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jsio · 4 years ago

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ANARCHY BERYL

Moebius' precious gemstone

Anarchy Beryl is the Moebius equivalent of Chaos Emeralds, both gems giving the user an immense surge of power, and both opposites. Chaos Emeralds only come in 7, however, Anarchy Beryl is the opposite, there's tons of it, 100s, thousands, maybe millions of pieces of the gem around Moebius.

But yet, Anarchy Beryl is only seen once, and in that one Apprearnce, the design is just bad. Officially in Archie, Anarchy Beryl just looks like the green Chaos Emerald, nothing special about it design wise, and I'm here to change that.

The official design of Anarchy Beryl is the green Chaos Emeralds, but just alot of them, and to me? That's pretty uncreative! So, what did I do to it?

I flipped it. I've made the colour purple instead of green, and created 2 forms of Anarchy Beryl, Refined and Unrefined. So, let's get into the Unrefined Anarchy Beryl first.

Unrefined Anarchy Beryl

This is Anarchy Beryl in its unrefined form, less powerful then the Refined version but far more common, this is his you would find the gem just out in the world. In this state Anarchy Beryl is pretty dangerous, sure it looks nice and would make for a neat decoration, but actually using it would be very, insanely dangerous. The gem like this is pretty unstable, and actually absorbing and using its power could give the user tons of side effects, tons of possible issues to face later in life.

Scourge actually used it, when he went Super, this is what he had stashed in his throne, completely unrefined Anarchy Beryl. The only reason it hasn't ruined his life is thanks to his previous exposure to the Master Emeralds power, it helped null the affects of the Anarchy Beryls issue's. However, if you do survive using the gem, and by the end of your Super transformation, you will lose all your energy, strength and overall just become really weak for a little while.

Refined Anarchy Beryl

This is Anarchy Beryl after it has been refined. In this state Anarchy Beryl is useful, not just for world takeover, but for every day use. Anarchy Beryl like this is what you want to use, because now it works like Chaos Emeralds, Strong and Powerful, while not hurting the user, however it is stronger than the Chaos Emeralds, significantly so. You can teleport farther, Super forms last longer, etc, but because of its increased strength it still causes you to feel weaker per use, and once you come out of your Super form you will be completely worn out, unlike the Chaos Emeralds.

The shape of the Gem matters, it can come in many different shapes, and depending on that changes how strong the gem is in that field. The Anarchy Beryl is great at everything no matter the shape, but the shape makes one area amazing. For example, sharp Anarchy Beryl increases the gem's power, how strong you get from the gem, sharp Anarchy Beryl allows the user to tap into its Super Strength easier. Then there are the Oval ones, these allow easier and stronger access into Anarchy Beryl's Anarchy Force, E.G the equivalent of Shadow's abilities, like teleportation, time manipulation, magical attacks. The next form is the Marquise Anarchy Beryl leans towards the Speed aspect of the Gem, allowing you to react and move significantly faster than before, and for Speedsters (Such as Scourge) it can make them go far beyond their limit. Then the last one I'll talk about here is the Radient Anarchy Beryl, this version of the Gem is best if you're looking for one that focuses on all areas of Anarchy, it's Great in everything, but not amazing in anything, basically it's what you want to start learning how to use Anarchy Beryl with.

Now, there are more types, each different Shape you make Anarchy Beryl into can change the outcome. There's Round, Emerald, Asscher, Princess, Pear and heart left, and I'll leave that up to your guys.

Monarchy Beryl

The Monarchy Beryl, Moebius' Master Emerald. This artifact, this powerful gem, the ruler of Anarchy, hasn't been seen in 100's of years. Why? It was destroyed, in a war, centuries ago.

Back in the old days of Moebius, long before any of the Suppression Squad were born, there was a tribe of Echidna, isolated on Angel Island, the floating Island above the ocean. The tribe were peaceful, looking out for eachother, sworn to pacifism and always willing to help a stranger, they were the guardians, the protectors of the Monarchy Beryl, and it was their God.

Then, the "Land Dwellers" as the Echidna's called them, they were selfish, in it for themselves and wanted power, and there was a race guarding the most powerful thing on the planet, so what did they do? They attacked, they raided Angel Island, they went to war with the Tribes. This war went of the weeks, ending with alot of lives lost, but the Echidna's victory. But...the Land Dweller's were not having this loss. If they can't have the Monarchy Beryl, no-one can.

One last time the Land Dweller's went to Angel Island, but not for a fight, but a terrorist attack. Using new technology they sent a handful of bombers, and sent them straight to the Gem, and, they blew it up, into tiny pieces to broken to ever put the Gem back together. And...we all know what happens when Angel Island's Gem is destroyed...the Island fell, straight into the ocean, the force of the fall, the force of the landing, the tidal waves and all the rubble and destruction caused by this wiped out the majority of the Echidna race. This was a mass extinction event, and, a couple 100 years later, only one Echidna Remains. O'Knux, Sunken Island's protector. And all he wants is to uncover his extinct race's history before he dies, taking the Echidna's with him.

The Monarchy Beryl no longer exists by the time of the Suppression Squad, it's lost to time, only in what little remaining artwork and writing survived the Echidna Extinction. No Chaos, no Tikal, Just Moebians fighting over power.

The history of Anarchy Beryl

Anarchy was Discovered early in Moebius' documented history, thanks to it being naturally stronger in some Moebians, and this lead early philosophicers to believe there was more to it, eventually finding the the rock underground, in mountains, cliffs, even boulders, it was everywhere. They learnt the 2 were connected because the Beryl glowed when In contact with a Moebian strong with the Anarchy Force, and this led to test after test, all culminating with Anarchy Beryl becoming one of Moebius' most expensive gemstones, if not one of the most expensive things, even though it's high in quantity. Anarchy Beryl was tested on lots, and only a couple hundred years after its discovery was it learnt that the gem acts differently when in different shapes, this being used to the advantage of the people. Anarchy Beryl was quickly integrated into every day life, and it still is to this very day.

Before the days of the Suppression Squad, Anarchy Beryl was used as tool for any everyday folk, it being useful for any task, and anyone could use it because it was so easy to get. However, once the Suppression Squad came into the picture, Anarchy Beryl was one of their favourite tools. So, they took it. They took almost all of the world's Anarchy Beryl for themselves and if someone didn't give theirs to them? They'd hurt, maim and make a message out of them, showing they won't have people say no. The Suppression Squad took it for themselves because it allows them to have easy access to Power. However, Once Scourge started going too far, making himself ruler instead of Alicia, taking Actual lives, attacking peaceful people and overall being awful, the Suppression Squad hid the Anarchy Beryl across the globe, and made sure Scourge had no idea where it was, unfortunately for them, he had a stash in his throne.

What actually is "Anarchy" on Moebius?

Anarchy on Moebius is just like Chaos on Mobius, but to the 2 universes, they're looked at differently. Anarchy and Chaos is the mystical energy that allows both universes to exist, it's the all-encompasing energy of the universe. Everyone has it. Scourge has it, Miles has it, even Boomer has it, you could have that power too. These forces are in everyone, stronger in others, it's more or less every magical ability we see in Sonic, for Example, Shadows abilities are Chaos, he has them from his strong connection to the Chaos Force. Same all goes for Moebius, Anarchy and Chaos are the same, just named differently.

Wrap up

Whelp. That's my take on Anarchy Beryl, what did you think? Is it an improvement? Is it a downgrade? What about design wise, do you prefer the official or my designs?

Honestly, I kinda wish we saw it more (wow shocker), but in all seriousness I think it did deserve more time to shine. I'd of loved to see how it was different to Chaos Emeralds, I'd of loved to see how a Mobian reacts to it, stuff like that! The idea of an Anti/opposite Chaos Emerald is neat in my opinion, but like most of Moebius, it was underused and then the lawsuit happened, causing it to be forgotten.

But anyway, thanks for reading! This took me abit, soooo I hope you liked it! Ima leave you with some extra notes now, bye!

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Extras

-Anarchy Beryl is found in clusters.

-Mobians can use it, but it is far weaker on them then it is on Moebians.

-Before the Suppression Squad, Anarchy Beryl was Moebius' most precious Gem.

-The Monarchy Beryl's existence is more of a legend than a fact.

-Sonic Universe's 25 years later "Light Mobius" References an "Anarchy Beryl bomb" located under Castle Mobius.

-It was Referenced in the Sonic Forces tie-in comic, but that actually turned out to just be a coincidence.

-All Anarchy Beryl art was drawn by me

#moebius #Anti-Mobius #Suppression Squad #scourge the hedgehog #chaos emeralds #Sonic #sonic headcanon #my art #Anarchy Beryl #sonic the hedgehog

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thefloatingstone · 5 years ago

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We’ve gone from Self-Isolation to Quarantine and in some places to gradual relaxation phases, but that doesn’t stop the need for more nonsense you can watch on youtube while you wait for things to get back to normal. And recommending things and making lists are some of my favourite things to do but I have not yet figured out how to start or structure a video myself, you guys get another rambling tumblr post of things you can watch on youtube.

This time I’m once again just gonna recommend individual videos rather than full channels like I did in part 2.

Part 1

Part 2

In no particular order;

LOCAL58: The Broadcast Station that Manipulates You

I recently started watching the Nexpo channel when I went on a binge of creepy youtube videos. Most of his videos are really good although the ones where he himself goes into theory crafting can be a little asinine. However, this video is REALLY good. And before you get nervous, LOCAL58 is not a real TV station. LOCAL58 is a youtube channel created by the same guy behind the Candle Cove creepypasta. This video by Nexpo covers the various episodes of LOCAL58 and discusses them. Just be aware going in that this is abstract horror, and will probably get under your skin regardless if you’re unaffected by certain topics or not. although cw for suicide mention.

I also recommend most of the rest of this channel, although be careful where you tread. I don’t recommend his series “Disturbing things from around the internet” as it can sometimes include real life crime, abuse and such caught on security cameras. Everything else is really good tho. (although I was really annoyed by his 2 videos on KrainaGrzybowTV)

The Search for D.B. Cooper

LEMMiNO has a new video out covering one of the most unexplained crimes in the past century of the US. LEMMiNO is the guy I’ve recommended before who did videos on the Universal S. He is very down to earth and not someone prone to conspiracy or even really that fanciful of thinking. (He’s like the one person I feel covered the Dyaltov Pass incident and was confused by why this was even a mystery because if you read the Russian Autopsy reports and documents associated with the case it’s all pretty logical and easily explained)

D.B. Cooper is the name given to a man who, in 1971, hijacked an airplane with a bomb, asked for a large sum of money, and after receiving it, parachuted from the plane and was never seen or heard from again.

The Austrian Wine Poisoning | Down the Rabbit Hole

Down the Rabbit Hole also has a new video out, this time covering the Austrian Wine Poisoning event from 1985. A scandal that involved literally the entire country of Austria, affected multiple countries, and forever changed the way wine was made world wide. As someone who is generally pretty allergic to most artificial substances this one made me personally very angry. But luckily, it has a happy ending and a better world for us all... if I could drink wine which I can’t do anyway.

The Turbulent Tale of Yandere Dev - A Six Year Struggle

The Right Opinion is another channel I only recently subbed to after watching his cover on Onion Boy. I put off subbing to him simply because of his channel name and I thought it meant he would come across as smug and elitist. Luckily this seems to merely be one of those “I chose a bad channel name and now I’m stuck with it” type of situations. (IHE has a similar problem).

Anyway, I have a weird interest in bizarre internet personalities, so I’ve been enjoying his channel as he simply discusses and presents a timeline of events of certain individuals. In this video, he covers the developer behind the much maligned Yandere Simulator. It’s a tale of hubris, arrogance, immaturity, and an unwillingness to accept your own shortcomings due to ego.

Oh and there’s a meme game about Japanese school girls with anime tiddies in there as well.

The Most Relaxing Anime Ever Made | Yokohama Kaidashi Kikō

Kenny Lauderdale is a youtube channel which is slowly becoming bigger which I’m very happy to see. He exclusively covers anime and live action Japanese television no younger than the mid 90s (as is the case with YYK) and which usually never saw a release outside of Japanese Laserdisc. I do wish his videos were a little longer, but if nothing else his videos serve as an excellent starting to point to find some older and underappreciated shows... or hot garbage fires. In this episode he talks about the 2 OVA episodes made based on one of my favourite manga, Yokohama Shopping Log. A Post apocalyptic anime about an android who runs a coffee shop outside of her house, and the quiet solitude of living in a world of declining human population, brief encounters with travelers and other people, and just... existing. The anime was never released outside of Japan and is only available on Japanese VHS and laserdisc.... but hey guess what!! Somebody uploaded both episodes, subbed, to Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2HCVOH6DtA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqSTwfkobME

YMS’ slow descent into madness as he uncovers just how bullshit the Kimba Conspiracy is

I’m linking a full playlist for this one.

YMS is busy planning his review on the “live action” Lion King remake as the original 1994 movie is probably his favourite movie all time (and also self declared what made him a furry). As part of the 2 hour review, he decided to what all 2000 hours of Kimba the White Lion just to mention how The Lion King potentially stole the idea. ....until he actually watched all 2000 hours of Kimba and realised that if you actually WATCH Kimba, it has VERY little to do with the Lion King at all apart from having the same animals in them because AFRICA. Watch as one man slowly loses his mind as he realises just how stupid this conspiracy theory is, just HOW DECEITFUL and straight up LYING people can be. People who write BOOKS. People who teach LAW AT UNIVERSITIES. Because NOBODY bothered to actually watch the entire show and just parroted the “Disney stole this” lie which got started by like 2 salty fans on the internet.

The man set out to just mention how Disney stole an idea, and uncovered one of the most infuriating rabbit holes on the internet. Screaming for SOMEONE to provide him with sources or evidence.

YMS will be publishing his full Kimba documentary this month which he has said is around 2 hours long before he continues to work on the Lion King one.

Science Stories: Loch Ness eDNA results, Poop Knives, and Skeleton Lovers

TREY the Explainer has a video giving us some updates in Archeology from 2019. In this video he discusses the findings of the eDNA results conducted on the Loch Ness to see what animal DNA the lake contains which will tell us what living animals currently inhabit the lake, ancient knives made of poop and if this is a real thing that could have existed, and a skeleton couple found buried together which were at first thought to be lovers, then revealed to be both male, and then how in this instance we cannot let our modern sensibilities dictate what we WANT this burial find to be, but to look at the evidence as presented to us and place in context finds of this nature. The worst thing an archaeologist can do is look for proof to a theory they already have.

The Bizarre Modern Reality of Sonic the Hedgehog

Super Eyepatch Wolf is back and he’s here to talk to us about the very very strange existence of Sonic. a 90s rebellious “too cool for School” answer to Mario, a lost idea as the world of video games changes and culture shifted, a meme and punching bag amplified by a unique fanbase and poor quality games, a transcendence into a horrific warped idea of what he once was, and modern day and where Sonic and his fans are now. As usual Super Eyepatch Wolf knocks it out of the park.

Kokoro Wish and the Birth of a Multiverse: A Lecture on the Work of Jennifer Diane Reitz

I don’t even sub to this channel as I’m not entirely sure what Ben’s usual content is about. But every now and then he has a “101″ class, where he explains to a room full of his friends in a classroom setting (complete with Whiteboard) an internet artist and oddity, the timeline, and what it is they have created. (wait... didn’t I say this already?). Unlike TRO however, the 101 classrooms are not a dark look into disturbed individuals (although the CWC 101 is debatable) nor is it a “lol look at this weirdo” dragging. Instead, of the 3 he’s done so far, it’s usually a rather sympathetic look at some of the strange artists on the internet who through some way or another, left a very big cultural impact on the internet space through their art. Sometimes they may not be the best people, but their work is so outside of what we’re used to seeing that just listening to him run you through these people’s internet history is fascinating.

In this episode he talks about Jennifer Diane Reitz. And although it is titled Kokoro Wish, the lecture is more about Jennifer’s larger work back in the early internet when being a weeb was unheard of, how being trans influenced her stories and characters, and her world building that is so rich and in-depth with it’s own ASTRO PHYSICS it puts any modern fictional world found in games or movies to shame.

Jennifer is not exactly a nice person... and in many ways can be seen as dangerously irresponsible, but she created something truly unique in a way that you kinda struggle figuring out if it’s terrible or a work of genius.

Anyway I think that’s enough for now

#Youtube #youtubers #recommendations #Self Isolation playlist #Long post #part 3 #videos #links

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craftmanatee · 4 years ago

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Dread X Collection 3 Games Review

Once again, my friend and I have played through a new Dread X collection and I would like to make a short concise review for each game including the Hub area. We each played 1 game resulting in 6 each. The order of games reviewed is not the recommended order to play as we went on a very simple roundabout on the graveyard, and the games have a strong sense of quality unlike Dread X Collection 2 which had many great quality games and many low quality games.

Lets go!

Game X: The Castle (A bit unremarkable)

Scare Type: Cute

Player: My friend

The castle in some way is a step back from the awesomeness of the house. As it proceeds with forced dialogue cutscenes with your character and a ghost character that possesses in you. The puzzles and areas are also larger and more spread out and easier than the house. The Dialogue cutscene itself even give the idea to not compare the two, which is understandable. But let me tell YOU that I enjoyed the house more than I did the Castle (Even if it was not I who was doing the Castle Bit), so even if they are different, one was in my opinion better than the other.

The forced Dialogue cutscenes weren't to bad. The Voice Acting was not bad. Its rather the script and subjecting the player to sit through it. Its not the most fun to sit through and could have been handled better. In the house, a dialogue still happened but you were still free to move around while listening to the pre-recorded message. The ghost possessing you could have done the same with you, but instead this YOU is a character that must go into a dialogue and stop your gameplay.

The STYLE of the castle is where I think it wins the best. The very cute spooky aesthetic is great, and hold a lot of details we noticed near the end of the game. Like the paintings being famous paintings, replacing the characters of the paintings to goofy ghosts. Time passing between each game is also a great detail, making the castle ever so slightly different all the way to night time. I love the castle for this.

We quickly figured out that the theme for this Dread X collection was not just Cute and spooky, but also the inevitability of death.

Nate Berens – SATO WONDERLAND (Ok)

Scare Type: Surprising!

Player: My Buddy

This game was alright, nothing too amazing as pulling different topics to make a new dialogue box appear was tedious and a bit annoying. But the story itself was pretty cool, resulting in a surprise ending. Each game have different endings which we did not try to explore, but for this I think we managed to get the best ending. Not much to say about this one.

Blood Machine – Soul Waste (Eh...)

Scare Type: ...None?

Player: Me

Soul Waste is a 3D action platformer about this... post apocalyptical world, and you happen to be the “Saviour”. We got Ending C for this as we felt the tedium of the collectables and we weren't going to sit around collecting them all in this weird to navigate map. The enemies did not make much of a challenge making the game bit boring. The end boss was the only thing that gave me some ounce of real fun. There was a lot to explore, but my patience wore thin due to not being that interesting of a platformer. Although it did look good for what it did. There is some to explore which we did not, but I simply noticed that there was some things here and there that we did miss. We just did not feel the need to go back.

Bryce Bucher – Disparity of the Dead (Great!)

Scare Type: Horror that sticks around even after the game.

Player: My pal

This game I think pulls off the themes of Dread X Collection 3 very, very well! Perhaps the best thematic one? Nevertheless, this is a 3D platformer that lets you talk to fun characters collecting collectables and piece together a mystery. The topics that which the game introduces to you are all very good and sad in many ways. It also had a lingering effect on me personally. This lingering horror reminded me of SOMA by Frictional Games. Anyways, the game in general is not horrifying until you get to a certain point. Then when the actual ending plays, it all gets sad. We do not know if there are different endings, but the ending we did get was a sad one in my opinion and was great.

Amon Twentysix – Bete Grise (Cool!)

Scare Type: Uneasy, then relief!

Player: Me

I really liked the aesthetics of this game, reminded me a lot of some obscure old-school games. The gameplay is mostly of you going floor to floor doing cleaning and... repairing? Anyways, there are a few hints here and there that foreshadow the great revelation at the end. I saw some of them and felt very uneasy when going through the process as it all felt like a facade. But once the revelation hit, the game turned into something more funny, stylish and well, just felt good. Its rare for a horror game to kinda blue ball you into satisfaction.

DIRIGO GAMES – REACTOR (Disappointing)

Scare Type: Betrayal

Player: My Homie

This is a game I spoiled myself with, which is why I had my friend play it instead. The game is mostly a walking simulator in which it feels like you shouldnt be there in the bad/useless way as there is a robot buddy who keeps you company and doing everything for you. When the time comes, you are then obviously, chased to the ending of the game. Its not scary, sad. Its just a simple experience. The aesthetics of the game is great, by being a gradient of blacks and whites as well as minimal uses of colour. Other than that, this is disappointing.

Moya Horror/Amos – Nice Screams at Funfair (humorously frustrating)

Scare Type: Dont fail

Player: Me

This is a very short game that was short enough for us to also explore a different ending. There is no real inherent horror here. Its mostly thematic to being like Halloween. The game has you serving icecream to people, the challenge is to serve them the ice cream that they want, and take the money into your tip jar or cash register. The real challenge is the controls, as throwing ice cream into the ice cream cones often fails for no reason, and clicking on to activate anything just sometimes did not work. Resulting in funny scenarious. We got 2 different endings for this, one that made sense, and another that we didnt understand. The game looked great, the intro did not have to be as long as it did but it was a fun little ride.

Basalt Tower – Matter OVER Mind (Woah!)

Scare Type: Loosing progress...

Player: My Amigo

Matter over mind absolutely felt like an old-school platformer, it was also unique, colourful and funny/cute! Crawling around as a little parasitical monster and possessing scientists in order to escape the labs just looked great. Like many of these games, it had a collectible that meant... NOTHING. And if you died collecting them, you will loose them all. Prompting you to reset the entire game. Nevertheless, it was an impressive game that felt great.

Corpsepile – Submission (Fuck yeah!)

Scare Type: Scary, but also funny

Player: Me

This game had so many unique and cool twists and ideas. Maybe one of the best games in this collection. It was absolutely creative, funny... everything! It was also scary at times, referencing P.T. Its puzzles were great and fun, so much good about this one! The gameplay switches often, the horror amps up... Man... Submission was super good! Cant really say much other than that.

Torple Dook – Chip’s Tips (Funny!)

Scare Type: Friendly?

Player: My guy

Super creative point and click adventure game, hamming it up to 101%. It is also so patronizingly friendly that it becomes funny. Probably the most unique game on this list. And you can pet the dog in this game. I absolutely love the aesthetics of the unhinged masked textures, as well characters being flat cutouts. What is sad is this game feels like the end to Torple Dook’s streak of being in Dread X Collection games as it references his previous 2 games as well as more.

Breogan Hackett – Bubbo: Adventure on Geralds Island (Woah! x2)

Scare Type: JUMP

Player: Me

A very well done 3D platformer, with some challenge. The game is not scary, although it does come to a point. The platforming was very good albeit a tiny bit weird when turning in a specific way. It also features hidden collectibles that we unfortunately did not find all and left it at that. It sounded and felt good, looked good and was fun to get to the end with. There are different endings, we (me) only got to see 1. I jumped at the right time and made my way out!

Modus Interactive – EDEN: Garden of the Faultless (Chaos?)

Scare type: None, just weird.

Player: My hombre

This is literally a game akin to raising your Chaos in Sonic Adventure games. Just that you raise your little Evangelion. This game I think, has the best Ps1 look than the other games. It has a very weird control scheme, as well as being weird in its own right. And it nails the aesthetics very well. Too bad the game is finicky or boring, sporting long paths and lots of waiting. I guess you could have some fun minmaxing your wittle angel. I guess you always need at least one super unorthodox entry in a collection.

Adam Pype & Viktor Kraus – SPOOKWARE @ The Video Store (Quintessential)

Scare Type: brief moments of panic

Player: Both of us

This game... is actually really fun. Spookware is literally Wario ware but with horror movie themed events. The style, game and everything is perfect. Although very short, I would honestly buy a game like this if it was fully complete. I also think this is the most fitting game for the theme of the collection. Although, not much is done about the “inevitability of death” theme here, but everything else about it carries the collection thematicly. Such a fun and quirky little game.

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Conclusions

And so, the best games in the collection In my opinion were...

#1 Submission AND Spookware

#2 Chips Tips

#3 Disparity of the Dead

The collection was not at all as scary as the first or the second collection. Although, that is understandable as it had a more Fun and goofy vibe to it. I love seeing these collections and it introduces me to people ive never heard of before. Like Viktor Kraus who made the music, like in the trailer for the collection. Thats a great one. I wish to keep seing them make these and I hope that it is profitable for them in the end as well.

#dread x collection #Dread X Collection 3 #horror #Halloween #Spooky #Scary #video games #realtalk #review #torple dook

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inevitably-johnlocked · 6 years ago

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Let’s talk about The Twist of Good Omens (Pt. 1 of 2).

This is HALF a meta / scene analysis and praise for the actors, and HALF an Ineffable headcanon following the meta, so I hope you’ll bare with me as my brain spews out this shit that’s been going through it all week. It’s gotten really long, so I’m going to split up the meta / analysis and the headcanon into two separate posts because as I was writing this, it was getting long, and I know some people are here for either/or.

Spoilers follow, obviously.

A little known fact about me (or perhaps well known if you’ve been here for a long time) is that I LOVE the body swap / face swap trope. OBSESSED ABOUT IT. Loved it since I was a kid. I think it’s more the psychology of it that interests me (like I also consider “plopping a brain into a robot” part of this trope too, and the ensuing crisis intrigues me... a lot of my old Sonic fanfiction dealt with this type of thing). That and my innate desire to not be me, but I digress. One of my favourite movies ever is Face/Off... not a fantastic movie by any means, but damn if I didn’t obsess about it because of the psychology of it all. I LOVE watching actors pretend they’re the other actor playing their role. It’s amazing to me.

And AS someone who has consumed this trope like life since as long as I’ve consumed media, it probably took me less than a couple minutes to spot the twist ending in Good Omens. I immediately sensed something was off, mainly in their discussion in the park and the mannerisms of the characters when they went to their respective places.

When Aziraphale hesitated on saying “ineffable” before death showed up, THEN Crowley’s hesitation on what Death’s appearance was, and THEN the “tickety-boo” from Crowley, is when something was niggling at me upon first watch of the scene. I wasn’t REALLY certain about my suspicions until C!Aziraphale and Gabriel were talking in the scene immediately following. Azzie was VERY subdued in Heaven, more like he was just trying to buy time or he was bored, when in the past he would... well, essentially not shut up and try to make small talk when he was confronted by the Gabriel or the other Angels.

Instead he looked like a man who was lowkey annoyed and bored of being there, like he’s seen it all before. He didn’t question the demon bringing up the Hellfire. Just placid indifference.

It threw me for a loop, and that’s when I said, “Oh, they switched bodies, didn’t they??”. And it’s upon rewatches that I really REALLY became obsessed with this entire ending scene, because that’s when everything sort of falls into place, and you begin to see the minutiae of Sheen’s and Tennant’s acting in these scenes, and ALL the previous mannerisms from their characters are absorbed into each other’s portrayal of, well, each other. Essentially: “David, play this scene the way Michael would play this scene as if he were pretending to be you shamming the demons.” It’s amazing.

Here’s where I need to fucking praise Sheen and Tennant on their acting, because GODDAMN did they ever get each other’s mannerisms down pat, because upon subsequent rewatches, this is where I’m seeing all the clues about the twist ending that are GLARING, and I AM LIVING FOR IT.

So let’s jump back to the beginning of the scene, where they each return to their respective favourite material things: Upon returning, each character, if they were themselves, would have been OVERJOYED by their material items being back in tact. Azzie loves his books, and Crowley LOVES his car. Instead we just see... indifferent satisfaction that everything was restored? It was odd, but not alarming. You could stock it up to them being tired from the events of the day. It was still red flag one, for me.

Now, I’m not going to point this one out as “red flag two” because I can’t recall at all a time BEFORE this scene if this next thing ever happened, and perhaps someone can let me know if they recall before I get a chance to do my fourth run-through of the series: The flavours of ice cream they each end up eating; it would be a tell if they’re each eating what the other normally does. It would be a neat little clue that they each don’t realize they’re really doing that’s out of character. So... red flag 1.5 I will say until confirmation.

The “tickety boo”, I’m going to label as a Red Flag 2: rewatching the series, we see Azzie uses the phrase when shit’s going tits up. Crowley mocked him for it, but never ever said it other than that one time. On first watch, you just write it off as Crowley picking up Azzie’s phrases, since Crowley says a lot of silly phrases, but upon second watch, you’re like, OH SHIT, wow, it’s totally Azzie, should have seen that.

Then there’s each of them in Heaven and Hell. I already talked about my tip-offs for Azzie, so let’s talk Crowley. A!Crowley was stammering on his speech, in that way that Azzie does when he’s nervous and unsure of himself and he’s trying to formulate his thoughts and understand what is happening. He was SURPRISED about Michael working with the demons, because – even though he saw Beelzebub and Gabriel interact, he had no idea how twisted in their own schemes both sides were. This is uncharacteristic behaviour for Crowley, I think anyway, because he would know that some of the Angels get away with all kinds of shit and STILL never Fall. Azzie... ahh, I love him, but I don’t think he would.

And A!Crowley STOOD like Azzie would... Crowley has this... way he sort of stands still (ie. trying to be cool but he’s really not). He wasn’t doing that at all in this scene. And the fact he was concerned about his clothes getting ruined? Yeah, when has that ever stopped Crowley? It was sort of a sweet thing that this Lovely here pointed out and I only remembered about it when I read this post. Azzie didn’t want Crowley’s brand new coat to get ruined, aww.

Jumping back to C!Aziraphale, still super quiet and indifferent and almost ANNOYED at the proceedings, and not once does he stammer at all. Azzie always stammers (a little more than his usual speech patterns, anyway) when facing the Angels, especially Gabriel, but this is legit the first time he doesn’t. Just smart-arse remarks and a “devil may care” (hur dur) attitude about the proceedings.

I think I was 90% sure about my theory about the twist when the the bathtub scene that follows appears, because it didn’t really make sense to me in my head that the Holy Water WASN’T doing anything. The demons later surmise it’s because they’ve “gone native”, but are they really sure? Hmm. Anyway, this whole scene is HILARIOUS to me upon rewatch, because it’s now Azzie CERTAIN that he can’t be harmed here from the punishment even if he’s wearing Crowley’s face, and he FINALLY lets himself BE his own person. Funny how him seeing through a demon’s eyes is WHY he finally lets go (which, you know, is kind of what happened with Crowley 6000 years before... realized the world wasn’t fair and it wasn’t going to treat him with kindness). He finally understands Crowley, I think, in a way, because of this incident.

Azzie is FINALLY certain and unafraid of being himself. He no longer stammers, and literally strikes fear into the demons in the dorkiest of ways and THEN secures Crowley’s future of being left alone. That tiny little thing there is really sweet and so Azzie.

As for C!Aziraphale, he’s a dramatic bitch in the Hellfire to scare away the Angels. And though it’s not seen, I’m certain Crowley would have guaranteed Azzie’s safety in the same way that Azzie did his... I’m just assuming since it’s alluded to in their final park-bench conversation.

And – segue! – as we switch back to the park bench scene, I think this was when I was, on my first watch, all “yep, they switched”. Look at even just the camera pan-in: they’re sitting on the wrong sides (Crowley has ALWAYS sat to Azzie’s left-hand side), and Azzie is slouching. Azzie NEVER slouches, just as Crowley is never straight-backed and proper when he sits. I absolutely adore Tennant playing a reassuring-Azzie so beautifully, and then the uptick in the intonation of “Anyone looking?” is SO Aziraphale, that if you hadn’t picked up the clues by now, that should have set you off, as well as... why would Aziraphale know if “anyone is looking”? Crowley has ALWAYS been the one who’s able to sense other beings around, and I feel like it’s BECAUSE of his status as a demon that he can do this (as a former angel, it might be a “skill” he retained when he fell, and then gained the skill to sense other demons, so then he would be able to tell if either-or are around, whereas Azzie would only be able to sense love, happiness, and other angels, is my theory).

AHHH And then. AND THEN, Sheen’s impersonation of Tennant’s speech patterns when he says “Right. Swap back then?” and then with the face he makes. It’s ALL Crowley right there. GAWD, perfection.

I love their little interaction after the switch... Azzie is just SO DAMNED PROUD OF HIMSELF, WHAT A PRECIOUS CINNAMON ROLL. And Crowley is enamoured by it all. He VISIBLY sees the change in Azzie, what seeing the world through Crowley’s eyes has done to him. So much so he chances to ask Azzie out, and he FINALLY accepts, no hesitation.

AH. That’s a WHOLE other meta in-of itself.

Next, Part 2, is my head canon for the lead up to this scene. It’s more of a musing than anything else, spawned by a thought I had about why are they able to switch so easily... and how did they know that they could? It won’t be nearly as long as this so I should have it up in a few days when I have a free moment :)

Anyway, I’d love for y’all to add your own thoughts or expand upon mine here if you’ve anything to say!

Cheers everyone, and welcome new people to my blog that my other GO meta may have enticed you to here <3 We’ll see how many meta this show squeezes out of my brain, probably not nearly as much as Johnlock does, but there we are, LOL <3

#good omens #go meta #go final twist #spoilers #go character analysis #go scene analysis #my meta #my thoughts

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boxed-n-bottled-arson · 5 years ago

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The New Kid In Town chapter 2 (SanderSides vigilante AU)

In a moment of random inspiration, here’s chapter 2 that I wrote at like 4 a.m.

Summary: Virgil attempts to find this new vigilante, even if his friends don’t agree. He might have just have some ‘friends’ that can help.

Warnings: Major obsessions, terrible sleep schedules, mentioned crime, break-in, threats,

Ships: flirty sleepxiety (couldn’t help myself), non romantic; Moxiety, analogical, logicality, analogicality

Two weeks. It had been two entire weeks since Red had appeared, and Virgil was going insane. Currently, he was pacing up and down his apartment, trying to come up with any new idea of how to find the mysterious vigilante. As surprising as it was, tracking somebody with super sonic screams was actually very difficult, especially if you don't have access to a satellite. Virgil gave an annoyed sigh as he flopped onto his couch. Glancing at his phone, he checked the time, 3:45 a.m. Fuck, he was gonna be tired as hell in the morning, but it wasn't like he was gonna get decent sleep anyway. Regardless, Virgil stood up, grabbing his phone and making it to his bedroom. And, surprisingly enough, Virgil was passed out as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Virgil now sat at one of HQ's many computers, a day later, typing out theories, equations, or anything that could help find Red, so far everything had been a bust. His newest theories though, was actually semi simple, all they'd have to do is scan the city to see if there were any unusual frequencies in the area, but they didn't have access to whole city scans. Virgil slammed his hand on the desk in frustration, Logan was a brilliant tech genius, with some of the best hacking abilities Virgil'd ever heard of, but his abilities were limited. Logan had fairly limited resources, and refused to hack into things unless completely necessary.

That might make one believe Logan would get a scan of the whole city for Virgil, but the entire Red situation wasn't exactly something Virgil, Patton, and Logan saw eye to eye on.

"Hey Virgil!" Patton called from behind Virgil. Virgil spun around startled, relaxing when he saw Patton, "oh hey Pat, what are you up to?" "Nothing big, just got back from patrol, what about you?" Virgil bit his lip, "I'm just...researching." Patton looked at his, confused, "about exactly what?" "Just ah…" Virgil frantically tried coming up with an excuse. In the blink of an eye Patton teleported to Virgil's side, gazing at his computer monitor full of theories. Patton sighed, "Virge," his tone was layered in what almost sounded almost disappointed, "we talked about this." "I know we did," Virgil was getting defensive, "but he could be important, if we find him he could potentially-" "Virge, me and Logan have already told you multiple times there's no point in trying to track this guy," "What if he knows where our powers come from! What if he knows who the Duke is! What if he can help us?" Patton sighed, "I'm not gonna try to stop you, but I can't help you, Virge." Virgil nodded, he understood where Patton was coming from, but he couldn’t get why Patton wouldn't wanna find out who this person just like them was. "Lo already clocked out for the day, and I was just about to go, so try not to stay for too much longer." Patton said. Virgil again nodded, as Patton walked out the doors, wishing him goodbye.

Virgil knew he was definitely obsessing over this person, but it was the only lead he had on the origins of his powers. Ever since the day Virgil first found himself able to seemingly phase out of existence, he wanted to know why. Him and Logan had spent multiple days straight before, attempting to find out why and where Virgil and Patton had gotten their powers, but always came up empty handed. And with another hero, Virgil was hoping that they potentially had some answers.

Logan did originally help Virgil track Red down, but after a week of radio silence, Logan went back to tracking the next location of the Duke, advising Virgil to do the same.

Virgil ran a hand over his face. His eyes hurt from staring at the screen for too long, and one of his legs had fallen asleep. Great. Glancing at the corner of the screen, Virgil read the time, 7:15 p.m not late at all, yet he felt exhausted. Eventually he decided to take a break from writing constant equations and look at the actual news.

There was nothing major, just the usual, Capital City was getting saved by Vanishing Act and Flux, Gameson City was ranking in the usual tourist money like it always did, and Amber City was getting lower crime rates due to Zip.

Zip was the name of the man who ran at the speed of light, saving Amber city from crime. He was a scientist, developing a drug to give cells faster healing properties, but ended instead with a drug that increased his reflexes, physical abilities, and all around speed (the science of everything was confusing to Virgil). That's when it hit Virgil, if Zip was that fast he could do a sweep of the entire city and find Red. There was one problem though, Virgil didn’t know Red personally, or rather at all. Not to mention, he didn’t know how long he’d be gone from Capital city and his team. He gazed at the time again, 7:20, if he catches the next train to Amber city he’d be there in an hour, and finding a man who travels at the speed of light couldn’t be that hard, right? It seemed Virgil was gonna be taking a quick trip to Amber city.

The train ride wasn’t unbearable, he was invisible so no one knew he was even there, and luckily his super-suit wasn’t extremely uncomfortable to wear for a long time. Nevertheless, Virgil was now wandering the streets of a night-lit Amber city, invisible of course. Virgil had been to Amber city before, but only for quick trips, and he never remembered it being this nice. The tall glass buildings all reflect the soft yellow light of the city, the stars above the city bright and easy to see, and the city seemed to have a constant murmur of voices as Virgil walked through the streets. Amber city used to be known as a very dangerous and grimmy place, having some of the highest crime rates in the area, till Zip came along. The vigilante, and whatever team he had, seemed to have cleaned the place up.

Virgil didn’t come here to admire the city though. He came here for help. Continuing to walk down the road, Virgil began questioning if his plan was at all worth it. It was 8:45 and he has seen no sign of Zip at all. An extremely fast rush of wind on the road ahead of him seemed to change that fact though. And it seemed the fast traveling vigilante was headed for none other than Apace industries. Virgil smirked, this was way too easy to put together.

Breaking into another Vigilantes lab, to try to ask for their help was definitely not what Virgil thought he’d be using his powers to do, yet here he was. After using a simple override hack (thanks Logan) he broke open the doors and was in. There seemed to be a reception desk that no one was occupying, and a general welcome area. Definitely not what Virgil was looking for. The elevators on the left wall though, were exactly what he was looking for. Pressing the button, Virgil waited for an elevator before a sudden gust of wind came behind him.

“Ya, know I’m pretty sure elevator buttons don’t press themselves, so if I were you I’d show myself before I find you myself,” Virgil gulped, this was the worst situation he could have possibly gotten himself into.

Even in the low light Virgil could tell he was being threatened by no other than Zip, the person he went to get help from. Lowering his invisibility, he lowered his gaze to the floor. “Vanishing act?” the other Vigilante asked. Virgil looked up at him, “I need your help.”

“Ok explain again what the hell you need me for,” Zip asked for what was about the fourth time. Zip was still clad in their brown and white suit, having though replaced their mask with a pair of sunglasses. Zip and Virgil were both in a large lab area, that was mostly white with subtle hints of pink and brown. “I need you to use your speed to do a sweep of Capital city, I’m looking for somebody.”

“Babe, your gonna have to be more specific than somebody,”

“Another vigilante.”

Zip seemed to freeze up at that.

“There’s another vigilante in Capital city, I saw them last time me and Flux were fighting the Duke.” Virgil said.

“Any powers?”

“Super sonic screams.”

“Well that’s a new one,” Zip said.

“I know, now do you think you could find them?”

“Well that’ll be the hard part,” Virgil raised an eyebrow. “If they're a vigilante, I’m gonna assume you’ve only seen them in costume,” Virgil nodded. “Therefore, I’d have to find them while they’re in costume, or I won’t be able to find them,” Zip explained, semi-bored of the conversation.

Before Virgil had time to explain, a kind man with a pink tie stumbled out of the elevator, holding a large stack of papers. "Oh Remy, I didn't know you had a guest!" They said smiling. "Emile, secret identity!" Zip, or Remy, hissed. Emile gave Remy an anxious smile "sorry Rem, care to tell me why your friends here?" "This is Vanishing Act, vigilante of Capital city, they're in need of our help." Remy explained. "Virgil, call me Virgil" Virgil stuttered out, “And I need Remy to find somebody for me.” “Oh that’s simple, Remy could race there and easily find them, or you could use our satellite!” Emile said with a smile. Virgil glared at Remy, “You had a satellite and didn’t tell me?” Remy pulled his glasses down to glare at Virgil, “Girl, Emile’s the smart on, I just run everywhere." Virgil rolled his eyes, walking to the table Emile was sat next to. "They're should be plenty of pictures in the news," Emile looked at Virgil confused, "who exactly are you looking for?" "There's a new vigilante in Capital, me and my team call him Red. I'm trying to find out where he is." Virgil explained. Emile seemed still a bit concerned "Are you trying to recruit him?" Virgil paused or a second, was he trying to recruit this random stranger? Well possibly, this person seemed to have extremely strong powers and might have information that Vigil needed. Virgil nodded, "yes I am" Emile seemed to buy it as genuine, "ok let's see if I can just…" Virgil's thoughts seemed to drift off from that point.

What was his plan? Find this guy, then what? Kidnap him? Interrogate him? Ask him to join him, Patton and Logan? Virgil honestly didn't have a pan, hell he didn’t know what to say when they found the guy. Not to mention what time it was, 12:15? If he wanted to get any sleep tonight, and get back to Capital city, he have to really hope running facial recognition didn’t take to long-

“Found him!” Emile said, a proud smile on his face. “Wha-ah, that was quick.” Virgil said. “Well a couple pictures, and a bit of determination, Susie can find anyone.” Emile said, still smiling. Virgil raised an eyebrow, “Susie?” Remy sighed, “It’s what Emile named our satellite.” “Anyway, his name is Roman Danvers, cashier at Capital City comics, last known residence; 101c goodneighbor apartments in Capital city.” Emeile explained. “That would be the first place I’d go looking for your vigilante friend.” Virgil smiled, “Thanks, Emile. Well I should probably get back to Capital city before someone wonders where I went.” Virgil backed away from the table, walking to the door before, he felt a hand on his shoulder. ‘Girl you know I ain’t gonna let you take an hour long train ride back to your city, uh uh.” Spinning around Virgl was face to face with Remy. “It’ll take you less than a minute to get back to Capital city if I give you a lift, plus I could drop you off in front of, annoying voiced vigilante's place.” Virgil rolled his eyes for a second, “sure.” Remy beamed, “K babes, grab my shoulders and hold on tight.” Virgil did as instructed, wrapping his arms around the other vigilantes shoulders.

Seconds later they were standing in front of a crappy apartment complex. Virgil was shocked for a moment at just how quick they got there, Remy’s voice broke him out of the shock though “Babes, as much as I’d love to keep running around the city with a cutie like you, I got places to be.” Virgil quickly pulled his arms off Remy's shoulders and backed up, totally not blushing. “Um, ah, thanks for the lift back,” Virgil blabber out, attempting not to sound extremely flustered. “No problem babes,” Remy said, winking at Virgil “and try to visit Amber more, I’d like to see you again.” With that, Remy sped off.

Virgil stood there trying to get his thoughts back, before remembering that he was currently trying to track down another powerful vigilante. ‘Stop thinking about boys Virgil, you're here to break down another vigilante's door, say something cool, and then ah...ah...do something, bring him back to HQ or integrate him or whatever.’ Looking to his left, Virgil noticed that Remy (like the gentleman he was) left Virgil right next to Roman’s apartment.

Virgil smirked, standing in front of the door and in a adrenaline kicked in the door of the apartment. The door easily swung open, “I’ve always wanted to do that,” Virgil quietly muttered to himself. Looking around the apartment, it seemed to be completely normal. A small kitchen, with a cheap looking fridge and stove stood to the far left, a worn green couch stood a few steps in front of him, a Tv in front of that, a few cheap rugs dawned the floors, with nothing else to note really in the place. On the couch was a startled man in pajamas, brown hair in a mess, staring at Virgil, bowl of popcorn in hands.

Virgil stared dumb founded for a second, before speaking

“This is not what I expected...”

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cupofsorrows · 5 years ago

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A Conceptual Post About Pokémon as D&D Monsters

I know, I know, it’s been done before, but I’ve been having a lot of ideas about D&D lately and it occurred to me that it might be fun to try to adapt Pokemon to the standard dnd setting(s) - that is, not just copying them wholesale as in, “you open the dungeon door and see a pikachu” but taking the concept of the creature and placing it in your world as something that genuinely belonged there. Like, say, You confront your party with a large turtle-monster that sprays high-powered water jets as its primary mode of attack. It’s essentially a blastoise, but that isn’t what it’s called and it doesn’t necessarily have to follow the rules that an actual blastoise would in the pokemon games. I’ve seen pokemon stat block writeups before, but they’re usually pretty straightforward “this is a psyduck” type deals, and what I’m interested in is retooling the monster to fit in a different world (while keeping the core of it intact). What’s it called (if it has a different name)? Where does it come from in your world, and where does it live? If the original had evolutions, does this version? Lots of potential there. To that end, here are a few pokemon that I think have particularly interesting concepts:

Phantump: Honestly all of the ghost pokemon have interesting concepts but I didn’t want to have a disproportionate number of ghost-types so I chose this one. Core concept is a furtive little forest spirit that uses old tree stumps (or perhaps fallen logs) as surrogate bodies/protective shells. Canon lore says they’re supposedly the spirits of children who died in the forest, so take or leave that as you please. Now, none of these suggestions have to look exactly like their inspirations as long as they convey the idea - for instance I sort of imagine these guys as little humanoid figures made of gnarled wood, which also gives me distinct skull-kid-from-LoZ vibes (but maybe that should be a separate post...)

Heliolisk: I don’t really know what drew me to this critter in particular, except that ‘solar-powered lizard that can shoot electricity and stuff’ is just a good creature to put in a made-up world (probably in a desert region). It even has “-lisk” in its name, like the more infamous basilisk, so it already sounds like it SHOULD be a mythical creature. As I’m writing this I realize that it strongly resembles the already-in-dnd shocker lizard, but come on, this thing is way more badass. Also I was just reading about it on Bulbapedia and apparently it can run super-fast? so... that’s in there, too.

Snorlax or Slaking: Look I just like the concept of a big hairy beast that’s super strong but spends almost all of its time asleep. Not even sure that would affect its stats but it’s great flavor.

Zygarde: A host of tiny organisms - maybe even single-celled - which can come together to form larger gestalt creatures (most famously a massive serpent/worm, but even more powerful forms may be possible). Should be a very powerful, possibly unique, individual, since it is a legendary pokemon.

Dhelmise: Sentient algae that uses marine detritus as a ‘skeleton’? The ghost type delivers again! I imagine that before humans were responsible for so much stuff being in the ocean these must have used a lot of animal bones (and maybe some driftwood) instead.

Seismitoad: I think there are already frog monsters with sonic attacks, but that was only half of the appeal for me here, the other half being ‘large bipedal frog’. I hold this as being very different from bullywugs, grippli, or any other amphibian-based humanoids: While froglike, those are all still fundamentally types of people, whereas this beast is first and foremost a frog. A frog that walks upright and has opposable thumbs. This also works with poliwhirl/poliwrath and croagunk/toxicroak, but then the sonic/vibration stuff won this one out for me by a slim margin. (Addendum: I have come to the realization that seismitoad and croagunk don’t actually have opposable thumbs according to their artwork. Whatever, just fudge it.)

Tropius: This one’s just plain weird. Like, almost exeggcutor-level weird (dang, maybe I should have chosen exeggcutor instead. But tropius is less famously weird. Side note: what’s up with pokemon based on palmlike plants?) It’s part small sauropod dinosaur, part banana tree, and while I’m not sure whether it should be classified as a plant or not, I do know that it can definitely fly. Also, it produces delicious fruit you can eat!

Parasect: You probably figured I was going to mention this one. Everyone thinks of paras and parasect when they think of pokemon with weird but cool concepts. MY take is that the fungus could infest different types of giant vermin, perhaps making it the basis for a template. Or not; these are just suggestions. Do whatever.

Larvesta and Volcarona: Maybe I’m just on a kick from all the GKOTM fanart I’ve been seeing, but giant fire-spitting caterpillar + giant fiery moth adult seems like a creature idea worth exploring. Larvesta also takes longer to evolve than any other stage-one pokemon, which I see as representing a long time spent in larval form (or pupated), which in turn resembles kaiju’s long periods of ‘dormancy’, bringing us back to Mothra (as all things must). Also, I think larvesta/volcarona are the only bug/fire types in the whole series so far? That’s nuts to me but it just makes them even more special.

Abra: Honestly the way this guy looks is like 90% of the appeal for me here. Abra looks like an armadillo tried to evolve into a monkey and somehow ended up with psychic powers in the process. It levitates and teleports, and according to the lore it’s usually asleep but thanks to its psychic powers is still aware of its surroundings. That’s right, its eyes aren’t really narrow, they’re just closed all the time. Do any images of abra with its eyes open exist? If they do, are we prepared to see them? As always, don’t feel like you have to give any of these guys evolved forms just because they evolve in the games. I’m definitely not saying this here specifically because I like abra’s design more than its evolutions, no sir.

Pinsir or Heracross: Pretty much the same as with the toads a few entries above. Clearly not people, but just vaguely reminiscent enough to maybe be just a little unsettling. C’mon, I know they’re cute in the games and the show but tell me you wouldn’t be at least slightly perturbed if you saw a real-life beetle the size of a 10-year-old trundling around on two legs. Even if you thought it was rad as hell you’d still get out of there pretty quick if it started trundling towards you.

Slowpoke: Listen if you don’t get the appeal of a semi-aquatic, ambiguously mammalian quadruped that has psychic capabilities but is also comically oblivious to external stimuli then I just don’t know what to tell you.

Barbaracle: Colonial organism sort of like Zygarde, except the individual parts are bigger. It could even be modular, with the various ‘limbs’ combining in different ways, although that could also complicate the stat block.

Gothitelle: Conceptually I suppose this is just another humanoid psychic creature, but a while ago I saw someone point out how its frills and whatnot are sort of reminiscent of a sea slug, and damned if ‘anthropomorphic nudibranch’ doesn’t get my blood flowing.

Rapidash: Pretty simple, a unicorn variant/non-evil fire horse. Who wouldn’t want one of those?

Necrozma: I never actually played Sun and Moon 2, nor did I get too deep into the postgame ultra beast stuff in SuMo 1, so regrettably I missed out on a lot of the wonderful interdimensional weirdness. While each ultra beast is appealing in its own way, Necrozma is practically a Lovecraftian Great Old One already what with how it was once an interstellar being of heat and light but was somehow injured or depleted and has now become a completely different creature that travels from world to world absorbing all light. That’s a pretty raw concept for any story, let alone a cute kid’s game. And it’s always a plus when something can be cool and threatening while still being safe for a G rating! You could also do what SuMo2 did and take your heroes to a world that’s already had its light stolen by the beast, to explore how the inhabitants of that world have been affected as well as show what awaits the heroes’ world... or just as a nice change of scenery. Lastly there’s the possibility that Necrozma must ultimately be defeated not through violence, but by figuring out how to restore it to its original form. It isn’t too often that the cosmic monstrosity could actually use your help, and it might leave the PCs feeling like they really accomplished something epic. Alternately, it returning to its original form also makes a great homage to the multiple forms of every JRPG final boss ever, a trope that has been under-represented in D&D for TOO LONG.

...and that’s it, at least for now. Naturally, there are about a thousand other possibilities, including different ways of interpreting the examples I’ve provided here. I suppose they could also be used for purposes besides D&D, although if you’re going to put any of this in the fantasy novel you’ve been working on I suggest you be extra diligent in obfuscating the creatures’ actual origins so as to avoid a visit from any lawyers. I don’t know if anybody is actually even going to see this post at all, but if it does end up getting around, then I fully encourage all of you to put your own spins on this if you’re inspired to do so! I’d love to see what other people might come up with.

#pokemon #dnd #d&d #creature design #monsters

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feministfataley · 5 years ago

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The Images You Sell Are Problematic - The Importance of Plus Size Characters in Video Games

The video game industry is currently the biggest entertainment industry in the UK in terms of spending. More and more people are choosing to engage with the medium whether it is through mobile apps with the dreaded microtransactions, through more traditional games such as Call of Duty or Fallout or even through the medium of interactive entertainment – Netflix’s Bandersnatch, for example.

With increased audiences must come increased responsibility – video games pull in audiences from all walks of life. To some extent, we have seen improvements. We have seen stories from queer protagonists, people of colour, men, women, children, even mentally ill protagonists. Progress indeed, but there is one area that remains criminally underrepresented.

Despite all these fantastical stories taking place in far off lands, most of the character models adhere to the same mould. Granted, we’ve come a long way since plus size representation was limited to a small rotund Italian man with a mushroom addiction and his imaginary pet dinosaur, but there is still a considerable shortage of larger characters.

Female characters are typically thin but curvy, an ideal that is nearly impossible to recreate without surgery. Male characters tend to be lean and overly muscled – a figure out of reach of most average joes. Taking a cursory glance around you, you’ll see people of many different body types and shapes. So why are we still refusing to accept this in video games?

Anastasia Wyatt, junior artist on indie title Heaven’s Vault, believes pressure from shareholders could be the problem. She said: “With the big companies they've probably been more cautious because they think this is the only thing that sells because that's all that there’s been in the past. A small company has less shareholders and a lot less pressure if they take what they consider as a risk with less idealized looking characters. It's not going to be disastrous for them in that respect if it doesn't sell well.”

It is not just pressure from shareholders here either, players themselves exert pressure on publishers to use idealised figures. World of Warcraft announced a new allied race with the launch of its newest expansion – Battle for Azeroth. The race was called Kul Tiran humans, and feature a much bulkier frame and taller than the standard human model. Plus-sized gamers rejoiced. The rest of the community did not. Within a few hours of the announcement the Blizzard forums were full of people asking for a ‘thin’ version of the character or spewing vitriol about how this character model was ugly and shouldn’t be implemented. It’s a difficult position to be in.

Wyatt said: “I think that's why publishers get nervous because they see criticisms like that. They think that even if they would like to use a plus size character in the people will react badly and they don't want to see those sort of comments perhaps. Which is a shame.”

Regardless of any outside pressure however, representation is very important. Not only for the people represented by plus-size characters, but to combat fatphobia – the fear of being fat. A large amount of stigma still exists towards plus size people in the wild, and games that equate fat to lazy or disgusting do not help. Representation is even more important when you consider the young age children are exposed to this type of media. Dr Peyta Eckler, professor of social communication at the University of Strathclyde, is concerned about the effect this may have. She said: “I think this is an industry that is made predominantly for men and unfortunately it it's feeding them unhealthy stereotypes which are hugely outdated and problematic nowadays. Not just about body types but women in general.

We cannot ignore and be blind to the societal repercussions of such images. I'm not sure if this will come to be regulated at some point, but also I think for young women, there needs to step back and a reality check. Realizing okay what we've talked about these are unrealistic images. Yes they do show what's desirable but they're taken to an extreme and no one can live up to that extreme.”

The erasure of plus-size figures in games contributes to a negative perception overall, especially if children are being exposed to this erasure from a young age. Normalisation of different body types and figures is very important in formative years.

That’s not to say all portrayals are negative however. Take Ellie, first appearing in Borderlands 2 by Gearbox. She is a skilled, fiercely independent mechanic who is unashamedly fat. More than being unashamed, she is proud of her body and who she is. A mission for her involves you collecting statuettes of her from the wreckage of bandit cars. She said they were made to make fun of her, but she loves them and the way she looks. She displays the collected figurines in her garage, clearly delighted with the result. It is this kind of body positivity we need in the industry. Ellie doesn’t let others tell her what to do with her body and loves it the way it is.

Heaven’s Vault reliably uses varied body types and shapes. Huang is chubby, the professor is old. They look like bodies that have been lived in, bodies that have stories to tell. No one is inherently evil because they look different. This also makes the characters infinitely more engaging. Wyatt said: “Not everyone is going to be the man with the same build, in the same stubble. We designed the characters this way because this is what people look like. It's also a good thing to do because then you just get an interesting range of characters. If everyone is the same man with stubble that's boring.

I certainly feel like when you're playing games and especially if it's trying to be a game it's about sort of a realistic story and you're trying to emotionally connect to people; if everyone looks like this idealized super model then it seems less real.”

The world would be terribly boring if we all looked the same. Video game worlds are similar in this respect. Worlds populated with a varied cast of characters are more engaging, more alive. Playing a game populated by varied characters is infinitely more satisfying, particularly from a roleplaying point of view.

Of course, for every good example of plus size representation there are a million bad ones. Look at all the extra difficult and physically disgusting zombie enemies that also happen to be fat. For example, bloaters in State of Decay 2 and boomers in Left 4 Dead. You also have Wario from the Mario series and Dr Robotnik from Sonic, both antagonists and visibly overweight. Depictions of fat characters are not usually kind, coding them as either lazy or undesirable purely because of their size.

Not even the God of Thunder is immune from this character coding. Stepping away from the realm of video games for a moment, the latest instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Avengers Endgame saw Thor begin drinking to forget the people he had lost, resulting in a ‘beer belly’. Completely understandable considering how traumatic the previous film Infinity War was to watch. However, they played his weight gain for laughs. Cheap jokes resounded about his weight for the rest of the film. This is the sort of thing more widespread plus size representation would combat. If plus size people were a regular occurrence in these universes, the ability to poke fun of them for being unusual would disappear.

It is clear that change is needed, but how do you change an industry still beset by outdated stereotypes and fatphobia? Dr Eckler said: “I think there has to be change from within. I think once more women hopefully become part of the creators of these games. They would start changing some of the content, forcing change in the content.” Wyatt has a different view. “I think that games where there are different characters, people are really beginning to pick up on them. I think we've been slowly seeing more diverse characters in recent years. More games with female leads for example, when I was younger there were only a handful of games that had female characters in them. It will take time, but I believe we will see more body type diversity as the industry evolves.”

There is hope. The indie games market is doing rather well at telling the stories of all kinds of people and players. Away from the eyes of publishing houses and shareholders, wonderful, beautiful games are being made. In the truest spirt of video games as communication, stories are told about people of all shapes and sizes and races and genders. It is an amazing thing and something it is hoped will begin to be a standard, no matter what level you are publishing a game at.

Video games can be a powerful vehicle to communicate ideas. There is no reason why they couldn’t be used to provide some much-needed normalisation of the existence of different body types. It is the responsible thing to do. The power to create a world as you want it to be, or as you see it is in a developer’s hands. Use that power for good, create a more accepting society. Goodness knows there’s enough hate going around as it is.

#gaming #game culture #inclusivity #game design #ellie borderlands 2 #heavens vault #body positivity #inclusive design #video games journalism

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smillingcartoonist · 6 years ago

Text

TV Shows That I Watched in 2018

A bunch of shows that I saw only one episode.

I have different reasons to drop out some of this show most of them is because It just didn't ring right with me. The first one I guess it was the Grant Morrison comic adaptation 'Happy' it was kinda fun, maybe I should watch the rest since it is on Netflix now ! The new Devilman anime was another one off ! Mostly because I kept reading the comics and I saw no sense into watch something that I just read and it was gonna be the same exact thing but with some differences ! also another anime was that B whatever that was terrible, and I saw the first episode of Final Space, it was fine but is not for me, it was like it was trying to hard to be funny and I can't care for that !

Black Mirror (Season 4)

Not as good was the last season, but still have some good episode, like half is good and the other half is meh ! I liked the most of them but the best one was the Star Trek parody one, and the most boring was the one after that, the one with the Daughter with a video cam in her brain, that one was way to dramatic for my taste ! Did kinda liked Metalhead there is pretty interesting stuff in that episode, it also weird that there is a episode that links all the other episodes in one shared universe ! like almost everything seems to happen on their on place, but ones says that no ! everything happen in one place, I Know that there is subtle hints of that on some episode, but I’m not one to look after that !

Adventure Time (Season 1-7)

I wanted to Watch all seasons in almost half of this year, but I couldn’t, because I get easily distracted sometimes and I’m Lazy, I managed to finish the 7º season in time to end to write this ! I Not one for care about all this cartoon shows that fan art appears on that god awful Radar, but this was like the last modern cartoon that I watched when i was a Teen, and so this year i decide to catch up to it and I realized that this year was gonna be the last season of the show ! talk about luck. But anyway, this was the most enjoyable thing that I watched this whole year ! re watching the first season make me realize how much cynical they are, like there is this episode where they go find a crystal in the middle of the woods with Tree Trunks and a lot of silly cartoon stuff happens and then at the end they find the goddamn apple and Tree Trunks bites it and explode ! it’s like the whole episode was this joke and that ending was the Punchline !

I guess it’s around season 5 when everything get really existentialist Are you dreaming this Universe Finn ? or are you a butterfly dreaming being a human boy and land made of candy ? it’s weird this children show passing this topics that don’t even go though the head of most people, like they own Mortally or something like, but it’s incredible to see how mature the show get across the time, everything begins with this silly crazy LCD cartoon show and go evolving and taking on more mature themes, the characters also evolve, like you see Bubblegum is this lovable character at the beginning and then you realize she is actually a Control freak maniac ! the character arcs are really nicely done in this show ! and also the own mythology of show is build up nicely, but there is some weird message that i get from this show, like some things are inevitable, Finn losing his Right arm in all of his lives, the end of the world ! there is some pretty eerie stuff in there ! man Love this show !

Also for reason one these i was Think about that scene with David Bowie in Fire Walk with Me but I replace all the character with the ones from this show ! Finn was Cooper of Course, Magic Man was Bowie, I Though that the whole FBI should be form by the wizards. Maybe I why work on that someday, Twin Peaks but the characters of Adventure Time ! That should be fun ! we live inside a dream.

The End of the Fucking World (Season 1)

I Think I describe the trailer for this was the Murder version of Moonrise Kingdom, and after watching I Think I was kinda right, it was based on a graphic novel that Will probably never see the light of where I live ! It was one the best series of this year for me ! You have two oddballs one think he is a psychopath and the other is rebellious Teenager and both of them go out on a journey of disasters ! It has nice sense humor and soundtrack too is nice, mostly composed of music that I probably have listen at least once and never knew the name ! I Though it had Sonic Youth in the middle of that, but It wasn't it was another band ! I do wonder how the next season is gonna be ! some Prison Break stuff maybe ?!

Jessica Jones (Season 2)

A Much weaker season then the previous,but still watchable ! I like seeing Krysten Ritter as Jessica, I Enjoy most of it the only thing I Kinda didn’t like was the whole thing about her Friend being jealousy of her for not having super powers, that diminish so much about that character ! Also the Villain was kinda of OK, Jessica psychopath mother, in comparison to David Tenant in last season ! Tenant appears in one episode in this season as Ghost and Think that was the most enjoyable episode of this season ! This was also the only show that got saved from being Cancelled from netflix, I don’t really know if that good or bad !

The Rain (Season 1)

One of the most boring show that I watched in this year, I really don’t know why I watched everything ! Does even anything in this show make any kinda of sense ?! I suppose this was to be something like the walking Dead,but in Denmark, and on the place of zombies there is a Killer Virus mixed in the rain and some incredible boring and stupid people ! and really dull story ! so I don’t Really care about it !

Dennou Coil (26 Episodes)

The Only anime series that I care to finish ! It’s about a bunch of kids that use a glasses to see through some kind of virtual reality, but also it’s about dealing with Grief of dead relatives ! most of the show is this straight forward narrative that get’s kinda of rushed in the end, but the stand out of this show was the one-shot episodes, those are really good, especially the one where they grow beards that are actually a bunch of sentient hair virus thing ! I wish that more of this show was just this type of one shot episodes, I think that the original Idea was kinda like that ! specially when you see the conceptual art for the show !

The Alienist (Season 1)

A Good first season for a show that can get better ! I Really like the concept of this, a Psychologist create a crack team to play Sherlock and find a serial killer, I really like the first episode but everything after that was kinda of average, good performances in general, but most of the other story lines I Couldn’t care less about them, Expect from the main one that was the serial Killer that was killing boy prostitutes in the streets ! pretty big shock of culture that come of that, Like “Really that happen before ?! Damn ! Thank god I don’t Live on that time”

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (5 or 6 Episodes)

I Think this year I discover that I might really not like anime, I Wanted to watch all of this, but I end up not really caring about it so much the more I watched, and I at some points I barely wanted to continue, I don’t Think that it was bad, I Think it just me ! Maybe was my mood at the time, i stopped after watching 6 or 5 episodes, maybe I Get back at watching this, I still Think that Giant Robots fighting is a pretty awesome concept.

Banana Fish (5 Episodes maybe)

Another one that I just dropped because I just didn’t care about it, I think it begins great but I kinda lost interest in the way, I guess it’s good but just not for me ! So year ago I try to read the manga and the same thing happen !.

Atlanta (Season 1 & 2)

One of the people that I follow keeps saying how good this show is and saw it was on Netflix, so I decide to see if was that good ! and it is ! I Don’t even like hip hop that much, actually I don’t Like Hip Hop Point, but really didn’t think that this show would be of the quality that it is ! So intelligent and funny, Donald Glover is really something else.I watch most of the second season while trying to do a Essay that really didn’t wanna do it , I Think I finish both of them at the same time I guess. I can’t to see the next season, hope they give more episodes to Darius, that is the best, the actor is pretty great to, he was on that Death Note Movie, I guess that there he was really bad !

The Hollow (Season 1)

One day I was browsing in the netflix catalog and find this show, that was just there ! I decide to watch because why not ! I Think I already said what I though about, it’s a really fun show with a terrible ending, It’s about three kids that wake up in a white room and they have to figure out the way out and what is happening, eventually they learn that are inside of a videogame, but you can figure that out way early ! I suppose this did make quite a success for a show that have no advertising what so eve. Also I think this show is just this one season, I don’t see how either this can go further then what it was !

Preacher (Season 3)

Find Incredible that this show keep getting better and better ! The first season was kinda of Ok, the second was a way better and this one is just even better, I like the way the adapted the angeville arc, Jesse Grandmother was a crazy religious fanatic, but in this series they turn her into a Vodu witch with a phone with a direct line to hell ! also like how they make Jodie and TC more charismatic, in the comics those two are just the worst fucking person to ever walk the earth ! in this one they still complete bastards but still likable ! God this time is not a Yellow buff dude turns red when it get’s angry, But it’s a old man in a Dog costume riding a motorcycle with some tramp ! I mean you kinda have to love the surreal sense of humor of this show ! I Think from everything that happen in this season, the next might be the last one ! I do wonder If gonna see god rip out Jesse eye with his teeth.

Disenchantment (Season 1)

I Though this show was ok, most of the jokes didn’t really landed with me, but still was something nice to pass the time, since I had nothing to do at the time that I watched this ! I Not really the biggest fan of Simpsons and Futurama, but I kinda watch a lot of episodes of this shows, I remember that since we never got a cable TV we watch most of this show on the public channels, at Simpsons will all ways be on a different channel ! or on a different time ! Browsing to channels one day and find that is passing at this one channel at afternoon, the other day It was in another in the evening ! It was kinda crazy ! This show did some kinda of success and got already four seasons ready to be delivered in the following years ! I Think that would happen even if it wasn't successive !

American Vandal (Season 2)

This I have some kinda power over me, because i can’t stop watching, like I watch one episode and I just get so into it that I binge watch almost everything, I don’t really know what it is, well this time they moved from dicks to shit, I don’t really know if that was supposed to be more funny or less, it’s kinda like almost the first season but on a better resolution and a Incredible likable character that is the basket player, there is even a Meta thing about the show being a show in Netflix, is kinda nuts ! anyway still a really solid show, the humor is still not flying with me but the investigation stuff is really what grabs me ! this time the season end with some kinda of moral massage that I totally forgot about, I guess it was about being yourself or some stuff like that !

Maniac (Season 1)

I Just remember the Scene where there is a fat Asian guy playing chess with a pink kaola in a park with no context what so ever ! that enough for me to say that this one the best show of the year ! It’s on me over on the concept of the mind exploration so you end up seeing a lot of crazy stuff that don’t really make sense but they are there anyway ! the show is Cute, it’s about the relationship of this two broken persons and them dealing with their problems, I thing one of the high points of the cinematography that is really interesting, also like the universe they are in, is like a futurist version of 70′s or something is completely crazy, I was watching the first episode trying to figure out what year they are ! also the other high point is Jonah Hill playing the Sweden secret agent in penultimate episode.

Big Mouth (Season 2)

I thing the one of the downsides of this season was not seeing people over reaction to the explicit stuff in this show, this season was even more explicit then the last, I mean some people flip because there was a scene where Jess talk with her vagina in the Mirror, This time they enter in a vagina in that episode of the sexual education lesson, that was the weakest episode of this season by the way ! and there even more gross stuff like that in this. Also this season got more of a story line then just one-off episodes, they introduce a villain to this season, which I kinda like the idea. In Resume I think this season was kinda better then the first.

Castlevania (Season 2)

What everyone wanted a season of castlevania that have more then a hour ! iT have two hours now ! Still amazing as ever, even though the animation was kinda poor on some scene, most when characters are talking at some points the animation become really wonky, but on the fight scenes, whoa ! it’s something else ! Most of the season was focus on the bad guys and Belmont and friends stay kinda on the background for most of the season, I Though that was a really good idea, focus more on the new interesting characters and let the other laid back a little. I also like the whole depressive Dracula thing, give more character them just some megalomaniac bad guy that wants to kill everyone ! the only thing that I wonder is if Warren Ellis is gonna keep writing for this show. I can’t imagine this show having the same quality without his writing !

Daredevil (Season 3)

I don’t really don’t remember if I watched this show before of after I read the Frank Miller run on Daredevil, I Think it was after that, because while i was watching i was starting to remember the things that I just have read ! specially on the second season, it is kinda a ok adaptation, everyone seem to love this show from all the other marvel netflix super hero shows, I thing it is just kinda of ok. This Season was the fall of Murdock, and kinda have to say that the comic was way better, I really don’t like saying that, because I think the only people that say that are complete idiots that want to pose was intelligent or something ! The High point is the fight scenes, those are really well done !

Doctor Who (Season 11)

This was the worst season of this show so far ! No even Kidding, this was really bad, I said one my mega review last year that season 10 was bad, and thinking about it, it wasn't that bad, and the finale wasn’t complete trash, I still don’t like what I don’t like. But this season, damn, we have Jodie Whitaker was the first female Doctor and her first season is a complete mess, everyone though if they got rid of Moffat the show would get better, I don’t see why everyone hate him so much ! he have Up’s and Down’s, But so far Chris Cannibal only have downs ! The main problem is the writing, is so poor ! almost all episodes are either ok or complete garbage, in mine opinion there is only 3 good episodes in this season, the first one, the Rosa parks one and It takes you away ! Cannibal episodes are the worst, the first episode was ok, and then he just got worse and worse, this season Finale was the most boring thing ! I stop caring to whatever was happening in the middle of the episode, Like last time I had something to complain to about the finale, this time I had nothing, because I don’t give a shit !

Whitaker was the Doctor was kinda of ok to me, it seems to me that her acting was really good when they give a Doctor, which are very few ! so most of the time she was saying complete nonsense ! Her characterization of The Doctor was really shallow too, it’s like she was a side character in her on own Show ! it’s Crazy, it’s like they have no Idea what they are doing ! The companions of this season too are possible the worst too, except Graham ! he is a charismatic old man with a actual character, But the other two, Ryan and Yaz, I could do without them ! Ryan is a Complete Dipshit and Yaz is a complete blank slate ! most of her scenes she just kinda there, listing and them she say something, she never really did something in this entire season ! Why have her them ?! also why they are travelling together ?! all of this people have no chemistry what so ever, they try to impose that their a friends, but it seems like they are sharing a cap together !

The Critics have been saying that this season was the best of the show in years or something, and Jodie is the best Doctor ever, and of courser their going to say that, she is the first female Doctor, they going to fill her ball even if she was complete terrible ! also the notes of for this season in IMDB have been the lowest that I ever seem for the show ! It was complete shit show I Think even care about that I have to wait a entire year to get the next season, I Don’t really give a shit anymore ! if we keep getting this kinda of quality for the next seasons I Don’t stop given a fuck about this show !

But on the hand this season re-woken mine fanaticism for Doctor Who and I saw a Bunch of old Episodes, and I end forgetting about that Park Chan Wook series ! Also two Other series that I wanted to see and end Forgetting was Killing Eve and Sharp Objects, also maybe I should have watched the Sabrina show or maybe not I don’t really know.

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cutegirlmayra · 7 years ago

Note

Not sure if you're still taking prompts, but considering the theory on how Boom Sonic and Amy may be dating in secret, how do you think there secret relationship would have started and played out behind the scenes? :3c

(I try taking gifs from the show that aren’t linked to people, but if they are, plz let me know so I can put proper credit to them, thank you! (x) )

Small acts of kindness. From both sides. For example:

FIRST - PROMPT RETRIEVAL OF STORIES THAT HAVEN’T BEEN REBLOGGED BY @idontworkforsega ARE STILL IN NEED OF RESCUE! Please help the cause by sending him any you find!

LASTLY - PROMPTS ARE STILL ON SHUTDOWN! Do not send any requests, thank you!

Do you even care to know commissions are open? If so, they are. Just saying.

Prompt:

Incident 1: log date, Amy’s journal.

Today was kinda funny… I mean, Funny as in—well, I FELT funny about it… You see…

Dear Journal, (I should start this out properly) today, Me and Sonic were hungry, coincidentally at the same time so no big deal!!!

Right?

Well, we get to the line and Sonic starts his order and I realize, I don’t have my wallet! >D

That’s when…

——————-

Sonic, without much hesitation, hands the impatient and bored Dave the money for her food and leans on the counter, waiting for their order.

Amy looks over to him, amazed.

———

I really shouldn’t have been so amazed by his kind, chivalrous action… but it really racked me to my core… you know? I mean, who does that? Great friends, of course. But then it dawned on me that we were alone…. A boy and a girl… a very attractive, although at times arrogant boy…. And a elegant and refined woman are eating lunch together and he just paid for my food…

THAT’S TOTALLY ON THE BOUNDS OF A DATE RIGHT????

——-

Amy shakes herself out of it and looks with a bit of apologetic blinking towards Sonic, “You… you didn’t have to do that…”

“Eh, no biggie. Food’s cheap here anyways.” He flicks a finger out, just gesturing with his lazy and resting hand.

She blushed.

——–

Okay, Dairy—JOURNAL—…. I usually would scold him for replying like that but… this time… I-I don’t know, Journal, I felt like he was either oblivious to how it looked or just… being… really sweet for a change…

I’ve always liked Sonic, but today… he really did touch my heart. It’s not like him to not poke fun at me or squeeze in a joke about having to pay for me.

That day… he was just… so unusually chill and relaxed. No jokes, no silly puns or wise-cracks… he just… paid for me. Enough said.

—-

“Well, I’m still appreciative. I’ll have to treat you sometime.” Amy looked away, placing her hands behind her back and fiddling with her nails under her gloves, picking at them.

—-

I don’t know why I suddenly got so nervous… but the day ended rather quietly and pleasant. I don’t know, Sonic’s usually a cool guy, but for a moment… a full moment, actually… He was just… super nice to me.

Incident 2: Sonic’s Scribbles

Today I jogged with Knuckles, played more ‘How many things can we put Knuckles’s head into before it becomes a problem’ and watched Tails drool over a new engine piece for his precious plane.

But then there was Amy.

She said she’d pay me back, but I wasn’t thinking she’d go so far as to take me to see Tommy Thunder 5—by the way, totally saw that ending coming—But for the first time… Amy was rather… how do I describe her? Chillaxed? Amy just dug around in her popcorn and didn’t say much of anything.

Now, Amy’s cool. She’s not the type of girl to talk during a movie. But I couldn’t help myself. I would look over and hear faint gasps or see cute expressions on her face when things popped up—mostly dramatic flares you find in action movies, you know, when the hero gets cornered and has to save the girl? Been there, done that.— But I couldn’t help and chuckle at times and just watch her for a moment.

One time, so funny, a piece of popcorn—I SWEAR—was about to fall out of her mouth from her shock! Classic~

Anyway, I got most of the movie, no biggie. Typical Thunder, if you ask me. But… I enjoyed the subplot of Amy’s silent reactions more so then the actual storyline! (Which is saying something. A storyline for an action movie, I mean. Haha!)

Anyway, after the movie, I just wanted to keep watching the movie starring Amy’s Weird but Cute Expressions, so I asked if she wanted to hang out a second longer and get some ice cream.

You should have seen the look on her face!

Haha, well then again, you did. Cause you’re me. Anyway…

You should remember this then, man… the best moment of the night! We were commenting a bit here and there about the movie and then about eggman and all this other stuff before I noticed her face suddenly—stop. And I mean FROZE like nothing else.

I was concerned for a second, asking her what was wrong and stuff, before her fingers twitched and she lifted one up.

It was so funny… but in the moment, kinda awkward too.

—–

Amy reaches her thumb up to the corner of his mouth.

He leans back, a little unsure, “Amy..? What’s wrong?”

With nerves of steel, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, looking down, “You… You’re such a glutton!” she quickly wiped some ice cream off his face and sat back down, wiping her thumb off on a napkin and going back for her own ice cream, looking away. “Geez… it’s like you unload and recycle.”

—-

I have to admit, reflecting back, it was a little intimate… wasn’t it?

But I couldn’t stop laughing! Her punchline was on-point that time! And Amy’s jokes aren’t always a winner. Sometimes, it’s a hit and miss, but this was definitely a bullseye! Haha!

I don’t know, that day, I wanted to hang out with just Amy more. I didn’t feel the need to be ridiculously out there, I just… liked toning it down and still having fun doing minimal stuff! Go figure…

Then again, girls are radically different than dudes… so I can understand if the atmosphere is different with Amy then it is with Tails or Knuckles…

But I never get this way around Sticks. Maybe I should hang with her a bit more too.

FOLLOW UP: Totes not the same. Sticks is insane.

Incident 3 – Amy’s Journal Diary.

You’re a diary because there’s no way I want anyone to know about this!!!!

Sonic asked me to hang out with him today, and I was ecstatic! I put on my best shoes and headband and hoped we wouldn’t do anything dirty or violent that day…

We ended up—hold your applause— SPENDING THE WHOLE DAY TOGETHER!

AHHH~!

We walked around the canyon and just laughed the whole evening! We fished, we played basketball—I even bumped into him! Ah!— It was a dream~

Then we came to the close of the night and he said we could stop at his place for a quick bite to eat.

I’ve never been to Sonic’s place at sunset and oh, my… it was gorgeous. The sun’s rays cracked their warm glows through his shoddy, wooden walls and ah~ heaven on earth~

We sat down and had some yummy snacks and water, he said he drank all his sodas with Tails when watching some new t.v series they liked together.

We just sat there… the whole day was so fun and adventurous, little activities here and there, that we didn’t really get to sit down and just…”Be” for a second, you know?

I sat on the couch, surprised he now had a couch, and told myself not to judge too much.

Then it happened.

I kid you not, diary, don’t you think I’m lying!

He turned back and asked me if I enjoyed spending time with him today.

Um? Hello? Operator? Am I speaking to Sonic The Hedgehog at the current moment cause SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

He’s asking about how I’m FEELING!?

I was so overwhelmed, I just spilled EVERYTHING.

You heard me.

I told him!

I told him as plain as day! I really loved spending time with him. THERE. I said the ‘L’ word! I thought it was really obvious anyway, but he just smiled and looked so gosh darn proud of himself, drinking his water.

Didn’t he get it!?! I just confessed! Me and my big obvious mouth.

But I guess it didn’t get through to him…

He just joked about something that happened today and then asked if I wanted to do something similar again sometime…

Of course, I said yes.

Then…

—

Sonic sees from the side of his cup of water that Amy rubs her arms a bit and looks around, clearly smiling with a faint red on her cheeks but he thinks she’s just getting really cold.

“Oh, sorry. It’s a bit drafty at night.” Sonic gets up and nonchalantly rips off a blanket from his hammock, using one hand to spin it around his arm and heading back to her, looking a bit embarrassed about his home’s logic… “No need to tell me you’re uncomfortable. I can see the red of the cold on your cheeks, anyway. Here!” he tossed her the blanket, and then sat on the opposite side of the couch, “Ah~ It’s nice to have the wind come through though. In the summertime? Can’t live without it! Who needs air conditioning.” He gulped down the last remaining drops of his drink and then wiped his mouth, kicking his feet up, “Comfy?” he tilted his head, which was now resting on the back of the couch towards her.

What he didn’t notice, was that she was so embarrassed by his statement, that she hid under the blanket and silently trembled to herself.

“…Huh? Amy?” He leaned up, “Ames? You still cold?” thinking she was, he grew nervous.

—

Continuing Incident of n.3 to n.4 – Sonic’s scribbles.

Ah, man. I’ve really done it this time!

She was freezing! What else was I supposed to do?!

I didn’t want her freezing to death, what kinda host would I be?!

I ended up just sucking it up and doing the right thing, the manly thing, the thing that means I’m a nice and good or decent guy that doesn’t care how things look!

I just swallowed my pride and did it.

I scooted over, reached over her shoulders, and put an arm around her, trying to warm her up.

Was it stupid? Probably.

Was it the right thing to do? Yeah… probably…

I don’t really regret it though…

Amy smelled nice… don’t get the wrong idea, now, future me reflecting because stupid nostalgia. It’s just nice to be next to a girl that doesn’t smell bad, alright?

I don’t really know why that’s important to me though… but the mixed smell of my blankets and her just… it wasn’t bad, anyway.

I was worried for a second that Amy stopped breathing entirely when I got over there at last, and so I peeked a bit under the blanket to see if she was still alive.

I knew she wasn’t dead, but I didn’t want her so frozen her lungs weren’t operating right!

Anyway, she was beat red! Man, she’s going into hypothermia! Or a severe cold. I don’t know! I’m not a doctor! She’s just not looking herself, what was I supposed to do?

“Woah! Ames! Are you okay?”

—

Amy’s Diary continuation of Incident n.4

The smell of his blanket.

The warmth of his body close to mine…

His arm around me… which just… felt right, and made me feel safe and sound.

I couldn’t help it.

I was falling in love all over again…

Me and my stupid heart.

I couldn’t help it.

I looked up into his eyes.

I tried to cover half my face with the tip of his blankets but he pushed it down slightly to try and see me. Was I worrying him? Did he really think I was acting this way cause I was cold?

Does he really not notice!?

I couldn’t help it.

I just never wanted to leave that moment. That space. That feeling…

It was so warm.

His smell was suffocating me, but in every good way.

The rays of the sun glimmering off his eyes…

The way he held his stare for a second, then asked if I was alright.

My face must have surprised him. Couldn’t he tell I was in love? Wasn’t it obvious!?

Darn it, Sonic! I’m so obvious! It’s not even funny!

He should of just… I don’t know… done something and I would have been his. He had me right where he wanted me!!!

Well, … IF he wanted me then…

I don’t know, a kiss goodnight? Maybe too much. Asking if I wanted to stay a bit longer? Inappropriate considering these villagers TALK.

But I would’ve appreciated if that sun set ever so slightly slower than usual…

I would’ve appreciated if Sonic didn’t move from looking directly down at me, but went to make a hot cup of water instead.

I would have so desperately confessed again… If I wasn’t so amazed…

At how utterly kind he was being to me back then…

—

The last incident, of record anyway. Sonic’s scribbles

Eeeeeh, I’m done writing in this thing. Gettin’ kinda boring. And pointless for that matter. I only read comics and good action books. You know, when I’m not doing the stunts myself! Haha.

Amy and I hung out again today. But it was weird…

I was… ah, who I am kidding? No need to sugarcoat it here.

I was flirting pretty hard, non-stop, and I think she may have noticed…

Not to say I thought it would go anywhere, but I liked how red in the face she got.

It was hysterical!

After fighting off another Eggman scheme, I just started bantering with her without restraint. She chimed in, but I think we were pretty rude to the others… They gave us odd looks and stares, which made me quiet down and only sneak a comment to her here and there afterward.

Is it weird that I like talking to Amy about inside jokes and what have you?

Oh, yeah. Totally weird.

But not as weird as having a girl—a friend— who is female hanging out with you all the time. Now that’s a miracle to some dudes.

Eh, I’m used to Amy. I get how she smiles at flowers, or how the tip of her long eyelashes do a kind of… wing beat that looks strangely graceful. I understand a bit better now how she thinks too. How she feels.

It’s interesting now, when it used to be confusing, hearing about what troubles her and what she likes. What relaxes her and what gets her so upset. I like to get her upset. I get to see those funny, cute expressions on her face again.

I’m fine calling Amy cute to myself, but I don’t like it when I hear it out loud. I don’t know. It irks me.

Amy and I ate lunch together, this time, even with her wallet, I still paid for it.

I wanted too.

Just treat her, nothing big. Nothing special.

Her expression was price enough, and it made me feel good to treat her differently than other girls.

I wanted to see if she’d wipe any ketchup off my face again, haha. Smeared a big streak right across my cheek! Guess what? She totally went for it. Not a moment’s hesitation this time.

We even laughed about it. She had no idea I wanted to see her smile.

I did something stupid though.

Getting caught up in the joke, I guess…

—

The two are laughing, the ketchup still on Amy’s thumb, as Sonic gives a playful glare back to her.

“Hey! I still paid for that ketchup!” he took her hand and put his mouth over her gloved thumb, sucking the ketchup off.

“AH!” Amy freaked out, pulling the thumb away and hitting his head, “S-So-Sonic! That’s disgusting!”

“Hahaha! Won’t your thumb get stained?”

“By your spit?”

“No! Not my spit! The ketchup! That stains, doesn’t it?”

“It’s more gross to suck someone else’s thumb, Sonic!” she went to reach for a napkin, hoping to clean herself up just a bit from his actions when-

“…Well, your face says otherwise…”

She froze.

—

Amy’s Diary

Had he noticed? I was so afraid at that moment. Sonic was being kind, not super considerate all the time, but when we were alone like this? So, incredibly kind!

I didn’t want to ruin it.

I didn’t know what to say.

Had he finally noticed? My giggles, my blushes, me masking my inner emotions of pure delight!?

It was too terrifying to even think about!

But I just looked down at my thumb… then put my other hand to my face.

And then I…

—

Sonic’s scribbles

She said something funny… something I won’t forget… I think it’s fitting to make it the last comment in this thing… before I stash it away somewhere no one can find it. Or pull it out when I’m bored, one or the other.

She said-

—

“…It’s not as bad as what’s written on your face.”

Silence.

Sonic starts laughing a little.

Amy starts giggling too…

They burst out laughing.

—-

Tails log

I’m so upsetti-spaghetti.

Sonic keeps running off with Amy to go and do who knows what while I’m left behind drooling over my lastest Influx-Capitor. What’s that you ask? I would love to explain to you since CLEARLY my best friend wants to run-off and leave the rest of his friends every Thursday night and Friday to have ‘alone time’ with my other best friend who just happens to be a girl!

…Oh.

I just got it.

N-Nevermind, I’ll just tell you about the Influx-Capitor and move on then…

Fin.

#sonic boom #sonamy #sonamy boom #boom!sonamy #cutegirlmayra #sonic prompt #sonic boom prompt #sonamy prompt

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king--flvcko-blog · 7 years ago

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A$AP Rocky Talks New Album, Under Armour Deal, and His Deep Love of Flowers

Our interview with A$AP Rocky was supposed to take place backstage after an A$AP Mob concert in Philly, in a quiet, empty room, but in the moment, Rocky had a better idea. “We need to capture this chaos right here,” he said, gesturing around his dressing room, still packed with Mob members, girls, security guards, other unidentified loiterers, and even (according to A$AP Ferg, anyway) a loose mouse. “Let's embrace the chaos,” Rocky suggested. “Rolling Stones in 1967, feel me?”

He took his spot in the middle of a leather couch, surrounded by his old friends from Harlem—Ferg, Nast, Ant, and Twelvyy—and started methodically breaking down a small mound of weed as he spoke in a post-concert rasp. Every so often, he'd tease me for asking so many questions. But some of them he didn't mind so much: GQ Style had collected them from a few of Rocky's notable friends and admirers, with a promise of bringing back answers.

The chaos Rakim Mayers attracts is a result of his charisma, which is raw and uncut. It is el puro, perhaps the purest of any star in pop culture—Hollywood, music, fashion, whatever. And given that Rocky's mom named him and his elder sister, Erika B. Mayers, after Eric B. & Rakim, it was only natural that a kid who seems to crank up the color saturation whenever he walks into a room would channel his God-given wattage into rap music. From the beginning, though, Rocky also established himself as a style innovator and made fashion an inextricable part of his music. In his breakout video, for “Peso,” he repped hard-edged, gothic-leaning streetwear like Black Scale, as well as more established avant-garde fashion like Rick Owens and Y3, while rapping, Raf Simons, Rick Owens usually what I'm dressed in. That was back in 2011, long before he cemented Simons's unlikely hip-hop-icon status with the song “Raf” this July. It's not a stretch to say Rocky is partially responsible for making European high fashion as much a part of hip-hop and pop culture as streetwear.

In the six years since he first appeared on YouTube, everything he's touched has taken on a sort of magical flyness. He's put out three successful solo albums; recorded hit songs like “L$D,” “Yamborghini High” with the A$AP Mob, and “Fuckin Problems” with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz; stole scenes in the surprise-hit indie film Dope, co-starring Shameik Moore; and launched a creative agency, called AWGE. Later this year, he'll appear in Anthony Mandler's Monsterand he'll begin a wide-ranging, long-term collaboration with Under Armour. He's become a rap star, a fashion godhead, a music mogul, an actor, a designer-entrepreneur-influencer—a true creative in universes where everyone calls themselves creatives.

Now, after two years spent racking up all those hyphens, he is ready to return to the first thing that made him: rap music. But things are a little different this time. In January 2015, Rocky's best friend, business partner, and mentor, A$AP Yams, passed away in bed at his Brooklyn apartment from an accidental prescription-drug overdose. Rocky was there the night of Yams's death and was among those who found him. A few months later, in May, Rocky released At.Long.Last.A$AP; on the album cover, Rocky's face bears Yams's signature purplish red birthmark. This new album will be Rocky's fourth, but his first ever made entirely without the guiding presence of Yams.

When we met in London for the GQ Style cover shoot, Rocky was deep in his work zone, trying to finish the record. He was keeping his phone turned off, more or less, so he could try to complete the LP before jumping to Milan for the Gucci runway show and then returning to the States for a long tour with the Mob. He's 29 now—he's seen a lot, and even his friends have questions about where he's been and where he's going next.

GQ Style: The first question comes from Mahershala Ali: “Considering you were named after Rakim, one of the greatest MCs of all time, what legendary MC would you name your child after?”

A$AP Rocky: Wow, that's a good one. Let me think on it.

You're punting on the first question?

Yeah, but only because it's so good.

All right, we'll come back to it. The second question comes from Dior designer Kris Van Assche. You may have heard of him.

Rocky: Dior boys.

A$AP Twelvyy: From Paris!

Kris asks, “What was a typical Friday or Saturday night out for you like when you were a teenager?”

A$AP Ferg: Fighting in clubs.

Rocky: Oh, you want me to tell them the Santos story?

Ferg: You love telling that story.

Rocky: All right, one time in Santos [Party House, a New York City nightclub], it was like 2008. We took the train from Harlem. I had on this Marc Jacobs shirt, these D&G pants—'cause I was wearing D&G back then—and Marc Jacobs sneakers. Ferg, you had on the black Acne pants, with the blue jean jacket, and Nast, you had the blue jean jacket with the seam, with the black Acne pants, and the black Timbs, with the Super glasses on, with the 'fro, 'cause you was on your Jay-Z shit, trying to wolf up. A lot of A$AP members were there that day. I'ma come clean, we was in the club, and A$AP Bari was trying to talk to some dude's girlfriend. Next thing you know, the dude got mad. He looked like some wrestling dude. He was big, with long hair. He's like, “What?!” to everybody. We was like, “Yo, chill,” but he kept going crazy. So [Harlem-based visual artist] Jay West put him in a headlock, I snuffed him, he fell, everybody kicked him, we all dispersed, we ran.

A$AP Nast: Let's talk about the Ferg punches.

Rocky: Don't forget about the Ferg punches! Ferg said, “Don't touch my friend!” Boom, boom, boom! [laughter]

Ferg: I did not say that.

Rocky: That shit was echoing through the man's body! When the dude got up, the first person he spot was me with the pink shirt on, so he just start charging, like a mad raging bull, and he grabbed my head. Now we on the motherfucking dance floor, fighting like females, pulling each other's hair. I'm biting this motherfucker's thumb and pinkie and shit, going crazy, snuffing him. This motherfucker must've been on mollies and liquor. Next thing you know, I just see feet running my way. Ferg came through. Nigga said, “Get off my friend!” Ferg was mad concerned. It was sincere. He was like, “Get off my friend!”

Ferg: I did not say that.

Rocky: So then, we all leave out the club. We outside. Your man, he was a manager of the club, so he come out, bugging out with his security guards. He throw ice at all of us and hops in a cab. We run down on the cab, take him out the cab, and start beating him up while we're screaming “A$AP!” So that's how everybody knew us back then. Next question.

What's your number one priority?

Right now, it's music. Last year was businesses and developing all our new artists. Playboi Carti went platinum. Smooky MarGielaa is on the rise. Twelvyy album came out. A$AP Ferg mixtape came out—he always got number ones and bangers. Nast, Addie, up next. Cozy Tapes Vol. 2 is out right now. Now it's all about me making music again.

What do you say to people who say that you're “more fashion than music”?

I can see why they think that sometimes. I really wanted to take time out to show people I was an entrepreneur. I'm a businessman—you gotta take me serious. I can't help that I look good doing it. But if you just look at my catalog from this year, everything I get on, I body. I'm selective about what I get on. I'm particular. I wasn't really featuring with other artists. But this year, I'm showing niggas stop playing me, stop sleeping on me. I'm the god of this shit.

So when we saw you in London recently, you were on a phone-off lockdown, making an album. What was the vibe—the starting point for the new album?

My new album is really about testing new sounds. People are scared to test new sounds, so they go with what's current 'cause it's the easy thing to do. The top 100 songs sound a certain way. People cater more to that because it's a bigger demographic behind that, or it's a guaranteed demographic behind that. I prefer to experiment and have my crowd grow with me and to reach new crowds. I don't just rap—I actually make music. That's why it takes time. These sonics represent me.

Did you go to London for the sound of London, or was it more just getting away so you could focus?

Both. London has a cool sound. I always record in London. But I needed to get away. London's my second home.

When do you want to put the album out?

ASAP—no pun intended.

This year?

Yes, sir.

Your travel schedule is intense. When you're always on the move, where's your center, or your home? Do you ever wake up in another hotel room and wonder, “Who am I?”

Fuck no. Sometimes I do wake up like, “Where the fuck am I?” But not “Who am I?” I'm the same nigga I was when I went to sleep.

You've had relationships with Dior and Gucci. You seem to have a personal relationship with Raf. How do you characterize those connections?

Sometimes it's business, and sometimes it's friendship. Raf had me flying out to Antwerp so I could smoke my weed and just catch a vibe with him back in 2012 and 2013. I've been looking at him and [Rick Owens's wife and muse] Michèle Lamy for advice. Michèle Lamy is like my fairy godmom.

What do you and Michèle talk about when it's not Paris Fashion Week double-kiss time?

Art. She's the reason I got all these diamonds in my mouth. She had hers since 1985. She puts me on. She tries to make me evolve as an artist. She encourages me to do more things outside of musical arts—more contemporary art. She taught me the difference between masters and Renaissance and contemporary and Pop art. It's been a journey. Raf, we talk about collections, we talk about his favorite scenes—what rave scenes inspired most of his career.

Do you talk with them about, like, feelings and personal stuff? Or is it mostly art and the industry?

Yeah, Michèle Lamy be hooking me up with all type of models—not all type of models, but her friends who she thinks is sweet. She says, “You need to meet her, she's a nice girl…,” and I go meet her. They either crazy or nice.

Here's a question from Raf Simons.

Oh, it's lit.

“Dear Rakim—”

Oh, that's my guy. That's the lord right there, big bro.

“If you could not do what you're doing now, what would you do? What's another life dream of yours?”

If I wasn't doing this, to be real with you, I'd probably be an interior decorator.

Nast: You could be a florist.

Rocky: Yeah, I could. I have such good taste. I love flowers. I think decor value and feng shui is important. If not, I'd be a video director or a film director. But my whole life, I just wanted to be a rapper. That was it.

The Balenciaga sneakers that you wore in our shoot: They're a little controversial, and I would like to know why you like them.

I seen those early, and I like them 'cause they remind me of a Raf Simons sneaker, and on top of that, those shits are fire—

A$AP Ant: Shit is trash—

Rocky: He's hating 'cause he got the fake Rick Owens Balenciaga shits. I don't fuck with them shits. I only fucks with the ones I got. I call 'em the Larry Davids, you feel me?

You've been wearing a lot of yellow recently—shoelaces, hoodies, et cetera. What's the deal?

You ask a lot of questions. I'm just preparing for a final test, that's all.

Okay, well, the next question is from Shameik Moore.

That's my son.

“What advice do you have for getting more creative with your personal style?”

Nast: Wear what suits you and not what's trendy.

Rocky: Yeah, but when we wear stuff that suits us and not what's trendy, it becomes a trend. So that might be confusing for people. I would just say that everybody's different. Everybody got different body shapes and whatnot, so I would say stick to what you know fits you best and what you feel comfortable in, even if it's not in style. Just wear whatever makes you feel cozy.

Nast: That's kind of what I just said.

Your creative group, AWGE: First of all, how do you pronounce it? Second of all, what is it?

Nast: That question we don't speak of.

Rocky: The first rule of AWGE is you never repeat what AWGE stands for. Second rule of AWGE is, whenever in doubt, refer to the first rule. So there you have it.

Is it not “A$AP Worldwide Global Enterprises”?

Nah. You on some bullshit. That's sacred.

What have you learned about leadership since the Mob's rise into the public consciousness?

Fellowship. Brotherhood. I try to manifest leadership into anything I do as an entrepreneur, as a businessman. But when I'm doing music, it's the element with the brothers. We all lead by example and lead each other, so I lead and follow, too, you know?

You just announced a new deal with Under Armour. Why Under Armour? And what can we expect?

People would assume, with me going into a business deal with a sports brand, that it would be all about designing or curating a line—making things more lit. But what I liked about Kevin Plank, the CEO of Under Armour, was that he had a vision. He gives, gives, gives. When you donate or you do charities, it's not about showing people “Look, I'm doing this.” I was in a shelter myself. And I know that when people be donating and shit, you ain't get no fly shit at Christmases and all that. You don't see no money. Pardon my French, but you don't see no money. So I really want to make a difference. So I got with Kevin and Under Armour so we could open up real rec centers with fly shit in them. Not hand-me-down toys and technology—new stuff. And programs for kids to learn to become entrepreneurs, designers, athletes. They can screen-print their own tees and sell 'em from the store, get that commission on it. I think it's smart. Those kids need laptops and phones today—that's their platform. So I want to do something that's really gonna make a difference, as opposed to fronting with the cameras like, “Ah, I'm doing this, doing that.” We gonna show and prove when we go and design uniforms. We're gonna start in New York, the tristate area, 'cause that's where I'm from. And then go to different junior high schools and high schools throughout the country.

But commerce being commerce, you're going to have to sell some stuff to fund those programs. So are you gonna design a line with Under Armour? A$AP Rocky sneakers?

I'm talking about giving away to schools. That's not selling, bro—you don't make any money off of that. What are you talking about? I want to facilitate ways for kids to get better education without calling it education, 'cause that shit sounds boring. I want to make a way for being smart to be cool. There's nothing wrong with being a thinker. Where I'm from, being smart has a negative connotation—that means you sold out, that means you're a geek. I'm just trying to say, “Fuck all that. This is the plan: You are the future, that other shit is the past, so let's make a better way.” And if I feel like designing some shit with Under Armour, I will.

Question from André 3000.

Oohhh, it's lit.

“What hidden talent do you have that only your parents or close people know?”

Twelvyy: He's good at playing Pokémon and shit. Yo, you see him with like 500 Pokémon cards.

Nast: He's the best at double-Dutching.

A hidden talent—something maybe only your mom knows.

Well, we might have to call my moms, then. [pauses to think] I display mostly all my talents. Right? I'm creative, intricate—angelic at moments. You gonna make me sound real conceited right now talking about myself. Why don't you tell me what it is?

Well, there's a second question from 3000: “What hobby or craft would you like to be doing that is completely outside music or fashion?”

I want to design furniture. Maybe a sofa. Or a bed.

Ferg: You did design one of your beds in the house.

Rocky: I know I did, but I want to sell my joints. That was just me testing.

Switching gears: What does God look like?

Everybody has a different God. I don't know if God is a female, male, or even in human form. I pray to somebody. Religion is deep. Everybody got a different God, but I just respect everybody for their beliefs. It is what it is. I'm more spiritual than anything. Because I find flaws and contradiction in a lot of religions, respectfully, and I just take the good out of all religions and try to practice to be a better person.

You pray every day?

Yes, I pray every day. I pray over cookies. I say my grace, straight up and down.

You've experienced loss in your family. A few times over the years, as far as I know, and then you guys as friends and collaborators and a crew experienced the loss of Yams. Do you feel like you've grieved, or did you just keep working?

Keep working. I'm not gonna lie. Because if we grieve it, it might take everything out of us. [long silence]

How'd you get the scar on your face?

When I was 15, I had a fight with some niggas in the Bronx, on Arthur Avenue. This older guy gun-butted me while we was fighting. He was trying to rob my Pelle Pelle jacket. I still kept it, though. It was bloody. My sister Erika bought me that for Easter. I wasn't about to give my shit up. Fuck outta here. If you've ever seen Jim Jones's “Certified Gangsters” video, he had it on in black. I had it in white with the colorful Easter P's on it.

All right, so we're back to where we started—the question from Mahershala Ali. “Considering you're named after Rakim, one of the greatest MCs of all time, what legendary MC would you name your child after?”

Twelvyy: Yambo?

Ferg: Yami's not a MC, though.

Twelvyy: What you mean?

Rocky: No, he was a singer, bro. He was an R&B singer. As far as rapper…I'd probably name my child Pharrell.

Ferg: I knew he was gonna say that.

#rakimworks.#q'd

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steve0discusses · 6 years ago

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Yugioh S3 Ep 11 pt 1: Mokuba Gets Kidnapped (Again)

I miiiight have to split this one in two?

A lot happens this episode, and when I cap things it’s mostly to help summarize what’s going on so these posts won’t be so freakin long but visually--a LOT happens this episode. So...there’s a few caps.

Anyways, I’m still trying to not think too much about what it is that Tristan has turned into. Considering that apparently you can exist here without a body it makes you wonder if their own minds are here at all or if we’re just following some shadow selves but again, it’s--that’s way too deep for Yugioh.

Been joking about the team getting turned into Heartless for a whole season and it actually happened. Sort of. Being turned into a monkey isn’t exactly the same as being turned into Darkness but if Yugi, Bakura, and Marik are any indication, being turned into Darkness on this show just means your hair gets kinda big and sometimes you almost (and often do) kill people.

Tristan’s CGI body is now running around and I’m not sure how that works.

Like if Tristan’s ACTUAL body is being stored somewhere, then the CGI body should have vanished, right? Like, his CGI body got incinerated by lava? Anyway, apparently, his body is absolutely fine, and now it’s being controlled by Nezbitt.

I’m glad he found the Kaibas at their familiar territory. Yes, that’s right, they all met up again, reunited after 10 episodes at their favorite place in the whole world. Guess where? Guess where they are?

It’s like meeting at the Cinnabon at the mall. They just all know where to go.

(read more under the cut)

And then Kaiba just kind of acts like he’s been expecting this for years. I mean...there’s reasons to expect that.

TBH if Tristan nabbed Kaiba in the shoulder with that broomstick, Would Kaiba even be able to feel it with all that padding? He’s got like football gear for shoulder pads up there.

We get no explanation of how Blue Eyes Wife made it to the VR zone. Probably willed itself out of pure love or whatever. But, don’t worry, Seto will have to choose cards from a pool just like everyone else at the end of this episode so uh...that’s about all we’ll see from her. Unless she was also in the pool, but I kinda doubt Noah gave Seto a Blue Eyes.

Just so weird that in the same episode she’s clearly here, but in 10 minutes from now, she’s not.

Anyways, everyone else finally shows up and they don't seem to be confused as to how Tristan is just fine when they just saw him die like...just now. They just left the place Tristan was dead and incinerated by 600000 degrees of lava and they were like “Oh good! We found him immediately! Hallelujah!” as if this isn’t very weird.

And...in a past life, Kaiba was the head of the House of York or...something? Like he was in the War of Roses or something? I forget exactly what y’all were saying Kaiba was up to in a past life in some video game spinoff when he and Yugi were European 500 years ago. Their family bloodline really got around.

ALSO, thing I just realized now I’ve actually read the wikipedia, Kaiba is supposed to have been Christian Rosenkruez in this game, which is amazing. Because, if you thought the Kaiba timeline was effed up before, just you wait, because Christian Rosenkruez was a freakin nut. We’re talking Indiana Jones type of nut. I’m pretty sure the game never brings this up, but Christian Rosenkruez is famous because so many people thought that he was the reincarnation of Lazarus.

LAZARUS.

Sorry, I’m like...kinda cracking up as I’m typing this. For those who don’t know your Christian/Middle Ages art, Lazarus is this guy, seen on the right. He’s always wrapped up like a mummy and with this expression like “woah, Jo, I’m alive!? Nice!” as at least one guy in the foreground plugs their nose because he smells like so freakin bad.

Yeah. So now, canonically, a past self of Seto Kaiba swore that he was once Lazurus. Who is...a real freakin nice guy, actually. Which--and this is my favorite part--this means that Lazarus--a real guy from the Bible--was also soul married to a Blue Eyes White Dragon. Hot damn.

I mean, this is a mess, but aesthetically though--Lazarus was a dead guy right? Like a revived mystical dead guy? Wrapped up like a mummy? In a crypt? If you don’t know too much about Christianity, it kinda fits right in with our whole vibe.

And if art twitter is anything to go by, the original fanart was bible stuff anyway, so anime and Bible stuff are absolutely and always interchangeable.

(Sorry, I was about to derail on another art rant hoo boy, a rant within a rant. You know, I hide a LOT of art discourse in these posts. Spicy times. Thanks for bearing with me, I’ve been holding that one in for a WHILE.)

But this is mostly amazing because, completely unintentionally, that means Seto Kaiba’s bloodline met freakin Jesus, y’all.

In fact, lets go over it, so Kaiba’s bloodline was Egyptian wizards who killed Pharaoh Yami (who ends up being Yugi’s bloodline), kinda forgot they were royalty or magical, went up to Jerusalem for a spell, hung out with Jesus and got helllla Christian, then ended up in Germany, fought Yugi who was British royalty for a hot minute, buried Rosenkrueuz in a very weird and mystical spooky sarcophagus, and then both families forgot they were super special royalty and somehow ended up in Japan where Kaiba got orphaned with no knowledge of any of this and got adopted by a crazy Gozaboro Kaiba who is now trying to kill them all with a VR game.

Anyway, if a past version of himself was in the War of Roses, dueling with actual swords should come naturally to him. Or at least would have come naturally if Tristan wasn’t so good with brooms.

(Bro’s Spicy Headcanon: Tristans wooden stick was originally a sword but they edited it out in development. Sure Wtv.)

And surprisingly, Joey got to do a hit in this version of Yugioh--like actually kicked a guy. On screen. And it was Tristan. Wow. Really thought that would get edited out, and I’m glad they left it in because lol this whole sequence is a mess.

Anyway, Tea gets hella mad at Joey because they don’t want him to kill Tristan although this body was in fact incinerated at the bottom of a lava pool not ten minutes ago, and so she decides to go after Tristan herself? Because she figures that Tristan’s body will not attack her? Maybe because Tristan’s body would be too afraid to attack Tea.

And this is Tea, so she is used to people going ghost, getting cray, and then passing out ten minutes later and being like “Oi, love! I seem to have made quite a fuss, again, innut!”

Please look at the bottom of this cap and admire that Joey kicked Tristan so hard, that his body bent a metal door completely the other way around.

That’s right, the motorcycle license is back, and now it gets to serve a purpose!

Guys, when they revealed that Tristan could drive a motorcycle I did not think that later this ability would be yet another insane way to abduct Mokuba.

Lol what?

Moki just...hanging off the side there. Like...he’s not even strapped in. What is it with the kidnappers in this show having just no idea how to properly hold Mokuba? At least this time he isn’t being suspended from a helicopter but it’s still kind of of a lot?

And there goes Kaiba.

They reunite again for like...2 minutes after like 10 episodes and then bam, Kaiba is signing out immediately.

Unfortunately, there goes the only two people here that know how to drive motorcycles, so the rest of our team is just kinda stuck back here with Tristan in a monkey suit.

Because of perspective issues, Serenity appears to be like 2 feet taller than Yugi Muto, dang.

So I think I mentioned before that one of the reasons I was like “Yeah lets watch this show” is because someone tweeted that Yugioh had motorcycle dueling, and so when this happened I was like OMG they’re actually going to do it somehow, right now on this Sonic Adventure Highway. Finally! A motorcycle duel! I thought that was only in the spinoff I’m not going to watch!

I mean look at him go.

JK no motorcycle dueling in this series. My poor hopes. Dashed.

And he runs right into Kaiba’s coat from last season who is wearing just the thickest old timey Southern accent. Ah, I miss when his coat color was nearly his font color and it all made sense.

Bro pointed out that the best part of this scene is how small the motorcycle was compared to how big this fire is now. Like...they should just be able to walk around the fire at this point, right? Like it’s a highway with multiple lanes? What was even in this motorcycle? Nitro?

Anyway, this post will be very long if I don’t chop it in half, so get ready for next time, when we find out what this guy and his accent’s whole deal is. How many references will he make to grits and warm summer evenings? A lot, right? Like a lot?

Anyways, if you just got here, this is a link to read the recaps from Ep 1 S1

#Yugioh #Yu gi oh #recap #photo recap #S3 Ep11 #Does Mokuba have a requirement to get kidnapped every 10 episodes?#Seto Kaiba #Mokuba #Yugi muto #joey wheeler #tea gardner #tristan taylor #robot monkey #Seto Kaiba's Timeline gets more and borked every episode of this arc

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yooka-kazooie · 5 years ago

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liveblog of me watching the sonic movie courtesy of me yell-typing at my friend on discord

#long post #spoilers

6:48 PM] Me: well guess I'm gonna rent it on cable [6:50 PM] Me: ok so far the cc works [6:50 PM] Me: which is good news on optimum [6:50 PM] Friend: good [6:50 PM] Me: upp spoke too soon [6:50 PM] Me: where did the cc go [6:51 PM] Me: first the sound didn't work and now the cc goes I keep having to close the movie and resume [6:51 PM] Me: I already dont know this owl character [6:51 PM] Me: like I'm not a HUGE fan of sonic but who is she [6:51 PM] Friend: I don't think she was in the games [6:52 PM] Friend: just an owl who adopted sonic [6:52 PM] Me: oh no is she from the original archie comics [6:52 PM] Me: I've also never seen sonic younger than like 15 [6:52 PM] Friend: no idea [6:52 PM] Me: were those echidnas [6:53 PM] Friend: the old sonic show (the good one) had an episode where sonic goes back in time and meets himself as a kid [6:53 PM] Me: oh good he's a cop good /s [6:53 PM] Me: the urkel one? [6:53 PM] Friend: yeah echidnas [6:53 PM] Friend: yeah [6:53 PM] Friend: there were two urkel ones [6:54 PM] Friend: aired at the same time [6:54 PM] Friend: or same year [6:54 PM] Me: he was in both of them??? [6:54 PM] Friend: yep [6:54 PM] Me: I never watched the "good one" [6:54 PM] Me: sat am? [6:54 PM] Friend: yeah [6:54 PM] Me: yeah I literally never saw it [6:54 PM] Friend: I think [6:54 PM] Me: til Nostalgia Critic [6:57 PM] Me: did crazy carl's drawing look like sanic I can't rewind with ondemand [6:58 PM] Friend: yes it did [7:05 PM] Me: whoops sonic emp [7:07 PM] Me: I assume these old people are describing eggman [7:07 PM] Me: so eggman is human [7:08 PM] friend: yeah [7:10 PM] Me: whos stone [7:10 PM] Me: like did Eggman need a human y.. [7:10 PM] Me: wait is he a robot [7:10 PM] Me: "a human yesman" is what I was going to say [7:10 PM] Me: it seems weird to me that he'd pay a human yesman instead of building a robot yesman [7:11 PM] friend: to be fair he has a human yesman in that old show too [7:11 PM] Me: the show I didnt watch? [7:11 PM] friend: yeah [7:11 PM] Me: I watched the pumpkin show [7:11 PM] Me: and sonic boom cartoon [7:12 PM] Me: and I played sonic adventure 2 [7:12 PM] Me: and sonic 06 [7:13 PM] Me: I'm just letting you know what I know [7:13 PM] Me: what sonic media I've consumed [7:13 PM] Me: I never played the 2D games [7:13 PM] Me: never saw Sonic Sat Am [7:14 PM] Me: uhh meow [7:14 PM] Me: oh neat I didn't know that's how the rings would work [7:14 PM] Friend: lol nice to know where you are in the movie [7:15 PM] Me: donut lord shouldn't be so confused this is at least his second time finding a small talking furry animal-like creature [7:15 PM] Me: I'm sorry but the fact that this dude had the same role in hop is hilarious [7:15 PM] Me: how do you get typecast like that [7:16 PM] Me: "where are the mushrooms and why am I still on earth" is a mood [7:16 PM] Me: his eyes are cool looking [7:16 PM] Me: I can't remember what the old design looked like and I'm scared to look it up [7:17 PM] Me: did I tell you someone proved that it wasn't a stunt and that was the actual real design [7:17 PM] friend: someone told me that [7:17 PM] Me: because they found the merch they were making and they actually made some with the old design [7:17 PM] Me: that was intentional [7:18 PM] Me: oh I like those videogame control gloves [7:18 PM] Me: they need to make those for VR [7:21 PM] Me: raccoons are so cute [7:21 PM] Me: I want one for a pet [7:23 PM] Me: no I'm calling it, Stone is secretly a robot [7:25 PM] Me: the more he says mushroom planet the more I realize it's a nintendo joke [7:25 PM] Me: the mushroom planet has to be the mushroom kingdom [7:25 PM] Me: he doesn't want to go where mario lives [7:26 PM] Me: now I want mushrooms (food) [7:26 PM] Friend: every time he talks about the mushroom planet I want them to make a nintendo cinematic universe [7:26 PM] Me: man Sonic's individual quills look weird? [7:27 PM] Me: whenever I focus on them [7:27 PM] Me: not that bad but it's weird [7:28 PM] Friend: the ones still on his body? I know the one not on his body was never changed [7:28 PM] Me: yeah the ones on him [7:28 PM] Me: it's fine looking when I don't focus on them [7:29 PM] Me: this movie has Antman vibes [7:29 PM] Me: similar humor [7:35 PM] Me: hipsters how do you even convince someone you're not that lol [7:35 PM] Me: oh here we go first standstill [7:36 PM] Me: it's really cool actually, like that one xmen scene [7:36 PM] Me: god that is just ridiculously fast [7:36 PM] Me: so far this movie is better than it looked [7:37 PM] Me: especially before the redesign [7:37 PM] Me: ugh [7:37 PM] friend: I do wonder how much, if any, the story changed with the design [7:37 PM] Me: I'm just guessing that it's the same but there could have been more changes [7:39 PM] Me: ok if mushroom world has no breathable air I'd say that's not a safe place to go [7:39 PM] Me: for sonic??? [7:40 PM] Friend: I do question how a planet full of mushrooms can have enough oxygen in it. there must be something producing more oxygen though [7:41 PM] Me: if Stone isn't a robot that eggman built I hope he's paid well [7:41 PM] Me: he literally just said it doesn't have breathable air [7:41 PM] Friend: I thought he said it did [7:42 PM] Me: ... [7:42 PM] Me: I can't rewind [7:42 PM] Me: a babysitter is infinitely better than a cop tho [7:42 PM] Me: acab [7:44 PM] Me: does he go super sonic in this [7:44 PM] Me: like gold [7:45 PM] Me: aaand he's flossing [7:45 PM] Me: how old is sonic [7:45 PM] Me: is this a child [7:45 PM] friend: idk they should have mentioned it somewhere [7:46 PM] Me: are those children fighting over a switch or a tablet [7:46 PM] Me: jesus sonic just killed eggman [7:46 PM] Me: like I understand but [7:46 PM] Me: oh he waasn't in that one [7:46 PM] Me: I guess [7:49 PM] Me: it seems weird that that exploded [7:49 PM] Me: what if it killed sonic [7:49 PM] Me: what if it damaged the remains [7:49 PM] Me: didnt eggman want to study him [7:50 PM] Me: ok well eggman just called Stone a human being so I hope he's being paid well [7:53 PM] Me: ok how is it fun to be chased by a holographic dinosaur [7:53 PM] Me: I literally have nightmares that are that [7:53 PM] Me: except in nightmares you can feel terror and pain [7:56 PM] Me: are those the shoes that had a deal with sonic adventure 2 [7:57 PM] Me: ah man this is the kinda guy who would either get fired because he's too good to be a cop or be corrupted by getting the job [7:57 PM] Me: I've been reading a lot of stories of what happens to "good cops" lately [7:58 PM] Me: and either they get fired for not being terrible or they become terrible [7:58 PM] Me: remember there are no good cops [7:59 PM] friend: well that is going to change soon [7:59 PM] friend: or it better [7:59 PM] Me: no more cops [7:59 PM] Me: abolish cops [7:59 PM] Me: freedom [8:03 PM] Me: oooo he called him eggman [8:03 PM] Me: took me a second to realize that wasn't just his name [8:03 PM] friend: he is eggman in japan and robotnic in america [8:04 PM] Me: I just think of him as Dr Eggman Robotnic [8:04 PM] Me: like bowser is King Bowser Koopa [8:04 PM] Me: Princess Peach Toadstool [8:04 PM] Me: ... I wasn't paying attention did sonic's speed just fail [8:05 PM] Me: *ring get noise* Me: oh no how many of those rings does he have [8:07 PM] Me: like not an infinite amount [8:07 PM] Me: wait [8:07 PM] Me: aren't the pyramids like [8:07 PM] Me: next to a city [8:08 PM] Me: and not in the middle of endless sand [8:08 PM] friend: yeah [8:09 PM] friend: from pictures there does seem to be a lot of sand around them [8:10 PM] Me: its the angle [8:10 PM] Me: the pyramids are like [8:10 PM] Me: inbetween endless sand and a city [8:10 PM] friend: sure [8:10 PM] Me: well he's going Blue Super Sonic [8:10 PM] Me: still not gold/yellow [8:11 PM] friend: well he does need all the chaos emeralds to go gold [8:12 PM] Me: so what is this form called [8:12 PM] Me: canonically [8:12 PM] friend: idk [8:12 PM] Me: blue lightning sonic [8:13 PM] friend: all that comes up is a truck [8:14 PM] Me: try tvtropes [8:17 PM] Me: well they're treating him like a child? I think? [8:17 PM] Me: like they adopted him [8:17 PM] Me: he's flossing and has a racecar bed [8:17 PM] Me: I think he's a child??? [8:18 PM] Me: hye look its eggman [8:18 PM] Me: he's gonna be so pissed when he gets back [8:18 PM] Me: pff stone isn't a human anymore [8:18 PM] Me: I guess the air is breathable [8:18 PM] Me: how does he get fat on msuhroom world [8:19 PM] Me: are the mushrooms edible [8:19 PM] friend: I would hope at least some of them are [8:19 PM] Me: wait why did he shave [8:19 PM] Me: I saw him do it but it's not explained why [8:19 PM] Me: did he get gum in his hair what did I miss [8:20 PM] friend: well if his mustache is any indication his hair might have gotten... idk weird, so he shaved it [8:21 PM] friend: remember end credit scenes [8:21 PM] Me: ah mood [8:21 PM] Me: I'm watching the credits yes [8:21 PM] Me: I mean I feel like shaving my head would feel infinitely weirder so I just buzz it short but mood [8:21 PM] friend: idr if there was a thing at the very end of the credits [8:21 PM] Me: oh here we go some woods TAILS [8:21 PM] Me: NO [8:21 PM] Me: they had to redesign tails [8:21 PM] Me: too [8:21 PM] Me: wait [8:21 PM] Me: uh [8:21 PM] Me: that was [8:21 PM] Me: really fast for tails [8:22 PM] Me: I guess he's not as fast as sonic but he's not supposed to be that fast [8:22 PM] Me: aaand more credits [8:22 PM] friend: well he can be fast in the games [8:23 PM] Me: he was slow in sonic boom cartoon [8:23 PM] Me: maybe???

#sonic the movie spoilers #sonic movie spoilers #gtxt

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thomcoldman-blog · 7 years ago

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Don’t Call It A Throwback

The “new old” is a phenomenon hardly unique to games, but a large corner of the medium can be identified as an intentional recreation of interactive entertainment's past. In film you have the 2011 silent film The Artist, in traditional art you naturally still see paintings in the style and approach of painters from centuries ago, and popular music is nothing if not big on recycling past sounds – just look at the turn-of-the-decade revival of 80s synth sounds in the UK. But it's in games where the past isn't so much referenced for new inspiration as it is recreated wholesale; brought out of the loft, dusted off and presented anew for a new generation of players.

Just look at the number of older games re-released in some form over the last 12 months. Off of the top of my head, I can think of Final Fantasy XII, the original PlayStation 1 Crash Bandicoot trilogy, Okami, Street Fighter 2, Pokemon Gold & Silver, PaRappa the Rapper, Yakuza (as Yakuza Kiwami), Mega Man 7 through 10, Full Throttle and the swathe of games released under the Arcade Archives and SEGA Forever banners. These releases include remasters (preserving the game with technical enchancements), remakes (building the game anew from the ground-up, often with new features) and more-or-less straight dumps of the original code running on emulation software. Whatever the format, publishers and developers are now fully committed to the notion that bringing old games to new platforms – and new players – is a winning strategy.

This is nothing new, of course, as anyone who remembers Super Mario All-Stars or the glut of Final Fantasy collections on PS1 can attest to. But classic titles working their way into the catalogues of new consoles does create an interesting juxtaposition in 2017 – as technology improves and games get more sophisticated, and new design trends emerge, what purpose does making old games readily available serve? Many new titles supplant or enhance their gameplay – of the above franchises mentioned, Pokemon, Final Fantasy and Street Fighter never slowed down, and games like Parappa and Full Throttle evolved into modern day titles like Rock Band and Telltale Game #353 Episode 1. So is it really the classic game feel that people are seeking? Or is the pull of an oldie simply born out of rose-tinted mythologising?

A handful of titles released in the last year make the argument that, actually, it's both. In 2017 SEGA released Sonic Mania; Terrible Toybox released Thimbleweed Park; and Playtonic released Yooka-Laylee. Each of these titles exists solely to recreate a particular style of game from history in the style you remember it, positing that, yeah, these games did play well, and still do. They occupy a fascinating space between ruthlessly chasing the cutting-edge, evoking classic gaming to explore more contemporary design like so many independent releases do, and bringing old titles to new platforms. In rebuilding a piece of the past that was left behind, each title ends up standing out as more interesting than they otherwise may have been in their heyday, or if they simply conformed to the modern-day standards of their genre playmates.

Let's start with Sonic Mania, a game that feels like it should have existed years ago in two ways. Firstly, it's a clear continuation of the original Sonic The Hedgehog platformers from the Mega Drive – a mission statement of the developers being to create the Sonic that the Sega Saturn never got to have. This results in a game that looks dazzling, and yet in line what with came before – this is Sonic The Hedgehog 2 with far more detail (and an extremely welcome 16:9 upgrade). This is a defining trait of the “new breed” of retro, in that it keeps what worked about the original games visually, and buffs it to a shine without it becoming unrecognisable. Sonic has always enjoyed rich sprite work and detailed backgrounds, and Mania feels as good on the eyes as players in the 90s maybe remember those original titles looking. You can imagine it being around circa 1996, blowing minds with new visual tricks like silhouettes, polygonal special stages and Sonic, Eggman and the gang's gorgeous animations – just looking a bit fuzzier on a CRT, of course.

Sonic Mania feels remarkably overdue in more recent terms, too – it has a slavish adherence to how Sonic span, rolled, bounced and launched in the Mega Drive/Mega CD quadrilogy, making the hedgehog feel better in the hands than he's felt in years. Dodgy physics and a wrong-headed speed emphasis in modern Sonic titles should have provoked a re-examination of the classic title's feel a good while ago. It's a cliché in Sonic conversations that the new is in the shadow of the old, but the idea that design progression does not necessarily mean a genre has objectively improved is a good one to keep in mind, despite it being otherwise scarcely considered. Mania doubles-down in proving the original Sonic feel needed a second outing; the physics and level design philosophy resurrected, developers Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and PagodaWest polish their levels with modern considerations including a dearth of cheap tricks, more inventive level gimmicks than those seen in the originals and an aural accompaniment that bridges poppy jazz, fidgety hip-hop and slowed-down mood music. It feels “old”, but almost only ever in ways that make the whole endeavour fun and surprising.

Thimbleweed Park mostly follows that same philosophy, and is largely as successful with it. Thimbleweed is an adventure game ripped straight out of the late 80s and mid-90s, complete with roughly a third of the screen lost to an ever-present inventory and list of possible actions. Akin to Maniac Mansion, you have a handful of characters to use at any time, and progression requires solving puzzles that tend to require an item being used in a particular way on a particular object or character. Like Mania, Thimbleweed takes that structure – one that used to too often be riddled with obtuse puzzles married to logic from the thirteenth dimension – and refines it, with puzzles following more earthbound ways of thinking and a handy hint system riffing on the old hint lines that no doubt rang up some hefty phone bills in the point'n'click heyday.

As someone who was born the year before Day Of The Tentacle released, I've had to experience classic point'n'click through reissues, which has occasionally been a frustrating experience. Thimbleweed felt like a more comfortable ride, a game I saw through to the finish with the right ratio of time being stumped and time making progress. The game has a lovely, corny sense of humour that always feels to follow Lucasarts' (and Double Fine's) games about, and the game's look is gorgeous sprite work – again, like Sonic, this is an old aesthetic as they truly imagined it. The game isn't necessarily a better time than, say, Day Of The Tentacle – it's not as funny or as clever at its heights, and the ending is maybe a little too self-indulgent – but its flaws never felt like they came from its inspirations. This type of adventure game, a remotely hands-off experience with plenty of opportunities for experimentation and getting stuck, felt relevant again.

Having not played Yooka-Laylee, I can't comment too much on its success, but based on commentary it sounds rather similar to something I have played – 2008's Mega Man 9, one of the earliest original titles to turn back the clock on gaming's progress. That game was brutal – its 8-bit style offered minimal improvements over what was capable on the Nintendo Entertainment System, and so did its gameplay, full of rock-solid boss encounters, pixel-perfect jumps and overwhelming enemy opposition. It felt like an old Mega Man game, but as someone who only played their first Mega Man game in 2007, it felt /exactly/ like a Mega Man game – my time with Mega Man 3 (that is, dying a lot) was more or less the same time as I had with MM9. It felt squarely for classic fans – a novelty, though undoubtedly a well-made one. As far as the commentary I've seen surrounding Yooka-Laylee, it sure sounds similar, stringent design authenticity taking the place of considered design. I don't want to write off a game I haven't played, but as exciting as the new breed of “original throwback” is, this is an important pitfall to signpost.

There are other examples of this kind of throwback, of course – 2014's Shovel Knight is a keenly-made mash-up of elements of Castlevania, Ducktales and Zelda 2, and like Sonic and Thimbleweed it beautifully maintains a era-appropriate look whilst working with more colours and on-screen objects than that hardware could manage. Its level design is tight, challenging whilst constantly incorporating new ideas to keep the whole thing fresh. It's a bizarre concept, a game on the surface unnecessarily slavish to the old school ending up feeling refreshing in the finer details and overall experience, but Shovel Knight, Sonic Mania and Thimbleweed Park all manage to pull this off with aplomb, and they set an exciting precedent for die-hard fans and embattled veterans to spruce up long forgotten gameplay styles. To answer the original question, is there an appetite for the way old games play? Sure – but a side of 2010s artistry sure helps it go down well.

#gaming #sonic mania #thimbleweed park #shovel knight #yooka-laylee #mega man #retrogaming

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geek-gem · 7 years ago

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This Sonic Movie Sequel Idea

Had to click in here again okay OK KO is on, "My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad" yeah that's the title my phone remembers the words.

But this....I'm gonna tell you it's very random and makes no sense. This is something that has been in my mindset for maybe since August maybe I forgot now it's September and just.....it's insane...

It's basically my fan fiction and this idea.....I think about it at times. But I'm thinking about other fandoms because the obsession with that Sony Sonic movie in 2019 and thinking of a cinematic universe and sequels. Basically if you've been following me and saw that post imagine if combing both the stories of Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 into a movie.

Of just how insane it would be. This is basically the crowing beautiful thing I keep imagining and want for a Sonic movie sequel despite we haven't gotten a movie yet. But also just.....I should mention I really like BVS as a film. Including yes the ultimate edition.

Just....I want to write this because I feel this might never happen or could happen yet it's seriously insane.

Basically it's a battle between Super Sonic, Super Shadow, Metal Sonic, and Perfect Chaos against the Biolizard who's basically been wanting to say this I forgot the God damn Doomsday.

It's a battle so huge and is supposed to be the big highlight of the film and it's themes and other stuff and what it means for the franchise.

Basically it's this idea that the Biolizard is on Earth now wanting to kill everything on Earth and Shadow tries to stop it but gets his ass kicked so Super Sonic and Perfect Chaos and also Chaos is basically reformed and now using his form and powers to try to kill the Biolizard. Yet the Biolizard is programmed and grown to be huge and is able to survive and handle itself against beings like Super Sonic and Perfect Chaos. After the two try to keep fighting the Biolizard and it kills a shit ton of people including Station Square is fucked up because Chaos flooded the place which makes it worse. Along with using many of it's powers like the laser out of it's mouth and bubbles and just which helps it against Perfect Chaos. But Shadow with the help of Sonic becomes Super Sonic I remember decides to forcefully bring the Biolizard into space and even punch it up higher and wants then others to fire the Space Colony Ark's Eclipse Canon

Okay my mom came in and had to put some clothes away just socialized with her a bit to not be weird including used Google to spell eclipse it's difficult and changed channel to MTV 1

But okay read it he wants the others to fire the Ark's Eclipse Canon at the Biolizard and he's trying to keep it still also this is a reference to the ending of Shadow's game where he takes the Black Comet in space. But Perfect Chaos see's what Shadow is doing but he doesn't know theirs a plan going on so Chaos decides to shoot a laser from his mouth that can go into space everyone is shocked and doesn't like this and fearing all this energy could seriously not just kill the Biolizard but also Shadow. So Shadow notices this and shocked but he decides to keep going and the Ark is still gonna fire so he tries his best to hold the Biolizard enough where both the Eclipse Canon and Perfect Chaos's can hit the Biolizard at the same time hoping it can kill it and Shadow having to keep the Biolizard in place.

Also said hi to dad after I put Chaos's.

Both enegry beams from the Eclipse Canon and Perfect Chaos hit Biolizard and Super Shadow at the same time. Thus theirs a mixture of green stuff and blue white stuff in the air the battle is taking at night time almost to morning. It's like a nuke went off in space and everyone is shocked and freaking out. Then two things crash down from space. The biggest one being the Biolizard crashes down in a part of Station Square and the other the smaller one is Shadow and he crashes down some where far from Station Square.

The others including some far away from the battle realize and figure out the Biolizard can not be killed unless it's by pure Chaos enegry mainly straight to the heart. Including it's been now breed to be so tough it just can't die.

So Super Sonic and Perfect Chaos try to fight the Biolizard and at first it kills a shit ton of people in the part of Station Square it's at.

While Shadow still in his Super state is just in rough shape but others find him and he decides to fly back where the battle is going on.

The Biolizard is taking a lot of beatings yet able to kick Super Sonic's ass and even Perfect Chaos too. Then Metal Sonic comes in using his shield and his beam thing that can be fired from his chest which is more powerful now protects Sonic and yeah even shielding him from the Biolizard's laser. Then Super Shadow comes in knocks the Biolizard and makes it fly away in another direction. The reason Metal Sonic joins them and this is on his own will. Including Eggman before this was wondering where Metal Sonic went off too.

Metal Sonic has realized that if the Biolizard isn't stopped it's gonna kill the entire planet with everyone and everything on it. Along with the fact also yeah he mentions he will be the one who will kill Sonic not the Biolizard yet the main thing is the planet. So he realizes they need well super powered beings they have and can get to try to kill the Biolizard. Including Metal Sonic is built to be so powerful he's able to take on something like the Biolizard but has to be careful and use his shield a lot.

Then the huge battle is going on, Sonic and Shadow trying to keep punching the creature and speeding towards it, firing beams from their hands, also spindashes let's put the there too, Metal Sonic like Sonic and Shadow also using his beam, Perfect Chaos trying to bite and fire at the creature even trying to drown and strangle it with water and and water tentacles, and Shadow using Chaos Spear and you know what let's add Chaos Blast in there too. Also during that while all four are trying to keep blasting it, as Shadow arrives by firing a beam at the Biolizard it fights back using it's laser from it's mouth and a laser stand off ensures as Shadow let's out battle cry or something and even the Biolizard roars while firing but the laser is so powerful it boosts up and now pushes Shadow away far away yet Shadow is still going and gets back up.

Seriously the fight is insane, big, people stuck in buildings or just all around are watching and trying to get away from the fight. Along with theirs News helicopters getting footage from far away of what's happening. Seriously everyone's freaking out and terrified because their hasn't been something this big that so many lives are at stake and so much energy all around. Including the Biolizard smacking around the four even at times grabbing them with the tail.

Yet after so much fighting and Shadow now far away and just beaten very badly. He see's Sonic, Metal Sonic, and Chaos keep going at it with the Biolizard but it's not stopping. Including it's becoming more powerful even as the three with Chaos trying to hold it down with tentacles, and Sonic and Metal firing at it for a long time at the same time hoping it can be killed from all of that.

Shadow realizes and surrounded by others people he's met that made him rethink what he's been doing. Seeing the Biolizard not dying and realizing even more it's never gonna stop until everyone is dead. It's never gonna tire until it's mission is complete.

Now a thought by me when I was typing that. He and the others I'm gonna others now they realize this is basically Shadow before he thought of other things. Consent anger and hatred of everything. The one thing he was becoming. Including it's taken so many lives and it's Shadow's fault in a way why it's their and everyone realizes this.

Then Shadow thinks about this. He realizes even more of what he needs to do. But he also realizes even more in depth of Maria's promise. He now realizes and the others see his reaction that he knows now why Maria wanting to give the people of Earth a chance to be happy. They are like Maria, they have families and friends they love and care about. Along with the idea not everyone is bad and people make mistakes and their can be forgiveness. Along with the idea Maria sacrificed herself so he make the world a better place, to give them a chance.

He tells these others what's he learned of even more into Maria's promise and seeing everyone in fear of what could be their death tonight. He mentions that Maria gave shit a message scared me. But he mentions that Maria gave him a chance and okay another message.

But Maria gave him a chance and wanted him promise her to help people. Including saying he wants to give them a chance be happy. During this talking he summons a Chaos Spear big enough and after he's done talking he gets off the ground and fly's off while the others have in a way realized what he meant that Maria gave him a chance despite dying in the end, and what he said to them.

As he flies towards the Biolizard and Sonic see's Shadow coming and this idea that he thinks Shadow is gonna do something crazy including before he got off the ground he took all four of his inhibitor rings off to make sure this attack works. Sonic yells at him of don't you dare. Shadow doesn't care because he knows what he has to do.

He gets close to the Biolizard and stabs with enough power to get the Chaos Spear near where the heart is at. With the Biolizard roaring in agony and the other three Sonic, Metal, and Chaos fall back because of so much chaos enegry around Shadow and the Biolizard. The Biolizard takes this chance and some how is able to stab Shadow where his heart is and his scream is so loud that everyone in Station Square can hear his screaming of agony. Including because he's in his Super state and all four rings are off.

Despite the pain that is so painful and the Biolizard looking at him in anger. Shadow tries to keep pushing the Chaos Spear into the Biolizard's heart and as he goes through the Biolizard's heart the chaos enegry gets out of control and the I'll add this the Biolizard roars in pain and Shadow screams in pain one final time and at this state it's so loud and him using all his power with his rings all off. Shadow's scream is so loud and powerful it's heard beyond Earth such as other dimensions and other planets or others.

Basically I thought now around the world but also hinting the idea even Blaze from the Sol dimension, the Deadly Six on the Lost Hex, maybe hint at Dark and Light Gaia too, and also Infinite hear his scream.

As the energy around them drops even the Biolizard drops. Then we see Shadow in his super form with the huge gash where his heart is at, and his eyes in shock, and mouth opened worth blood coming out a bit, in slow motion he's begins falling down to the ground a visual reference to his fall or basically his death scene in Sonic Adventure 2 where he falls to Earth. But this time Sonic manages to catch him before he hits the ground. Yet he realizes when he is about to catch Shadow.

Shadow is dead after that last burst of energy. Their was no life flowing through him. Including as he slowly loses his super state.

As everyone is shocked and everyone who are close to the battle which well Chaos who returns in his normal state, Metal, Amy, Tikal, and anyone involved with Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 and even new characters try to get over to Sonic still in his Super state holding Shadow's lifeless body. Sonic sets down on the ground, I had an idea Metal and Chaos would help carry him that's part of a joke picture in my head.

Yet as Sonic sets down he slowly sets Shadow on the ground, and everyone surrounds them. Including Amy goes to Shadow's lifeless body and gets on her knees with tears in her eyes and as one of the people who screamed Shadow's name when Sonic caught him as they were running towards them.

Also Sonic decides to return to his normal state. Including honestly I've decided I'll let Amy be the one who closes Shadow's eyes with her right hand. As she and others see Shadow is dead. Including even Metal and Chaos are surprised by this.

Everyone is surprised by this. As everyone see's and news helicopters film then moments with the news saying Ultimate Lifeform Dead or Ultimate Lifeform Ultimate SACRIFICE or some shit. Basically telling people the hedgehog that was trying to kill them saved them but also died in the process.

Including Sonic decides and then others hear it his famous line before he leaves the Space Colony Ark in Sonic Adventure 2, sayonara Shadow the hedgehog. Had to look on YouTube Google like last time to spell that right. Along with as Amy cries atop of Shadow.

After the death of Shadow and the destruction of Station Square things changed. But also helping out people clean the city and Chaos is reformed.

Yet everyone realized something. Shadow died saving the planet, and the fact he was the one wanting to destroy the planet so bad, he hated the world, and was despite he was programmed a bit, his emotions and rage controlled him. Yet he realized he was becoming the monster he hated and wanted to destroy. The one thing his sister Maria never wanted him to become because he couldn't deal with the idea of what she said and he was so angry. But realizing now of what he was doing.

Including the symbolism that Maria died giving Shadow a chance to escape, and Shadow died to save the planet to give everyone on Earth a chance to be happy.

People saw that he could of killed us all. But he realized what he was going and he changed and died for us. The idea a God like creature created to be the Ultimate Lifeform sacrificed himself for everyone to survive the next morning changed people. Including made even some shitty people realize of what they were doing and that someone like Shadow could give their life for everyone like that despite everything that's happened to him. What could they do to change their lives.

Except Eggman yet he was still surprised by the fact Shadow died to save everyone but didn't change. Yet Metal Sonic actually even reconsidered his life is and what is he doing. That someone like Shadow similar to him would actually do that. Along with the idea...it made Metal feel emotion and the idea.....does he really wanna kill Sonic anymore. Or should he just stop. Along with Chaos learning more the world isn't such a bad place no more and the Chao are okay. Yet seeing Shadow die for the planet even made him think differently of others now despite both having similar goals of hating the world and killing everyone.

Including maybe not the next day maybe a week later theirs a massive memorial for Shadow as even GUN and everyone else decides to give him a burial, with everyone attending except Eggman and any of his robots. Okay yeah Chaos and Tikal. But also Sonic watching from building but still there.

Including it's a visual reference to him sitting on a building in that one end credits animation from Sonic X the one with Amy in it. Along with as he watches and thinks about what happened the past week. About how things changed now.

Theirs even a statue of Shadow using his post of his CGI model for Sonic Adventure 2 the one seen in the part after the credits that models. Theirs also memorial stones with everyone's names who died during that night at Station Square.

Including so many people attend and they even bring candles or just...it's like a monument yeah it's that and had to look on YouTube Google for that word monument. Where they are sad for everyone but also Shadow's death.

Including afterwards the memorial service is done. Sonic and others are just standing near it but not too close such as under some trees.

Along with Sonic talking about Shadow doing that and how it made him think a bit and others. Basically what I talked about. His death changed people. It made people realize they could change, their can be forgiveness, yet even beings like Shadow could help out to give us a chance. Thought about that a bit more in detail.

After that it's mainly done. Also stuff like a post credits scene showing Blaze maybe yeah I think it was coming into their world now or her dimension after Shadow's death things such as dimensional rifts are slowly opening. Along with some how a end credits scene with the Deadly Six.

Honestly....well God damn I've been writing this for hours....oh stomach yet yeah that's my idea.......I can't typo more it's length tags

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