#it was COMIC GOLD seeing her in cutscenes

[heptadecaph0bia]

about all my gods' main subplot: a rant

ok so just to preface this, this is basically the main subplot of the game. so venus approaches you when you start the game and tells you something that i dont remember but she tells you basically "wow hah hey cute boy build three flowerbeds for me? for me? please?" AND YOU HAVE TO FUCKING DO IT BECAUSE OTHERWISE THE GAME DOESN'T PROGRESS BUT JUST KNOW I WOULD KILL HER INSTEAD IF OFFERED THE OPTION. so i make the fucking flower beds (and i always fucking destroy them right after she completes the quest (also i fucking hate this AGAIN because it makes me spend science points on like. DECORATIVE SHIT WHEN IDGAF ABOUT THIS AT ALL. MY CITIES IN THIS GAME ARE ALWAYS FUNCTION ONLY)) and then you get a fucking cutscene about a messenger of mars informing him that I AM COURTING HIS GIRL WHEN IN FACT I AM DOING NO SUCH THING. so he gets pissed. he comes to me and says give me 10000000000 gold in 1 minute or face my Wrath like. WHAT DO YOU MEAN? WHAAAAT. LIKE AT THIS POINT YOU HAVE LIKE 400 MAX AT ANY GIVEN TIME AND EVEN THEN I WAS ALWAYS POOR AS BUNS. I HAD LIKE. 20. AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. so he LIGHTS MY ENTIRE TOWN ON FIRE. and i don't have wells or access to the ocean so every single person has to go to the river to get water to put out buildings and then the fire spreads and 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔 DING DING DING DING DING 🔔🔔DING🔔DI🔔🔔N🔔G. dont get me started. so i resolve that and surely you think this must be the end. surely angelicus has learnt his lesson from that to not even BREATHE in venus's direction. NO. now i have to build her statues and you see where this is going.

so mars gets mad AGAIN and i resolve it AGAIN and at some point HE BRINGS HIS MOM INTO THIS WHICH MAKES IT WORSE CUS SHE BREAKS BUILDINGS AND NOW I HAVE TO REPAIR THEM WHICH COSTS MATERIALS AND MONEY WHICH FUCK YOU. mars basically agrees "make me three obelisks and ill lay off" which i hate again cus the game only has 2 kinds of obelisk so i have to make two of one kind, kys. BUT THIS DOES NOT LAY HIS MOM OFF OF ME. SHE KEEPS FWACKING ME UP. idr how you get her to lay off but. THIS FUCKING COMIC CUTSCENE. AND LET ME PASTE THIS IN BECAUSE THIS MADE ME MAAAD

Meanwhile, the young god had gained the favor of fair Venus and asked her out on a date… …"Nor need I write - to tell the tale, My pen were doubly weak: Oh! what can idle words avail, Unless the heart could speak?" - he confided from his perch on one knee. They stood and freated their eyes on the sunet, watching as the sun slowly sank into the abyss of the sea… "She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes"… Let's leave these love birds…

THIS MADE ME SO MAD. CUS WHAT. LOOK AT MY BOY

AND TELL ME HE LIKES WOMEN. WHAAAT. ALSO HIS POETRY IS BUNS. PUT DOWN THE PEN BOY. AND IT JUST MADE ME ANGRY CUS LIKE. WHY WOULD YOU KEEP FUCKING COURTING HER IF YOU LIKE MEN AND ALSO HER MAN IS BEATING YOUR ASS AND HE ROPED HIS MOM INTO IT TO BEAT YOUR ASS TOO? FOOLISH BOY. anyways eventually angelicus is made a god and mars is like "yeah i believed in him all along" WHEN LITERALLY THE FIRST CUTSCENE MARS IS LIKE "FUCK HIS ASS AND HIS FATHER THIS KID WILL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING" and just die. die .die.deied.eididiel.d.de

[marisoft-paint-adventures]

Pgs. 385 - 445

TG: skepticism is the crutch of cinematic troglodytes TG: like hey mom dad theres a dinosaur or a ghost or whatever in my room. "yeah right junior go back to bed" TG: fuck you mom and dad how many times are we going to watch this trope unfold it wasnt goddamn funny the first time i saw it TG: just once id like to see dad crap his pants when a kid says theres a vampire in his closet TG: "OH SHIT EVERYONE IN THE MINIVAN" TG: be fuckin dad of the year right there

so fucking true Dave, keep spitting.

EB: that's fine, you are entitled to your opinion, i am just saying that being a white guy who is a rapper with a ventriloquist doll is not cool by any stretch of the imagination or by any definition of word cool, ironic or otherwise. that's all i'm saying.

ULTIMATE WHITE BOY BRO STRIDER.

oh hey it’s the page I used to showcase Hussie’s affinity for slurs.

uh

still bad.

me when I fucking sTAB MY MOTHER.

I’m having rough flashbacks to HS^2 and I don’t like it.

also I just gotta say that Mom is the coolest looking person in this entire comic I mean just look at this fucking POSE.

it just screams “hello daughter you are going to get fuckin served.”

yes. the pony. beloved Maplehoof.

I’ve always seen this idea that the process of creating Earth, and by extension Universe B, involved taking the attributes and interests of the 12 trolls and morphing them into brand new instances and ideas, like how Gamzee’s Juggalo religion manifested as ICP on Earth.

I like to think that the entirety of the For Assholes book series exists through a recycling of Karkat’s personality.

also that fucking Asshole Note is comedy gold.

aw yeah time to fucking beat the shit out of an imp let’s

shit.

W magnet.

alright for real this time let’s kick the shit out of this imp.

goddammit.

also another White John can be found in this flash, collect all 7 to turn Super White.

also the Egbert Centipede I guess.

Tip: I am so fucking mad.

OK 1 MORE TIME.

he did it. he destroyed the fucker. John man.

YES.

DO THE THING.

YEEEAAAAAAH.

yeah.

fuck you cat I am about to revive.

IT’S HER, CLOWN GRANDMA.

HI NANNA.

TG: i mean dont get me wrong i think its cool and all TG: the semi-ironic puppet thing or whatever TG: or semi-semi ironic TG: man i dont even know TG: im just starting to think some of this shit is going a little far and its kind of fucked up TT: I've seen his websites. TT: I like them.

what did she mean by this.

what did she mean by this?

what did she mean by this?!

TG: oh man i wish lil cal wouldnt look at me like that TG: with those dead eyes jesus TG: sometimes i dream that hes real and hes talking to me and i wake up in a cold sweat and basically flip the fuck out

not saying it.

Page 422, titled “[S] GO ON. ==>” completely underrated flash, just listen to this fuckin song.

it captures the feeling of a big expository RPG cutscene so damn well I love it, it’s like I’m a kid again.

this is also just one of my favorite Sburb mechanics, I love the concept of basically deciding the abilities and aesthetics of the NPCs via prototyping, it’s such a cool little thing and opens up a lot of possibility for any fan-sessions.

JOHN: ok, i think i get it now! JOHN: so i guess the battle against good and evil is sort of irrelevant? well, i don't know, that all sounds kind of weird, but in any case, we build the house to get to these gates, and then i can save my dad! NANNASPRITE: Yes, John! JOHN: and then after that, we solve this ultimate riddle thing and save earth from destruction!!! NANNASPRITE: Oh no, I'm afraid not!

NANNASPRITE: Your planet is done for, dear! There is nothing you can do about that! JOHN: oh...

I fucking love this sequence because John activates the Cheery Protagonist Mode ready to assemble a team of teens with attitude in order to save the world from Dark Chess and whatever only to hear that the entire world will end and his response is just “aw..... :(”

I went on this entire shpeel about the potential of writing an isolationist John based off of willy nilly prose narration at the beginning but MAN do the early versions of the kids not give a SHIT about what’s going on.

“John Egbert, the Earth is doomed, it is going to explode, all life will die, you and your friends will be the last living things remaining.”

“:(”

AND THEN HE JUST MOVES ON.

this is a very weird moment that sticks out when looking at the comic as a whole because the weight of literally all life dying at once is nonexistent, but at the same time, this is fucking hilarious.

it makes think about a lot of rewrites I’ve seen where they try, emphasis on try, to give the fact that world ends more emotional relevance, and they basically kinda force this by introducing random background characters who are obviously going to die immediately.

like “oh hi my name is Huma Nfriend I’ve been besties with John Egbert since childhood we’re very close and cool and we’re gonna play a game called Sburb!!!” and then they just

I understand y’all want to make the characters actually feel something in regards to the entire home blowing the fuck up but there’s gotta be better ways than inventing some characters just to fridge.

also John does this.

uh, yeah. I don’t know.

he’s having a moment.

just give him some space.

ok now that’s just rude.

god Rose’s house during the winter is so pretty.

holy shit a Jade and Rose conversation, I hope we get plenty of these! (we do not.)

Jade knows about Sburb??? and it could bring Jaspers back to life???? what could it me- ok this joke already fucking sucks.

ah yeah it’s time to beat the shit out of the local whiteboy.

this shit is so fucking cool oh my god.

also there are literally meteors falling as Dave looks out and I guess he does give a shit.

[assassyart]

Alright, I'll try my best :P

— R&C 1's ending

Honorable mentions:

Something about how Ratchet and Clank are separating, and how it's Ratchet that calls for Clank to join him? "We still need to fix that arm" is just so perfect. And, bonus, I love that this ending is paralleled in A Crack in Time, with Ratchet & Clank walking off into the distance. It gives the player a false sense of security that the game is over because of the fact it came full circle to the beginning of the series.

It does feel a bit bittersweet knowing the arm Ratchet repaired is now forever gone by RA, though.

— Ratchet & Clank physically reuniting in A Crack In Time

Don't have a lot to say about this one, it's just SO good. Ratchet jumping off the platform to certain doom, yelling Clank's name to wake him up, and then catching him and the SMILE they share as he has to quickly redirect himself before they crash... GOSHHHH, it's so gooood!!!!!

— That one scene in A Crack in Time

I loved seeing Ratchet support Clank despite obviously not wanting to let him go, and to finally see Ratchet & Clank hug was the best. And as I mentioned before, seeing Ratchet and Clank walk off in the distance like they did in R&C1 was also super cool. In general, the entire A Crack in Time ending is just phenomenal.

We don't talk about what else happens in this scene, though.

— Deadlocked's ending

The best way to end Ratchet's fame arc was definitely Deadlocked. Ratchet coming to terms with what being a hero really means throughout the game via Ace Hardlight's downfall was a treat, but his speech towards Vox at the end was the cherry on top. It really showed that he learned a lesson, and was ready to throw everything away to save the lives of the many.

Might be a bit grim, but I absolutely LOVE when a character accepts their own death. I eat it up every time. Self-sacrifice is the epitome of being a hero to me, and Ratchet checked that box in Deadlocked. It's easily one of my favorite Ratchet character moments and is made even better by the fact Clank had his back to save him from his own self-sacrificing mindset. Beautiful.

— Rift Apart's Savali hoverboot section

Not a cutscene, but damn, this part of the game was so cool to me. Despite having mixed feelings on Rift Apart and especially how they introduced the hoverboots in this game, I absolutely loved using the hoverboots, and being able to truly show off how cool the movement could be in the timed hoverboot section on Savali was awesome! It's one of the most fond memories I have of when I first played Rift Apart, and every time I play the game, I return to that section just for fun.

— The Comics.

all of it. but especially the part where talwyn crashed into a ship to save ratchet. that was gold. honestly. anytime i see talwyn. two big thumbs up.

— Courtney Gears' music video

It's a classic. 🕺

— Into the Nexus's beginning cutscene, and its ending

Such a bittersweet game with a bittersweet ending. I've talked about this ending a lot in the past and how crazy it makes me, but the line "There's more for me here than over there" lives in my brain. And then Clank grabbing the Dimensionator as well?? Such a good ending, and it honestly left me quite satisfied for the *checks watch* eight years i had to wait for a continuation of the main series.

I also smashed in the beginning of the game with this because I wanted to just quickly mention how absolutely adorable the beginning to that game is. Talwyn's so cute trying to make Ratchet laugh!! I just wish we could see more of her and her dynamic with Ratchet.

that'll be it for now! there's definitely moments i love in every game. these are just all the scenes my sleepy, half-awake brain can think of off the top of my head :)

Words can't express how happy I am to have found your blog.

Can't wait to see more. Expect hearts on old stuff.

Actually, maybe expect me to join in.

Oh, right, this is an ask box. What's your favourite scene from the entirity of the R&C franchise?

Thanks so much, you're so sweet!!! :D Feel free to spam, I definitely don't mind lol. It makes me happy to know people like my art!

As for your question, it's a difficult one! I could probably pinpoint a scene that stuck out to me in all the games because every game probably has at least SOMETHING I liked in it, but we'll just stick with the one!

I think the ending to A Crack in Time has got to be my favorite! Orvus's speech and his last words paralleling Azimuth's "the universe has a cruel sense of humor" line, Azimuth's sacrifice and redemption, Clank joining Ratchet right before he leaves... it's a beautiful ending to a beautiful game, and the franchise has never really reached that level of peak for me ever since, story-wise.

Not to say I don't enjoy the games that come after, but A Crack in Time is just on a completely different level.

[greyias]

So I kind of broke things epically on the Public Test Server tonight...

[orojuice]

Vanishing Point: Alternate Cut

A short comic I made with u/Sha-Yurigami featuring an alternate take on the Vanishing Point boss fight. The last of the NMH3: Alternate Struggles mini-series.

While I appreciated the exotic way that Kimmy Love/Howell played with the alien’s theme of “memory”, I was hoping for a more elaborate kill trip down memory lane. Nothing too extravagant. In fact, you could just play around with existing assets.

Just odd Arkham Knight-esque visual discrepancies that pop out without Travis noting them:

Like Jeane being a kitten again.

Shinobu wearing her school uniform while in her hospital bed.

Bad Girl not having her TSA crown and just drinking beer when you visit her.

Fu and Damon’s star-shaped tower and other alien structures being completely missing from Santa Destroy’s skybox.

It comes to a head when Travis visits the video store and mistakes Buzariashvili Bishop for his brother, the deceased Georgy. Apologizes. And then asks him tell his brother that he said hi.Sylvia manages to get him back on track with a phone call reminding him to go after “the Drifter”, who is now no longer on the top of a building, but is now hiding out in the baseball stadium of Santa Destroy.

When Travis goes there and confronts “the Drifter”, he sees Vanishing Point eating hotdogs and drinking beer instead. The sight of the alien snaps Travis out of his weird haze, and he berates the extraterrestrial for both messing with his memories and attacking his town.Vanishing Point scoffs at the latter, claiming that he’s pawed through the lavatory that is Travis’ brain, so he’s aware that Travis has been spilling blood all over Santa Destroy long before he, Fu, and the others made planetfall. He’s no protector. He’s just some crazed psycho killer with a beam katana. So naturally, a superhero’s got to put a stop to his rampage. Even if said superhero has to peel back his mind until he’s a drooling, witless husk. Then it’s only proper to give such a vacuous creature a quick mercy killing, right?

As Vanishing Point is saying this, a distorted version of Dr. Peace’s ��The virgin child makes her wish without feeling anything” which builds in intensity and malice as the conversation between Travis and Vanishing Point becomes more hostile.

The big gimmick in the fight besides Vanishing Point’s blades, sartry kicks, phantoms of Gold Joe and Mr. Blackhole, and 80s grid projectile nonsense is that he “steals” Travis’ memories during each phase, rendering the assassin into his TSA, NMH2, and finally NMH1 skins that are typically available to the player after finishing NMH3.

Phase 2: Peels Travis back into his TSA self, while robbing him of every Death Glove Skill besides Death Force as that was one of the first Death Glove Chips he had access to in TSA.

Phase 3: Peels Travis back into his NMH2 self, robbing him of both his Death Glove Skills and his ability to jump. Jeane’s voice (as she only started talking in TSA) no longer provides battle commentary.

Phase 4: Peels Travis back into his NMH1 self, robbing him of his Tension meter and associated combos.

When Travis brings Vanishing Points HP down to zero, it has him stumble and get into a combat stance like the bosses did when you beat them in NMH1. A cutscene plays of Travis slicing off Vanishing Point’s left arm, and he’s about to land the killing blow to this weird half-horse, Mega Man-looking freakshow who he doesn’t remember having any beef with but who’s trying to kill him so whatever, when all of a sudden…this comic happens.

Besides the obvious allusions to Jeane’s boss fight in NMH1, I threw in a couple of remixed videogame and superhero comic references in. See if you can spot them all!

Or don’t.

You can just let this moment come and go.

[mk-wizard]

Big Hero 6 The Series: It could have been better

Hello, friends. Today, I will be analyzing a TV series based on a movie that I fell in love with for its colourful themes, deep plot, compelling characters, great CGI and memorable messages. Before I get into it, I want to take a moment to say that I have quit doing videos. They are too big of a pain in the petunia to make and I write better than I speak, so I will stick to writing essays, reviews and more. Anyway, onto the analysis.

All I can say about Big Hero 6 the series is that it had a great concept, it presented some great ideas and tried hard to be a cartoon of the times, but it could have and should have been a lot better. The show’s downfall all centers around trying too hard to be kid friendly which makes the shame sting all the more because Big Hero 6 was already kid friendly even with its dark themes, sharp edges and intelligent writing. If anything, even the brightest kid friendly cartoons (Steven Universe, She-Ra, etc.) had those things and actually benefitted from them. By needlessly trying too hard, character development got scrapped, the edges were all smoothed out, storytelling was subpar, the humour was too silly and the executive meddling in the end produced a dismal final season. However, I don’t want this analysis to be one lengthy negative rant about how awful the series was because in its defense, awful is an unfair word. It did have potential and ideas which are worth carrying over to a reboot that I hope will be done someday in the future. Also, we should root for a reboot because Big Hero 6 would not be the first story that needs it before striking gold. Just look at how many times Spider-Man was rebooted in film before MCU found the version that worked. Anyway, I will list all the things in Big Hero 6 that could have been better in my opinion;

1- Go easy on the laughs and be more generous with the action. - I love adding comedy to my own writing because I think a good sense of humour makes everything better, but Big Hero 6 is not a stand up comedy routine. It is a superhero story where we expect action, suspense and life or death situations that are to be taken seriously first. The comedy should be for relief and with the right timing. Also, the chibi cutscenes and having characters act like fools aren’t funny. Ren and Stimpy are the exception not the standard and their way of making you laugh doesn’t fit an action series. In a show as big as Big Hero 6, real life physics and danger matters.

2- Make the villains menacing and gritty. - I admit that after having a movie villain like Yokai who was the stuff of nightmares, it is going to be a challenging act to follow, but it was obvious that the writers were trying especially with some villains who could have easily gone into some dark relatable territory. For example, Mr. Sparkles (the gentleman in the photo above) embodies social media and Internet personalities. Right off the bat, you have a long list of things which embody the dark side of that like scams, fraud, using social media to dox or harass, driving people to suicide, online predators, the Internet personalities being very depressed people in real life, and much more horrifying things. When you stop and look at it, Mr. Sparkles even looks like the Joker which hints how dark and scary he could have been if the stops were removed. The same goes for enemies like Hardlight who embodies online gaming, Liv with cloning, Obake an amoral and insane scientist, and Trina and Noodle Burger Boy (more on him later) being evil robots. Globby especially should have been painted and written in much darker colours rather being played off for laughs because he has many parallels with Clay Face. The only two villains who I can say were supposed to be campy, charming and comical were Baron Von Steamer and Supersonic Sue because they were a satire of the Adam West style villains.

The rest of them needed to be dark and threatening including Mr. Sparkles. In fact, I would love a rebooted version of Mr. Sparkles who gives me the heebie-jeebies. Going back to Noodle Burger Boy, I must confess that I was actually excited when I heard that he was going to be the main villain of the final season because I thought he was going to fulfill his master’s final wish and as a reminder, Noodle Burger Boy was based on a super robot for military purposes.

It would have been fantastic if Noodle Burger Boy was upgraded into a full military war machine with a new threatening look. For that, I think all of the villains deserve to be rebooted and have their full potential unlocked for better or for worse.

3- A show about geniuses merits genius level art quality. - I am usually forgiving towards art styles, but in the case of Big Hero 6, the oversimplified style with minimal details and lack of textures did not suit the show. The characters blend in with the background which makes them look flat and the special effects were extremely dulled down. I also know for a fact that Disney can do a lot better than this because I saw how superbly Tangled the Series was drawn.

You can see and almost feel the difference in quality, the number of layers and level of detail between the two styles. I think there was no excuse Big Hero 6 was not done in the same style and at the same level if not better as Tangled.

3- Don’t dumb down or flanderize amazing characters. - I absolutely detest it when characters are flanderized because it makes them one dimensional and grating. For example, Go Go is tough as nails and extremely calm, but she is not cold or hesitant towards helping her friends. She doesn���t require very special episodes for us to know that. If anything, the movie version of Go Go reminded me a lot of Garnet in how she deconstructed the broody character. She isn’t cold or emotionless. Just calm and mature. Another good example was how Honey Lemon was rewritten to be overly positive to the point of toxicity, naïve and oblivious with a juvenile obsession with stickers. Then you have poor Fred who was rewritten to be an incompetent fool. The spark that makes Big Hero 6 shine is that they are a team of geniuses meaning they are all intelligent. Even Fred is genius in his own way just not a scientific one. He has a vivid imagination, he is resourceful and can get himself out of tight spots. Please, don’t turn characters into dummies especially if their intelligence is a part of them. It doesn’t make them better or funnier. It ruins them.

4- Tadashi needs closure and honour. - I am all for Hiro making peace with the loss of his brother, but Tadashi is to the Big Hero 6 team what Uncle Ben was to Spider-Man. His loss was the catalyst if not the reason. He should never be forgotten. Moreover, there was never any true closure to him especially with the possibility that he may still be alive up in the air. After all, like Callaghan, his body was never found and it turned out that Callaghan was still alive.

With that said, who is to say that Tadashi was not secretly still alive and just hiding or being hidden? This is something that Disney really needed to clear up if not for the fans, then at least as a service to such an important character. Never just forget about them.

5- The format can only be episodic with a deep plots, continuity and character development. - Random episodes with a mere monster of the day is an outdated format which doesn’t fit Big Hero 6′s modern and bright setting. In seasons 1 and 2, when the episodes were plot heavy with character development, the series shined brightest. It also helped move the story along, but with the final season, plot was removed, closure was abandoned or poorly written if any was given, and characters were disallowed from growing. A good example at how plot and character development could have made this series and its characters better was the relationship between Hiro and Megan. Would it have truly survived or would they have broken up?

Would Richardson Mole have eventually lost interest in his obsession with besting and bullying Fred or would his obsession consume him compelling him to become a super villain? I do see quite a few similarities between Mole and Reverse Flash.

Then you have Karmi who is in my opinion, the biggest wild card of the bunch. She was intentionally introduced as an arrogant, prickly and unlikable yet complex character who rivaled Hiro bitterly.

Yet had a huge crush on his alter ego and as time went on, started to grow up and even form a friendship with Hiro. What would have happened further down the road with her? Would she have become a super hero herself? Or maybe even another love interest for Hiro kind of like how Black Cat is for Spider-Man?

Is Obake really gone?

What does the future hold Diana (Liv’s clone), Liv herself or the Sycorax the genetics company?

Is Alistair Krei going to become an ally to Big Hero 6 or an antagonist? There is also the issue at how little we know about the other Big Hero 6 characters other than Fred, Hiro and Baymax. What are Honey Lemon, Wasabi and Go Go’s backstories? These questions matter and while not every mystery can be solved, leaving none of them solved is lazy writing.

6- Executives, kindly stay out of the writing and any other part of the creative process. - I’m sorry, execs, but there is no nice way to say it. History itself proves that every time executives got involved in the creative process of any media, it got worse not better. Leave the writing to the creative team and the execs should only handle the legal stuff. Please. We understand that TV is a business, but writing itself is not. It is an art which you just don’t have a talent for. Let the creative people do their thing with the freedom necessary and you do your thing, deal? Deal.

7- Focus on Hiro and Baymax. - The are the main characters so keep them at the heart of the series no matter what happens around them. That is all I can say.

And that sums up all the things that could have made Big Hero 6 the series better, but this is all just my opinion. What is yours?

PS: I am well aware that the Big Hero 6 series is being retconned because a new series called Baymax is in the works as well as the long awaited sequel to the first movie. I am looking forward to both with an open mind. PPS: I also am aware that some people liked this show the way it was including the art style and I am cool with that. An analysis for art that includes cartoons is never right or wrong. It is solely based on opinion. I may have thought this series could have been better, but there are people who make arguments that it could have been worse.

[welcometoteyvat]

@dawns-noctua so I fucked up and answered your ask way too early 💀 here’s a repost of the full character bingo

Childe

tbh I don't have much to say about him lol I don't think about him enough. I will say, from the content I've seen of him, I think he has good fans! Like childe stans (to me) feel like wholesome people? y'all don't seem to do him dirty at all and I greatly appreciate the memes and funny content as well as the serious fanwork about him; it gives him good depth and made me consider things I hadn't before! In terms of his actual character, I think his duality of being a caring brother and a fearsome harbinger is v interesting!! idk I feel like he'd have an interesting if slightly messed up perspective on life (good with kids; separates work and personal life; and yet extremely battlesexual). he's a malewife a harbinger a dead-eyes abyss survivor a pro-fisher the brother of all time a guy with no common sense and one braincell only aka he's hilarious! I enjoy his character from afar (also I'm gonna say from all the popular-ish childe ships I've seen, none of them are unrealistic pog to you guys for having taste.)

Shenhe

I don't think about her much either but I have more opinions about her lol. #1 opinion is always that she had So Much potential with chongyun, and then mihoyo dropped the trailer and never mentioned their aunt/nephew dynamic again (voicelines don't count). I also don't like how she seems to be designed as another fanservice-y cryo woman who's semi """in love""" with the traveler (ie some of her interactions with the traveler in the archon quest and her dialogue after you completed the moonchase main questline). Like I understand that the traveler is her first connection to mortal Liyue after being away in the adeptal sphere for so long and the traveler is supposed to be a major part of her arc but it’s giving “cryo woman is shown another side of society that she didn’t know before by the traveler” (ie Ayaka and Eula) and it’s kinda hrmmm. moving onto her actual lore, this is the part where everyone but me is wrong abt her (I’m joking.) I’m not well versed enough in xianxia tropes to talk but she draws a lot from that and being like a recluse from society because she’s been unlucky from birth; I appreciate the culture stuff in that but I feel like it also makes her misinterpreted not me seeing a post about how she has yang energy like chongyun??? she has yin energy if ever I saw it. Anyways maybe I’m not looking in the right place but I also feel like she has less fanon character depth than I’d like ;.; her most popular ships are meh to me (confused on why Yun Jin is shipped with her bc to me Yun Jin’s a minor) but I love the small doodles of shenlan a Twitter artist does <3333

Itto

LOVE THIS DUDE. He’s HILARIOUS I don’t think about him enough. I’m absolutely in love with whatever his CN VA did with him bc ittos loud and long “HAHAHAHA” lives rent free in my head since he dropped on the livestream. His story quest was also super nice!! 🥺 idk if you’ve played it yet so I won’t spoil anything but they did his character really nicely and the way they expanded on the oni lore was also super cute!! also the cutscenes were 100% amazing. Idk I like that genshin finally made a heart of gold himbo who’s been through some tough days but still keeps looking up; his character complexity and overall personality is v nice!! I also like whatever him and Yoimiya’s rivalry/r/ship is in general it’s funny. I think he was a bit too much comic relief (and not enough actual character) in perilous trails but it was funny so I’ll let it slide. anyways i don’t think enough about this man he slaps.

[ageofdragon]

The Next Dragon Age, Analysis #3

Analysis #1 Skeletor  |  Analysis #2 Location, Location, Location

*Due to length, a Read More has been added. TDLR under cut, at the end.

It is finally time to talk about That image. There is so much going on in that image.  It’s brightly colored, full of motion and detail. We see familiar faces and new ones. It’s another eye-catching and gorgeous concept art. I am of course talking about this one.

Now rather than touch the obvious first. Because oh the Obvious it is so great and exciting, that we’ll leave it for last.

Rather I want to start with the overall concept. We see a group of characters diving underwater into a coral reef area. They are doing so, presumably to escape the archers above; as we see a rain of arrows into the water.

So there are two ways this could happen. This could be a scripted event within the game, in which this scene needs to take place or is an option that can take place. This could also be showing off the PCs and NPC companions abilities to FINALLY after three games be getting a swim mechanic. As we’ve spent two games confined to land and a third insta-drowning on the Storm Coast. It would certainly open up new options for moving across maps and exploring beneath them, with new treasures and areas to unlock. The last game gave us jump puzzles, we could be looking at swim puzzles in the near future. It also makes sense for this to be the game for underwater travel and just water travel in general. As the entirety of Northern Thedas has some access and dependency on coasts, bays, and oceans surrounding it.

Now let’s return to the image. If we look closely, we can see some fish among a coral reef and far in the distance is the shadows of sharks. Which could be enemies similar to those found in the Assassin’s Creed franchise or just environmental/aesthetic additions.

I also want to point out that we can see where this group is coming from. At the top of the image is the shadows of boats, which again hint towards at least having ship exploration in cutscene or mechanic. These people aren’t jumping from a dock or shore, but from ships.

The last thing I want to touch on briefly, before moving onto the characters populating this image is the treasure. At the very bottom of this picture there is a skeleton, it has pieces of coral growing out of it. Obviously it rather gruesome in a way, but has a level of nature overcoming beauty to it (for some). So I’m not going to post a close up of it, but just wanted to point that out. The skeleton also has a treasure chest in it’s arms and the lock glints, to draw attention to it. Similar to the mechanics used in many games to distinguish loot chests, again hinting towards possible underwater exploration.

Now then...the characters, I’m still going to hold off on the obvious cause I’m cruel and I Mean ;) why not. So I’m going to start in the very back first.

In the back we see the skull-headed individual from before. Though this one doesn’t have any glow to the skull. I’ve seen a lot of other theories being brought up about this character too, so I still can’t definitively say much about them. 

I am still kind of under the impression they are a Mortalitasi or tied to them. Many others have pointed out it could be a Higher Undead (mentioned in Tevinter Nights, as I stated in Analysis #1), a self-aware spirit in the body of someone who once lived and I believe similar to what Justice and Kristoff became. I’ve also heard some people wonder if it isn’t Audric, a specific higher undead that was a main character of the aforementioned Tevinter Nights story; he is known  as a guardsman who was killed before filled by another character with a spirit, and later became an archivist for the Mourn Watch. Which would tie him to the Mortalitasi, but if it is him and he is shown in all concept arts; it makes me wonder why he would be performing a dissection of a Dragon.

Next we have this woman. 

I have a friend who on first glance thought it to be Scout Lace Harding, which could be possible given the company. She also has similar armor, a possibility of freckles, and similar physical features. However, it is strange that they would choose to loosen her hair, unless it is specifically to give more convincing towards the underwater scene. And the foreshortening of the drawing, makes it hard to gauge the woman’s height as dwarva or not. It’s a bit of an unknown. That said, if it isn’t Scout Harding, I have a strong feeling it could be a default PC stand-in. There is no extremely distinct feature about her and her face is rather basic to be an instantly recognizable companion. Which says to me she’s a NPC, like Scout Harding or a PC stand-in. Unless of course Scout Harding is a companion, which I certainly won’t say no to.

And Finally, I suppose we can talk about our last two characters in this concept art.

Still working from the back, we have this handsome and fine piece of art who I really wish I could 100% confirm is our favorite Tevinter piece of ass art. However...I cannot. On first glance, it absolutely looks like Magister Dorian Pavus.

The hair, skin color, and even aesthetic all seem to match. However, there are subtle changes to the hair and facial hair (against his long-haired epilogue look) that could be enough to claim it’s another person.

He is also wearing something similar to a crow uniform and wielding a rapier. In fact, in another concept art, what I originally thought could have been Zevran; actually seems to be this guy. Though I can’t confirm that either and Maker do I hope the other guy is Zevran. If this guy is Dorian tho, then Dorian could be undercover or has a few new tricks (maybe dual-classing or going back to dao unrestricted-class weapon loadouts?) It could even just be a style choice, though it still begs the question why.

So the possibilities are that he is Magister Dorian Pavus of Ventus or some unknown Crow. Either of which aren’t bad options, but one is definitely more exciting to me than the other.

Lastly, my favorite character to ever grace the Dragon Age fandom. The Queen of the Seas herself, and beloved Rivaini.

Captain Isabela of the Felicia Armada (allegedly).

She is honestly the only one in this entire picture, I can say with almost no doubt, who she is. There is such a slim margin for this not to be her. She has her gold decorations (including the overly large, penis necklace), her captain’s pants as seen in the comics, and her top and sash as seen in the Dragon Age Inquisition multiplayer. Her appearance is one of the most unique in the series, so for her to be unrecognizable would be a hard sell. She even has her one shouldered armor piece and her earrings.

Which Isabela has been in every game to date and I do mean EVERY game, even the spin-offs for PC and mobile, why wouldn’t she be in the one game that goes north near her hometown and the seas she roams? She could be working for herself, the Inquisition, or even Hawke. But it seems no doubt we’ll be running into her and she’ll be running into a good bit of booty. After all is it even a Dragon Age game anymore if the Queen of the Seas isn’t there (and like fewer dragons than the number of times she shows up?).

tldr; underwater or at least the sea seems to be a part of the Next Dragon Age game. And Captain Isabela seems to be too, in passing or sticking around a while we don’t know. We can also count of some new companions and maybe more familiar faces, but wherever it takes us we’ll be in good company.

[comicteaparty]

April 6th-April 12th, 2020 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from April 6th, 2020 to April 12th, 2020.  The chat focused on  Adventurers’ Guild by Phillip MacArthur.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Adventurers’ Guild by Phillip MacArthur~! (https://adventurersguildcomic.com/)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace until April 12th, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Discussions are freeform, but we do offer discussion prompts in the pins for those who’d like to have them. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic! Whether you finish the comic or can only read a few pages, everyone is welcome to join and chat with us!

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 1

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic?

2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)?

3. Who is your favorite character?

4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?

5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it!

6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores?

7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content?

8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

RebelVampire

What I liked about the beginning of the comic was just the overall pacing. The comic really takes it's time to introduce the world to you and the first set of characters, and it kind of hits that right beat for me where there's a lot of information where I don't feel overwhelmed since the pacing slows to the right tempo to make it work. My favorite moment in the comic so far is probably the battle against Razoku. Without getting too specific, I love just how epic that fight was in general, and also that a character I didn't expect was down for the count for that fight, leaving everyone else to compensate. That is not something you see in stories everyday, plus I liked getting to see Jack do some work since Jack tagged along for the quest. My favorite character at the moment is probably Li, because I have a thing for enigmatic mysterious dudes who I know so little about. Plus, he's a sorceror and I always 1000% support magic classes. As for characters interacting, probably Klaus and Li. I love the hints that they really have some history here, and I like just kind of how they balance each other out. Like sometimes Li is dumb and Klaus is the smart one and then sometimes Klaus is dumb and Li is smart. And it goes on like this for a bunch of different traits, so I like that theyre both kind of on an even footing and that they have this bond and understanding the other characters don't have with them yet. So it's like this warm thing of comfort.

RebelVampire

What I like about the art is just kind of how well it emulates RPG pixel games. Especially how dialogue and other elements are handled to replicate the UI. It's a nice touch that really just kind of sells that whole game feel aesthetic. I liked that the comic explored the moral choice between helping someone vs. fulfilling your obligation. And the tangentially related "Is it okay to lie if it's a stupid noble who wants a thing for aesthetics and frivolous reasons?" Some pretty common themes, yet still important themes always worthy of discussion. I also liked how the noble knew the lie and still just accepted it anyway, since that was 100% now the outcome I was expecting. So it really takes the exploration of that theme a bit differently. What I like about the story is the same thing I like about the art: it really nails the game feel. Like I really do feel I've been watching just an epically long cutscene to some game, but as someone who does like games and RPGs, that really appeals to me. Honestly, I'd be excited to play this as an actual game so I could use Li and cast all the magic. As for the comic's strengths, game feel which I've already discussed. But in general, like the beginning, pacing. I've seen a few comics like this one, but for most the pacing usually isn't that great since pixel art really only allows for so much action to be depicted. So pacing for these things needs to be epically different than it does for most comics. I think this one really nails it, especially with combat. The comic really shows how the combat will be epic, but it doesn't try to pad it out either and just kind of embraces the limitations that come with this specific style.

warriorneedsfood

I am having a hard time engaging in the comic. The layout wasn’t very intuitive for me and it’s very small on my tablet. When I play old school rpgs I look past the interface to get to the story, but this comic embraces the format. It makes me wish the author made a game instead of the comic. However, I didn’t get very far on the first pass. I will be hunkering down with the comic later on this week to read it to get the whole impression of the story.

RebelVampire

Once I adjusted to the layout, I actually found it way easier for mobile personally.

Since I didn't really have to zoom or squint, and the panels were very responsive to touch controls

But it is definitely far from the standard so I can see it as a point of alienation

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

Gotta say, never played this kind of game so this comic isn't really for me, but I did think the format was really unique and cool

I don't have any problems reading it on my phone

Feather J. Fern

I think this premise for the layout is really interesting. I actually think it would have done really well as actually an Instagram comic due to it's scroll, square shape.

I do also have to agree if this was an actual game done on RPG Maker or something, it would fit it a lot more. But I do love the feel it is giving me.

I do have to note that the font is making it hard for me to read, since that font isn't really good for me. My own personal problem though.

I can see why they went with that choice for the old RPG feeling

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 2

9. Why do you think Myra came to Knolton, and why is she hesitant to talk to even fellow Nemians about her backstory? Additionally, why is Jack equally mysterious about his origins? How do you think the truth will change the characters’ relationships with each other?

10. Do you think Klaus will allow Kidd to join the party? If so, how will that change the current group dynamic? Additionally, how will Cedric’s secrecy effect how much trust the other’s put in him?

11. How do you think Klaus and Li met, and for what reason do you think Li joined Klaus’ clan? Additionally, what do you think Li’s backstory might be in general? Do you believe there are secrets that might change how the group sees him, or is it something more mundane?

12. Do you think the group will see Edmund or anyone else they’ve faced against again? If so, what do you think will happen? In general, how will the group’s growing fame affect them and the quests they take on?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

RebelVampire

I feel like Myra probably got exiled or something. If only cause Myra does not seem like she'd have come to Knolton by choice, and you don't conceal your backstory unless you've got embarrassing shit to hide. I assume Jack might be in the same sort of situation. I actually think if Myra and Jack talked about it, though, it'd bring them closer together, as well as the whole group. The truth sets you free and all that. As for Kidd, yes, I think Klaus will let Kidd join. Klaus seems nice like that. As for group dynamic, I think it will simultaneously make Cedric a better and worse member of the group. I kind of feel if push came to shove, Cedric would ditch the others to save Kidd, making him unreliable. But at the same time, if Kidd goes with, Cedric would probably have increased loyalty. As for Cedric's secrecy, I think it'll be a long time before anyone fully trusts him again. I get the impression that Klaus must of met Li when Li was down on his luck, and since Klaus was such a bro and a friend, of course he joined. As for Li's backstory, I actually don't have any theories, although I kind of feel Li is less secret cause of something to hide but more maybe no one asks. Though I'm sure there is at least one secret in there that will make the audience gasp. I do think the group will at least see Edmund again because Edmund seemed an important and noteworthy character who'd come back. I could also see silver lotus noble coming back for silver lotus part 2 only now its a gold lotus. Either way, in regards to Edmund, of course theyre going to fight, though I feel like someone will try to convince Edmund to join their part instead, which Edmund might be convinced somehow. In general, though, their group is definitely gonna attract big baddies and great evil, cause fame comes at a cost.

GuildmasterPhill

Hello, author of Adventurers' Guild here! Just want to chime in and say it's been a real pleasure to read all the analysis of my comic here. It's good to see some of you really getting into it, and I think this whole tea party thing is a wonderful idea. Adventurers' Guild's week is almost up, as I understand it, but I'll be around here for the last bit of it if anyone has any questions for me! (I'm REALLY cagey about storyline spoilers, though, so don't expect any of those!) Thanks again!

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 3

13. What are you most looking forward to seeing in regards to the comic?

14. Any final words of encouragement for the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

mathtans

Hi! Our modem died, so my internet capabilities are real limited at the moment. But I had a quick look at the start of the week and just wanted to say I think the format is really neat, since I see some back and forth debate about it. All the best with the comic!

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Jumping in late -- the tip about mobile reading helped, it also works on desktop if you put it in a narrow-enough window!

I like the intro, the comedy of "we've only stopped one thief, and technically the quest says it's plural", the awkwardness of Klaus trying to say "I have pointy ears, so that gives me some insight into the discrimination you face as a full-on catgirl" and Myra not having it. Reminds me of the tension in X-Men between the "normal-looking" mutants vs. the ones who are, say, blue and scaly.

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Just got to the bit with the cat brothers, and Klaus's reaction is...puzzling. He did all that outreach and effort getting Myra and Cedric to join the party, even getting rejected by Cedric and then following him around until he was talked into joining...but now there's two people enthusiastically volunteering to join, and Klaus is shooting them down?

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

I mean, they were obviously shady, but it's not clear why he was so convinced the others weren't. Maybe he just has Hero Plot Senses.

Seconding that I like the outcome of that arc, though! You think the party's just coming up with excuses for why they can slack off and do a second-rate job and not feel bad when they get away with it...and then, surprise, they don't get away with it, but it turns out their excuses were right and they don't have to feel bad about it.

Won't be surprised if it comes back to bite them down the line, though. Say, that noble uses it to make a fake healing potion, then lets a rival die while appearing to make all efforts to treat them.

And on to the next traveling montage! I like the lighting/colors in the campfire effect, but I feel like it should be built with squares and triangles rather than being a perfect ellipse, so it fits with the rest of the tile-based scenery. (Which is very cool and well-done in general.)

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Unrelated to anything, I do love when Myra's sprite does cat-poses.

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

All caught up (full disclosure, I skimmed through some of the long battle sequences). One burning question...is there ever going to be more than one female character in this world? Myra isn't just the only woman in the party -- all their other allies are guys, all the enemies are dudes, everyone who hires them for a quest is a man, every random encounter on the street is a bro, every NPC with a speaking line is a fella...

Two of the guys so far have talked about their mothers, but one mom was sick/asleep for her entire on-screen appearance, and the other hasn't been seen at all. (And she was presumed killed...is there some big underground conspiracy to poison and/or murder all the women in this world? That would also be a reasonable Backstory Thing for Myra to run away from...)

RebelVampire

I am most looking forward to learning more about Li's backstory here and seeing all of the components that make Li awesome. My final words are is that I really love how unique this comic is with its presentation. It really stands out against contemporary styles and just overall, was an entertaining read. The comic feels like a true passion project and that really shines through, and while it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it didn't have any of the problems I usually find in most modern comics. So I was glad for that

GuildmasterPhill

To answer your question, @Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn) , yes there will be more woman characters--do not worry. ^^

@RebelVampire Thank you so much for all the comments, you seem very insightful! I certainly hope you will continued reading as I go onward.

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Adventurers’ Guild this week! Please also give a special thank you to Phillip MacArthur for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Adventurers’ Guild, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: https://adventurersguildcomic.com/

Phillip’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GuildmasterPhill

Phillip’s Store: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/adventurersguild/

Phillip’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GuildmasterPhil

[xaeneron]

On A Star to Guide Us

  HELLO FRIENDS 

I once again live.  Sort of.  I’ve been busy and just haven’t had time to curate this blog, but I’m still here!  Sort of.  A lot of sort ofs.

This patch was a much-needed chunk of content and I’m glad that it’s finally out.  The chapter itself was pretty solid and I adored a lot of things about it, and Jahai felt infinitely better than Kourna did, both in terms of just map design and the associated achievements.  Ofc this release also had wing 6, Mythwright Gambit, which is exactly what my guild needed after months of twiddling our thumbs clearing 1-5 every week.

Spoilers under the cut even though it’s been almost a week, and a small note that I have a dumb comic in the works and hopefully it’ll be finished and up soon!  

On General Updates:

Xiuquatl looks fabulous (although huge) and I want it as well as flying snek friend.  Unfortunately I also made the Minstrel a day before the announcement because my buy order on the Bard went through and I was bored, so it’ll be a while before snek fren.  But I will get it!  I’m glad, as I wasn’t the biggest fan of Meteorlogicus.

Some of the bug fixes and QoL changes were great, even little things like adding items to stacks in shared inventory slots (I def had this problem so hype).

OH MY GOD SAMAROG’S CUTSCENE IS SKIPPABLE IT’S CHRISTMAS.

On Mythwright Gambit:

I have been so hype for this wing it hurts. ;A;

I love the atmosphere and the feel of the wing in general.  In comparison to the dreary, dark, overbearing feeling of Hall of Chains, Mythwright Gambit is downright whimsical.  I loved HoC, but I am also a fan of having lighter, more cheerful raid wings as well.

Zomorros is great.  Legit great.  I love that Glenna points out that he effectively kidnaps the party to fight Qadim for him and he just whines that she’s making it sound a lot worse than it is.  Zomorros pls

I actually really enjoy all of the encounters.  MG isn’t as difficult as HoC, but the fights are a good mix of unique mechanics and improvements over previous bosses.  I appreciate that they can’t be explicitly carried by a couple competent players, and that at least in some of the cases everyone needs to be doing something to contribute.  It makes the encounters much more interesting, and tries a lot harder to make everyone pull their weight.

The Twin Largos music is amazing.

Qadim’s fight has so many simultaneous moving parts and I love it.

Zomorros casually dual wielding two Eternities and then Bifrost + Shining Blade.  Never change djinn buddy.

On Jahai Bluffs and Sun’s Refuge:

Honestly I actually really like Jahai Bluffs.  It feels a lot better as a zone than Kourna did; there’s a lot of hidden little details and interesting things to go and find. Granted, Kourna is a battlefield wasteland and Jahai is part living beast and part temporal fuckery, but it just feels more complete than Kourna, and I am a fan.

The achievements are a big part of it, I think.  A lot of fetch quests for Sun’s Refuge, but at least there was a goal that felt reasonable, as opposed to the turret collections from Kourna that had to be started with just murdering Inquest until they dropped like 40 different blueprint parts.  (I’m sorry I’m whining about Kourna I’ll stop I promise).  Jahai’s achievements feel reasonable, which is a nice change.

??? is the best zone ever.  We might’ve stopped doing story entirely for like 20 minutes and sat there until we all got gold on Run Around for No Reason.

Have you ever noticed how soft Rytlock’s fur is? owo

I love the temporal splits.  I miss Jahai from GW1, but it’s a good mix of the terrain from way back when and how current events have been messing with time and space.

That Orrian poem and the surprise punch to the gut.  Thanks Anet.  I wonder what that comic I mentioned is going to feature

Sun’s Refuge is neat, although it annoys me a bit that the teleport isn’t straight to the center of the zone (although I suppose it’s probably coded to use the same entry point as just clicking on the portal).  It’s a nice little area with a lot of secrets and things to do, although it seems like Anet isn’t doing much more with it?  Which seems a little sad.

The desert fox friend is adorable and I spent a good 10 minutes playing catch with it. 

The requiem collections are actually pretty good?  The story for the elegy one had surprising depth and I enjoyed going through it.  

Although I am not a fan of farming mistonium (I’ll get it over time though so nbd) and idk what Anet was thinking with the nullification sigils, but ayyyy

Look! There’s Koss.  Koss is Boss.  Let’s hug Koss.  Now Koss is cross.

On A Star to Guide Us:

I continue to adore the male sylvari voice.  Ive just sounded so done when Taimi first called.  

Splat is a wonderful achievement that I got completely accidentally.  

I appreciate Utumishi’s title changing from “Grand Vizier Utumishi” to “Former Grand Vizier Utumishi” mid conversation.

Iberu.  Die.  Permanently.  Please.

Koss agrees.

I appreciate that they’re making use of Koss, particularly as an indicator that Joko is in fact dead (or dead enough that Koss feels confident walking around outside of his cave).  Also the “how does this new fangled technology work” moment with Taimi’s comm device.

Aurene being a pain in the ass teenager is hilarious.  Although we’ve probably exhausted all the indigestion jokes from eating an undead lich.

Braham being scared of spiders.  And Koss making fun of him.  And the achievement description literally saying “make Braham look good.”  Anet pls hahahaha

Braham in general tbh.  I did not expect surprise Eir cameo (and Snaff!  omg Snaff), and the awkward post-death heart-to-heart was...well, about exactly what it should have been.  Eir acknowledging that she hasn’t been there for him, and now can’t be, at least in the way he wants her to, was a nice touch.  Braham needs to grow up and accept things as they change, and seeing his friends for what they are is a good step to outgrowing his hotheadedness, which is one part defining character trait and one part something that can absolutely develop and change.

I appreciate that Braham had a moment of understanding that living friends are more valuable than trying to keep trying to fix his relationship with his dead mother, but that heart to heart with the PC was...awkward.  Nice, but a bit too squishy.  Also Ive is still mad at him because tiny salad holds one hell of a grudge.

Speaking of Eir and Snaff.  The cameo sequence into the Infinity War-esque I saw 14,000,605 futures bit was interesting.  I think the future-hopping was one of my favorite sequences of the story, but poor Aurene.  Lots for the babbu dragon; I don’t blame her for peacing out xD

The sniper instance.  It was fun and a nice change of pace, although at times trying not to get sniped was frustrating.  Also the number of people asking to be able to murder her instead lul

I know Anet wanted you to look at the visions and be like LOOK IT’S THE SAME WOMAN NOW but...eh.  I probably just wasn’t paying enough attention, but a lot of people in the guild got to the end of the sequence and were like “uh was I supposed to know who she was”

ofc Blish had to get nommed.  No body yet so we can’t confirm he’s dead, but ofc we had to have a point where we assume he is.  

Gorrik’s speedtalking blubbering reactionary attempt to avoid the fact that Blish is gone was a punch right in the feels.  His attempt to avoid acknowledging it to avoid the grief was incredibly sad.  I actually appreciated that a lot more than Taimi’s confession of remission because of Blish’s recommendation not to keep secrets.

Although Taimi’s confession was hella sad.  ;-;

Babbu teenage dragon come back pls

[gertlushgaming]

Legends Of Kingdom Rush Review (Steam)

Our Legends Of Kingdom Rush Review has us in a world where the Kingdom and the rest of the known world are now under the control of the dreadful Dark Army. However, a new threat bigger than the Dark Lord himself unites the heroes of the realm pushing the notions of good and evil aside. Fight on a turn-based grid moving around the combat area. Switch and match your heroes and companions until you find your ideal team for each battle!

Legends Of Kingdom Rush Review Pros:

- Cartoon graphics. - 736.87MB download size. - Steam achievements. - Steam trading cards support. - Own in-game achievements. - Graphic settings - resolution, v-sync, fullscreen, and fps cap. - Steam cloud support. - 3 save slots. - Two difficulties - casual and normal. - Strategy gameplay. - Comic book-style cutscenes. - Decent loading times. - Opening and ongoing tutorials. - Arcade game presentation. - World map level select. - Can replay levels. - Mini-game style encounters with dice rolls and multiple choice interactions. - Recruit and rescue party members. - The game is played out on a hexagonal Battlefield. - Brilliant cartoon-like animations. - Full of style. - Turn-based combat. - Simple to learn. - All played with the mouse. - The Ui is clear and easy to read. - Each character will have at least one special ability. - Click a character and you can see how far they can move and which enemies they can hit. - Can end your turn when you want. - Earn orbs and use them to level up your character. - Gold can be earned and used to buy items from the shops as you encounter them. - 18 characters to find. - Full team management. - End of area breakdown of performance and rewards. - Each area (adventure) has you starting at level 1 and they can level up through it but it will always reset the next area. - It is possible for characters to gain permanent rank levels and unlocks. - Random encounters can happen as you go around an area. - Environmental elements like plants attack whoever gets close. - Daily challenges with online leaderboards. Legends Of Kingdom Rush Review Cons: - Minimal graphics settings. - No controller support. - Not straightforward on how to have just one character end his/her turn. - Slow-paced. - The map is not clear at all. - Takes ages to get going. - You double-click for some actions but for others, you have to click on a part and then a different icon. - The tutorial pop-ups are very brief. - You don't get told a lot about the areas and what the flags on each encounter mean, when you choose your own path in the game this doesn't help. - Does look like a mobile game. - Most combat encounters end up as ranged battles and get kind of boring. Related Post: Xel Review (Steam) Legends Of Kingdom Rush: Official website. Developer: Ironhide Game Studio Publisher: Ironhide Game Studio Store Links -  Steam Read the full article

[laytonscreencaps]

Kat's Dream - Analysis of a Scene

(Mildish spoilers, mainly vague references to the final case. I use LMJ to refer to the new series as a whole, MC for the game itself, Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy.)

I want to talk about the opening of MC, because not only is it one of my favorite cutscenes in the game, it serves as a striking contrast to MC at large. I find it an intriguing addition that hints at the unfolding of a larger story, one that, if the title is any indication, could shape up to be the new series' driving force. Buckle down for a long post that often segues into review of the game as a whole.

For the most part, MC is comical, light-hearted, and laid-back, offering a much more relaxed tone then previous entries in the series. There's nothing wrong with this. The whole "darker always equals better" mindset is, frankly, ridiculous. I appreciate and enjoy when dark elements are well-handled and well-placed in any story, but a comedy should never be deemed inferior to a more serious work on the sole basis of genre alone. The two have different goals and, often, different approaches to characters and story-lines. That said, MC is very comfortable as a character-based comedy where the majority of the humor stems from the heightening of characters' flaws, clever wordplay and banter, and playing around with stereotypes (with a pinch of physical and scatological humor thrown in there, too. The game draws from a wide variety of comedic genres and it's really fun to see different cases reflect different kinds of humor. "Ghost Busted" delights in Scooby-dooesque hijinks, while "Ratman Returns" pokes fun at the current superhero craze and its obsession with franchising). 

Of course, MC isn't entirely estranged from its roots. Each case ends with a decidedly emotional resolution, culminating in the final case that, while not entirely original, succeeds in fleshing out a certain character in a genuine and heartfelt manner that is very much in keeping with the spirit of the original Layton games.

I personally loved MC's blend of comedy and emotion, even as I found myself longing for a more coherent over-arching story. The millionaire's conspiracy mentioned in the title does ultimately tie the cases together in a loose fashion, but for the most part these cases can be played in any order and each have their own set-up and resolution, acting as standalone "episodes". I would argue that Mystery Room handled its episodic structure much better than MC, but this has less to do with the structure itself and more to do with the nature of the cases. MC is just very small-scale compared to previous Layton titles and that's a rough adjustment. Yet examining the game as whole reveals that it is, indeed, setting up an even larger, presumably game-spanning story, one that figures only faintly into MC, but will no doubt continue to grow and take precedence as the series unfolds. This larger story is, of course, related to the main title, Layton's Mystery Journey, and the opening cutscene is our most candid look at what this larger story entails.

We open on an overhead of London, shrouded in fog, before cutting to a young girl, Katrielle racing through the streets in her pajamas. She stops when she catches sight of a man in the distance, Professor Layton. She call out to him, but the Professor merely touches his hat with an implacable smile and turns. As he walks away, Kat begins to chase after him again, continuing to call after him, asking where he is going. She finally stops, out of breath, as the fog closes in around her. Older Kat suddenly awakens in bed with a gasp, tears in her eyes.

This scene effectively establishes several important things for the player in a manner that allows the player to see for themselves, and to feel, instead of simply being told the necessary information:

Kat is the Professor's daughter.

Professor left Kat when she was young. 

Kat doesn't know the Professor's whereabouts or why he left. 

Kat has been deeply affected by her father's disappearance.

While this information has not a lot of direct bearing on the main story, it is still essential. After all, the Professor's disappearance is a large part of the reason why Katrielle decides to pursue a career as a private detective in the first place. Her relationship to the Professor shapes her as a character and it also allows her to play a pivotal role in the game's final case. Yet there is no resolution to the questions brought up in this opening dream sequence. In fact, we have even more questions to ponder by the time the game ends. The implications are clear: the mystery of the missing Prof is only beginning.

I would love to see the series delve deeper into this mystery, broadening its scope, storytelling, and character development, while remaining rooted in the character-based comedy established in MC. Honestly, this is one of my favorite forms of story-telling. In fact, MC with its focus on humor and character dynamics while simultaneously offering fleeting, tantalizing hints at a darker, deeper, over-arching story reminds me of the beginning of one of my favorite comic series, Jeff Smith's BONE. Long story short: three cousins are run out of their hometown and find themselves lost in a medieval, fantasy world. While the series begins by focusing almost exclusively on all manner of comic shenanigans involving the three Bone cousins as they adjust to their new surroundings, a larger story begins to unfold in the background, until it finally takes center stage and plunges the characters into the middle of a war with incredibly high stakes. All the while the comic elements and focus on character relationships are kept intact, serving as an amazing foil and complement to the more serious elements. I could see LMJ doing something similar and the idea has me really excited.

Of course, this isn't to say MC can't still be enjoyed on its own. I hope no one thinks I'm implying the game only finds its worth when connected to a larger story. Not at all. The game is enjoyable in and of itself without figuring the "mystery journey" into the equation. Comparisons are inevitable, however and the fact that MC strives to so fully emulate the gameplay mechanics of its predecessors makes the comparisons even more likely. MC is a lot of fun and sometimes emotionally candid, but the sprawling, rich mysteries of previous titles that tie everything together are sorely missed. There's nothing wrong with MC's structure by itself, but when placed next to its legacy the game feels oddly lacking. Always a problem when trying to continue an old series in a new direction. Changes must be made to keep the series fresh, but these changes will always be under the critical eye of comparison. 

MC's lack of a clear over-arching plot is part of the reason why the dream sequence and the greater mystery implied excite me so much. They add a whole new layer to the game, a depth that is rife with potential for future entries. I feel a bit self-conscious saying this, because of course there is marketing on the mind with these tantalizing hints that link MC to the original series without giving us anything substantial. I suppose it's my optimism and respect for the series that leads me to believe the "mystery journey" of the title isn't just a gimmick, but a story worth building up to and exploring. Time will tell. 

So, anyway, we've talked about the "what" of the dream scene, but I also want to discuss the "how". How the dream sequence gets its information across. Because there's so many noticeable contrasts from the rest of the game that are worth noting. 

The music. This is the only part in MC where we hear Professor Layton's theme. Even in the original series, the theme was used sparingly, usually saved for moments when the Professor was at his best---inventing a contraption to help him escape a dire situation or exposing the true mastermind. It makes sense that the theme would be utilized in a dream centered on the Prof. The version of the theme used in MC is slower, more contemplative and mysterious. The original series was largely in Luke's perspective (the opening letter framing device would support this), so I wonder if the Professor's theme is in part shaped from Luke's perspective of his mentor. If so, this version of the theme could be shaped from Katrielle's perspective. Same Professor, different perspective. Despite Kat's close relation to the Professor, he has become an enigma. 

The atmosphere. The London of MC is a warm and inviting place. Even the seedy alleyways of Bowlyn Hill are home to low-lifes who actually harbor hearts of gold. In contrast to UF's focus on political corruption, London in MC is run by a competent and passionate mayor. Most of the cases end not in unremorseful criminals being arrested, but sincere mistakes or confessions that lead to personal growth. This honey-colored optimism has always been present in the PL series, but it seems especially heightened in MC, probably due to the tone decided on from the beginning: the game is a comedy and character's short-comings are treated with both laughter and sympathy. This gold-tinged glow spills over to the setting. The London in Kat's dream, however, is far different. The dream portrays an empty city, one blanketed in thick fog, so thick it swallows Katrielle at the end. The buildings are gray and serve as a claustrophobic framing device. Notice how the road appears to stretch as Katrielle chases after her father. The city itself seems to scheme against her, all the while hosting an indifferent facade. It is an impersonal, desolate city. 

Katrielle. In the dream, Kat appears to be around 6-8 years of age in contrast to her current age in MC, which is twenty-one. The obvious reason for this is that her dream reflects the actual circumstances of her father leaving her. It's fairly safe to assume Kate was a young girl at the time, thus, the dream serves as a dramatic distillation of her memories, sort of a recap boiled down to its emotional essence. I can't help but think, however, that her young age in the dream is also indicative of her vulnerability regarding her father's disappearance and perhaps even her emotional immaturity. I've mentioned in a previous post that one of Kat's most prominent flaws is her childishness. While often played for laughs, this trait could point to something deeper. Kat hasn't completely matured and this connects in some way to her father leaving her behind.

Another interesting contrast is Kat's reaction to the dream and how she treats her father's disappearance when discussing it with others. Kat wakes up in tears after the dream and there's a moment right afterwards were she slowly sits up and gazes forlornly at her lap in the middle of her darkened room in silence. A small, but surprisingly powerful moment. His disappearance has deeply hurt her, yet when talking about his disappearance to Lucy, Sherl, and Ernest on different occasions she displays a decidedly nonchalant attitude, denying she is a "daddy's girl" and joking about the matter, calling the Professor a "silly old fool", even suggesting he is enjoying himself wherever he is and has simply lost track of the time. All of this points to Kat concealing her darker emotions regarding the Professor, in favor of making light of the situation and seeing it with an optimistic bent. I think this says loads about her character, but that's a post for another time. 

Finally, the dream scene is bereft of any comedic elements. Even the final case in the game manages to slip in a bit of humor, but the opening is solemn and gray. Let me rephrase this: the beginning sequence of the most light-hearted and comical entry in the PL series is perhaps its most serious, troubling, and darkest moment. Yes, it's only a dream. But the implications...The Professor, the paragon of gentlemanly conduct and solid rock for his friends and family, is shown silent, faceless, turning his back on not just someone in need, but his own daughter. The one who proclaimed that every puzzle has an answer has now become a seemingly unsolvable puzzle himself. Of course, there is more to the story, but what a way to open a game that delights in dog puns, collecting outfits, and tidy resolutions. Such an intriguing contrast. 

There's a lot more I want to say about MC, but for now I'll close by saying I'm cautiously excited for the series' future and how this contrast between comedy and drama will play out. My hopes is that LJM will ultimately carve out its own unique identity while making insightful and meaningful connections to the previous series instead of merely piggy-backing on its predecessor via indulgent cameos and throwaway references (I’d like to clarify there is nothing inherently wrong with cameos or references, they only become a problem when they are used in place of genuine story-telling and character development). MC is a flawed game and the fact that the scattered collection of hints related to a larger story is one of its most interesting elements underscores the game's weaknesses while also pointing to many future possibilities. 

So. Do we really want LMJ or do we just want the original series but new and different, yet somehow still the same? Does MC ultimately succeed in being original? Questions for another post. Personally, my own feelings are mixed. I genuinely loved the game and its new cast of characters while also recognizing its many flaws and shortcomings. For now, share your thoughts if you'd like. What did you think of MC? Agree or disagree with anything I've said here? Optimistic or cynical about the series' future? Another perspective on the dream scene? Let's discuss.

[johnnythirteenguns]

just seen justice league (this isnt spoiler free at all)

also went to thor: ragnarok for the third time to wash the taste out.

so i went to go see it for miller, momoa, and mera in that order. i was super impressed with mera. i thought they were gonna go the like easy way and give her an Accent like the amazons, but they didnt. even though her cadence was different like idk man i know very little about dc but i picked up a one-shot earlier this year where mera neatly beats the fuck out of the justice league on her own and she’s a semi-jerk who kind of hates surface dwellers and you know what for the thirty seconds we had her onscreen i believed it and she was powerful and felt like a character with backstory and i COMPLETELY didnt hear what aquaman was saying i just heard her side of the conversation

man ben affleck really doesnt wanna be here huh anyway we should recast him at the earliest convenience

also why was batman 90% CGI like fine i get it no one can be a gymnast in a 50 lb rubber suit but like every single one of his moves that required any bending had to have been cgi

speaking of which the cgi isnt like bad in and of itself it’s just typical like it’s the cgi youre used to seeing. it doesnt blend seamlessly into anything and the characters dont blend seamlessly into it. the cornfield looks fake as can fucking be and i dont really know why? what else there was another fucking weird cgi moment. anyway, steppenwolf is ugly as sin and has no emotion and is all one color and is??? generally weird looking

speaking of which. he is not frightening at all. the New Gods isnt something casual dc fans are gonna be familiar with (i am barely familiar with it) and like? apparently, darkseid was supposed to have scenes in this but didnt? anyway go see thor ragnarok which features 1) a horned villain that is legitimately terrifying and powerful, that you fully believe can do the things she does, and who is beautifully designed and 2) features glow-y eyed masses of disposable soldiers that are cool but goofy and dont take themselves too seriously but were still frightening and made for thrilling fights because you believed they could actually pose a threat to the characters they were attacking

the beginning... uh i think like three scenes of the film looked pretty good, but they looked like cutscenes. very GOOD cutscenes, but honestly... if i wanted it to look like this id have played... a video game. like, i want it to look like a real place even if it’s heavily stylized. uh but the first showdown where batman is luring a parademon out looks beautiful if fake as shit. the scene with wondy in the bank (which features a group of girls from an all-girls school... at a bank?) and terrorists wearing cheap pinstripe suits (like, this is fine! it’s nonsensical and stupid but fine it’s a comic book movie) was kind of cool because for once i felt like... maybe diana was a creative person who goes in wit ha strategy? like picking the dude up with the lasso and holding him up was fun i was like oh!!! thats not something a typical movie would do! it was the first time she felt like Wonder Woman to me (ive seen the wondy movie itself, it was... eh). uh and idk what was up with the standing on the scales of justice or whatever idk the hilarity of gal gadot on that statue which sits on top of a bank like. it was funny.

hey question what the uh... fuck was the “what are you” “a believer” line about it made zero sense in context at all

dont quote me on the order of scenes i dont remember fuck all of this movie in order because literally, the pacing was so weird. so... it was very obvious there were parts missing from the movie. not like, cuts made where you could be like oh there was something there or maybe there'll be a deleted scene no like you Knew there was stuff that was necessary that was gone. the football scenes with victor from the trailers were gone!!! i think the movie was trying to set up a really strong friendship with wonder woman and cyborg but it never really went anywhere? and i suspect because it all got cut! and i dont understand why because ray did a really good job and he sold cyborg to me so well i loved his take! 

also... i dont know if theyre saving it for the aquaman movie next year but did Arthur get a bunch of his stuff cut too? because i like jason momoa, and i like his arthur and so im sort of torn because, like, he didnt have much to do. like, he has the bit where he sits on wonder woman’s lasso of thruth and tells them all this stuff but you dont know enough about him for any of it to land? but i really wanted to know more (at some point i did give up on, this was a very passive viewing experience). my friend was saying that like literally why did they try to make arthur so Cool he’s already jason momoa he is by default cool now you can do whatever you want with him we’re all going to love him.

speaking of the lasso scene... was the entire last half of the movie re-writen and re-shot by whedon because like? the lasso scene is a whedon. the bit at the end where wondy goes “children. i work with children” is a whedon (THERE’S NO REASON FOR HER TO SAY THIS? I THINK THIS WHEN SHE HAS TWO TEAM MEMBERS LIKE LAYING ON THE GROUND AFTER NEARLY BEING BLON UP? IT WAS FUCKING WEIRD). i genuinely cant tell if all of barry’s dialogue was written by whedon or if that was ezra improvising but uh... man he’s... he needs to practice if that’s hm. if it’s just whedon i mean fine but he also doesnt have the shitty RDJ quality thats let’s him say those lines with believability.

speaking of which, going to see barry was my priority because apparently im gay for miller rn so like. uh. man he wasnt funny like there were a couple parts where he was cute and the line landed and it was fine but generally he just... wasnt funny? because the movie wasnt funny? like... idk man ezra really acting his heart out and ive said like cool i wanna follow his career and see if he does good stuff and gets even better at his stupid art but maybe he peaked with credence barebone i dont know. the first scene where we meet barry, with the flash pad and the pizza, that was good, that was funny. the bit at the prison was good. he has very soft eyes and thats nice. the panic attack is cute in the clip and the beginning like rhrgrh moment he has is good but then idk the pacing falls apart again

why is his character like this? i just dont think ezra’s... funny enough yet. (tbh i think he takes it too seriously even if he’s trying to be light-hearted man sometimes jokes is just jokes). there’s a bit where theyre digging up superman’s body and it’s JUST HIM AND CYBORG FOR UH? SOME REASON? maybe they explained why they sent the two babies but i didnt hear it and it’s literally just them two. and he tries to fistbump victor but vic is like “no” and tbh barry is annoying? like maybe u think he’s cute and an audience member but he’s uh... you can tell he’s annoying in the story and anyway then the flash says “right, racially charged” ABOUT A FISTBUMP? WHICH? LITERALLY MADE NO SENSE? WAS THIS LINE IMPROVISED? WAS IT WRITTEN? IM GONNA PUT MONEY ON IMPROVISED BECAUSE HE IS EXACTLY THAT KIND OF STUPID BITCH

if they were breaking into the lab why even bother going through the front door? barry drives the thing in (theyre trying to smuggle superman’s body into star labs) disguised a soldier (the literally most unconvincing thing, not to me as an audience member, because it was cute and funny to me,, but that a guy with THAT FACE is military like yeah sure, why did that guard believe him) but then they get to like the normal ass parking inside and the other three are standing there in full costume in full grey DC-brand daylight? are you telling me between 5/6ths of the justice league they couldnt sneak in a fucking pine box when wonder woman can lift a fucking tank on her own? like.

speaking of which uh.... superman is stupidly overpowered. like i said i read an issue of JL where mera hands every one of the justice league members their own gently roasted ass in hand on her fucking own. diana regularly kicks superman in the head. why was she not able to take him down? when theyre fighting steppenwolf for real it’s not until superman shows up that they even have a real fighting chance. they dont fight as team, they dont even fight as people casually unified in a common cause. theyre playing high-stakes legos and cyborg gets pulled away from them like three times?? and it gets fucking annoying? and then supes shows up and literally wipes the floor with him. it is so completely bizarre and stupid.

here’s a problem i still have with wonder woman: why is she so thin? the other amazons (except Hippolyta and maybe one other one) look built as FUCK? LIKE THESE WOMEN COULD EASILY TOSS ME ACROSS THE ROOM. wonder woman has serious fucking arms, where are they

also those amazon bikinis were bad. the whole styling of this movie is bad, but especially the amazons. everything is red and gold, for some reasons? the outfits dont looks heavy like armor, they look heavy like bullshit material. there is no reason for the fucking bikinis. the gold cloak hippolyta wears is??? heavy and looks like? like drapes like window dressing like thats the weight of it. additionally, there is no reason for their hair to be SO STYLED. it’s really like prom night hair it’s like shiny and muss free and always loose and in perfect clearly salon-styled curls. also, why are they so heavily made up? it’s really prominent. wondy herself has the same issue going on, she looks much more heavily made up (why is everyone’s blush so PINK, like it's distracting, is this a side effect of the recoloring process) and her hair isnt loose and doing its thing like in BVS or Wonder Woman it’s like... idk she looks really. Pretty when she’s on the field and it makes no sense.

the amazon fighting style is still ugly and makes no sense ive never seen such a wasteful fighting style it made sense exactly once during Wonder Woman

why is themyscira entirely the ugliest cgi i have ever fucking scene

why does the camera INSIST ON MOVING LIKE THAT. the action is super hard to track, the cgi is ugly as fuck (it really cannot be overstated)... i made it to about... i want to say when theyre on the way to the big fight and then the combined everything gave me a heaache that o had for the rest of the movie

i mentioned earlier that the pacing is weird the transitions are also weird. you get cuts to and from places that never fade into each other, it’s always a hard jump cut but it’s never the right cut to make? like, in thor ragnarok for example, there are a bunch of scene changes that happen via the bifrost, via people going through doors. there are wide shots that jump to wide shots in other places, so youre not suddenly on a close-up. there are a lot of people emerging from something into view, and there are a lof of people being alone in the center of the frame. it’s a very smooth and easy to watch movie. JL is the opposite of this in every way. I SUSPECT. AGAIN. THAT WHILE THIS WOULDNT HAVE BEEN FIXED ENTIRELY. THAT THOSE EXTRA TWENTY MINUTES THAT WERE CUT WERE PROBABLY REALLY IMPORTANT

the lois lane bit where she calms supes down just reminded me of the age of ultron and i quoted “sun’s going down” at my friends who were with me and they shit themselves laughing

ma kent calls lois lane “thirsty” in a Hilarious Teen Humor Gag thanks joss whedon you fucking hack

bruce wayne is fucking useless he could have got barry ANY JOB EVER and like... my god whatever.

also i still dont understand how how voice sounds like that when he’s batmanuh the after after credits scene is setting up, according to my friend, a sinister six movie. deathstroke isnt played by manu bennett so it’s fucking usless thanks for coming to my ted talk

[enterinit]

Stellaris: Utopia and other games coming to Xbox One this week

Stellaris: Utopia and other games coming to Xbox One this week. Ancestors Legacy (August 13, 2019) A history-inspired, real-time strategy game influenced by historical events in the Middle Ages. Combining resource management and base building with large-scale, squad-based battles across vast battlefields and a cinematic action camera that puts you right in the middle of the battle. Stellaris: Utopia (August 13, 2019) Utopia is the first major expansion for Stellaris, the critically acclaimed science fiction grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studio. Utopia gives you new tools to develop your galactic empire and keep your people happy. Push your species further out into the galaxy with new bonuses for rapid exploration or stay closer to home before striking out against all who would challenge you. Exception (August 13, 2019) Exception is a combat platformer set inside a computer system which has been hijacked by a totalitarian virus. A lone member of the system must step up to lead the resistance and battle against this brutal regime. Expertly combine razor sharp reflexes with elaborate attacks to topple the virus and restore freedom. - A New Approach to Platforming - Two-dimensional action in a three-dimensional world. Entire levels transform to reveal new challenges and opportunities. Explore distant areas exposed by the shifting environment. Each level is an elaborate puzzle that unfolds as you progress. - Synthwave Soundtrack - A soundtrack assembled from the very best Synthwave artists. Enjoy nearly two-hours of Synthwave tracks which complement Exception's retro-futuristic aesthetic. - Challenge the Leaderboards - Compete for the best time on your favorite levels through more than 100 leaderboards. Take on your friends or players from around the world. - Illustrated story - The story of Exception told with illustrated cutscenes. Learn about the system collapse and subsequent power vacuum that gave rise to a fascist virus. Join a gang of four misfit software threads in their journey to overthrow the brutal regime and restore freedom to the system. - Upgrade your Character - Execute a variety of special attacks and string together creative combinations to maximize your destruction. Collect hidden artifacts to purchase attack upgrades and push the limits of your destruction. - Dynamic Bonus System - Chain multiple airborne attacks to earn time bonuses. Harness your creativity to uncover the fastest level routes with the most bonus potential. Aggressive attack strategies yield the highest bonuses. Features: Conquer 128 transforming levels set in 16 unique computer worldsProve that you're the best Exception player in the world with online leaderboardsIllustrated cutscenes bring the world of Exception to lifeSix special attacks to unlock as the player progresses128 collectible items to upgrade special attacks15 enemy bosses to overcome with your advanced skillsSynthwave soundtrack from nine international musicians PC Building Simulator (August 13, 2019) The Ultimate PC Building Simulation has arrived! Build your very own PC empire, from simple diagnosis and repairs to bespoke, boutique creations that would be the envy of any enthusiast. With an expansive marketplace full of real-world components you can finally stop dreaming of that ultimate PC and get out there, build it and see how it benchmarks in 3DMark! Run your own Business The career mode in PC Building Simulator puts you in charge of your very own PC building and repair business. From your own cozy workshop, you must use all your technical skills to complete the various jobs that come your way. Learn to Build a PC Does building your own PC seem like an impossible task? PC Building Simulator aims to teach even the most novice PC user how their machine is put together with step-by-step instructions explaining the order parts should be assembled and providing useful information on what each part is and its function. Vasara Collection (August 14, 2019) For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - Vasara (2000) and Vasara 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION! Science Fiction meets History in these arcade classics which take place in an alternate timeline Feudal Japan where technologically advanced weaponry and equipment are a reality, and heroes use flying motorcycles with amazing firepower and fierce melee weapons to destroy their enemies. Try and stay alive on this frantic game where everyone, and everything, is out to kill you! Features: Tate Mode/ Vertical Mode support;8 playable characters inspired by real Japanese historical figures;Sci-Fi meets Feudal Japan in this retelling of historical battles;Fight Robots and Samurais using traditional shooting and powerful melee attacks;Heavily skill-based gameplay for Experts;Easy Mode for Starters;Branching Paths and Multiple Endings according to your characters and in-game actions; Slay the Spire (August 14, 2019) We fused card games and roguelikes together to make the best single player deckbuilder we could. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and Slay the Spire! Features: Dynamic Deck Building: Choose your cards wisely! Discover hundreds of cards to add to your deck with each attempt at climbing the Spire. Select cards that work together to efficiently dispatch foes and reach the topAn Ever-changing Spire: Whenever you embark on a journey up the Spire, the layout differs each time. Choose a risky or safe path, face different enemies, choose different cards, discover different relics, and even fight different bosses!Powerful Relics to Discover: Powerful items known as relics can be found throughout the Spire. The effects of these relics can greatly enhance your deck through powerful interactions. But beware, obtaining a relic may cost you more than just gold… Edna and Harvey: Harvey’s New Eyes (August 14, 2019) Life at the convent school isn't easy for Lilli. Only her vivid imagination lets the shy girl escape everyday-drudgery under the stern, watchful eye of the Mother Superior. She diligently works through her chores, no matter how unfair they may be. Her innocent, imperturbable way of carrying out the orders of others has something both tragic and eerie about it. Any resentment, any childlike disobedience is buried deep beneath a seemingly impenetrable shell of sweetness. And if anything goes awry or gets ugly, the jolly censorship gnomes got her back: they put a nice coat of pink paint over all the things Lili would rather not consciously confront. But are her little potato-shaped budies real or just a figment of her vivid subconscious? Maybe it's only a matter of time until she completely loses her mind! When her best friend Edna disappears under mysterious circumstances, Lili bravely sets out on a dangerous journey, not only to get her friend back, but also to confront her subconscious fears. Features: Unique, hand-drawn comic style backgrounds and animations – now also in HD!A classic Point & Click adventure with all the traditional virtues: take everything that's not bolted down, engage in dialogies, solve puzzles… you know the drill.Bizarre characters and crazy humorA remarkable gaming experience with challenging puzzles, several hours of dialogue and 53 different locations Gravity Duck (August 14, 2019) Have you ever wanted to be rich? What if you could become rich and control gravity!?This duck can with your help! Flip, dodge, and traverse mind-bending gravity puzzles in 140 levels in order to grab all the eggs to return to the Maui statue! Need to change direction of your gravity flips? Use the gravity wells to switch the direction you fall in order to get around obstacles and grab the eggs! Features: Flip between 140 levels across 4 chaptersCatchy 8-bit musicVibrant pixelated levelsUse gravity wells to change the direction in which you fallDodge spikes, projectiles, and traps to secure the eggs. Tactics V: Obsidian Brigade (August 15, 2019) Tactics V: "Obsidian Brigade" is a retro-style tactical turn-based video game in homage to console tactical RPGs from the 1990s. Its set in an in-house fantasy setting with it's own lore and magic, It also uses techniques to convert to a 2D isometric look from 3D assets. Content Included: Robust combat system (with many mechanics: facing, targeting styles, actions, delayed actions, reactions)World map navigation.>50 hand crafted levels>80 scripted scenes/battles25+ hours and new game plus3 ½ tiers of gear/weaponry13 unique unlockable classes>50 skills (proficiencies, abilities, power casting unlockable)>140 powers (Elemental magic, close range, Archery, Imbue poisons, etc.)Optional cooperative main-game via assigning troops to another controller during deploymentTraining option allowing a non-fatal combat to be controlled by player(s) or AI to gain XP and Skill pointsOptional Alternate top-down perspective available Features: Tactical Turn-Based CombatRole PlayingLocal Coop Aritana and the Twin Masks (August 16, 2019) “They are not ready…” Are you? Prove your value in Aritana and the Twin Masks. An adventure based on Brazilian mythology and culture that will carry you deeper into the forest's mysteries. This second Aritana's adventure extends gameplay possibilities, bringing a bow and arrow gameplay, 3D movement, vast sceneries in open landscapes and powers that help the player solve several puzzles. Explore a colossal temple, find artifacts that can be mixed in many special potions, and prepare yourself to save the Tree of life. Also, you can further explore this magical universe with comics that shows more about the temple's events. Unmask all the mysteries and follow Aritana on his journey to save the Tree of life, discovering ghosts from his past. Features: An original story based on Brazilian mythology and folklore;Enemy confrontation is also a puzzle-solving endeavor;Look for hidden artifacts to improve your chances of survival;Explore the vast YpY's Temple in a third-person adventure game;Create special potions with tropical fruits and objects from the temple;Uncover the truth listening to a fantastic soundtrack. Read the full article