#i started watching jacks playthrough again too

[bicheetopuff]

Hi....! Can I ask, who are your top 7 favorite romantic relationship's couples in books/ manga/ anime/movies/tv series (can be canon or non-canon) and your top 10 favorite characters ever from any media? Why do you love them all? Thanks if you want to answer....

Oh wow this is gonna be quite a list…

7) Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks - specifically the versions of them from the Cars video game that was released following the movie in 2006.

I- idk there was just something about them-

Like, in the movie they barely talked but in the game they kept bickering like an old married couple and teasing each other. There’s one scene where Chick goes “hey Lightning, check this out” and turns his bumper towards him, and Lightning was like “okay? What about it?” And Chick said something like “get used to the view😏” and it just- IT TRIGGERED SOMETHING, OKAY??

6) Langa and Reki - Sk8 the Infinity

Honestly I just really like their dynamic and I just love them as characters. Sk8 was a comfort anime for me for a while so I just really grew to love them. That’s it, no deep explanation, I just love how wholesome they are. I’m gonna go rewatch Sk8 now…

5) Chloe and Max - Life is Strange

This was the first ship I got somewhat invested into. At the time the game came out, I was just a middle schooler struggling with my sexuality and I’d tune in to each of Jacksepticeye’s playthroughs of each of the episodes. After the two of them kissed, I started to read the comments of that video and saw someone say that they were excited to find out whether Max was bisexual or if she just kissed Chloe for fun, blah blah, I don’t remember exactly what it said. Point is, that was the first time bisexuality was presented to me and it was just kind of the beginning of me finding out who I was. Once I realized I was bi, it just evolved into the pipeline of exploring my queerness and finding out the things I like and don’t like. Later I grew to like Chloe and Rachel more, but Chloe and Max did a lot for me and they just have a special place in my heart.

4) Trevor and Michael - GTAV

I have a weird obsession with this game, and playing it over and over again, the more you see how weirdly complicated their relationship is? And it’s so hinted at that Trevor was probably genuinely in love with him at some point from the way he talks about him as if they went through a bad divorce. I mean, the way Trevor reacted was lowkey justifiable, I’d probably be heart broken and feel betrayed too if my partner in crime faked his death. But I see them as toxic but codependent old man yaoi. Anyways…

3) Ruby and Sapphire - Steven Universe

They altered my brain chemistry. I don’t have much other explanation, but they genuinely changed my perception of love. I just remember watching the episode where they explained how they became one through garnet and lived together as her because they loved each other so much and I was bawling my eyes out so bad. I WANT A LOVE LIKE THAT UGHHH I ADORE THEM

2) Tie between Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash, and Nana and Hachi - Nana and My Little Pony

This is kind of a mismatched tie- one is from possibly the most relatable and gut remching piece of media I’ve ever seen, and the other is from a children’s cartoon about magical friendship horses… while that might be the case, they’re equally as important to me.

Nana and Hachi will forever break my heart with how much I related to each of them, especially Hachi. Feeling like your only sense of worth comes from the attention of men, and just letting yourself be treated how you think you’re supposed to be treated because you so badly want to be loved, that you stop caring about how you’re treated in the process. She’s the embodiment of ‘you accept the love you think you deserve’ and she breaks my heart. She deserved to live a life with Nobuo… she deserved to live a life with Nana. Nana wanted to give her the world and Hachi made herself refuse it because she thought she didn’t deserve it UGH DONT TOUCH ME THEY HURT MY SOUL!!

And with AppleDash… idk they just occasionally plague my brain. They remind me a lot of bkdk and I think that’s why I like them so much. Rainbow Dash was my favorite character ever for a really long time and I thought her and Apple Jacks constant rivalry was so cute. I love me some masc4masc lesbians. I think they also partly shaped my sexuality, cuz they helped me realize that it’s okay for me, a genderfluid masc, to like other mascs. I honestly thought I was straight again for a while because I found myself rarely being attracted to fems at a point in time, but getting back into the mlp fandom helped me somehow.

1) Katsuki and Izuku - My Hero Academia

We already know how I feel about them, and I actually got another ask asking how i feel about them in detail so I’ll link that here when I post my response.

Now for my favorite characters! This’ll be less weird:

10) Mabel Pines - Gravity Falls - she literally just reminds me of me when I was a kid and embodies the “I don’t wanna grow up yet” sentiment. I was trick or treating until I was like 14, and it was the last time anyone ever agreed to go with me so I just related to her a lot as a teenager. All she wanted was just a little more time to be herself without judgment. She’s so silly /affectionate

9) Amethyst - Steven Universe - another silly character I just kind of relate to. She just wanted to feel like she belonged and she was never able to until Steven came along. But despite not feeling welcome for so long, she still kept her fun, boisterous personality and laughed all of the time.

8) Armin - Attack on Titan - I honestly don’t know why but I adored him since his introduction. Like a puppy that I just met but would die for if someone threatened him. I always thought it was kind of unhinged that he was able to be so hopeful and kind all of the time despite the trauma, and his dynamic with Eren was just funny to me. “Eren look! The ocean! See?! The ocean! Let’s go see it together! :D” only for Eren to be like “yeah but everyone across it wants us dead” and just kind of ruined the beauty of the ocean for himself. I appreciate that he took him “sight seeing” in the end and didn’t ruin it with his emoness. Idk I’ve just always liked smart characters who so obviously mask their true emotions out of fear of burdening other people. He’s basically Deku but with a fuckass blond bob.

7) Hachi - Nana - I think this is just turning into a trend of my favorite characters just being really relatable to me. All she ever wanted was to be loved and to make whoever gave her love, happiness in return. It didn’t matter how fucked up the person who loved her was, she’d still fall in love with them because they convinced her that they loved her. After so many emotionally abusive experiences, her idea of love just became set in stone, so she just kept ending up with the same guy over and over again, and the one time she almost accepted the love she truly deserved, it went down in flames cuz of another emotionally abusive man. And I think the most tragic part about that is that it happened after she got a taste of what genuine love was really like and she was never able to savor it. I like her, cuz her character just feels so human and I feel like a lot of women and queer people can relate to her experiences.

I feel bad for putting her so low, but honestly the next six characters are practically tied.

6) AntMan - MCU - HE HAS QUESTIONABLE MORALS BUT HES A GOOD DAD, OKAY?!

5) Loki - MCU - I love morally grey characters. I totally understand him tbh. All he wanted was to be on equal footing with his brother, because everyone praised Thor their whole lives and automatically just assumed he’d be the next ruler of Asgard, and completely undermined Loki. The only person in the universe who remotely gave a fuck about him, was his mother, and he got her killed by mistake. The last person he was sure actually cared about him.

He was fucked in the head from thousands of years of neglectful parenting and everyone just underestimating him, and Thanos took advantage of that vulnerability. He said “yeah if you do my dirty work for me, I’ll let you have just a smidgen of authority,” and Loki took the opportunity because it was the first chance he was given to be something more than just Thor’s brother and Odin’s adopted son. Odin only took him in to say he was kind enough to do so, he couldn’t care less about him, and that’s why his ass got dropped off at a nursing home.

But also after the Loki series, it just made me fall in love with his character even more. It proves that he never wanted to destroy any planet or universe, he never wanted unlimited power, he just wanted to be viewed as someone important. He just wanted to find his glorious purpose. He’s an egotistical God who was neglected by his parents, which caused him to stray off the path a bit, and everyone believed that’s all he’ll ever be… hm who does that remind you of?

4) Deadpool - does he count as MCU now? Whatever. Marvel - I honestly don’t know why I latched onto Deadpool so hard as a teenager. He’s really a tragic character who hides behind vulgarity. I loved coming to understand him, and his humor makes him more lovable. How I feel about him is similar to how I feel about Armin. He’s like a puppy I want to protect from anything bad happening to him again. He doesn’t deserve what happened to him, and he literally only agreed to go through the forced mutation process, because he didn’t want Vanessa to go through losing someone to cancer by herself. He knew she had no one else, so that was him doing whatever it took to still be there for her, but what the process did to his body just made him feel unlovable, so he ended up making her go through that loss anyway.

He’s definitely an asshole, but what do you expect? He was an assassin for most of his life. He’s an asshole with feelings and I adore him.

3) Rainbow Dash - My little Pony - she worked hard to be the best at what she does. She was told she couldn’t do something and proved them wrong, which created a red string situation between her and the mane six, making all of them get their cutie marks at the same time. She’s loud, confident, funny, hella competitive, and gay… I think I definitely have a type when it comes to favorite characters. And I think she’s the one who set my standard.

2) Izuku Midoriya - like I said before, we already know this. But I have another ask in my inbox asking for why I like him and Katsuki in detail and I don’t feel like typing that all out twice in one day so I’ll just link that post here when I post it. Just know that I love him, and he plagued my brain.

1) Katsuki Bakugou - same as Deku’s. I’ll link the other post at the bottom of this one once I answer it.

That’s all for now though!!

Edit: here’s the bkdk response!! x

[commander-snacks]

what are your favorite lethal company monsters?? when watching playthroughs everyone’s always moving around too fast for me to get a very good look at them hsdwdssdss but what i’ve seen of them they’re real cool

IM GLAD U ASKED

THE COIL HEADS ARE SOOO CUTE idk what it is abt them but i adore em. The simple yet brilliant addition of a loud spring neck that goes TWANGGG and bobbles around every time it moves adds a whole lot more scariness to the "creature moves only when you dont look" thing we've all become so familiar with in horror games.

i also love the forest giants, I wasnt able to get a good look at them at first so I was confused when ppl described it as having tons of eyes, but after seeing its model more clearly yep its got lots of mothwing-like eyes all over itself.

the nutcracker just came out in the new update and to put it simply its a walking nutcracker with a shotgun. i love how many questions are raised by the existence of monsters like this, like WHAT is this thing doing on an abandoned moon. Even better is that when it aims, its head lifts up to show a single fleshy eye coming out of it, implying its some kind of alien that just uses this thing as a shell

the jester is fucking awesome because again WHY is something this demented just chilling on an abandoned moon. Its a jack in the box with legs that just follows you around at first doing nothing, but eventually it starts winding itself up. once it does this your run is basically over and you have to usher your teammates to get the fuck out as soon as possible because it is extremely fast and CANNOT BE KILLED

its true form is a massive fucking skull. how badass is that. in-universe this things true form has never been documented because as soon as it pops out it means death

the hoarder bugs get my like and subscribe too bc i love their cute :O expressions

[alitgblog]

volume vii thoughts

as per usual I have complaints about the missed opportunities of casa

first things first, the casa boys' sprites looked bad to me when I saw that post fusebox made but after playing for like a minute, I was like nah actually they're quite fine. However, prettiest sprites they're competing with are Jin, Claudia, Oakley, Tyler, and Bea so the competition is rough. Also idk something is throwing me off with Shawn and especially Kyle's face shapes.

I think last post I made I said Hari at least got more of a chance than Tyler, but scratch that actually, it feels like they got the same chance because suddenly we're in casa and hardly any mention of him, even though he and my MC have kissed a few times already and she hasn't really rejected him fully over Jin yet? Don't know if anyone's in the boat of going all in with Hari but I'm curious what the gameplay is like for them.

So Emel has randomly decided to be annoyed at Oakley again (I'll replay for you next time Oakley 🥺) and it's clearly because the routes are merged now, which is such a shame because I do think Emel and Oakley could've worked it out and become a fun couple to watch on the real show (probably a boring one though that the audience would dump until after the show ended that their real personalities come out on social media and the public like them individually or at least understand why they were together so long). And I know it's not the most in character thing but I so appreciate it not being a complete 180 for the sake of plot because I'm trying to imagine this with all the couples given what I know about them from my playthrough and Emel/Oakley always have problems because she's uptight and wants more dramatics in their romance and he's chill so any little thing he ends up doing sets her off, sure, I can buy that Emel is a little delusional. Then Luna/Jin would have problems because Luna is less extroverted than Jin, serious, and irritable (which honestly, relatable) and so Jin does things for a laugh and she doesn't get it. So maybe he didn't wink at Bea or did it as a joke because he's being cheeky and she takes it as flirting and starts an argument. And from my playthrough, Sophie and Jack always feel like they're looking for an argument so that checks out too. It's not perfect, but I can feasibly see how one could justify this plot point.

absolutely living for flirting with Claudia in casa

pet peeve subjective raunchy races is back 😠 at least a couple of them are better, like they did have oldest boy in there at least. everything else though, I don't care that much to listen to them argue about who's the most well traveled or stylish.

I love Bea's personality, she's so fun. And tbh, I'm kind of liking her and Liam together. He's forward and she's into it, and it seems like he can keep up with her for now so I'm happy with that couple and I hope it doesn't turn to shit (it probably will).

also pay to win when losers are gonna throw a part anyway ok sure 🙄 I think I've mentioned this before but like personally I think if they're gonna do gem scenes, there has to be a logical ways out of it rather than just MC being like "nah I don't feel like it" and then they lose?? at least for other gem scenes it's like "tell Sophie off 10 gems" or "stay silent" like sure that's fine I guess.

anyway the chats with the boys were actually all pretty fun and short. I, as per usual, have immediately gravitated towards the foodie/chef character but I'll admit I see what y'all are saying about Kyle. Tbh even Max isn't too bad but I'm cautious bc I'm getting Eddie vibes (it's the blond and the gossip lol). And I like Liam, he's like a less cartoonishly silly Hamish (so he reminds me of Felix).

I really like the free party wear dress and this is the second volume in a row MC has accidentally matched with a boy not her partner lol

Bea first mentioning she was bi but not flirting, I just thought maybe they were setting her up to partner with Claudia/Theo depending on who you couple up with/if you're on one of their routes. But then oh the tension at the party when she's staring at MC saying she wants to turn heads and Claudia getting nervous??? loving that.

I don't know what it's like for the other boys but it seems like Shawn and Kyle are drama averse, which I think could be an interesting plot point for later coming back from casa of course, but I also don't know if I believe in fusebox's ability to incorporate that in the story. (once again, the day I write a fic and learn to code its all over for you fusebox)

I didn't pay for the Bea talking about Jin scene but I saw yall talk about Sienna and like I doubt it's going anywhere if it's behind a paywall? it's like the Brad and Christy stuff tbh like unless a bunch of dumped islanders are coming back at the end, I'm ignoring it.

anyway it truly is missing Jin hours again 😔

[lowkeyclueless5137]

Hmmmm, Did Riddle, Kalim, Epel, and Idia ever use their omnitrix during a certain bean fest. I mean the watch and its alien technically don’t use any form of magic so it’s not really breaking any of Vargas’ rules there.(heck what about during Camp Vargas itself, omnitrix alien powers are very helpful[plus I can just see Idia just fiddling with his being uhh bored and yet technically not that bored cause well, he can just go full alien later. Ben did first get his omnitrix during a certain camp trip)

BEANS! BEANS! BEANS!

If it wasn't for glorious masquerade (and that Phanthom thief/Gothic ball theme) Beanfest would be my top fav: Good cards, chaotic storyline where everyone gets to shine a bit and most importantly: ✨violence✨. It's probably the only story where everyone punts everyone for the mere motive that they are petty and want to win.

Camp Vargas... Meh... I mean it was funny... I did enjoy it... But kinda ya know... The real deal started like... Post a long exposure that kinda got me a bit bored. Pretty good event, a bit difficult of a playthrough and the cards are meh for me...

BUT! We are here for the aliens!

Camp Vargas:

Riddle

At first, boi wanted to do everything by the book. You know, no alien powers, generally just having a nice camp experience.

When Ace dissapears tho, Riddle has some alarm bells ringing. Ace was a lil shit, but he wouldn't simply dissapear in a forest, where he has no shelter besides the campsite and no proper food. In fear that Ace might just eat poisonous plants, Riddle offers to search up for him. Sebek and Silver were great for leading the equestrian club on their own and the members did a pretty good job, so a worry less.

That's when he uses Wildmutt to try and pick-up Ace's trail and find him. It was pretty dark and in 10 minutes Riddle didn't get a great lead mostly since there was a lot of other scents that covered up Ace's.

But he stumbles upon tied up students to trees. That when Riddle realises that Vargas is fucking nuts and they are hunted for sports in the middle of the night.

Surprisingly, the first one Riddle finds is Deuce, thinking that Vargas might use the mine as a place to hide other students. The 2 escape and manage to reunite with the rest of the survivors.

Cue Jack and Deuce helping Riddle get 'kidnapped' so that the redhead can have an entry as Wildvine (on half since he was calm, knowing the whole situation at hand) and catch Vargas in a swamp then tie him up with vines to a tree so they could ensure this man won't hunt them for sports again.

Kalim

He's trying to prove Jamil that he is capable and reliable. So he tries to do everything by the book too! :D

But Idia dissapears, then it's installed a whole bunch of chaos with more dissappearances and the wierd monster. Oh Kalim is 100% squaring up.

Kalim punts Vargas in a tree and it's glorious✨

There is also Crewel in there, so there is that. Kalim also squares up, but like, man feels SO guilty afterwards. Even if no one knew he was the alien hero. :'3

But overall, Kalim has a pretty nice camping experience. And he learned from Jade some cool fungi facts. :D

Epel

Oh heck yeah, Epel is absolutely thriving with the whole camp idea. No Vil? No Rook? Liberty, bitches! He is more free than a bird and he's feeling awesome. He wants to try everything, he tries everything, he gets tired from trying everything and eats then repeats until he has to go to sleep. :'3

The dissappearances occur and Epel immediately is ready to square up. He just yeets Vargas across the forest like a ping-pong ball.

He also fights the mine monster the same way. The poor Phanthom had 0 chances. :'3

Idia

Man doesn't wanna go camping. PERIOD!

But he finds his super cool 50+ attack stick so he's happy. Ortho said that he shouldn't use the omnitrix just to skip over his tasks, so at least he hs his super cool stick. :'3

Idia gets the first dissappearance. He was tired from the whole running around and picking sticks, so he fell asleep than poof! He woke up in Vargas's cabin and had to do squats as punishment.

Unfortunately for Vargas, he disclosed his plan to Idia, including Crewel's involvement, so the firehead was very aware of the whole situation and DID NOT like it.

But also it was the absolute best prank idea known to man, to just play as a 3rd party with a similar approach to Vargas's, but make it unbeknownst to anyone else. No one would know if he uses the omnitrix for this. They are in a goddamn forest, for all one could know, some of this NRC Students were petty enough to square up with a bear.

It is mandatory to note that before the camp commenced, Idia and Ortho argued about weather the camp was good or not. Idia was absolutely against the idea of camp being 'fun', while Ortho saw it as a great opportunity. Of course, now with this goldmine of prank material, Idia wanted primarily to use it so he could prove his brother that camp was NOT fun.

He ends up have a whole load of fun while enacting his plan. Everyone was screaming and running around like headless chickens and Idia loved every second of it. He initially wanted to have Ortho for last, because Ortho would absolutely know Idia was behind a good chunk of the dissappearances if he targets him early or mid plan.

But Vargas and Crewel strike first on Ortho and that's when Idia doesn't have that much fun anymore. It was supposed to be his hit! It was supposed to be glorious and induce even more panic since Ortho was a pretty reliable and an important factor of the survivors team. He was supposed to get Ortho, not them. Plus it adds salt to the wound the fact that Vargas and Crewel tied up his lil bro to a tree while shut down so like, where's the care? Ortho was a robot, some things are fragile still!

So Idia takes out Ortho first, which unintentionally creates even more panic since now the 'actual wild monster' is targeting students that are also tied up. Idia ends up punting the teachers and all is good in the end.

By the finale of the whole thing, Ortho tries to admit defeat, that this camp was clearly a bad idea and it wasn't that fun. Idia tho, corrects that he had loads of fun and was down for a part 2.

Beans day! :D

Riddle

Oh he's out for BLOOD! Man doesn't fucking hesitate. He punts Ace and Jack in a heartbeat. He is one force to be reckoned with and he will do anything to win.

In reality someone made fun of him for being smol and an easy to catch target so y'all know where this went.

Kalim

Bby wants to have shawarma. Let him have his fucking shawarma in peace.

Jamil attempts to catch Kalim, but he gets captured instead because Kalim had his half transformation as Wildvine and they were in the botanical garden, where it was LUSH of plants. Same thing for Rook and Trey. The whole shawarma thing was a 100% trap that Kalim had in order to catch the monster team in a flytrap style. Doesn't mean Kalim won't get to enjoy sum nice shawarma. A double win! :D

Epel

Breaking news: kid commits usual property damage.

Epel is absolutely abusing of his omnitrix advantage. Monster team is absolutely useless against Epel who's more than ready to throw them in trees.

Vil does put him in place at one point, but Epel escapes his sight for 1 second and 4 monster players are found hung up on trees. :'3

Idia

Ortho ended up on the monster team so Idia fears for his ass, since he was in the farmers team and knew his brother was out for BLOOD. (Vargas said for the 2 to be in different teams so Idia couldn't 'use his brother to take the easy way out') Oh Ortho was absolutely merciless. Doesn't help that he teams up with Azul and Jack.

Idia's only objective: survive. He struck days prior an alliance with Azul for him to help him with loot so that he won't be targeted, but that won't fly by Ortho. Azul might spare him, but not Ortho. Idia just runs and hides all the event.

Ortho catches him in the end. Omnitrix or not. :'3

[nickymortis]

A Blast from the Past: Alone in the Dark 2024 Edition

The phrase "alone in the dark" seriously gives me the creeps, especially when I'm trying to resist the urge to buy Xbox games. Watching The Shining again recently, I couldn't shake the image of Jack Nicholson standing solo in a totally dark ballroom, chatting with invisible folks, vibing to silent tunes, and sipping on imaginary drinks. It's terrifying to think any of us might be clueless about what's really going on around us, stuck in a whole universe that exists solely in our heads. When I started playing Alone in the Dark, I wondered if it would mess with these ideas. Turns out, yeah, it totally does. I've played tons of cool survival horror games, but I've never tried Alone in the Dark, the OG that inspired pretty much every game in the genre. While my gamer pals know all about Detective Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood's adventures, this is my first dive into the spooky Derceto mansion in Louisiana. And as I played Detective Carnby for the first time, it was clear he was tripping, seeing and hearing things that weren't real, and sipping air. He was definitely alone in the dark.

Reviving Classic Horrors: Alone in the Dark

In Alone in the Dark, you get to pick between two main characters played by David Harbor and Jodie Comer, who deliver top-notch, movie-worthy performances that make me want to buy PS5 games. The game is set in the 1920s, following Emily Hartwood and her detective sidekick Carnby as they investigate her missing uncle at the spooky Derceto mansion. My first go-round as Carnby took me about 12 hours, with plenty of time spent staring at puzzles and scratching my head. The second time was way quicker since I already knew all the game's tricks. As a newbie to Alone in the Dark, I was a bit surprised by how cliché the Lovecraftian storyline felt. It's cool and all, but anyone familiar with cosmic horror will spot a lot of familiar beats from other stories, movies, and games. It wasn't until after finishing the game and looking into its history that I realized it's a modern remake of the original Alone in the Dark, which explains a lot. Even though tons of games have covered this ground since the early '90s, this one retells a story that was groundbreaking back in its day, about 35 years ago. So, I'll hold off on criticizing its predictability too much since it's based on a tale that's been around for ages.

Gameplay and Surprises

Instead, let's talk about how lit some of the lore drops are in Alone in the Dark. I've run through the game twice now, once with each character, and even on my second go, I'd pause to let the dope voice cast narrate all the clues, diaries, and notes. Normally, I'm all about hitting that "skip" button and reading stuff myself, but the voice acting is so fire it adds a whole new level to the game. Plus, there are some juicy extra details thrown in for those patient enough to listen, which totally hooked me even more. I won't spoil the story twists for newbies, but I'll say the gameplay mechanics stay pretty similar no matter who you pick. Each character's storyline has its own surprises that make a second playthrough worth it. And let me tell you, I was low-key hoping the game would go big at the end, and boy, it delivered. Most of the game kept it PG-13 with the violence, but the ending takes a sudden dive into Mature territory in the best way possible.

Storyline, Acting, and Puzzles

Alone in the Dark's visuals are a mixed bag. Some parts look absolutely stunning, with killer lighting effects, legit functioning mirrors, and details that pop. Then, out of nowhere, you're chatting with a flapper straight out of a PS2 game, dropped into Derceto's mezzanine like a glitch from the gaming gods. Plus, there's this weird section where the game suddenly switches to '90s tank controls for no good reason—it's jarring and almost unplayable. It's like 80% awesome and 20% meh. Now, is Alone in the Dark scary? It's got a spooky vibe for sure, but I found it more suspenseful than scream-inducing. The few jump scares it tries fall flat for me, and being a cosmic horror buff, that's a letdown. But hey, the story's solid, the acting's on point, and there are some killer puzzles to solve. So, come for the performances and brain-teasers, enjoy the storyline in bits, and ignore the clunky combat. Spending a couple of afternoons playing as David Harbor in a dark mansion isn't the worst way to chill.

[specialofficerlemons]

Betrayal of the Borderlands

Fandom: Borderlands/Tales from the Borderlands

Summary: What if, when Jack told Rhys about his plan to kill him and stuff his body with a robot skeleton, instead of saying "I can't believe you've done this" Rhys took it in stride and tried to spin it in a way that was favorable to him?

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Pairing: None

Notes: When I originally watched a Tales from the Borderlands playthrough, I thought that Rhys's reaction to Jack was a little out of character. Jack never hid who he was. He was a known killer who did things his way. Rhys had spent this whole journey talking with him and then pulled this "I don't know what I ever saw in you" thing, like Jack had ever been dishonest about the kind of asshole he was. Rhys was also not an innocent baby angel. He worked for Hyperion, he may not have grown up on Pandora getting his hands dirty, but the company culture there was shown to be cut-throat.

This isn't totally in character, considering the relationships he built with the others over the course of the story, but I wanted to explore a different avenue.

When I originally started working on this in 2017, I intended for it to be a multi-chapter thing, but I never got further than this, so I wanted to get this out there as it is.

Starts mid-scene

Word Count: 1174

Rhys looked from Jack's face to the robot, contemplative, not frightened. Of course, what Jack was suggesting was outrageous for many reasons, him dying not the least of which, but he knew the man wouldn't care if he asked about that, so he had to sell other avenues of questioning. "Would that really...satisfy you?" he asked.

It was clearly not the response Handsome Jack had been expecting and that bought Rhys enough time to think or, at least, more time not being killed by a giant robot skeleton being stuffed inside of him. "What do you mean, "satisfy me?"" the AI responded with a laugh. "What's not satisfactory about having a giant robot army of mes?"

"I mean-" Rhys gestured to the Hyperion yellow armature that loomed threateningly before him. "I'm sure you'll be happy to be in control of a body again, but will you be able to feel? Will you be able to taste?" He gestured to the half-eaten pizza on the desk. "I'm sure you'll be happy in your own skin, but are you really going to be happy wearing some rotting bandit corpse? Don't you want a real body?"

"And where am I going to just get a "real body" that feels and tastes?" Jack asked with a glare.

Rhys hid his breath of relief. He had sown the seeds of doubt in Jack's mind. He wasn't in the clear yet, but he might just make it out of this alive. "You said they still had your body around, right? They could clone you, couldn't they? Make some kind of cyborg and upload you right into it. Hell, they could upload you into a body double, couldn't they? I uploaded you into me, didn't I?" He stepped forward and put his hands on his heart, so he seemed really sincere. "You may have made me president, but we both know who this company really belongs to. You're…" he gave half laugh, for effect, "You're Handsome Jack. No one could replace you." He laughed a little more now. "Least of all me, I mean, I wanted a promotion, sure, but," he looked deep into the eyes on the screen, "I would be a corpse in Wallethead's trunk without you, Jack." Jack chuckled at the reminder.

The image disappeared and Rhys's eyes went wide with panic. "You know kid," Jack's voice boomed all around him. He spun around and found Jack lounging on the giant windows that doubled as monitors, Elpis glowing purple behind him. "You're sellin' yourself short. Yeah, you're not me, but you've got some good ideas bouncing around in that head of yours. You know, besides me."

Rhys bit his tongue to keep from tipping his hand too early. He held out his hand and brought up the ECHO net. "Well, now that I'm president, I have a lot of access to employee information. While I'm sure we wouldn't want anyone developing guns to be removed from their tasks, I'm sure some offices in R&D wouldn't mind being reassigned to something more important than, whatever it is they're doing, rearranging thresher DNA." He looked up at the giant projection of Handsome Jack, like looking up at a god. "I mean, it takes the human body 9 months to create a new human, what'll it take the galaxy's top scientists?"

Jack clapped and cheered. "That's exactly what I like to hear, Rhysie," he said, his face betraying his genuine excitement at the idea of having his own body back. "If I could kiss you, I would!"

Rhys faked a startle and attempted to will a blush on his face. It wasn't difficult. He had a lot of practice trying to school his face into neutrality when inside he was panicking. He just had to remember what that panic felt like and let it out. "I, well, ahem," he cleared his throat, the projection coming from his palm flickering for a moment. "That would have to, ah, wait for the body, I suppose…" He swallowed obviously, his Adam's apple bobbing, and tugged at his collar.

Jack grinned wolfishly. "It was a hypothetical, cupcake, but if you're so eager-"

"No!" Rhys cut him off. "I wasn't suggesting that you or-or I should, um…" Rhys was walking a tightrope. "Plaything" wasn't much of a safer position than "robot-flesh-suit-koozie," but it was the leverage that he had.

Jack's laugh reverberated around the room. "Relax Rhysie. When I said we were both hot I wasn't blowing smoke up your ass," Jack said appreciatively.

The smile that settled on Rhys's lips was genuine as he smoothed his hair.

"Rhys, what are you doing? What's taking so long?" Fiona's voice came through the ear piece.

Rhys's mouth opened for a moment and his eyes darted around. "I'm just getting into position," he answered. "First thing's first." he said, holding out the beacon. "The Vault of the Traveler."

He waited for Jack to respond, but the image of the man remained silent.

"Jack?"

Jack was rubbing his chin, deep in thought. "Those sisters…they aren't going to like this," he said with an edge to his voice.

It was unsettling to Rhys, not that he felt any alliance to Sasha and Fiona, though he supposed he should. It was more that he didn't know what Jack was thinking. He needed to stay a step ahead of him and he was blind here. "No, I suppose they won't…" Regardless of any affinity he had for the two women he'd been working with, he had to remember who they were: Pandoran con-women. But more than that, he had to remember who he was. They may have lived their whole lives by the skin of their teeth on a planet full of people and creatures that were constantly trying to kill them, but Rhys was a Hyperion. He didn't come this far, clawing his way up the corporate ladder, swimming in a tank full of backstabbing sharks just waiting for a hint of blood in the water, to let something like this stop him. He knew it wouldn't stop them if their positions were reversed. Just like all the people he'd stepped on to get where he was today, he crushed any feelings of friendship he had for the two underfoot. It's what Handsome Jack would have done. "But they never liked me much anyways."

Jack's face split into a grin that made Rhys' shark analogy especially relevant. "Exactly!" he said. "And what do we have here?" Jack disappeared and Rhys turned around to find him on several monitors around the desk. "Well, well, well…speak of the devil."

Rhys approached the desk to see a security feed of Fiona accosted by Yvette and guards in tow who already had Sasha. "And speak of women who would sell you out in a heartbeat," he hissed. He raised his hand to his ear to contact Fiona, then stopped and looked to Jack for permission. Jack nodded, still grinning. "Hold on, Fiona!" he said with mock urgency, "I'm on my way!"

[stormfall1327]

It feels so damn good to write something again. It’s been WAY too long. Started a new CP2077 1.5 playthrough and took an unintentionally angsty screenshot of V/Vik, so here’s a hurt/comfort/angst drabble to go with it. Enjoy!

Also posted to AO3. Check it out! https://archiveofourown.org/users/ToABeautifulOblivion

Losing You

T: Explicit Language

Hurt/Comfort/Angst

Couldn’t save him.

Can’t save her….

Can’t… save… her.

FUCK.

It’s been three weeks. Three weeks since life saw fit to cold cock him in the fucking face. Losing Jack was a hard blow. He’s seen a lot of death over the years; some of them friends, some no more than strangers. But Jackie? That’s the kind of loss you never really get over. The kind that takes a piece of you with it and leaves a raw, gaping hole behind.

But that wasn’t enough. Fucking bastards had to take her, too. Not right away, of course, but in a slow, agonizing process that he had to sit by and watch without being able to do a goddamn thing about it.

They were just kids, for Christ’s sake! Had their whole goddamn lives ahead of ‘em. Night City legends, if they had anything to say about it. Prolly coulda done it, too. But now? Jack was rotting away in the ground and V was living out her last with a fucking parasite in her head, sucking out every last drop of what made her so goddamn special until there’d be nothing left. An empty shell. And that, he thinks, is worse than if she’d just died on his table, then and there.

He’d scoffed when she asked him to pull the chip, begging him to please help. “V, you’ll die. Immediately. No chance.” He often wonders if that would have been better. Would have been more merciful. Would have stopped this fucking ache in his heart every time he looks at her…

He pulls his glasses off with a heavy sigh and presses his palms to his eyes. He doesn’t remember the last time he’s felt so goddamn helpless. She’s tried to bring it up; many times, in fact. But every time she does, he dodges her questions like a fucking coward. He just… can’t. It’s too real, then. The… inevitability of it all, of her being snuffed out like a fucking candle one day, not even knowing who she is anymore… it’s too much. She means too much.

“Vik?”

Her voice cuts through the silence, raw and broken, the jagged edges of her pain swallowing his name as it leaves her lips. He turns his head to the sound and his chest tightens painfully. She’s standing behind the gate, shoulders slumped, dark circles under her red, puffy eyes. She’s been crying.

“V…? Hey, c’mon in.” He stands as the gate rattles open, the sound deafening in the quiet. She takes a few steps inside and hesitates, head down, hands shoved deep into her pockets. When she looks up at him, his heart breaks.

“Sorry to stop by so late… I couldn’t sleep and the light was on, so I figured….” Her voice cracks and trails off as a single tear slides down her cheek.

“Hey, hey. C’mere. It’s ok.” He opens his arms in silent invitation and she unapologetically crashes into his chest, arms wrapping tightly around him, clinging for dear life. He holds her just as tightly, nose pressed into the top of her head as he swallows around a sudden lump in his throat. She takes a shuddering breath to speak, but when she opens her mouth, all that leaves is a choked sob.

He takes an unsteady breath of his own and pulls her closer, thumbs rubbing soothing circles on her back. “Shhhh… it’s ok. I’m here,” he mumbles against her hair. “It’s gonna be ok.” And he lets her cry, closing his eyes to keep his own tears from falling.

For as long as she needs him, he’ll be there, even if it means watching her slowly fall apart.

[jerseymuppet]

Was tagged by Jask @breastsimeantits (love the bit. Hate that its not the familiar raytoromoans but it is funney) to do a little game lets goooooo

Last song: black sheep - brie larson vocal version.

Last movie: me and @fragile-snail watched John Wick 3 the other night 10/10. We’re watching something else in a little bit.

Currently watching: snapcubes playthrough of sonic frontiers. I’m interested so see where the game goes and penny parker #1 sonic fan, she’s so excited. It’s fun to watch. I’m not currently watching any shows, unless youtube series count? I’m going through red letter media’s best of the worst series (thank you and fuck you snail)

Currently reading: wuthering heights! It’s p good so far! I lost my copy for a bit (forgot it was in my bag) but i have since found it. I also just got a copy of jane eyre from goodwill and I’m excited to start that (I’m so behind on classics)

Currently working on: what a loaded question for me specifically! What am i not working on! Uhhhh, lets seee, I’m working on the gothamverse script (if you know you know and if you don’t know for the love of god please ask me i love talking about it) and my two page spread for the pussycule zine (I JUST figured out what i want to do last night) my dnd character for a new mcr campaign (my first time playing dnd ever!) some prints and stickers and other merch. Some more analysis posts. I got a lot going on. I’m a busy guy. (Also if you saw Jask’s post please for the love of god ask him about damilaurence, I CANNOT be in this alone)

Favorite color: i like willow green enough that i spent $10 on a bottle of nail polish. So I’m gonna say either that or burgundy.

Savory/sweet/spicy: savory!!!!!!! I love savory food so much, I’ve literally been eating nothing but burrito bowls the past two week and I LOVE them. I also enjoy spicy but I definitely prefer it with savory. I’m not as big on sweets as i used to be? I can find too much sweetness to be nauseating, and my tolerance has tanked, i eat a bite or two before i give up. But I definitely still enjoy it on occasion!

Coffee/tea/cocoa: i have severe anxiety and a resting heart rate of 130 bpm, if i drink coffee i will have a panic attack. Does that stop me from drinking iced coffee? No. God bless. I love tea though, that’s my favorite hands down. Me and a london fog lavender latte? Match made in heaven, I drink a cup of that every day. Cocoa is fun too! But I have to be in the mood

Craving: burrito bowls still. I went months without eating them and then when we finally decide to have them my mom got pulled pork with barbecue sauce on it and it ruined everything. I’m getting my fill now.

ANYWAY! Tagging: @judeiscariot @atlanticnotary @pissditching @fragile-snail @one-singular-crumb @infectiouspiss @8daysuntiltheapocalypseiguess @theresacorpseinthisbed @p4nsy and thats it! We all have the same mutuals and i don’t want tag people again lmao EDIT BECAUSE I FORGOT TO TAG JACK AAAA IM SORRY ILY <3 @scootbian

[piracytheorist]

Since the first thing that strikes me about re8, story-wise, is that it seems to be all over the place? Again, I’ve no idea how it ties to previous games but it feels like this parental/mother-child theme is just hanging there with no resolution at all? I mean yes, Ethan saved his daughter, presumably breaking some sort of abuse cycle, yay, congrats, but what about his wife/gf? Isn’t she supposed to be like the main protagonist of the story of a mother bereaved to the point of tyrannical madness

Or rather, this specific story is not the right choice for his character since there’s SO many ethical and philosophical issues and questions implied but never properly explored because of Ethan’s ‘fuck you, idc’ attitude (which is completely understandable in those circumstances but adds virtually nothing to the plot and arguably even ruins it a bit). Heisenberg could’ve been an excellent ally with fascinating grey morality (provided the writers wouldn’t push him to the point of absolute insanity and let freedom, not power-hunger be his main goal and motivation for rebellion).And again, aren’t the lords supposed to represent child development stages? In which case Ethan what? Kills the possibility of some evil version of Rose? Or his own chance to experience fatherhood throughout all of those stages? Either way, it seems a bit… weird to have a Parent destroy multiple people whose main relevance to the plot is that they’re children of an abusive antagonist in a storyline so extremely focused on parent/kid relationships.

I feel like the main theme of re8 is not just parenthood/motherhood, but the relationship itself of the parent to the child. There's a lot of mentions to "children being used". Miranda kidnapping people, experimenting on them and mutating them and then treating them like they're her kids; Miranda kidnapping and practically killing Rose; Dimitrescu making daughters out of reanimated corpses she experimented on; Heisenberg wanting to use Rose's powers, etc etc.

And it's important that Miranda is at the center of this. There's something very interesting she says to Ethan in her boss fight:

"Why do you interfere? Surely you have no need of Rose now, so close to death?"

And that's where her mistake was. Ethan wasn't doing all that because he needed Rose herself. He was doing it to save her, fully aware that he wasn't going to be a part of her life cause he knew he was dying. Miranda was way too dependent on her love for Eva - and like, I honestly get it that losing your child can devastate you (if anything my fear of that is one of the reasons I don't want to have kids) - so much that her life literally revolved around her child. Once Eva died, Miranda wanted to die. Once she found the Megamycete and discovered she maybe had a chance to bring Eva back, she dedicated her entire life and ruined multiple others to do just that. Her one and biggest need was to get Eva back. It wasn't a simple want or wish. It was a need. She'd get her child back, damn everyone else - including other people's children.

Miranda had no-one to blame directly; Eva had died from the influenza, it wasn't like she had any chance to change things. Ethan's case was different; he had people to blame, particularly, the one who kidnapped Rose and dismembered her, and her lackeys who kept said parts and fought him for trying to take them back.

So on one end, you have a parent who lost her child due to a tragedy, and ended up destroying other - innocent - lives in order to get her back. On the other, you have a parent who lost his child due to a crime, and ended up going after the criminals responsible in order to get the child back. Like, it wasn't even revenge, and it wasn't that he "needed" Rose in his life. He simply wanted to save her and ensure she'll be alright.

I fully agree it could have been Mia as the protagonist in re8, and that it was a wasted opportunity to simply fridge her and have her in the sidelines angsting over her husband. But whether it was Mia or Ethan as the protagonist, I feel like the theme that I explained above does offer a resolution, showing the opposites of Miranda and Ethan, and ending Miranda's tyrrany of her "need" to have her child back through Ethan's determination to ensure his child's safety and happiness - even if he doesn't get to be a part of any of that later on. Miranda showed obsession; Ethan showed dedication.

And this is how I see the abuse cycle breaking and the resolution is reached; an obsessed parent hurt a good parent's child to bring their own child back - the good parent's dedication stopped the former, allowing the former's tyrrany to end and their child to grow up safe.

Seeing as this is a horror game, I don't tend to focus on the morality issues (if I'm interpreting your second message correctly). Like, the developers are making a grant effort to put us in Ethan's shoes, first-person POV, plain character protagonist and all; our child got kidnapped and practically murdered, and we have the chance to bring her back. We'll absolutely raise hell to the people who are responsible for it and we will get our child back, fuck any moral dilemmas we might have. When someone is threatening your life, you have the ability to kill them to defend yourself. In the case of a caring parent, that ability may multiply by a lot when the threat is towards their child. And I feel that this is what the game explored in the end. Though the whole survival issue is taxing on Ethan, he doesn't give a damn about who he has to kill if it means saving his daughter - but again, it's only the responsible parties. We see how watching all the people at Luisa's house die affected him, and even before Elena died, he wanted to ensure her safety before he went searching for Rose; he is sympathetic and morally rational, but also capable of cold-blooded murder if someone is threatening his child. To a lesser extent, we saw that in re7 too. With his life on the line, he killed Jack (multiple times) and Marguerite, and at the end he recognized how they were actually victims of Eveline. But they were still actively trying to murder him so he wasn't given the chance to help them. With Zoe, he promised to send help, and he did, even wanting to talk to her once she'd been rescued by her uncle and Chris. The same applies to re8, but as I said, it's multiplied since it's his daughter who's in danger, and the end of re8 proves he cares for her safety more than his own.

Now, all that said, I think it's important to note how it's stil a Resident Evil game. I haven't actually played or watched any playthroughs of other games, but the basic concept in these games, from what I understand, is that the player shoots zombies; ex-human beings who have lost any human mentality and will just come for your throat if you don't kill them first. They're not humans anymore, they can't be reasoned or sympathized with. It's not really an issue of morality, ethics or philosophy. Your life, and the life of your child in the case of re8, are in danger. You don't give a shit. You just start shooting and hope for the best. Again, I don't know if the morality issue is explored in other RE games, but to be honest... Resident Evil doesn't sound like the kind of franchise that's thematically into going super deep into the morality of shooting zombies to save your life.

I have to admit I haven't thought of the Lords being representative of child development stages. I think they could be put as Moreau being a toddler, fully dependent on their parent - funnily enough, the Greek word for baby is "moro", pronounced almost exactly the way "Moreau" is pronounced in the game - Donna as a child, Heisenberg as a (rebellious?) teenager, and Dimitrescu as a late teen/young adult (if anything, Dimitrescu seems to behave like the eldest child of the bunch). But I'm not sure the connection that has to Ethan as a father, if anything because the bosses are fought in complete random order of age, if my analysis is correct. Like, I understand the symbolism behind the Lords' behaviours, maybe as you said they represent the obstacles Ethan had to overcome. In one single day and with his life on the line, instead of in the course of Rose's entire childhood and adolescence, but that's exactly why he hated being a protagonist of a horror game, lol.

Anyway, yeah. All in all, I don't think Resident Evil is a franchise where we should expect to sit down afterwards and ponder whether we were right to shoot the zombies that were trying to kill us. Again, I'm not the right person to ask this, since I don't know anything about other RE games, but that's the conclusion I'm making in a meta-thinking way.

[jake-marshall]

TGAAC: Adventures thoughts

So I finished game 1 last Saturday, and took a brief break from continuing so I could write a fic centered around it (won’t mention what character because ~Spoilers~), and will now continue on to game 2 starting today (albeit, I did start a little of game 2 last week but was so burned out from having marathoned Case 5, I didn’t really vibe with it so I’ll probably just start over).  Here are my, as well as my wife @morpheusdreamt ‘s (who watched parts with me) thoughts on the DGS/TGAAC 1, under the cut.  LOTS OF SPOILERS INCLUDED!  READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

The Adventure of the Great Departure - discounting the fact that it’s the first case and therefore also a super-hand-holdy tutorial, I felt this was one of the stronger first cases in the whole series.  I really enjoyed Jezaill and Hosonaga, and just Kazuma and Ryuunosuke’s dynamic as a whole, even though I knew what was coming.  My complaint about this case was that it felt way too long for a first case - which, I mean, I get in hindsight because of needing to include the right amount of development between Kazuma and Ryuunosuke to make Kazuma’s death effective and to make it more believable that Ryuunosuke takes over as the main lawyer.   But also, it wasn’t satisfying to out Jezaill as the murder (even though I know she has a role in the second game) and then come to find out she probably won’t be punished for it. This lack of satisfaction became a sort of prevailing theme for me throughout the game. The Adventure of the Unbreakable Speckled Band - again, another tutorial case that felt way too long.  I’m pretty sure I was drinking the whole time I played this case, with Sholmes being the one to drive me to do it.  As with the first case, the characters stood out for me way more than the case itself. My favorite part of this was watching the bond form between Ryuunosuke and Susato.  As much as I also like Nikolina, I found this case overall to be fairly forgettable. The Adventure of the Runaway Room  - first of all, I haven’t replayed this since completing the game (and therefor completing case 5) but I feel it’s almost necessary to do so to fully grasp this case?  Which is, after having completed the game, something I really like about this case in particular.   I thought McGilded was a fantastic character (and not just because of his resemblence to Handsome Jack :p), and I knew we’d meet Gina and Van Zieks in this case, but I was still thrilled to have it happen.   Upon first playthrough, this case was like the others, extremely frustrating in the sense that I wasn’t really getting anywhere?  That the plot wasn’t going anywhere?  I mean, at least for me, I really had no clue as to how involved McGilded was in Mr. Mason’s death, so kudos to the writers in keeping me guessing.   Overall, this felt like a filler case until you get to the end and realize, oh shit.  It’s not, is it?  And then I wished I would’ve paid more attention to some details, so it’s definitely worth a replay. The Adventure of the Clouded Kokoro - But no, this is the filler case!  And I know some of the characters show up in the 2nd game, but oof.  There was very little I enjoyed about this case on an individual level, and I’m not one to get super salty about ~this is problematic~ but the consistent inclusion of joking about domestic violence made me uncomfortable.   Soseki was a fun character, but the Garridebs and Beates felt over-the-top, and, again, the fact that the attack was actually an accident just made this case feel like, ??? It made me wary of starting the 5th case.  I felt, there’s nowhere I’m going to come away from the game liking it more than “just alright”. The Adventure of the Unspeakable Story -  Let me start by just saying that this is one of my favorite cases in the entire series. So the only things I knew about this case going in was that Gina was the defendant and that Ashley was the killer, but I didn’t know anything regarding motive or his background, or Gina’s whole ordeal with McGilded. Both of their arcs spoke me to quite profoundly.  I thought Gina’s development and her fears and insecurities surrounding trust were so relateable, her self-loathing and resignation to never having anything in life go her way just because of her class.  Of her needing to look out for herself because no one else will, at least not without wanting anything in return.   Like dude, I was crying when she finally accepted Ryuunosuke’s offer to defend her. I don’t really see it brought up (and maybe I just haven’t looked hard enough) about how heavily it contrasts with Ashley’s story, of them both coming from a poor background and both clearly suffering from abandonment issues and how it’s molded them and their perspective on the world and the people in it.  I thought Ashley was so compelling, even though he starts off as a sort of caricature (which I gather was the intention).   His absolute contempt towards McGilded (and clearly at himself, by the end) was so palpable for me, and left me thinking about him and the case for days after completing it. I liked too, that for as many AA cases where the killer will be like “I’m so much ~smarter than you~”, Ashley actually does a pretty good job of backing it up, that it’s more show than tell (his making the deal with Gregson and the fact that what broke most of his testimony was the Skulkins and not things he himself said)  as it tends to be the other way around. I still want to know what went down in the bus between his dad and McGilded.  I have this terrible feeling that Mason went there to tell McGilded to leave his son alone and that he wouldn’t sell the disk.  Which would make it all worse, lol but I’m fine with that. Unless Gina undergoes some sort of terrible devolvement in the 2nd game, I can safely say that she and Ashley have become Top 10 all time AA characters for me, and that’s saying something considering how long and how deeply I’ve loved my faves from the original games. Anyway, getting back on point to the actual games and not just meta on the characters, I liked the pace that Case 5 progressed at, and how it had some expected twists and turns (like Sholmes’s appearance) that weren’t made any less enjoyable by being predictable.  And I didn’t find it terribly difficult but it was still outrageously fun (minus the stereoscope mechanic which I know is just a fucky misfortune given the game was originally designed to incorporate 3DS functions, which are obsolete on the Switch).  I just thought that Case 5 felt like everything that was right in the original series, both gameplay wise and story/character wise. Despite the fact that it hangs on a massive cliffhanger -__-  But luckily i don’t have to wait two years to play the 2nd game, lol. Maybe my opinion of this game will change after I play the 2nd game, but overall my feelings are that it’s enjoyable enough and if you like Ace Attorney, and you’re more invested in the main characters/their development you’ll like it/probably even love it.  For me, the fifth case and it tying together with the third case, specifically the affects it had Ryuu, Van Zieks, and Gina makes the rest of the game worth playing, but the rest of the cases are not as individually satisfying as many of the other cases in the AA series.   I would still recommend this, however, based on how eager it’s made me to want to play the second game opposed to just feeling like I went through all that for nothing (which is sort of my experience when I replay AJ or DD now, not that I still don’t love them).

[ultraviolet-ink]

DGS!!

Japanese trio + Barok!!!

Ryuu 1) Sexuality: Bisexual! 2) OTP: We all know it's Ryuususa lol <3 3) BroTP: I love his interactions with Sherlock, especially the dance of deductions! Those are my favorite parts of the game! 4) NoTP: I'm going to get a lot of flack for this omgggg As/Ryu/.... It's a lovely ship, I'm sure I would have loved it, but I've had some choice interactions with some of the more..... entitled..... fans, so it's just got a bitter taste in my mouth 5) Headcanon: The man is JACKED. So this is semi canon, but he's really in Kyudou, and I like to think that nobody thinks he would be due to his permanent baby face syndrome but he is JACKED 6) Second-Hand Embarrassment: That little "tap" he does when he's not confident, never fails to make me cackle 7) Relatable Moment: I relate to his impostor syndrome a lot, especially on my bad days, but despite it all, I try my best to power through, there's always a brighter day <3 8) Cinnamon Roll! ^-^ Susato 1) Sexuality: Bisexual because I project onto my faves lol 2) OTP: Ryuususa! 3) BroTP: I love her interactions with Iris! Not only is it a fangirl's dream, they also have those fun sister vibes, and I think it's really adorabl! 4) NoTP: More flack lmaooo Sus/Ha/, once again, entitled people have put an otherwise lovely ship on my "I would rather not" list 5) Headcanon: She gets to be an attorney in her own right! After years of activism, and debate, and proving herself, she gets to be an attorney with her own name! 6) Second-Hand Embarrassment: The Susato Takedown was funny the first few times, but then it started to get flanderized ^^" 7) Relatable Moment: I am a fangirl, and I really love the Sherlock Holmes stories (Baskervilles is my favorite!). I'm a huge bookworm, and I'm trying to get back into reading for fun! 8) CINNAMON ROLL Kazuma 1) Sexuality: Queer 2) OTP: ..... I kind of have a crack ship but other than that, I don't really have an OTP for him lmaoo 3) BroTP: Ryuu's relationship is something that is so interesting to explore. They care for each other greatly, words can hardly describe it (I mean, I'm not BLIND, I see it all lol), and I really do think there's a lot I can explore there! 4) NoTP: As/Ryu/ 5) Headcanon: Modern!AU Kazuma would SO be into the Steel Samurai, and unironically 6) Second-Hand Embarrassment: The way he treated Ryuu and Susato in the latter half of DGS 2.... they deserve to be mad because that treatment is unacceptable no matter what :T (He might actually be more chill in the localization, this is going off of the subbed playthrough I watched, so I might change my opinion) 7) Relatable Moment: I am also a rude bitch with floofy hair 8) Sinnamon Roll Barok 1) Sexuality: Demiromantic Demisexual 2) OTP: Hell yeah I will do OC x Canon, because it's my blog and my sandbox and my barbie dolls to mash together! I'm very attatched and I hope to introduce this OC sometime in the near future when I get around to working on an AU I've been planning! If I had to choose canon, it's Sherlock, solely for the bitter ex boyfriend vibes XD 3) BroTP: Benjamin/Albert! I think he deserves an unhinged mad scientist friend... as a treat 4) NoTP: None really come to mind...? I guess Vortex x Barok? It's a really interesting ship, and an interesting dynamic, and I think anyone who writes for it is braver and more creative than me! ^-^ I guess NoTP is a little strong... I don't think I could do it justice, so it's kind of a "meh *shrug*" ship 5) Headcanon: He's left-handed, especially when you see where his sword is! He can write with his right-hand because Victorian Era schooling was just like that (tm), but he doesn't like it. He uses his right-hand for official documents, but his left for personal letters and notes! 6) Second-Hand Embarrassment: I mean, yeah, the racism. I think that's par for the course when you are a 21st century person looking in at a work that is supposed to take place over 100 years prior. 7) Relatable Moment: I, too, am a depressed ass goth ass bitch who desperately wants to be a vampire. In all seriousness, he's a very lonely character, and I do

relate to that a lot, especially with current events.... he reminds me of how I was during my hardest days, so I guess it's why he's a major comfort character for me.... granted I use him as my personal punching bag soooo there's that? XD 8) Problematic Fave (affectionate)

[kenkamishiro]

Jack Jeanne Playthrough Part 3 (April 5)

1 month later. April 5th in the VN. Kisa is at Univeil and excited she passed the entrance exam. She runs into her childhood friend Yonaga who's also been accepted. He's shocked that Kisa is attending too, but before she can explain Suzu joins them, introduces one each other.

Quartz's theme is "transparency" where many inexperienced performers who haven't specialized yet tend to go.

Onyx = Jacks whose forte is in dance.

Rhodonite = Jeannes who specialize in song.

Amber is where talented and unique students gather.

Suzu theorizes Kisa would be in Rhodonite because of her appearance, himself in Onyx because his physical abilities make him more suitable for dancing than singing or acting. Yonaga would like to be in Quartz.

Yonaga: Quartz...would be nice.

Suzu: I get what you mean!

Yonaga: Huh?

Suzu: Tbh I enrolled in Univeil cause I really admire Tachibana Tsuki, the legendary Jackace of Quartz!

Kisa: ...!

Suzu: That's why I wanna be in the same class as Tachibana Tsuki...come to think of it, your last names are the same.

Kisa: (If people find out I'm related to Tsuki-nii, it might make it even easier for them to discover my identity...! But it might be better than lying poorly...)

Kisa: It's true. It's the same (nonchalantly)

Yonaga: ......

Suzu: Maybe you guys are distant relatives!

Kisa: *nervous laughter*

Yonaga cuts in and says they should go check which class they're in. Kisa thanks Yonaga for the save. Their year is the 78th class of Univeil. All 3 are in Quartz.

Kisa gets called to the headmaster's office.

Chuuza congratulates her and informs her about her admission. The only ones who know that Kisa is a girl is him, Quartz's homeroom teacher Enishi Rokurou, and now Yonaga, Kisa's childhood friend. Chuuza is surprised that someone who knew about Kisa enrolled in the school.

But if anyone else finds out that she's a girl, expulsion. But since a lot of students are feminine, she won't have to go out of her way to act and dress like a boy. He reminds her to build trust with the rest of the students, and aim to become a lead and aim for the top.

Kisa arrives to Quartz's homeroom late.

??: Yes, yes, come right in.

Kisa: (The teacher...? But he's in a student uniform.)

??: You were called in quite loudly during the school announcements. Did you run into any issues on the first day? Theft, robbery, manslaughter, extortion, coercion, or a bank robbery, perhaps...?

(Please watch the clip of this scene. Can you tell he and Furuta share the same VA? 😄)

Fumi: No one like that would be in our school, Kuro.

??: But wouldn't be great to have such a plucky 1st year around, Fuumin! All the world's a stage!

Fumi: And, if the cops came?

??: I concede! Law is what keeps society together.

Kai: ...you two are bothering the 1st years.

Kisa finds a seat by Suzu and Yonaga.

Neji Kokuto (3rd year, 76th class of Univeil) welcomes the 1st year students to Univeil and Quartz. Class leader-slash-scriptwriter-slash-director-slash...all kinds of other things! He provides an info-dump about Univeil for us.

5 performances in total: Rookie, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Univeil Exhibitions. The Rookie Exhibition is where the 1st years take the lead roles, which is going to be held May 30th. Today is April 5th, so less than 2 months remain. Most viewers will watch over them warmly,  but others will be more strict, like journal reporters, critics and avid Univeil fans. Neji will write a script to allow even novices like them to shine on stage. Casting will be announced mid-April. Upper years are also participating and support the 1st years.

Neji: If you have any questions, all you need is to ask. I'm sure all our seniors here will be more than happy to help you.

??: What, no way.

Neji: With some exceptions of course! Mwahaha. Mikki's a 2nd year now, you can be a little nice to your juniors, hm?

??: ...

Kisa notes he looks cute like a doll. Shirota Mitsuki, noted for his singing. He catches Kisa staring at him, and she apologizes.

Neji asks if anyone has any questions. You're given 3 options: 1) How casting is determined, 2) Type of training to be done, 3) No questions.

Casting is based on Neji's subjective judgment. Everything from how they're doing in lessons, campus life, the way they walk, talk, physique, voice, facial expressions. Essentially based on his intuition, which he uses to find gemstones in the rough.

Training I'll explain later, there's gameplay related to it.

Neji finishes his spiel and passes it on to Quartz's homeroom teacher, Enishi. Pretty low energy. Lessons start tomorrow. Class is dismissed.

Suzu meets Kisa outside the Quartz dorms and asks if she's ready to introduce herself to the other students. He notes it's hard to find people since Univeil is so large. They chat for a bit, Suzu asks Kisa to call him by his first name, so Suzu-kun it is.

Inside Yonaga's dorm. He's finished unpacking, though he's still yet to put away his books (on theatre). He asks how Kisa got into Univeil, and she explains what happened. Yonaga says he'll help Kisa to make sure she stays at Univeil. He's glad that Kisa is here with him.

Yonaga: Kisa-chan, about Tsuki-kun...

Kisa: I can't get in touch with Tsuki-nii, but I'm sure he's doing fine wherever he is. 

Yonaga: I see. Yeah, I'm sure he is.

(Isn't that sketchy? Maybe he turned into that weasel with the moon on its belly lol)

Kisa begins her search for the Quartz students. At the Univeil courtyard, Kisa hears Mitsuki singing.

"Within this chest of mine I dance, the rhythm of possibilities"

Kisa: (I'd heard he was lauded for his singing, but he really has a beautiful voice...the lyrics paint the scene in my head.)

Mitsuki: ...could you not stare at me like that? It's uncomfortable.

Kisa: Oh, I'm sorry!

Mitsuki: Oh, you again. The 1st year who came in late.

Kisa: Yes. My name is Tachibana Kisa. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Mitsuki: Huh...you've got a face like a girl.

Kisa: Eh? Y-yes, I suppose so.

Mitsuki: A high-pitch voice. A delicate figure. And a Jeanne at that. At least be aware of your own features.

Kisa: I-I'm sorry.

He sighs and introduces himself. 2nd year, 77th class of Univeil. A Jeanne and a tresor (songstress/diva) of Quartz. VA is Kajiwara Gakuto (Asta). Kisa compliments him on his singing.

Mitsuki: So you were eavesdropping.

Kisa: I-I'm sorry.

Mitsuki: Well, not like I care either way. Later.

Kisa: He left...I guess he doesn't really like interacting with people. But his voice really was beautiful.

(If I had to describe Mitsuki's tone, it would be similar to Kenma, but a bit more antisocial lol)

Kisa finds Kai in the forest, seemingly concentrating on something. She decides to come back later, but Kai notices her.

Kai: ...? Quartz's 1st year?

Kisa: Yes! I'm Tachibana Kisa.

Kai: I see, you're...

Kisa: Yes!

(awkward silence between the two)

Kai: Mutsumi Kai, 76th class of Univeil. I'm a 3rd year.

Kisa: So I should call you Mutsumi-senpai!

Kai: Kai is fine. You can call me that around other people too.

Kisa: But...

Kai: ...

Kisa: ...(agrees)

Kai: ...

Kisa: T-then, I'll call you Kai-san!

Kai: Okay.

Kisa notes Kai is the Jackace of Quartz. And since Tsuki was also the Jackace, that means he must be talented too.

Kai: I'm a vessel meant to garnish the Aljeanne. Nothing more, nothing less.

Kisa is confused by his statement. Convo ends.

Kisa runs into Neji next in the hallways. He enters a room then promptly comes back out.

Neji: Welcome!

Kisa: Ah!

Neji: What're you doing in a place like this?

Kisa: I'm going around introducing myself to everyone in Quartz.

Neji invites her into his workroom where he writes his scripts and plans his staging. But he also performs on stage, any male or female role, from a shining prince/princess to old grannies/gramps.

He's currently working on the script for Quartz, but he won't reveal it just yet. Kisa asks if the other class leaders write the scripts like he does, but Neji is a special case, who screenwrites, directs and performs.

Neji: Once you get carried away, you can't see what's going on around you. What we do has no end to it. Acting, dancing, singing, they're fields that you can pursue for a lifetime. You could reach the stars, or merely end up as a master of none. No matter how much time,  it will never be enough. It's a terrifying world out there. That's why it's so engrossing. The stage is a colossal device. The Jacks and Jeannes make up the gears, and I am the craftsman who pieces them together. Let's create a fantastic stage together, Tachibana-kun!

Neji must continue writing, and wishes Kisa the best for the Rookie Exhibition. (Neji definitely talks the most out of the main cast lol. And fast too, talks a mile a minute and tone varies hugely)

Kisa finds Fumi standing languidly in the middle of the dance room, taking deep breaths before beginning to dance. A Japanese-style dance where his movements are gentle, beautiful and brilliant. He comments on Kisa staring intently at him, just like during the entrance exam.

Kisa is surprised that Fumi remembered, despite the number of applicants.

Fumi: I remember you and the red-haired guy well cause you two danced so terribly.

Kisa: Oh...

Fumi: I'm just kidding. Though the red-haired guy really did suck.

Kisa introduces herself, and Fumi pauses at hearing the name Tachibana. 3rd year Takashina Sarafumi, 76th class of Univeil, but he prefers being called Fumi, no senpai honorific attached. Kisa ends up calling him Fumi-san.

Fumi: Let's have fun, Kisa. (leaves)

Kisa: It's overwhelming seeing him up close. So that's the power of an Aljeanne.

Kisa goes to her room excited for her new life at Univeil and retires for the night for her 1st day of classes tomorrow.

＊＊＊

previous || next (to be updated)

[aerial-ace97]

AH Minecraft MorTallyTy #430

Hiya!  So I’m a huge Achievement Hunter fan and a long time ago I set out with the hope of recording the deaths and kills of every single player throughout the entirety of their playthrough of Minecraft.  I started posting about it on Episode 100 and I believe my last post was only around 140, as I posted every 10 episodes on youtube.  You can still find those posts.  I’ve still been recording privately since then but at a certain point I got really behind and kept saying I’d catch up by the next 10th episode but never got around to it.  Then I also decided to go back and record ALL deaths and kills beyond just what was the ‘Big 6′ and that also took a while.  I’m still extremely behind as I go through life and do other things and also as I started privately recording for GTA as well which I’m even further behind on.  I just finished episode 430 and wanted to start an episode post to Tumblr for it.  I’ll give full marks for every 10 episodes as well as the specific incidents for each time the players hit a 100 marker past episode 226 as that is when I started recording those.  After each individual episode I’ll also post the kills and deaths for that episode.  Hopefully in the next few months I’ll have legitimately caught up with the current game and also post to youtube as well.  Until then, here are the scores as they stand as far as I’ve watched.

Disclaimer: There are people not being recorded here for obvious reasons.  With that, these scores do not include episodes 387 or 390.

Minecraft Episode 430 Final Tally

Deaths

Gavin - 1786

Michael - 1416

Jack - 1329

Geoff - 962

Ray - 757

Jeremy - 679

Lindsey - 298

Matt - 174

Trevor - 144

Alfredo - 64

Caleb - 27

Mica - 20

Fiona - 18

Kerry - 10

Joel - 1

Kills

Michael - 508

Gavin - 343

Jack - 284

Ray - 247

Geoff - 239

Jeremy - 146

Matt - 24

Kerry - 19

Trevor - 12

Lindsey - 8

Caleb - 7

Mica - 2

Centennial Markers

Gavin’s 300 Kills - Killing //// in the final Battle Mode match in Ep. 226

Jack’s 1000 Deaths - Blown up by a Creeper around 34:30 in Ep. 230

Jeremy’s 100 Kills - Killed //// as Slender in the graveyard around 40:28 in Ep. 231

Gavin’s 1400 Deaths - Killed by falling at around 44:16 in Ep. 240

Michael’s 1100 Deaths - Falling too far at around 34:53 of Ep. 243

Jeremy’s 300 Deaths - Fall at 8:21 in Ep. 245

Jack’s 1100 Deaths - Fall at 4:00 in Ep. 246

Gavin’s 1500 Deaths - Fall at 10:08 in Ep. 246

Jeremy’s 400 Deaths - Flying into a wall at 11:25 in Ep. 254

Michael’s 1200 Deaths - Flying into a wall at 13:12 in Ep. 254

Gavin’s 1600 Deaths - Killed by //// at 9:41 in Ep. 261

Geoff’s 800 Deaths - Dropping into water at 42:29 in Ep. 261

Jeremy’s 500 Deaths - Dropping out of the Double Redwood in Ep. 300

Jack’s 1200 Deaths - Killed by a nether jelly fish in the chance cube catastrophe of Ep. 300

Lindsey’s 100 Deaths - Michael commits uxoricide at the end of Sky King

Michael’s 1300 Deaths - Lost oxygen on the moon at 13:37 in Ep. 335

Geoff’s 900 Deaths - Lost oxygen on the moon at 15:40 in Ep. 335

Gavin’s 1700 Deaths - Falling off a ladder in Clue Part 2 (Ep. 337)

Jeremy’s 600 Deaths - Blown up be a creeper in Super Creeper Soccer at 30:00 (Ep 371)

Lindsay’s 200 Deaths - Killed by a Zombie in Galacticraft Finale while helping Matt look for his key

Michael’s 500 Kills - Shooting Jack at the top of the altar in Altar of Pimps X

Jack’s 1300 Deaths - Jack got shot from the water spout in Altar of Pimps X

Trevor’s 100 Deaths - ‘Do it again.  You don’t got the b-’ in Anime Swords and Thunder Gods

Matt’s 100 Deaths - Offscreen death at 29:53 in Feed Jack 3 - Stealing From The Ender Dragon

Michael’s 1400 Deaths - Burnt to death at 6:17 in Witcher Challenge (Part 4)

Kill to Death Ratios

Kerry - 190%

Michael - 36%

Ray - 33%

Caleb - 26%

Geoff - 25%

Jeremy - 22%

Jack - 21%

Gavin - 19%

Matt - 14%

Mica - 10%

Trevor - 8%

Lindsey - 3%

Alfredo - 0%

Fiona - 0%

Joel - 0%

[rpgmgames]

April’s Featured Game: Nobody's Home

DEVELOPER(S): oates ENGINE: RPG Maker MV GENRE: Survival Horror SUMMARY: After a night of extreme drinking and partying, you wake up in stranger's bed to discover... Nobody's Home.

Buy the game here! Our Interview With The Dev Team Below The Cut!

Introduce yourself! *oates: Hi, this is oates! I'm a pixel artist and game developer, I've started making games with rpgmaker in 2016 with VX Ace and now currently using MV for recent projects. Previous projects I've worked on were the FNaF-inspired Souls-like One Night at the Steeze, my first rpgmaker game and it's prequel, the FNaF-inspired roguelike No Delivery. Other games I've worked on include the fangames Day Dreaming Derpy, made in VX Ace and Spike's Day Off, made in MV and the latest in a series of previous fangames previously developed on Adobe Flash.

What is your project about? What inspired you to create this game initially? *oates: Nobody's Home is largely based on my experiments to find and apply horrific elements in modern situations or phenomena. The scenario being explored here in Nobody's Home is the aftermath of some crazy party. Sound design is especially important when crafting a horror scenario, so I often look to music to draw inspiration. Much of the atmosphere and house design was inspired by music and imagery associated with '70s yacht rock (a sub-genre of soft rock). Another important note is a lot of the general mood and 'weirdness' was inspired by a band I listen a lot to, Dance Gavin Dance, specifically their "deathstar" album. However they have a tendency in all their albums to switch genres mid-song, often going from their post-hardcore sound to funk, pop, and even rap; aside from that, some of the subject matter covered can range from disturbing to unpleasant to nonsensical, but combined with the amazing music, it creates an experience that pulls the listener in all different directions. It got to the point that I was naming events in the game after some their tracks so I had to be careful not to inadvertently make a fangame haha But there are some easter eggs in Nobody's Home that were intentionally left in, and I'm fairly certain players have identified it already.

How long did you work on your project? *oates: I used much of the same framework left over from my previous project No Delivery for this development cycle, so the hassle for setting up asset pipelines was very much mitigated. I started in earnest, making assets back in January this year so it took roughly 2+ months to finish development for this project.

Did any other games or media influence aspects of your project? *oates: Aside from the previous music inspirations, I was really intrigued with the way Resident Evil 7's Beginning Hour demo was able to pick up where Konami's cancelled PT left off in terms of survival horror games to look forward to back in 2017. Prior to later updates, the initial demo really only included a few set pieces, basic item interaction, and almost no puzzles from the full game. It was largely able to pull off scaring players from almost atmosphere alone (if you exclude the Jack Baker and ghost encounters). It was later in the full game that it was able to show off it's metroidvania-esque design to its fullest. After my previous project, I wanted to step away from roguelike design for a bit and focus a little more on an exploration-based experience, so I took a few notes from the way RE7 and RE2: Remake handled map design and progression.

Did you come across any challenges during development? How did you overcome or work around them? *oates: I was coming off a severe cold last year and it took most of January for me to recover, so it was a little hard to start full-on development immediately like I normally would on top of other career matters. And looking at events today, it's even more imperative that developers practice healthy habits during development.

Did any aspects of your project change over time? How does your current project differ from your initial concept? *oates: I've had the idea for Nobody's Home as a concept for a while, but filling in those gaps with actual gameplay between centerpieces was a big variable. I went back and forth between the turn-based item combat from the previous project to cutting out combat entirely. While I didn't implement it, I also brainstormed a few concepts for overworld action and combat ala Zelda, but it seemed too complex given the time frame I set for myself. Eventually I settled on a middle ground between full combat and separate encounters, with "enemies" acting as essentially a toll gate. The rest of the game followed suit with various tolls and "mouse traps" for the player to trigger at their own behest. This wasn't necessarily the design I had in mind at first, but it helped to concisely fill a relatively small location with specifically "deadly" content.

What was your team like at the beginning? How did people join the team? If you don’t have a team, do you wish you had one or do you prefer working alone? *oates: I largely work solo for both development and art, but I do regularly work with a few musicians for an original soundtrack. I first started working with other composers for the fangame Day Dreaming Derpy, where after the initial demo was released, I received emails from a few musicians volunteering to contribute some tracks for the game. In all, the original soundtrack contained 9 tracks in total, with 3 tracks from each composer; each of them doing an amazing job and, in my opinion brought the project back then to a higher degree of quality. This was how I met some of the composers I still work with today and they all have some really great work! TheNGVirus @NGVirusNG1 Kaminakat @thekaminakat dRedder @HornyGremlin

What is the best part of developing a game? *oates: It's a toss up between the initial brainstorming/research and the first run-through when you have your desired maps linked together. For the brainstorming, it's pretty fun to learn about subject matter you want to do justice to as well as stretching your creative muscles for the first time in service to a certain concept. However this obviously wears off when you devote too much time to a particular concept, but it's still enjoyable nevertheless. For making that run-through, it doesn't necessarily mean to have all the events implemented, but to experience your game the way players will experience it for the first time does give a sense of completion/cohesion to what you, as a developer, are trying to accomplish. It essentially puts what you're working on into a different perspective for you.

Do you find yourself playing other RPG Maker games to see what you can do with the engine, or do you prefer to do your own thing? *oates: I do keep an eye out for what other rpgmaker projects are doing, and to see what others can do with the engine helps get the creative juices flowing; it's also fun to try to mentally reverse engineer how certain mechanics or effects were made. And it's always great to see fellow devs showcase what's possible with the engine.

Which character in your game do you relate to the most and why? (Alternatively: Who is your favorite character and why?) *oates: Nobody's Home has a relatively small cast of characters, whom you do interact with but never see, this is largely to done to create a sense of "un-relatability", but if I had to pick a character, it'd be "car guy", the guy you find stuck in the car. They have a good line, " ...there'd be a good reason for this, but there isn't..." Story of my life.

Looking back now, is there anything that regret/wish you had done differently? *oates: There were a few areas I would have liked to expand on or add, specifically- the attic + roof, the front lawn, behind the walls, and an entire second floor. Unfortunately that meant potentially adding more questlines and NPCs while the first set of questlines were pretty interwoven so it would have been way more complex, also again, given the time frame I set, it would have extended the development cycle way beyond what I had time for. But if I had implemented those extra areas, the game's length would also go way beyond the 30 min - 1 hr it takes to complete the game as it is now.

Do you plan to explore the game’s universe and characters further in subsequent projects, or leave it as-is? *oates: I'd like to do both really, each installment of the VCRPG line of games is definitely a stand-alone story, or an isolated incident, but I would love to explore the aftermath of the game's events and how the passage of time ravages and twists the story into urban legend. I like to treat places and environments like characters as well, capable of making memories, being misunderstood, preserved, destroyed, and ultimately capable of change.

What do you most look forward to upon finishing the game? *oates: Both the fan reaction and free time honestly speaking. Once the development cycle finishes and the game is published, your work isn't really finished as there's always a chance someone's feedback can apply to immediate changes or patches you can implement, even during the release period. Marketing is also another large step to take into consideration after release, this includes tweeting, sending keys for lets plays, etc. Watching playthroughs is also a really good way to collect data on what parts of your design fall through and what fail to land. But after all that is said and done, some free time really helps the brain recuperate.

Was there something you were afraid of concerning the development or the release of your game? *oates: Just whether or not I handled the game's subject matter tastefully. Like horror cinema, everything done is in service the the themes and message of the piece as a whole.

Do you have any advice for upcoming devs? *oates: The game engine is essentially a tool, and like any tool you can find plenty of creative ways to get the same result. And don't be afraid to research whatever it is you need help with, it also helps to be specific with what you want.

Question from last month's featured dev @moca-pz: If you can collaborate with any game developer in the world, who would it be? What would be their role(s) and what would be your role(s)? *oates: Game developer I'd like to work with: Hidetaka Miyazaki His role: Story Lead and Director My role: Drinking buddy Game we're working on: SciFi Souls

We mods would like to thank oates for agreeing to our interview! We believe that featuring the developer and their creative process is just as important as featuring the final product. Hopefully this Q&A segment has been an entertaining and insightful experience for everyone involved!

Remember to check out Nobody's Home if you haven’t already! See you next month! 

- Mods Gold & Platinum

[lildevyl]

Pick Me Up Playlist

@jellymadebutler  I know you said you’re not feeling your best so here’s a “Pick Me up Playlist” for ya or for anyone needs it!

(Markiplier)

Try Not To Laugh Challenge:  This is actually backwards! It goes from 23-1 but it’s still a nice Playlist to watch!

Markiplier Makes:  This is the whole Playlist of the infamous Markiplier Makes Videos!  It’s really funny!

Among Us:  Among Us is a new game that’s out there on Steam.  You’re either a Crewmate going trying to do tasks to keep the ship going until you reach your destination or the you’re the Imposter! What happens when you get a bunch of YouTubers together for a classic Whodunnit?  Chaos and hilarity in sue!

Minecraft:  I’m not big into Minecraft but it is very funny seeing Mark and Sean play this and see what they come up with!

I Am Bread:  This is a rage game just letting you know ahead of time!  But it is funny seeing Mark rage out of the game!  But like I said this is a rage game so there is some yelling/screaming in it!

Getting Over It:  This another rage game!  It is quite funny but like I said it is a Rage Game so there is screaming and yelling involved!

Pogo Stuck:  This is a somewhat kind of rage game!  It first starts out with Bob, Wade, and Mark playing it.  But then Mark starts playing it by himself and yes there is some yelling and screaming in the videos so fair warning!

Uno:  This is quite a hilarious game series!  It’s Mark and his friends playing the online game of Uno!

Monopoly:  This a goo game series and is quite hilarious!  It’s Mark, Bob and Wade and there is one where Lixian joins!  It really funny and think you might enjoy it!

(JackSepticeye)

Undertale:  The best way to start you off with JackSepticeye is one of his most famous series of all time, Undertale!  Undertale is about a human that falls in the Monster World and go about it learning the Monster World while trying to get home! It’s a text based game and Jack does the voices for the characters!

Deltarune:  The Sequel to Undertale!  Or that’s what everyone seems to be calling it!  I haven’t had the chance to watch the series but I’ve heard it’s really good!

Slime Rancher:  Literally you are a Rancher raising all kinds of different slimes!  It’s really cute and funny!

Cuphead:  This is a very old school cartoon like style game.  There is some violence in it but it’s mild and no more then what actual cartoons, like Tom and Jerry and the Animatics.

Bendy and the Inc Machine:  This is a horror game but it’s not the scary!  There are some jump scares but it’s more like FNAF kind of jump scare.  So, it will be scare ya but not that much.  It’s like a cartoon horror game.  Again some violence in the game but it’s mild.  This also kinda of spawn the idea of the JSE Fan Made Ego Shawn Flynn!  Jack has a cameo in the game!

Animal Crossing:  Nice little story driven game that Jack plays on his switch.  It’s very cute and it’s a nice little game to series to watch!

Spiderman:  Jack finally gets to play as his all time favorite Super Hero from his childhood!  Spiderman!

Spiderman Miles Morales:  The next gen starts now!  With the new Spiderman!  This game is based of the movie Spiderman into the Spider verse and I can’t wait to watch it and watch this series of Jack’s!

Spyro 3: Remake:  This is a cute series of the game Spyro 3 redone for the PS3!  It’s super cute and a lot of fun!  I think you might enjoy this one!

Minecraft:  Like I said, I’m not into Minecraft but this is a nice and cute series that Jack has!  Filled with a lot of Adventure and some scary events!

Meme Time!:  A cute series that Jack started where he goes on his Subreddit and looks at some of our Memes that we did!

Luigi’s Mason 3:  I can’t make a playlist for someone to watch and not include this!  This is so cute and wholesome!  It’s all from Luigi’s point of view and how he’s going to try and stop the Ghost King and save his brother and friends!

Among Us:  I have to include Jack’s!  This is so funny with Jack and his friends!  I think you might enjoy this!

(CrankGamePlays)

Pokémon: I haven’t watched this series yet, but I’ve heard great things about it!

 Papers Please:  This is very hilarious!  I’ve seen a couple of episodes and I think you might like it!

Animal Crossing:  I did enjoy watching Ethan play this!  It’s really funny and wholesome and I think you might enjoy it!

Slime Rancher:  I have to include this!  I watched this when I was feeling a little down during Quarantine.  It’s really funny!

(DolphinTreasureArt)

This a YouTuber that I found when I went browsing for Markiplier and JackSepticeye fan-made games!  DolphinTreasureArt plays fan-made games and indie games on her channel.  Along with some Cosplays and Artwork that she has done.  Some of her Fanart has gotten in a couple of fan games!

Septiscape:  First off, this series is near and dear to my heart!  This is the first ever series that watched back in 2k18 when I first found Erin’s Channel!  This helped me get over my writers block and led to me to writing my first fanfic that I wrote in over a year!  This one is an older version but I still love it!

Jack finds himself trapped in his own mind, the Mindscape and is trying to find his way home!  Along the way he finds out the Egos that he created are more then just Egos!  But at the same time, some sort of Corruption and happening with Jack’s mind and many of the Ego’s Worlds is collapsing!

Septiscape: Livestream #HopeFromHome:  This is the livestream of the updated version of the game!  It’s about 8 hours long but you can skip some parts, especially since some of the fights can be a bit repetive but I wanted to include this one!  

Soulscape:  I can’t put in Septiscape and not give you the sequel as well!  This is the well awaited sequel to Septiscape!  After the adventures of the first game, the Egos go and try to enjoy a nice little R&R only for someone to stalking Anti and trying to take his soul pieces back!  Join Anti and the Egos as they try to figure out what it going on and help save Anti before it’s too late!  And there is really cool plot twist!

Hearts and Heroes:  This is another one that is near and dear to my heart! I will also link Mark’s playthrough as well!  Hearts and Heroes and about you the fans of Markiplier and the journey that the fans go through trying to help save people from the Monsters the haunt their dreams and to help save Mark from his worst Nightmare.  Markiplier’s Playthrough here.

Septiclands: A JackSepticeye Fan Game:  This is very funny series that DolphinTreasureArt has done!  It’s silly and goofy and it has a very weird plot but it’s absolutely one of my favorites!  It’s also on her longest series as well!

The Boss: A JackSepticeye Fan Game:  Just like Heats and Heroes is near and dear to me heart so is this game!  I’ll leave a link to Jack’s Playthrough as well!  This is near and dear to my heart b/c it’s the first JackSepticeye Fan Game that I came across.  It was on Jack’s Channel that first saw it and then I watched Erin’s.  This is nice little RPG Game, but it’s about Jack being sucked into his computer and has to try and find his way home! On the way he finds out that there is two subscribers that lost in his computer and there is a major twist at the end!

The Boss Is Nothing: His Side of the Story:  I don’t want to give away what happens in the Boss!  So, this the other side of the story of The Boss!  In the Boss, Jack comes across someone he never thought he would, so now we’re getting his side of the story and why did what he did to Jack!

Glitch in the System: Chapter 1:  This is a very special game!  It’s the sequel to The Boss!  The developers over at Sarcastic Pasta Games is working hard to get chapter two out!  Chapter one is really good and you get see Erin do some Cosplay along with some voice acting for the characters/Egos!

Septic Storm:  This is a cute little fan game that’s a bit old, but it’s a very cute RPG Game!  Join, Jack, Mark and Felix as they battle Billy to end this battle once and for all!  Only to find out that Billy isn’t the one that truly is behind this, but someone else entirely!

CrankGamePlays Fan Game: The Crank Chronicles:  This is a RPG Fan Game of one Ethan Nester CrankGamePlays!  Ethan has find himself in a distant land thanks to the help of a powerful Sorceress!  But an evil threatens the land!  With help of his two best friends Mark and Tyler, Ethan goes on a quest to help save this land and find his way home!  I don’t if the developer ever did the sequel to the this game or not but it’s not a bad game!

[the-awkward-outlaw]

Hi hun, hope you've been well. I have a request. Modern reader turns off Red Dead Redemption 2 for the night. She goes to sleep and starts to dream of herself being in the game and meeting everyone. Morning comes, she realizes it was just a dream (and it was getting good too, don't you hate that?) She starts the game again and Arthur breaks the fourth wall to blink at her, making her blush.

Hey there, Anon! I hope you’re not too disheartened by how long it’s taken me to get to this! This one was a shorter blurb, but I thought it turned out real sweet. Hope you find it to be as well. 

Masterlist

Read on AO3

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

You yawn heavily, your eyes stinging from the late hour and from staring at your TV the last few hours. It’s been a rare day where you’ve had it entirely to yourself so you’ve spent the majority of it playing Red Dead.

It’s been a while since you played the game; you’ve forgotten how much this game calms you. The beautiful scenery, the complexity of the people animated in it (even the NPCs). The endless things to do. Rockstar really pulled out the stops for this game. Especially when it comes to Arthur.

You’ve been harboring a massive crush on him since the end of your first playthrough. You’ve done plenty of diving into the thirst part of the fandom on Tumblr, which only made your attractions to him worse. Oh, why can’t he just be real? As you’ve played today, you’ve been shameless of your ogling of him. You started a new game this morning and when you hit chapter 2, you put him in clothes you found him sexy in and styled his hair. Not that he needs much help in looking good in the first place. 

However, it’s late now and your eyes are begging for sleep. As much as you’d like to keep on playing, you need to go to bed. After all, you’ll be able to play more tomorrow as it’s another rare free day. So you resolve yourself, save your game and turn it off. 

When you’re lying in bed, you think a bit more about the game, mostly Arthur. You even day dream a little about him in attempts to fall asleep, which works better than you’d like. However, it seems your mind is just as determined to stay with Arthur and the gang. 

You’re walking just outside the cluster of trees that marks Horseshoe Overlook. It’s warm out here, with the sun happily beaming down as it’s setting beyond the horizon. The birds are happily singing away, you hear a raccoon chattering away not too far off. Of course, you know what you might find in Horseshoe Overlook if you go in there, but you also know that the gang doesn’t stay there permanently. Will they be there? 

As you begin to walk, you look down at yourself. You’re wearing clothes that fit in with the time period and the game. Dusty jeans, a button down shirt that looks like you’ve had it a few years. As you reach up to brush a strand of hair from your face, your fingers caress a hat on your head. Well, at least if the gang is there, you won’t look entirely out of place. You smile, thinking that you feel like you’ve come home after a long day. 

Just as you enter the trees, you can smell the smoke coming from wood fires, the sound of people ahead talking. Someone comes walking out of the trees and you recognize Bill. 

“Who’s there?” he demands. 

“Hey Bill,” you say, wondering what he might do or say to you, an outsider. 

“Bout time you got back. Thought you’d gotten lost or somethin’,” he snarls before wandering off to continue patrolling, repeater in hand. 

Feeling a little confused that he seemed to recognize you, you decide to keep on heading into the trees, closer to camp. Will the others react in much the same way? 

When you get into the heart of camp, you see several of the other gang members. Hosea’s reading a book on his sleeping mat, Charles is fiddling with an arrow near the fire, which Jack is poking. Javier and Lenny are having a game of five finger fillet, Micah watching near the tree line. Most of the girls are sitting at their wagon, chatting easily as they stitch. As you stare around at them, you see Arthur walking over to you, his shoulders rolling as he walks. 

“Hey there,” he says to you, tipping his hat as he continues walking over to Pearson’s pot. 

“H-hey Arthur,” you say nervously, wondering if he’ll catch on to you being an outsider. But like Bill, he acts as though you’re another gang member. 

“About time you came back, girl!” comes the harsh voice of Grimshaw. She stands in front of you, hands on her hips, looking harsh. “I sure hope you had interesting adventures out there, you been gone so long I started to think you forgot where we were!” 

“S-sorry, Miss Grimshaw,” you say, unable to help but smile a little mischievously. She seems to accept it and walks off, muttering under her breath. 

By now, the sun has almost fully set, and you see several of the gang going to the campfire or the round table close by. Sean quickly begins to sing with Uncle, Javier strumming on his guitar. Feeling a bit more confident that you’re not going to be hurt by anyone, you go over to the fire. There’s only one free spot and it’s next to Arthur. Gathering your courage, you sit down next to him. 

“Hey sweetheart. Glad you joined us. Thought you might be too tired,” he says, his hand sliding onto your knee. 

Sweetheart? Did Arthur Morgan just call you sweetheart? You’re confused but you try to hide it. 

“Never too tired to be with you, honey,” you say, trying to sound like this isn’t unusual. He smiles back, his hand squeezing your knee. 

Hosea speaks up from his chair on the other side of the fire. “You know, I used to want to be an actor when I was a young man. I once saw a drama as a boy and I loved it. But I thought if I ever did get into the acting life, I’d want to be part of a comedy.” 

You only listen partially, still heavily distracted by Arthur’s hand on your knee. He acts as though the two of you have been together for some time. How badly you wish it were so. Figuring that you’re already here and you’d be lying if you said you never pretended to do this, you slide your hand over his and lean onto his shoulder. It surprises you when Arthur gently kisses the top of your head. 

After Hosea finishes telling his story of his failed career as an actor, Javier picks up a tune with his guitar again. You recognize it because you’ve heard him play the song in the game. The others quickly join in singing, Arthur included. 

“I ain’t got no father to buy the clothes I wear. I’m a poor lonesome cowboy. Poor lonesome cowboy; I’m a poor lonesome cowboy.” 

You listen as they sing, feeling the verberations of Arthur’s voice through his shoulder as you continue leaning on him. For the first time, you feel like you really belong here. The characters from the game seem so real here, you could easily believe they’re real. However, you feel that this whole scenario is merely temporary, as much as you wish it wasn’t. 

When the song is finished, Arthur squeezes your hand again. ���Come on, darlin’. Think it’s time we get some sleep.” 

As much as you want to stay and listen to the others, you look up at him and nod, feeling curious about where things will lead if you follow him. He guides you over to his tent and wagon and closes the flaps, giving you some privacy. 

You feel nervous as he turns. Will he try and get you naked in his bed? You hope not. However, when he looks at you, he doesn’t have that hunger in his eye. He smiles softly and then pulls you into a hug. 

“Mm, you been gone too long, darlin’. I’ve missed you.” 

“I’ve missed you too, Arthur. Hmm, you feel nice.” And he does. His warmth soaks into you as his arms create a protective cocoon around you. Your head presses into him and your body molds to his like a puzzle piece. His hand leaves your back and he cups your cheek, guiding you to look at him. His eyes are bright, alive but gentle. His eyes dart down to your lips. Unable to help yourself, you loop your arms around his neck, bringing yourself closer to him. 

Arthur begins bending down, reading your mind. Your heart quickens in your chest, his wild scent flooding your nose. His lips are centimeters from yours, you can feel the heat of his skin. Just as you’re about to press against him, your eyes flash open. 

Arthur’s gone. HIs tent is gone. The sound of the fire and the others singing is nowhere to be heard. You’re lying in your bed, slightly chilly from the early morning. Your heart sinks as you realize that your little journey was no more than a dream. None of it had been real. But it had felt so real. This dream had been different. 

Sighing, you try not to let yourself feel miserable about it. It wouldn’t do you nor anyone else any favors. 

After taking a quick shower and eating some breakfast, you decide to play the game again. Sure, it might be disappointing in comparison to the dream you’ve just had, but this is the best you’re going to be able to get at this point. 

After loading into the game, you look around Arthur, taking in the view of the Heartlands. You’d stopped playing last night with him being not too far from Emerald Ranch. This is one of your favorite places on the map because of how real it looks. You try not to give into the temptation to look at Arthur, but your resolve doesn’t last long. 

You whirl the camera around to look at Arthur. You expect him to just stare into the distance like normal. You did not expect him to suddenly stare straight at you and blink as though he can see you. Just as you’re processing what you saw, he suddenly smiles and tips his hat. “Hey, sweetheart.”