Topic: The Chit-Chat Thread

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@TheJGG In video game/technology terms, the Advance Wars series is ancient. It's not quite as old as the Mario and Zelda series, but the very first game showed up in 1988. The very last game until this newest announcement was Advance Wars: Days of Ruin on the DS in 2008. Didn't realize the file size was 13 GB! I think I'll be sticking with the physical version for this one (er, these two).

Funnily enough, while I own Ys VIII, I haven't played it yet! The main reason why I'm not waiting long on Ys IX is due to the fact that Falcom games don't have the longest print runs. I had to search a bit before I found a physical copy of VIII for a reasonable price. Thankfully the Switch is region-free as it's a copy from the UK. From what I understand, outside of the first two games there's no chronology to the series besides Adol. I've heard VIII is also one of the best series entries. I'm debating whether I want to jump straight into IX or play through VIII first.

I highly recommend getting Metroid Dread if you're interested. It's hard to go wrong with the earlier core entries either...except maybe the original. While I think the very first game should be experienced just once in order to see how the series began, it didn't come with the QoL improvements (such as a map) that many entries so graciously included later. Metroid II: Return of Samus isn't as confusing and is what got me into the series, but it's hard to recommend that version when the 3DS remake is available. The main Prime games are highly recommended as well; they have some FPS elements, but they really do feel like playing a Metroid game in a 3D environment.

I've seen the sky platforms in a few videos and am eager to experience them simply based on how wonderfully crazy the concept is. Thanks for the health regeneration tip; that wasn't an aspect of Master Mode I was aware of. I suppose lore-wise that makes sense, particularly when it comes to the Blood Moon and with Ganon still lording over the land. As for the Blue Bokoblins, I'm sure they're no pushover in Master Mode lol. You call it running away? I just call it "NOPE" repeatedly! I pulled out "NOPE!" a few dozen times when trying to sneak around Lynels before I was ready....

On the FFO character designs: I agree, those ARE better names.

I've heard many decent things about Game Maker. As for Unity, I messed around with that platform back in college, both on my own and for a class. I'd love to jump back into the engine again when I build/get a better PC than my aging personal laptop. Though I'd still have to buy or import open source assets from elsewhere. Honestly, it's amazing what some indie devs churn out. Have you heard of Scriptwelder? The guy used to make Flash games and is still developing, I believe. Before Adobe Flash ended support at the end of 2020, I ran through a lot of his games I enjoyed. Most of them are point & click. I'm quite fond of his Deep Sleep and Don't Escape series. They are bundled together and purchasable on Steam. I'd be fine with buying them eventually, the guy deserves the compensation.

Honestly with Raya and the Last Dragon, it's possible it was in the theater longer than I thought, and they finally rotated it out. With my schedule, until recently I was very bad at keeping track of what movies were airing. Fingers crossed Luca leaves the Disney Vault! As for Sonic the Hedgehog, I think it'll be a fun movie. At the very least, I've heard very good things about Jim Carrey's performance.

Phew. Glad that the Nintendo New York store does have shirts! XD Unless out of sheer necessity, I can't ever see myself living in the heart of a large city, at least long-term. Some agoraphobia aside, I don't think I could ever fully adjust to the constant noise, high prices, and lack of stars. The best part of it would be the public transportation...as long as it isn't too crowded. It would be nice to not have to worry about car maintenance or hitting something (or someone). In some areas like mine, it's very difficult to function without a reliable ride or a driver's license. Almost constant TV ads is why I don't have cable...or watch TV in general anymore. I was at my parents' place recently, and they still have Dish. I can't stand commercials, though my main medium of watching at least something these days, YouTube, is also getting quite bad in that regard....

As for Hyundai, around here it's typically pronounced Ha-yun-day. I like learning about pronunciation differences between regions and countries. It's really jarring when you hear something pronounced differently than what you're used to, but it isn't necessarily wrong. I'm starting to think my family's pronounciation of coupon (cue-pon) might be outside the norm since pretty much every ad out there has it sounded out as coo-pon....What are we doing, starting a revolution? That's what I tend to think about the latter anyway.

I'd legit love to experience 3D World again on a newer platform. Also, in case my Wii U ever kicks the bucket, I'd have an alternative. Bowser's Fury alone would sway me I think. From what you describe, the QoL improvements are certainly welcome too!

I've had a few decent dreams over the years that I still remember, but the vast majority are nothing to write home about or are just plain weird lol. For example, there's no logical way that someone can fly by flapping their arms just once, then rising into the air at mach speed. Or in others, very slowly, maybe to the roof of a two story house. I used to draw on occasion. I can churn out something halfway decent if I really take my time and am patient. However, I certainly could never live off of my art. XD I might put some effort towards drawing again sometime as there's a lot of stuff I'd like to get out of my head. Thanks for the compliment! I do like to write when I put my mind to it, and I try to convey what I want to in the most efficient language I can think of at the time.

Thanks for the best wishes! She's in pretty decent health overall, though she is on blood thinners to prevent blood clots in her legs; it's a genetic malady, unfortunately. I hope you and your family also find joy and fellowship in this crazy period! Did you get that green shield? Gotta be an awesome feeling! Around where I am, cases are low and things are...well, I wouldn't say back to normal, but close to our new normal. Still limiting travel to regional stuff mostly, but if things continue upward I'll probably take a mini-vacation near my birthday this fall.