinion
Plot: Good storyline, but it lacks drama. If you watch it, you won't be able to sense any feeling as the story progresses, which makes it kind of boring. But, if you're willing to go through everything again in your head, adding feelings you think should be there, it presents an impressively touching tale. So, for this, I'll give a 6/10.

Music: Yet another thing that lacks feeling. The opening theme and ending theme feels monotonous. It's like the music composer or the singer couldn't decide to sing it high or low and just settled with somewhere in between. Kinda takes away even more of the feeling. There were only a few times in the anime where the background music was nice. So, I give it a 6/10.

Artwork and animation: Nothing much to say about this. Not too good, not too bad. 7/10.

Overall: This would be a whole better show if the studio had put in more passion and feeling. It's like the staff was doing this very unwillingly. But still, it's worth a watch just for the story. You can get some good romance themed ideas from there. Just don't fall asleep while watching because of the lack of emotion. To finish, this gets a 7/10.
---------
Hmm... doesn't sound like I'm recommending this. Well, the show isn't great anyway. But recalling the whole series again and adding some of my own emotions into it, I could almost feel tears in my eyes. Good for those who tend to recall a story over and over, like me!

Edited: Perhaps I was a little harsh. I gave the music and storyline a better rating and boosted the overall. Well, it's because I watched it again and it felt different. I seem to have taken a liking to the quotes they used. Perhaps I might use them in my stories.

FIGHT ME!!

Nobody wants to challenge me in Advance Wars!! I've been going around college asking those guys who play the game if I can VS them, but...

"You introduced the game to me! You're obviously leagues ahead of me!"

OBJECTION!!

Just because I introduced to you the game doesn't mean I'm a better player. You could easily be a better strategist than me. After all, I divide my attention to other games too and I'm not THAT good at strategy games!

"You whooshed through the whole game without any problems until the final stage! You're obviously way too good!"

OBJECTION!!

The very fact that I could not complete the whole campaign mode without losing once proves that I'm not that good at all!

"Yeah well, I lost at *insert level here* already!"

OBJECTION!!

I was lucky! And persistent! If you don't yield, sometimes, the AI is stupid enough to retreat even though they have the advantage.

"You vs 3 allied AI and WON!! How the hell do I compare to that!?"

OBJECTION!!

Read reason above! Luck! Persistence! Stupid AIs!! They don't compare to even 1 human player.

"You fight yourself all the time! And you still win!"

OBJECTION!!

Isn't that perfectly logical?! I'd have to win or lose up to some point!

"No, you don't! The game should go on forever if you challenge yourself! If you win, it means you have room for improvement and have seen all the flaws in each strategy!!"

OBJECTION!!

Who came up with that logic!? Besides, those are MY plans! Who knows? You might have a completely different and brilliant strategy which I have never thought of!

----------

OK, fine, I get it!! Nobody believes that I'm an equal match, so how 'bout this? You get two armies and I get one. How's that?! But...

"It scares me even more that you can play with handicaps!"

OBJECTION!!

I doubt I'll win, but since you don't believe that you can win against me on leveled ground, I'll give you an excessive advantage! Then, from there, I'll prove that I can't match up to you. Besides, I'm willing to do anything just to get an opponent.

"I've seen you play against 2 or more opponents before!"

OBJECTION!!

Yeah? When? And make sure that you're talking about human opponents and not AI because if it's AI, read the explanation about stupid AIs. And I've never faced a human opponent before, except my best friend who totally owned me in 15 days.

"Your best friend introduced you to the game! And he beat you! That'll probably happen to us too if we fight you!"

OBJECTION!!

I lost to him because he challenged me right off the bat. Before that match, I've only played once, with him as an ally! Basically, when I fought him, the only things I knew were "tanks beat infantry, Mid-tanks beat tanks, Neotanks beat Mid-tanks and Megatanks beat Neotanks." Now, I challenge people who already know what each unit can do and have a certain level of experience in using those units! Besides, how is it that me losing to him equals you losing to me!?

"15 DAYS!!?? You lasted 15 days in your second match and it was against a veteran player!? With almost zero knowledge of how each unit works!? I am definitely not playing against someone like you!"

OBJECTION!!

HELLO!!! Can you beat an opponent on a deployment map in less than 10 days!? Besides, his strategy was the "elephant army tactics". So, it takes him some time to build enough units to swarm! And I KNOW how to create units like infantry just to buy time before I lose.

"Anyway, it's unfair that I face you with 2 armies while you only have 1."

OBJECTION!!

WHAT!!?? First you say I'm too powerful for you to fight on equal grounds, and now you say that it's unfair because I'm offering handicaps!? Sit down now, and decide!! I have complete confidence in myself no matter what you choose! ...Oh shit!

"Ahah!! I heard what you just said. I'm definitely never playing against you!"

HOLD IT!!

NO!!!!! I didn't mean it that way! WAAAAIIIITTTT!!!!!!

----------

*sigh* Everybody has no spirit of combat. Isn't that a mandatory requirement for a CO? SOMEBODY VS ME!!!! I need an opponent!!! Fine, I'll wait till the next time I see my best friend, then I'll have an opponent!!

=======================================
1. What's your name?

If you know me, then you know the answer. If you don't, well... why would you bother, right?

2. Age?

Currently 17 years and 23 days old. I'd give you hours and minutes too, but people would be able to curse me that way.

3. If you were get to choose, you will choose to be immortal or have a short lifespan?

Immortality! As long as video games and anime exist, and as long as my inspiration and fantasy dreams don't run out!!

4. What's your main reason to live on?
Past: A duty to my parents. Present: Final Fantasy.

5. What's the first 5 names now?
Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, Vincent Valentine, Squall Leonhart, Zidane Tribal

6. What's the craziest dream you ever had?
Let's make it dreams. 20 hours non-stop anime (26 episodes in 1 day), 20 hours non-stop gaming (I've done 15 hours non-stop. I stocked food and drinks next to me.)

7. What you feel like doing now?
Now, this. Later, who knows? Who cares?

Close your eyes for 1 minute,
Take a deep breathe..
Be honest to yourself

8. Describe someone you have feelings on?
ない! (That means 'none' in Japanese) (I do not have feelings for Konata! She fits every detail, except the "exist" category)

9. What's the scariest nightmare you ever had?
Hmm... Who knows... My dreams are mostly (or rather always) fantasy-style. There's demon-slaying, goblin wars, yu-gi-oh duels, tales of romance.... etc. etc.

10. Describe your ideal partner
Konata Izumi (She fits every detail. The only downside is that she doesn't exist!)

============================================
Tag:
1. Tweet Tweet
2. Hime-sama
3. OSQ (Ultraman Fan #2)
4. Wei Ewe
5. Jey Sern

Katayoku no Icarus - Yui Sakakibara

These are the lyrics to the opening theme of H2O ~ Footprints in the Sand. It gives me a bittersweet feel, especially after I watched the anime. The anime has a touch on romance, but mainly focuses on a blind boy's struggle to do what he can to help others when he was temporarily given sight by a spirit, while struggling with his own problems.

Lyrics:

Nakushita kako tobenai sora kienai kizu mo
Kimi ga ita kara waraiaeta n da...

Ao no oka ni wa gyuttoshita omoide ga
Furitsumori boku ni yume o ataeru
Hoshi no yoru ni wa tooku orion sashite
Hane ga nai koto o wasureta

Boku wa hikari ga nakute sore de yokatta
Tada kimi dake wa "doushite?" to boku o mite wa
Naita…

"Tori ni nareba kaze ni nareba kanau no kana?"
Boku wa sonna ijiwaru itte
"Futari de nara te o awasete tsubasa da ne"
Tsuyoi kimi no koe ni aa nazeka namida ga afureteta

Kimi wa itsu demo boku no hidamari da kara
Mabushisugite tama ni tsuraku naru yo
Hashaida kioku koi o yubikirishitara
"Arigatou" ga kokoro kogashita

Soshite sekai wa kyuu ni ugokidasu n da
Monokuro no hana wa niji no you ni saku hazu sa
Kitto...

"Iroasenai omoide-tachi mune ni imasu ka?"
Midori hirogaru kougen kakete
Futo ryoute o hirogeta nara kanjiru hazu
Sou sa mugen no ima saa uta to tomo ni habatakou yo

Tsunaida te wa kumo o kitte
Oozora to iu ibasho kureta
Mamoru tsuyosa wa ikiru tsuyosa
Motto takaku motto takaku
Tonde mitai kara... Ah

"Tori ni nareba kaze ni nareba kanau no kana?"
Boku wa sonna ijiwaru itte
"Futari de nara te o awasete tsubasa da ne"
Tsuyoi kimi no koe ni aa nazeka namida ga afureteta
---
Translation:

Even with a lost past, an unflyable sky, and indelible wounds
Because you were here, we could laugh together...

On the blue hill, the recollections that I held tightly
Accumulate and give me a dream
On a starry night, I pointed at the distant Orion
And forgot that I don't have wings

It's okay that I don't have light
It's just that only you said, "Why?", looked at me
And cried...

"If I become a bird, if I become the wind, will my wish be fulfilled?"
I'm saying it so nastily
"If we're together, then join our hands, they're wings"
From the voice of you, who are strong, ah, somehow tears overflowed

Because you're my sunny spot at all times
You're too bright and it gets painful occasionally
When my memories that frolicked made a pinky promise on love
"Thank you," distressed my heart

And the world abruptly begins to move
The monochrome flowers should bloom like the rainbow
Surely...

"Are there unfading recollections in your chest?"
Soaring through the plateau where greenery unfolds
If we suddenly spread our hands, then we must've felt it
That's right, at the infinite now, c'mon, let's fly along with our song

Our join hands cut through the clouds
And gave me a place to be, known as the heavens
The strength to protect is the strength to live
Because I want to try flying
Higher and higher... Ah

"If I become a bird, if I become the wind, will my wish be fulfilled?"
I'm saying it so nastily
"If we're together, then join our hands, they're wings"
From the voice of you, who are strong, ah, somehow tears overflowed
---

I struck the book mine!!

I went to my grandma's house today and I struck the reference book jackpot!

3 Physics, 1 Organic Chemistry and 3 Statistics reference books from about 20 years ago! I'd upload some pics of them, but my camera ran outta batteries. So I'll upload them tomorrow when the batteries recharged.

The syllabus is pretty much the same for those 3 subjects, plus some extra stuff we don't learn.
e.g. alkynes, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (Chem), testing for randomness (Stats), etc. etc. Most of Physics is still the same.

Oh, and they have some Q&A too.

I also took some "101 ways to play cards" and "how to play Poker" books too.

There's just 1 question that remains unanswered. Why didn't my dad and aunt tell me about them 9 months ago!?

5 stupid things I did today (21/09/08)

1. I ran out of paper for a sign, so I wrote "No Graffiti" on the wall.

2. I invented a walking trash can that will run away as soon as it detects trash nearby. I think it's been trying to run away from itself all day.

3. Somebody hijacked my private jet! Missiles!! Ready, aim, FIRE!! ...oops...

4. Being trapped in the middle of a desert sucks! I keep seeing mirages everywhere. Like that fake oasis over there with the fake watering hole, and that fake city over there that kinda looks like Cairo and that fake guy over there who looks like desert patrol.

5. I struck oil in my backyard!! Finally, I have what I need to get rid of that squeaky noise under my rocking chair!

Hmm... seriously out of ideas... Contributions please!!!!

A Fated Meeting

Politics suck! But apparently, that seems to be the talk of the town, not that I give a damn. I prefer not to follow trends.

So, instead of Anwar vs Badawi nonsense, I'm gonna post a true story from my former days as a Mapler. I will be using story-telling terms, rather than gamer terms.

It was a warm, breezy evening along the path between Kerning City and Henesys. The sun was shining brightly as the never-ending daylight of the world of MapleStory continued. I was just a young wizard-in-training. In gamer terms, I was level 31, with my new skills Lightning and MP Eater. Considering how pathetic my damage was with Lightning, I was determined to train until I was more capable of wielding this newfound power. And so that resolution led me on a journey to Ant Tunnel.

A long my journey, I met a few trainess of each profession. 1 of Magician, Cleric, Crossbowman, Warrior and Rogue. Most of them have retired by now, I think, as I have not heard of them ever since even until my final day in Maple. Anyway, most of them were slightly weaker than me, but it was just a minor deviation (give or take 3 levels). So, the 6 of us formed a temporary coalition (party, in gamer terms). This pretty little group of newcomers braved the elements and the violent beasts that roam the lands.

Several of us were not in good shape as we continuously slipped of cliffs and fell into pits of raging creatures. Thankfully, we swore an "all for one, and one for all" oath. We arrived at Henesys with little injuries and no casualties. It was here we met a young merchant. He was not a fighter, as was obvious from his physique (I looked at his level). However, he was well-provisioned with items and was willing to sell it to us at low prices, as long as we buy in bulk. I specialise in ranged combat, so I did not require his assistance, but I suppose our vanguards did. They had a conversation, of which I did not listen to.

It was a good 20 minutes before we received a message to regroup. And it was then that we traversed the lands between Henesys and the Victoria Dungeon. Unfortunately, not all of us were unaffected by injuries. Even though our physical wounds have healed completely, some of us still fill some tuggings on their feet. The thorns covering the region presented even more problems.

Suddenly, we heard a scream. "Help!! Damn!!" We weren't sure who it was, at first. It might have been a trickster luring us, but we ruled that out. The Rogue said, "Maybe it's a pretty girl or a rich kid. We can probably earn something out of this. Let's go!" I shook my head. "Is money and girls the only thing he thinks of? I guess that's obvious from the way he bragged about his money the whole way here."

"Aww, it's just some weakling. Doesn't look rich at all. Alright, let's get outta here before he sees us." The Rogue said. The Magician and Warrior agreed. I didn't, of course. He must have seen us, after all. So, it would be wrong to just abandon him. "I'm going to save him." I didn't even wait for a reply and rushed to the scene. I do remember somebody saying, "Idiot!" though.

Upon arrival, I instantly detected the person in trouble. He was an Archer, an inexperienced young lad who just learned how to wield a bow. Then, I spied the attacker. I gasped. Somehow, the lad just picked a fight with a Stone Golem!! I gulped. There was no way I could face that thing alone. But that archer was cornered. A few more steps and he's done for. I bit my lips and jumped down, casting Magic Claw. It was a skill that took me half a year to fully master, but it was surely worth the time. Lightning was out of the question since I couldn't even kill Snails with that skill.

So, the Stone Golem seemed to recognise this threat. It rather faced a person who could hurt it, rather than someone who couldn't even touch it. It came after me and even boosted its power with skills of its own. I backed away as I struck the geological monstrocity. It came after me, but after 30 odd strikes, I was backed against a wall. I wonder if the lad had escaped because if he had, I could escape. I was just about to use my ultimate escape magic ('Quit Game' button, in gamer terms) when I noticed the Archer behind the Golem launching arrows like there's no tomorrow.

"He's an idiot," I thought. The Golem hit me once and suffered massive damage. I knew I couldn't take another hit from that thing, even with my Magic Guard. I panted with that hit and quickly charged past the Golem. I ran towards the idiot and told him, "Escape now!" And of all the stupid things in the world to say, "Huh?" was his reply. I took another hit then, but I miraculously survived. I quickly swallowed a Potion and pushed the Golem back. The Golem was now way to close for him to escape.

I took another hit. I realised my stock of potions running low, not the life-saving ones, but rather the energy-replenishing ones. In 2 more minutes, I would have nothing left to throw at the Stone Golem. "This is bad." i thought. I shouted at the Archer to escape up the rope while I held the thing of. He nodded and went for it, but he either has bad hand-eye coordination or he really was an idiot, he kept slipping from the rope and the Golem forced us away from the rope.

Then, my energy drained. I tried casting but there was nothing left. Every 10 seconds or so, I would gain enough for one spell, but that thing was still towering high and dragging its body mass towards us. With 6 spells per minute, I was chicken feed. Then, the Golem threw a fist at me. I only finished using a spell and my reflexes weren't fast enough. I was done for.........

"Heal!"

I felt my wounds disappearing, although my energy didn't return. I looked up and saw the Cleric. "You owe me one for that!" "I'll owe you another one if you come down here and help us!" "Nope. I'll just heal you! Unlike some pea-brained twerp, I measure my chances before I pick a fight. I'll gain some experience out of healing you, so feel free to get hit to your heart's content."

I was not satisfied at all, but I knew my chances were boosted even with just that, so I charged at the Golem. I took a hit, but managed to go behind it. I clawed at the thing again and it came chasing after me like a starving...uh... stone cannibal. My strategy continued and I prayed that the lad finally caught the rope and ran for it. And this time, I was not disappointed. The lad escaped up the rope and apparently remembered how to use the ultimate escape spell.

Now, I had a problem. The Stone Golem was too close to me, so I could not do the same as the lad, nor could I skip dimensions (change channels, in gamer terms) in time. I took a hit again and dashed behind the Golem. I rejoiced. I could get to the rope and escape. But, Lady Luck was not with me that day. A 2nd Stone Golem sudenly awoken from its sleep and guarded the rope. behind me, the 1st Stone Golem was gaining up on me. I was now trapped. Even with the healing magic supporting me, I could not take two hits! And to add to my misery, the Cleric disappeared. Something forced him to use the escape spell, apparently. The other guys had also left the area, not that they would help me. Some "all for one, and one for all" oath!

Suddenly, a giant spear impaled the 2nd Stone Golem and fell it. The 1st Stone Golem prepared to strike at me, but was also killed by a magnificent and powerful arrow. Two people came within view. One was an Ice-Lightning Mage (far superior in power than yours truly), and the other was an experienced archer (He was at least quadruple my level).

I climbed up the rope before anymore Stone Golems awaken. I thanked them both continuously. The Ice-Lightning Mage approached me and said, "No, no. Thank you for saving my idiot of a brother. He's a newcomer to this world and understood little about the inhabitants. In fact, he just learnt a few skills from me, took my bow and arrows and came running here. I'm sorry for the trouble he's caused you."

The archer grunted and said, "I can't believe you called me all the way here for this. This runt here is just as big of an idiot as your brother. He was clearly weaker than the Golem and he still played hero anyway. Sheesh... Look, kid. Next time you wanna save someone, make sure that his sister's buddy had not just been invited to follow a group of masters to challenge Pianus."

"Sorry..." I said. "Don't mind him. He's just acting cool like in the movies," the Ice-Lightning Mage said. "Well, now that we've repaid the debt. Can we go now? Maybe I can still make it to fight," the archer said. "Right... Anyway, Seth, my brother sends his thanks to you, and promises to train hard. So that, next time, he'll be the one saving you. Haha! Bye now." With that said, the two people left. I was dazed for a moment, but then I quickly gathered my wits. The first thing I did was tore up the coalition treaty (I left the party), burnt it and buried it deep into the ground.

1 year later, I had completely forgotten about that event. that was, until I received a message from a stranger. He requested a rendezvous and I went. I asked him who he was and he reminded me of that day. It all came back to me and I shook his hand warmly. We started with friendly chatting at first, but then he came to the main topic. "I know we haven't met known each other long. We've only met twice, in fact... but would you be my............. (I wonder if he was blushing when he said this)...................sworn brother?"

"....Uhh...... sure... Why not?" I replied. Then, I thought, "Well, that's a first... Never thought I'd adopt a brother in a video game."

"Great! Oh yeah!" His words suddenly interrupted my thoughts. "You know those guys who you were with that day and didn't help you? Well, my sis has connections. And they, well... you could say it's gonna be a LOOOOOOONG time before they can train again. I heard every training ground they were planning to go to has been cleared out." I couldn't help but laugh, but I do pity them...a little. We did help each other a lot until that point.

A few months later, my sworn brother's attitude seemed to change. Puberty, perhaps? He became more violent and constantly threw tantrums, but maybe it's because he's in a bad mood everytime he asks to meet. Our ties loosened and finally broke when I retired. And just for the record, he never surpassed me like he promised. I was always 10 steps ahead of him.

But I wonder if he's become stronger and, hopefully, nicer now. Well, maybe someday when my strength returns. I shall take my staff up once more and return to the magical world of Maple to meet my brother. One can only that day will come. Hopefully, we'll meet again in the same situation, except that I'll be the one needing saving, as he had promised.

-----------

And that's the story. Alright, admit it. At some point of the story, you thought the kid I saved was gay, didn't you? You thought this was supposed to be some romance tale didn't you? Or did you just not bother to read at all? Well, if you answered yes, to any one of them, I say,


"Whatever... It's your brain."

I dare you to say you can sing like this!!

If you say yes, you are SO proving it to me. I'LL WANT YOU TO SING THIS!!! RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!!

Oh yeah! Winger, the fastest rapper in the world could never sing this WHOLE SONG.

The song is made using Vocalloid. It's a programme created by Yamaha. It's pretty popular. An image of a female character from Vocaloid (I think it was this one, Hatsune Miku) came out in OtakuZone once. Vocalloid has been used to mod a lot of other songs. You can search for them on YouTube. If you want the programme, then...well.... you're gonna have to buy it from Yamaha.

This song is sung when you uninstall Vocaloid. Hatsune Miku has a lot to say before parting ways. So she sings this song instead.

There are A LOT of good songs done with Vocaloid. This is just the craziest, so don't think that Vocalloid sucks or anything. And Hatsune Miku is cute. Her first appearance (along with some of the cast of Vocaloid) in an anime was Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, by the way.

5 titles that satisfy my gamer and otaku selves

These titles can be anime or video games, as long as they satisfy both sides of me. It was tough to think up all of them, but here they are.

#5 Pokemon series
I don't know why people think this series is childish. It remains as one of the most innovative RPG series ever. And frankly, I enjoyed the Pokemon movies and the 1st and 3rd season of the anime series. Anyway, this game gets kinda boring when you get to high levels and can own everything in the game, but if you've got a buddy with another Gameboy or NDS, then, you're in for one of the best online battles ever. I watched the anime first, so I was always wishing I could catch Pokemon too. Then, I found out that the anime is based off a video game and well, it's one of the most satisfying games I've played during my childhood days.

#4 Dragonball Z Budokai series
Starting from the 3rd game onwards till the Tenkaichi series, this is probably THE BEST video game adaptation of an anime series. The fighting is intense and the techniques are explosive. VS modes actually make you and your friend feel like Goku and Vegeta (rivals in combat). You don't even have to be a Dragonball fan to enjoy these games!

#3 Lucky Star
Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, Konata, KONATA!!! She's the whole reason! This anime features the greatest otaku and gamer of all time. Nuf said.

#2 Disgaea series
This has 3 video game titles and 1 anime adaptation. I have to say, with the way the game is structured, it feels just like watching an anime. The Disgaea series also has this uncanny talent to make cliches their own original jokes. You see so many cliches in there that it becomes original in its own sense. Rather than epic phailing in making a completely original game/anime, they succeeded by making what is probably the most cliched titles ever.

#1 .hack series
Well, this certainly says it all. Originally beginning as a video game series, it's an offline game about an online game. Following the original 4 games came 2 anime series, the first one taking a pyschological theme and the 2nd, a comedy. After that came three more games (the GU series), 1 more anime series and a movie adaptation. This game features what MMO game fans out there dream about. An online game where you are part of the game, where the online world overlaps reality, where you can risk your consciousness fighting hackers, computer viruses and preventing the World Network Crisis. I could go on and on about how great this series is, but I'd take up the whole page. Currently, it ranks as the second best video game series I've ever played (the first being Final Fantasy).

COPYCATS!!!

Why the heck are y'all stealing my idea of an anime list!? And all together too! If y'all wanted to be copycats, y'all should've done so when I put up the list!

The following statement is an insult, so don't highlight if you don't wanna feel hurt.


























And why are your lists so short!? Some otakus y'all are!

Diligent vs. Otaku vs Gamer

The atmosphere was tense. The clouds darkened and spirals, accompanied by sparks, formed in the sky. Gentle breezes turned into deadly typhoons. Calm waters formed tidal waves. The earth shook and eventually split. Rocks shattered. Dust and sand swept into the air.

"Hyper Fleming's Left-Hand Rule!" "Kamehameha!" "Mugen Ryugaki!"

...

Okay, screw the final battle scene. Put it simple. It's my diligent self (study freak) going up against my otaku self (anime freak) and my gamer self (video game freak). In college, instead of studying, I go to the general lab and play my emulator games. At home, I study for like 3 minutes and I watch Mai-Hime and Mai-Otome. In short, my studying self is taking a serious loss. Oh well, time to flunk, I guess.

Here's something for anime freaks just like me.

And when I say "just like me", I MEAN "JUST LIKE ME".

Definition: Follows Japanese TV.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/1561/1217902910431ou5.jpg

It's a list of anime for Fall 2008. Enjoy!

Yappari Sekai wa Atashi Legend - by fripSide

I've been wanting to put this up for a while, but I was lazy... and not many people will watch anyway. Well then, this is the ending credits for Koihime Musou. It's cute...I think... The video makes the song sound even better. So, this is only the TV version and not the full song.



TV-version Lyrics:
(kyu-n!!)

do-ni mo! ko-ni mo!? sekai no shuyaku wa atashi! (yeah!)
gouka kenran! mondou muyou! konkyo nante atashi dake!

'tounan seihoku itsudemo doko demo atashi ga kita nara gokuraku tengoku w
shunkashuutou okiraku sanmai! kyou mo ashita mo daibouken!' (o!)

iya na toki pyuutte nigetoite raku na toki haitto te o agete (hai!)
mucha o sezu demo ne ocha ha shite amai sasoi nonnakucha (Nn..)

hoshii mono nante ikura demo aru no (hai☆hai☆)
daitan suteki ni nerau hitomi ha muteki ni! (yi・er・san!!)

yappari! chakkari!? sekai no shuyaku ha atashi! (yeah!)
katteni mawatteru nante maji arienai kara soudesho!?
do-ni mo! ko-ni mo!? sekai no shuyaku wa atashi! (hai!)
gouka kenran! mondou muyou! konkyo nante atashi dake! (hai☆hai☆)

(kyu-n!!)

Great... Another Motteke! Sailor Fuku type song. Well, this is a little slower.

P.S. The anime is not a chibi anime. It's very close to a yuri genre anime. After all, the main cast and 80% of supporting characters are female.