Note: I apologize if this was a problem but tech troubles made it hard to post it on time. However, better late than never. This review may contain spoilers
Card games, some of the most exciting things your boy has played for a very long time. From games like Magic: The Gathering to Yu-Gi-Oh to even odd and obscure card games like Magi-Nation and Cardfight! Vanguard. Online card games aren’t new as you had the same games move to the digital front, while new games like Hearthstone walked into this for the first time. Though out of all games, there’s one that stood out fascinatingly, and that game is called Gwent: The Witcher Card Game.
For those like myself, who are clueless, Gwent is a card game that existed in both the novel and Witcher game series (and was a playable mini-game in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt). Gwent started on October 23, 2018, and had a sister game, a Standalone singleplayer game called Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales. What makes the game unique is not just the universe and its in-game reference, but rather how the game is played and the skill level required.
Gameplay
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game interestingly has a straightforward rule: Build up points and win before your opponent can. This is vastly different compared to most card games that have monsters killing each other and attacking your enemy directly. It’s kind of like a game of Blackjack; only you’re not limited to twenty-one. The gameplay requires strategy as you can either play your high point cards early or save them for later. I could explain the rules, but it seems the Developers have that covered. Though in short, it’s a game that does require you to think on your toes and play smart, then just rushing and beating down your enemies.
Pros: What makes Gwent glimmer with gold
Gwent’s basis and the game does add a hint of strategy, and the races do have such unique playstyles. One such I’ve played in the Monster faction, which is made up of some of the Witcher series such as Vampires, undead, and other nasty beasties. They do dirty tricks like damaging and devouring their own (some of them have abilities that trigger upon death.) Others, such as the Dwarven and Elven faction of Socia’Tael, use tricks and traps to damage your cards while boosting and healing their cards. Others like the Northern Realms provide support to their units and offer some great bonuses when specific cards placed on the board. The Viking-like Skelliege specializes in damaging your enemies with brute force like any good barbarian group. The extremely dastardly Syndicate who can use tricks like poison and control to turn the tide on the map. Another thing is the game is updating and changing. As of today, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game recently released its second expansion: Merchants of Ofir, which adds some new cards and a unique thing called Scenarios. Sadly, I haven’t gotten these cards from the expansion or have tried the other two factions, but they do sound good in the long run.
Another great thing is the starter decks the game gives you premade, perfect for new players to test out each faction and their playstyle (and maybe get hints on how to build cards of your favorite faction). On the plus side, you do have characters and actual characters related to the lore of the game (heck, Gwent is essentially the game within a game)
Cons: What makes Gwent smell like Nekker crap?
Though the game has its perks like starter decks, the game can be a bit tough to get into if you’re a new player. Individual powerful cards do cost scraps (currency needed to build cards) so that they can feel intimidating when you’re fighting against other players that may have had stronger cards for a longer time than you. The game’s unique skills do require you to think on your feet, so it may not be for everyone who plays card games outside of some of the more familiar ones. Lastly, it could also be confusing if one isn’t familiar with the Witcher series or the lore behind Gwent. Unlike Hearthstone or Yu-Gi-Oh, Gwent is from the Witcher universe itself. So some might not know that Gwent is a game within a game if this is their first entry into the Witcher series.
Witching Conclusion
So if you’re familiar with the Witcher series and want a card game that’s not related to the typical variant, I would recommend Gwent: The Witcher Card Game.
Oh and if you’re interested in playing this game for PC (or the recently released mobile version
Disclaimer: What I might talk about is based on my own opinions and might hit some areas that are sensitive to some people. So remember not to take it personally; this is my opinion.
Hey, it’s your boy, Choujin.
Today your boy’s been hit by an old enemy that everybody’s been going through since the dawn of time: The common cold. I’m sure you are like me and are fighting the flu as we speak or some of you may have a friend, loved one or co-worker fighting it. I can simply tell you one thing about the flue: It sucks!
I bet you’re wondering why it sucks? Well besides feeling a whole new level of ick like sweating or hacking up flem. Sometimes you might get that nasty headache and fever that makes you feel you don’t want to do anything except sleep or veg out. As a kid, this may be awesome and perfect if you got a school day, but when you’re an adult? Ooooh boy, you wonder why kids cheer for sick days in my time. Though of course, it was a more simpler time when kids would watch cartoons. However, that’s another story.
“but Choujin, it’s just a cold. All you need is some soup, warm clothes and that’s it”, i’m sure some would say. My response is this: sure I can do that, and I can recoup. However, it doesn’t make it less of a blech experience for me or others. For starters, I don’t want to get sick on the day of the release for the new Star Wars movie, or to remain sick during my Driving Writing Exam. Having a cold and doing an exam doesn’t mix very well, and I mean it..it’s not fun. Sure I can veg out and relax, but I’d rather do that while I’m feeling healthy than being sick.
Then the next problem if you do decide to leave the house (whether you want to or not) is that you end up spreading it to some other person. Especially to your friends, loved ones (if they’re elderly) and other people. Unless I need to pick up medicine or something urgent, I’m not going to spread my cold to other people and would rather sit at home and rest up. Perhaps take an opportunity for some basic housework or getting things done rather than sitting here and doing nothing or being a moron and being the many that spread the flu.
For the time being, i’m writing this article while coughing and sneezing whatever I caught. Though I’m not going to let this cold get to me for writing or studying for my driving writing test. For this short time, your boy will be taking some cough medicine, maybe some soup and a sandwich and just do some basic work while keeping myself warm and not getting sacked by this cold. For those who haven’t caught it yet this season, I’d heavily suggest you get a flu shot from your local doctor or hospital. If you are like me and have caught it? Make sure you take flu medicine, do not push yourself too hard and try your best to not spread your cold to other people (washing your hands, not touching doorknobs). Hunker down, keep warm and make sure you don’t make it worse in the end. Though luckily the cold goes away and doesn’t linger for long.
For today, this is Choujin saying to you all to hunker down this Flu Season.
Hey, it’s your boy Choujin. I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and either curled up somewhere warm or nice and toasty. Anyway, I got another piece of work from my college work. This little one was inspired from this piece of work done by H.R. Giger (the artist behind movies like Alien and Species) as an example of writing a poem based on a piece of art. Anyway I hope you enjoy it as much as I do
Pisces Zinc
A strange fish swims in an alien body of water whisker-like protrusions resembling webbed fingers Its back fin resembling a foot and leg creating a serpentine body of two fused limbs. This abomination swimming in this surreal sea with its kin, all looking the same. All knowing the basics swim, survive and live
What strange world this fish exists in the mind of the very god that created it and its kin. Strange surreal animals, unaware of their creator and only doing what they do best Swim, survive and live
In the mind of God, or anyone who sees these creatures they would be considered nightmares abominations demons born of a hellish nightmare and terrifying However, to these creatures their animal instincts blind them to scorn or judgment
to them, they only do the only things they know Swim, survive and live swim, survive and live
The Pokemon franchise is one of the largest and well known by everyone all over the world since its release on the Gameboy on February 27, 1996. The franchise has been going strong for over twenty years of games, merchandise, and anime episodes released. The latest generation, Generation 8, of the Pokemon franchise just came out a week ago. Pokemon Sword and Shield is the first mainline game to appear on the Nintendo Switch. Despite the controversy and outright anger from some vocal fans, the game has sold over 6 million in one weekend after its release. Do the unstoppable force and unmovable objects that are this Gen’s Pokemon franchise stand up to the past? Here’s my review of Pokemon Sword and Shield.
Story (Warning Spoilers)
Like all Pokemon games (except Generation 7’s Sun and Moon series), you play as a protagonist who must defeat eight gyms to take on the Pokemon League and become the champion. Though the story is vastly different compared to the last seven generations of Pokemon. For example, The game takes place in the Galar region, a region heavily inspired by the United Kingdom. Also, the whole Galar region thrives on the concept of Pokemon battles and the concept of the new power called “Dynamaxing,” which turns Pokemon into literal titans on the battlefield. The story starts with you and Hop (your rival) watching a match starring the current undefeated champion (and Hop’s brother) Leon. Both are excited that Leon is stopping by their home to visit and to give you your starter Pokemon. You have three choices of starter Pokemon: The Grass-type Grookey, The Fire-type Scorbunny, and the Water-type Sobble (For my playthrough, I chose Sobble).
After choosing your starter and fighting your rival, your character has to rescue a sheep pokemon named Wooloo that wandered into the Slumbering Weald. It is there where you run into the box legendary Zacian/Zamazenta, wolf pokemon who managed to beat your starter with ease. Luckily, Leon rescues you and later told to meet Sonia and her grandmother Professor Magnolia to learn a bit about the mysterious Pokemon you met. Sonia explains who they are and how the two have a connection to the legends of Galar. Leon, with some coaxing from his brother Hop, then decides to endorse both of you to the Gym Leader Challenge (in Galar, to participate in the league, you need an endorsement). After the second battle, both of you are sent off to Motostoke for the opening of the Gym Leader Challenge and introduced to the gym leaders.
. It’s here where we see several major players. First is Chairman Rose, the head of Macro Cosmos and the chairman of the Galar Pokemon League. Next is Marnie, one of your rivals who has her entourage of fans known as Team Yell, who will make noise and attack those who aren’t their idol. Lastly, is the rival many people wanted for a long time, Bede, the arrogant and snobbish rival who was endorsed by Chairman Rose himself. Your first stops have you traveling to the first three gyms of Turffiled, Hulbury, and then back to Motostoke (Grass, Water, and Fire, respectively). All while learning a bit more about the origin of Dynamax and an event in Galar’s history known as The Darkest Day, even learning that Bede is searching for “wishing stars” for the chairman.
Once defeating Kabu of the Motostoke Gym, you’re sent off to the next city of Hammerlocke, the city that houses the Dragon-type Gym leader Raihan to continue you’re training. Once you arrive at Stow-on-Side, you get to see one of the unique features of Sword and Shield: version exclusive gym leaders. In Sword, you fight against the Fighting Gym Leader Bea while Shield gets a chance at the Ghost-type gym leader Alister. After your victory in Stow-on-Side, you run into Bede using the chairman’s Copperaja as he is destroying one of Galar’s historical artifacts in the search for Wishing Stars. Bede’s actions end up getting him disqualified from the Gym Challenge (thus removed from the competition.) However, just as the artifact is damaged, it reveals old statues of two pokemon, one of them being the wolf pokemon saw at the beginning of your game.
Though Sonia tells you to go onto the next region to fight the remaining gym challenges while she solves the mystery of the Pokemon. After winning against the gym leaders in Ballonlea and Circhester do you eventually reach the town of Spikemuth, the gym leader of the aloof Dark Type gym leader Pieres. Pieres states he’s the “leader” of Team Yell and the brother to Marnie. He reveals that he wanted his sister to take over the gym and wanted her to succeed in putting the town on the map because Spikemuth is built on no Dynamax Hotspot.
Though after defeating the gym, suddenly, there are reports of Dynamax pokemon running wild and causing havoc. Leon and Sonia tell you to go with your challenge while they deal with the situation, all while learning more about the mysterious heroes of Galar and the royalty that saved Galar from the Darkest Day. Though for now, your character defeats Raihan and can now move onto the Semifinals being hosted in Wyndom, a town built by Chairman Rose himself to host the last battle against the champion. Once there, you head to Wyndom Stadium to continue your Semifinals match. During your first battle, you’re suddenly greeted by Bede, who is revealed to have gotten a new endorsement from Opal, the Fairy Gym Leader of Ballonlea. He decides to challenge you to a match to which you beat him. Though he states he’d retire from being a trainer should he lose to you, he later embraces his role as the new Gym Leader for Ballonlea. Once that’s done, you have your rematches with Nessa, Bea/Alister, and Raihan as you ascend to the destined final battle with Leon. However, your match is later interrupted by Chairman Rose, who declares that he must unleash the Darkest Day onto Galar to save it. (This is hinted before your final match as you brave Macro Cosmos and Rose’s secretary Odessa to reach the Rose Tower).
This causes the Pokemon to Dynamax as Rose awakens Eternatus, a skeletal dragon that was responsible for the Dynamax Phenomenon. Sonia then hints that the only ones who can stop this Pokemon are the legendary wolves. You and Hop are sent back to the Slumbering Weald to find the wolves. However, you only find a rusted sword and shield. You take those with you as you return to Hammerlocke, where it’s revealed that Eternatus was sealed there. You have one more rematch with Odessa before dealing with Chairman Rose himself. Once defeated, he surrenders as you race to the top of Hammerlocke, witnessing Leon struggling with Eternatus. You then deal with the legendary Pokemon and manage to defeat it, only for it to Dynamx into a giant snake hand that prevents your Pokemon from attacking or doing anything! Though just as all hope is lost, Zacian and Zamazenta arrive and with the rusted artifacts, are awakened and aid you subduing Eternatus. Once the hero captures the Dynamax Pokemon, the two wolves disappear, and thus the disaster is adverted.
Afterward, you have the final part where you fight and defeat Hop’s brother Leon, thus crowning you the new champion of Galar. The story would end here, but it’s not over yet. After being visited by Magnolia and given the Master Ball, you head back to the Slumbering Weald, where you and Hop have another fight since your Wyndom battle. Once you defeated him and returned the Sword and Shield to their resting place, are greeted by two brothers named Sordward and Shieldbert. They claim to be descendants of the fabled heroes of Galar and those who dismiss Sonia’s research on the two wolf pokemon. Though as you beat one of the brothers, the others managed to beat Hop and thus run off with the other artifact. Just as things couldn’t get any worse, suddenly Dynamax Pokemon are erupting all over Galar and causing trouble at each of the gyms. Once Routed, you learn that Sordwald and Shieldbert were doing these to prove the “Dark nature” of the heroic wolf pokemon. This causes one of them to go berserk and attack one of the brothers, thus forcing you to defeat one of them.
Once that one ran off, the other wolf remains behind in order to fight you (thus capturing your box legendary.) Once done, and the events ended, you return back to Weald and witness Hop capturing the other legendary. It’s here where Hop then realizes his goal of wanting to be a pokemon researcher as he challenges you to one last fight (using the opposite box legendary you have). Once defeated, everyone is happy all issues mended. With that, the main story of Pokemon Sword and Shield is done.
Dynamaxxed Greatness
For the first pokemon mainline game on the switch, the game has its excellent perks that make the game unique. The game’s graphics are stunning, and some pokemon do make sound effects (such as flapping wings or stomping noises), thus making them organic than just static. One of the biggest features I do like is the Wild Area, one of the first times in the series history where you have an open world to explore and capture Pokemon. Some of which include multiplayer battles called Max Raids. These contain strong Pokemon and exclusive Dynamax pokemon known as “Gigantomax,” where the Pokemon takes on a new form when Dynamaxed such as Charizard or Butterfree. These Pokemon’d Gigantomax forms make them popular due to their unique capabilities and powers they bring.
Pokemon camp is another unique feature, something that brings a new twist to Pokemon Amie/Refresh from the prior generations to something cute. You can play with your Pokemon with bouncy balls and a cat toy while cooking food for them that can not only heal them and make them friendly but also makes them gain experience. Cooking is a unique experience that brings me back to the berry-mixing and Poffin cooking of some of the older games. It also makes me feel like I’m cooking food for my companions. One last feature is a major quality of life change for some competitive people: Easy breeding and changing natures. Sword and shield introduce mints, items that can provide stat growths of personalities. For example, if you have a Gardevoir that has an Adamant nature (a nature favoring physical attack), one can use a Modest Mint that gives her the nature similar to Modest (though it doesn’t fully change her nature, but changes stat growths). Another great feature involves being able to transfer egg moves to similar Pokemon of the same species without needing to hatch a ton of eggs. This feature is extremely useful for passing on egg moves to Gigantomax pokemon (as they sadly cannot pass their Gigantomax status to their offspring.)
A great thing about the games are the exclusives (and not just pokemon version exclusive and story) are the version gym leaders. For example, in Sword you have the Fighting Type gym leader Bea and the Rock Type gym leader Cordie. In Shield, Bea is replaced by Alistar the Ghost Type gym leader and Cordie is replaced by the Ice Type user Melony.
Rusty criticisms
Though the game has such great perks and QoL changes, there are some glaring issues that can get in the way. One of the criticisms is the 600 lb. Elephant (or Copperaja) in the room is the National Dex. For those unaware, the National Dex was a core feature introduced in the Third Generation of Pokemon that recorded ALL pokemon one captured. Pokemon cut over 400 pokemon from the Galar dex, leaving some people with no way of bringing their favorite Pokemon they brought over to Galar. According to what can be found, it’s estimated to being over 400 pokemon in the Galar Dex (with some pokemon found but unavailable at the moment.) Your boy’s favorite Pokemon happens to be Empoleon and how I wish I could have it in my game, but since she’s not in Galar (or in the game in general), I can’t get a chance. However, that’s my opinion.
Though the story is nice, it can be a bit short and shallow at some parts, and most of the endgame involves the wild area, Max Raids, Curry Dex, and the battle tower. Some people would expect something like the Battle Frontier or any events that are a better endgame experience than just running on raids or doing online competitions. Sometimes I do wish I could have the return of Pokemon Contests like in the days of Ruby and Sapphire.
Conclusion
Despite the massive controversies heard on the internet and some of its shortcomings for a mainline game, Sword and Shield is an impressive game that has some fun and action. Though the content can be short, all Pokemon games are like this but come with some impressive feats and ways of keeping you entertained even for a short time. Would I recommend it? I would if you’re a Pokemon fan.
Disclaimer: What I might talk about is based on my own opinions and might hit some areas that are sensitive to some people. So remember not to take it personally; this is my opinion.
Hey everyone, it’s your boy, Choujin.
Have you ever had something planned or a priority you have to do (whether it be school, work or anything) and instead of doing it you held back on it for a while and suddenly you have to do it because it’s near the due date. We’ve all done this (even your boy is guilty of doing this): procrastination. Whether we stall out on studying in favor of binge watching netflix or just playing the newest video game release today. Procrastination can be a pain in the butt.
Everyone who had parents or are/were currently parents had memories of procrastination. Parents tell their kid to do their chores by a specific time and suddenly they get a shocker when they find their kid hasn’t done said chore by the deadline. It can be frustrating that’s for sure as that meant the child wouldn’t care about doing his work. Plus it meant that they prioritize menial stuff over important or urgent things. To parents that’s a bad thing and to me, that’s a bad habit that can grow onto them when they get to my age. Those two things aren’t very good to do
This isn’t just limited to kids, even adults can procrastinate on things too. Not just stuff at the workplace but even things like basic house chores too. Sometimes even adults themselves can space out on important details, events and even simple things that can add up over time until it suddenly has to be taken care of. It can be a pain in the ass if allowed to go rampant should it be something important like a leaking sprinkler head or a mold spot. The workplace could also be a pain if a deadline has to arrive and sometimes you got people who will do that. Only difference between that is the risk of being fired should the deadline be reached and the job is not done. College can be no different as you can fail your classes or be dropped from said class. Either child, student or worker, procrastination is something that angers everyone (especially the procrastinator if he’s aware of this little problem.)
Now, as some of you are probably going to ask, “What should I do to avoid being a procrastinator myself?” Your boy simply can only tell you this: Stay focused! It’s okay to step aside from your work for a few moments but you need to make sure you stay on track and not be distracted by whatever shows up and pulls your eyes away. If you got work or study, make sure you set some time aside for your work and take breaks if you have to. If you’re studying for an exam or test, ensure that you do time for your studying with some breaks in between to avoid burnouts and ensure the temptation of procrastinating isn’t as easy to fall into. Lastly, if you really want to play that game or binge watch something from Disney+ or Netflix, maybe watch an hour of it then get back to work once you’re done with the one hour watch. Then when you’re finished with your work, you can go back to enjoying your stuff and that’s it.
So when you’re tempted into stalling out on your studying because the newest episode on Disney+ is live or a new episode of Watchmen is found on HBO. It’s best to get that item done before the deadline. Besides, the episode will wait once your chore or job is done.
Oh and for those wondering, yes I did procrastinate while I was writing this article during the weekends. I know, it sucks but it’s something that had to be done (and I had to mumble about it due to this.) So, what work or study did you used to procrastinate about? comment below so your boy can hear.
hey, its your boy, Choujin! Today’s Friday so it’s time for some of my old fan works from college this time. Oh and on a minor note, I’ll be doing a bi-weekly schedule with my blogging. The reason is that it’ll let me make a bit more quality work and not be rushed on certain things (Eg, Monday Mumbles, Wednesday media reviews, ect) so hopefully it might allow more polish.
Anyway, time for some flash fiction. Today’s Friday Fan Work is a concrete poem from college. So sit back, grab a beverage and enjoy the work and i’ll see you next week, the week of Thanksgiving.
Concrete Poem: Hate
Hate Hate exists Hate never dies It can’t be stopped or can it be stopped? It can be stopped Hate can’t win nor exist Easy might be but it’s not For Hate always fights It always tries to struggle for it takes more than just one to stop hate. It exists if you allow it to grow and thrive. but if one starves and stifles it. Hate can’t thrive.
Note: this is a change of formula, but something different for some people who are a fan of the Pokemon franchise.
With just two days before the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield, some folks are either going around with how a Pokemon game should be. No, your boy’s not going to be talking about the anger in the fanbase (that’ll be a subject for the Thanksgiving week). I’ve played Pokemon since Generation 1 (for those who might not know, that’s the era of games like Red/Blue/Green(JP) and Yellow) and I’ve loved the franchise for years. One thing i’ve noticed is people have done some challenges to make playing older Pokemon games in an interesting twist. So for those who are impatient on Sword and Shield’s release and want to sate the itch or you’re a long time Pokemon fan, here’s some fun that might make your Pokemon games fun.
The Nuzlocke Challenge
Our first challenge is an old challenge going back to 2010 and started by a 4Chan user named Nuzlocke. The Nuzlocke Challenge is something that’s simple that you play the game like any other. However, there’s a catch for the following.
1. The Pokemon you capture must be nicknamed 2. Must capture the first pokemon you see in the region (failing to do that means you don’t capture and must move on) 3. If said pokemon is knocked out, its considered dead and either must be released into the wild or be sent to the PC (aka Graveyard).
The best thing about Nuzlockes as some have played is that it adds some suspense when a Pokemon is knocked out (sometimes leading to a game over should all your Pokemon faint). Some even add some unique challenges to some such as Wedlocke (which requires you to capture 3 males and 3 females and thus pair them up) or even some additional challenges like not allowing the use of items or Pokemon Centers, forbidding some items, and various other things. It’s a classical challenge that some Pokemon fans that enjoy. However, Nuzlockes aren’t the only challenges out there.
Monotype Challenges
Monotype challenges are another simple challenge that involves a simple thing: capturing only one type of pokemon. For example, if you want to be like the flying type gym leaders or elite four, you must capture only flying type pokemon you see (and it can be the dual types like Zubat or Oricorio). It’s an interesting strategy to see how people would play with one type, sometimes types you wouldn’t expect to use. It’s an interesting thing to pull off when you beat the game with Bug-type Pokemon or pulling a Misty with Water-Types! However, there’s more challenges out there, so let’s continue.
The Roleplay/Story Challenge
Now this is something that your boy here loves. Do you ever wanted to play as Ash while playing your games? Want to have your character feel more unique and others? Then why not role-play or even tell a story about your character. You might get a chance to bond with your Pokemon by creating a backstory for your character. You can Roleplay your character as a Pokemon ranger who only acquires gifted Pokemon, or maybe a Dragon tamer who uses “Dragon” based Pokemon. Heck, you can even roleplay as the greatest trainer in the Pokemon World: Youngster Joey. Speaking of Youngster Joey, there’s one more challenge that can be fun as well.
The Single Challenge
Also known as the one Pokemon Challenge, a challenge that can basically let you play with one Pokemon. Wouldn’t it be awesome to select one starter and have it fight all your battles with no assistance from others and challenging Pokemon that might be stronger than your or challenging full teams though with one partner. The challenge only allows one Pokemon and plenty of Youtubers have shown the various Pokemon being used to beat the game as a whole. Some are typical that use their favorite starter Pokemon while others might take it to some interesting (if not silly examples) like beating the game with just a Rattata or even a Magikarp. The best thing about this challenge is that you can use ANY Pokemon for the challenge, so it adds some fun should you want to see you winning the league through the Youngster Joey path or forge your own path with your favorite Pokemon throughout the whole journey.
Doing your own way
There are SO many challenges and ideas out there that I could be there forever explaining about how to play the game, but the best thing you can do when it comes to challenge. The best thing you can do is to create your very own challenges for playing older Pokemon Games. Maybe an Single Pokemon challenge that adds Roleplaying to the game? Maybe a Monotype Wedlocke that can add some unique variations to difficulty. Heck, you could do what your boy is doing: An Ash Challenge. If you’re curious on how it works is this: You choose one Pokemon (wild or starter, no legendary) and that Pokemon is your “Starter” from the journey. It’s best when playing older games like Gen 3 games (R/S/E/FL/LG) or Gen 4 (D/P/Pt/HG/SS) and beat the game. You then migrate that Pokemon to your next game (your starter only) and continue your adventure like in the anime. You can add your own challenge by either not evolving your Pokemon (just like Ash’s Pikachu) and can choose not to capture no more than 6 Pokemon (just like Ash). It’s not a bad challenge to try out if you want, but that’s my own challenge should you want to try it out. Perhaps you might like to create your own challenge yourself?
And those are some examples of challenges you can do while waiting for Pokemon Sword and Shield (or just wanting to have fun with Pokemon games.) What’s your favorite challenge (examples here or your own challenge) and tell me what you like about it.
Disclaimer: What I might talk about is based on my own opinions and might hit some areas that are sensitive for some people. So just remember not to take it personal, these are just my opinions.
Happy November everyone. It’s your boy, Choujin!
Now we’re coming toward the month of November, the month that everyone knows is holiday shopping. Holiday shopping is the one day of the year that your boy knows about how crazy this can be. your boy can wonder how people can get so crazy on shopping during the holidays. Usually it can happens before Christmas and around the day after Thanksgiving. So..what does it mean to your boy on shopping days? Well, let me give you something.
One such thing I’ve notice is that people become literal jerks on these days because they want the best deals on the best times. Especially if it’s something electronic and if parents, some new toy for their kid. heck, I’ve seen adults go out of their way to buy sales.
Now Black Friday, the day of Christmas shopping from what i’ve seen on Youtube videos (and stories from friends and family in retail) is that it’s the worst. Some people can become a literal Grinch or Scrooge. I remembered a story in 1997 where parents were literally going out of their ways to get a copy of Pokemon Yellow Version for their children. Or how a few years ago, we got those parents beating each other for a Tickle-Me-Elmo doll?
Though before people go out and chew me out about holiday sales, I’m not knocking on the entire concept of holiday sales. I mean, on some days it can be a great thing for people who are off work to find good sales. Sometimes, I wouldn’t mind going out during President’s Day or Easter sales. Heck, to say that I’m against holiday sales would be utterly hypocritical if it comes to Steam Sales on holidays. What I wouldn’t mind is if some people showed self-control on holiday sales and not behave like some ravenous predator fighting prey in the wilds. When you go shopping, remember to be human when it comes to deals.
Holiday Shopping can be a pain, especially on some of the major holiday sales. However, as long as people don’t act on impulse like ravenous animals, these days can be something impressive and fun to do.
So, what’s your opinion on holiday shopping and sales? Your boy would love to know that stuff. Hope you guys have a safe Monday and see you next time.
going to take a break this week (as hinted by monday and last friday) so sorry if I’ve missed those deadlines. By next monday, I’ll be providing you guys with some fresh content.
Note: This is a movie review, so there will be spoilers to the movie. Just a fair warning should you proceed and read it.
Heya, it’s your boy, Choujin. I understand that this review is late, but your boy has gotten back on the saddle for job hunting; thus, your boy may be delayed on today’s media review. However, I realized that tomorrow’s Halloween, so I thought why not a good time to do the review on another movie, a sequel to the film I reviewed a week ago. Made by Keita Amemiya, his sequel Zeiram 2, is an impressive piece of work from Japan that is action-packed with some comedy. So let’s have a look at what this sequel is and what It can provide.
The movie starts in a desert world, in which two aliens are field-testing a new weapon on some androids. The machine shows off their entire mechanical armaments and toys as the testers are impressed by the results. They prepare to send it to none other than Iria, who is on Earth on an assignment. The vault opens, and it’s shown that the new weapon is none other than Zeiram, who survived his last encounter. Eventually, through some intro credits, we get to see the new and improved Zeiram being built up. Better, Stronger, faster.
Then we return to Earth, where Kamiya and Teppei are preparing for Teppei’s wedding, Kamiya giving his apologies about not attending his friend’s wedding. Meanwhile, on a beach not too far from the area, Iria and a new cocky compatriot named Fujikuro managed to snag an item called the Kamarite from an alien shaman and his thugs. It’s been revealed that Iria’s been using Earth as a base for over three years since the film. It’s revealed that Kamarite was an ancient transport device that can fetch a few pennies, according to Fujikuro. Bob informs them of their next mission while arguing with Fujikuro. Teppei gets a glimpse of Iria while he was waiting for some wedding preparations and thus went searching for her. Suddenly, as Iria leaves for a mission, Fujikuro decides to sabotage the whole thing to strand Iria while he’d run off with the Kammarite only to find out that Iria took the device with her. With the device not in its place, Fujikuro decides to kidnap Teppei and use him as a driver to get to Iria.
Kamiya began testing his new camera (as he’s
shown to be a bit of a creeper) while he chats with a worker about some typical
business stuff. He managed to call Teppei and ask, only to being asked to go to
the Kamiyama building (something of a way to hint about his situation.)
Iria, relaxing next to a dog, is waiting for the supposed unit to arrive for
her mission while Kamiya arrives to notice Iria’s base damaged from Fujikuro’s
attack as his old friend Bob greets him. Once they arrive at their destination,
Fujikuro drags Teppei out to continue their hunt for Iria. Iria runs into the
shaman from before as he brings in a whole army of goons to kill Iria. Fujikuro
and Teppei watch from a distance as the douchebag notices the Kamarite before
taking Teppei away. Kamiya is repairing Bob and the teleporter, while back at
the fray, Iria pulls a Mary Poppins and is waiting for Bob to teleport her back
home (only to find out she can’t). Though just as she’s about to be attacked,
the new Zeiram arrives on the scene, which commences in killing all the
criminals and thugs with no hesitation. Bob and Kamiya are able to get in
contact with Iria, just as they got a feed of the aftermath.
The group got a glimpse of the new and improved Zeiram while Iria punches the face out of anger and frustration. Bob reassures Iria that the machine was there to save and protect her, while Iria explains that some of the criminals killed were people they knew. Bob tells her that they couldn’t teleport the machine out, while Fujikuro arrives to mock her about Teppei (who he left in the car handcuffed and with a ticking grenade) The scumbag threatens Iria to drop all her weapons but his cowardice as he threatens to blow him up unless she hands the Kamarite over toward him. Iria declines and beats the tar out of him Back at the shrine, the shaman barely survived the ordeal as he walks up toward the robotic creature and ends up spitting up blood and waking up the core of Zeiram. Now free of any shackles, the new Zeiram now starts to create its Zone, trapping everyone in the area in a Zone and began to start hunting the group. Fujikuro freaks out and runs into a zone wall, to which Bob explains to Iria about what happened. Kamiya and Bob lose track of them, signaling that this Zone is different than his.
With the battlefield set, Iria and Fujikuro are trying their best to prepare traps and ambushes to deal with the new Zeiram while Teppei is confused. Zeiram ambushes the two investigators, showing off his super-speed as he steals Fujikuro’s gun, showing off its ability to transform the weapon into something it can use. Iria leads Zeiram to one of her landmines and blows it up, only for its armor to be damaged and showing off its second form: a fox/rabbit form. The creature then damages Iria and kills a dog that wandered into the area. Zeiram then attacks, only for Iria to also show off that she’s got some new toys too as they go toe to toe with melee combat, missiles, and explosions galore. Including a scene of her kicking an explosive shell away (something reminiscent of the first movie). During the fight, Iria hits one of Zeiram’s chest section, weakening his shield. Meanwhile, Fujikuro runs off with the Kamarite that dropped only to lose the device again during the fight. Teppei ends up wandering into the battlefield and finds the Kamarite that Fujikuro dropped.
The fight between Zeiram and Iria starts to become a war of attrition as both’s shields are down. Zeiram grabs Iria and using that opportunity to destroy his shield and literally disarm her opposition. In one battle over a building, Iria plunges a blade into Zeiram’s head. The blade pins the beast to the side of the building and defeats him for now. Fujikura loses contact with the radio while Bob informs Iria to search for Teppei so they can get out. Teppei contacts Iria through radio and finds Kamiya on the radio, providing a happy reunion for the three as they discuss where to rally in order to reunite. However, she reminds them that they’re in a Zone. Iria diffuses a mild argument between Teppei and Kamiya, suggesting that Teppei will be okay and that she’d never leave friends down and cheerfully tells them she’ll buy them a drink.
Back at the now fallen Zeiram, a robot wasp missile erupts from the discarded hand and is heading toward Teppei. Iria latches onto the missile as she’s being dragged by the rocket on its way. She saves the day by throwing herself and the rocket into a chamber, though the rocket is trying to chew its way through a wall. Teppei finds Iria trapped in the room, which Kamiya informs him of how to restore power back to the building. Night arrives as Zeiram’s core wakes up and frees itself from the blade impaling its head. Then the xenomorph rip-off tries to wake up the machine through a few taps to the face then commences to producing an egg that creates a dog/monster hybrid from the slain pooch. Zeiram sends the monster off to search for its targets while it stands by and waits for the robot to finally wake itself up. Back at the building, Teppei finds the breaker box as he follows Kamiya’s advice on how to repair the device. Now with the machine online and Iria’s freedom set up, he forgets one thing. The jerk Fujikuro who holds him hostage. Meanwhile, the box breaks, and Iria’s freedom is stalled out (all while the missile is continuing to eat a hole through the wall in order to get to Teppei on the other side.
As Zeiramis slowly repairing itself, Teppei takes advantage of Fujikuro’s confusion and tries to get free only for Teppei to lose the Kamarite he had on his body. In the fight, Teppei accidentally trips a discarded landmine, to which Fujikuro runs off. The bad news keeps coming as the missile is boring through a wall to reach its target, and the room is a trash compactor, ready to crush Iria. To finally add a cherry on this lousy news sundae, Zeiram is fully repaired and wakes up. Fearful of his friend’s demise, Kamiya decides (in a humorous suit up montage) to go into the Zone and disarm the bomb. He comes in the nick of time and manages to save Teppei from the landmine under his foot and frees him from his bondage. They then return to save Iria in the nick of time by disarming the missile and allowing her to escape being an Investigator Pancake. The group is relieved to know she’s alright and not harmed. Kamiya hands Iria a good luck charm through the hole in the wall. Though as the good feelings were gone quickly when the missile escapes containment and chases them out. Iria destroys the missile, but not before blasting the two out of range of communications. Bob informs them that Iria is looking for them and that once together, they must use the transport unit to escape. However, they realized that Fujikuro had stolen the item.
In a Humorous twist, Bob activates the device, causing him to drop the Karmarite and teleported straight into a digital holding cell. (Do not pass go, do not collect the Kamarite). The bad news is that Fujikuro used the last teleporter unit and that the group needs a way to escape the Zone. Iria suggests using the Karmarite as a key to get out of the Zone, which is found on the top of the great Karnite sat on top of the Daikannon statue. Teppei and Kamiya have a heart-filled chat, in which Kamiya explained that he couldn’t make it to his friend’s wedding due to his own commitment to his wedding anniversary with his ex-wife. Teppei reassures Kamiya that he’ll make a good husband. Iria contacts them and thus explains that they’ll meet up at the statue. However, they then notice the now reactivated Zeiram, and the two make a very hasty retreat from the monster. They eventually make their way to the statue, evading the monster up several flights of stairs. They make a near escape from the creature just as Iria arrives. Iria stalls out the beast while Iria goes round two with Zeiram. Teppei and Kamiya race up to a room full of smaller statues as they learn from Bob that the Kamarite is stuck outside on a ledge. The two managed to find the item. During the fight, Zeiram and Iria are blasted out of the statue. Zeiram activates his last trump card by destabilizing the Zone (talk about a sore loser). Then he goes full batman by sprouting wings and flies to the top of the temple. Kamiya helps Teppei up onto the ledge while keeping in possession of the Kamarite. Suddenly, they’re greeted by the now winged Zeiram and rescued again by Iria and her Mary Poppins straw umbrella. However, they soon run into the dog monster hybrid. Iria clips Zeiram’s wings with a shower bomb while the Teppei managed to kill the creature by killing the monster. Kamiya’s impressed by Teppei’s bravery to which Teppei humeriously stated that ‘he’ll be a daddy soon.”
Back inside the room, Teppei and Kamiya activate the Karmarite, which was simple enough. However, Zeiram arrives again and commences to knocking all the statues about and creating a big mess. The two managed to stall out Zeiram and try and make their escape. Iria arrives at the nick of time and commences her fight, all while Kamia and Teppei start searching for the Karmarite; they dropped amongst the statues, all while the Zone starts to dissolve around them slowly. Zeiram knocks Iria out of the arena, and the two begin to fight desperately.
Time is not on their side as Iria pulls a last-ditch gambit by blowing herself up along with Zeiram just as Kamia and Teppei find the Karmarite. They suddenly notice an explosion where Iria and Zeiram were. Despite that explosion, Zeiram still is alive as he crawls after the two, wanting to kill them. Iria also survives the blast as she commences to blasting the robotic monstrosity. The field reaching its limit as everything around them starts falling apart. Iria delivers the killing blow on the machine, as the two prepare their escape. Teppei throws a fresh clip of ammo toward Iria, which allows her to kill the core like last time. They activate the device at the last second and are pulled back from the Zone and into the real world. Their happiness is cut short as they suddenly found that Iria was stuck in the teleporter along with Zeiram. Bob explains that he’s not familiar with the tech they used and that they’re lucky they were able to be reformed and that they are stuck on a two switch. Bob is telling them to trust their instincts in rescuing Iria, a method that the two feel is a callous order to make.
Though just as they thought that all hope is lost, a bright light illuminates one of the switches. Taking their gut instinct, they go for this switch. Suddenly, Zeiram pulls one last attempt into reconstructing itself into the real world. Though just as the monster is about to win, the creature’s visage explodes in a massive bright (and somewhat Space Odessy-like montage). Iria once again emerges to save the day and kills the monster once and for all. The sun rises, and birds chirp while everyone is happy that Zeiram has been totally destroyed once and for all. Teppei and Kamiya bought bust up laughing while Iria responds with a smile and a “hi guys, great to see you.” Ending the film with a happy Iria smiling.
What does Zeiram 2 bring to the table? Well, it does have a better budget than the last time, and some of the fights are as catching. However, though the budget is there, the monstrous transformations seen in the first Zeiram aren’t there anymore. The only change you see is between it; it’s robot fox form and the giant skull form. No giant skeleton or monster form, just the forms in only shown in the movie, and that are that. Another issue is the movie does feel like a shot by shot similarity to the first film with maybe a few deviations to the story, but it does feel familiar in some moments. Another thing I’ve noticed and liked to an extent was the voice acting. Some of the new voice actors such as Dave Mallow (who voices Bob in the sequel) and Wendee Lee (the unique voice of Iria who replaces Edie Mirmam) do add some personality and a better sound than some of the group thought it’s a shame that some of the original cast from the first film couldn’t reprise their voice roles. Though on the plus side, the new voice actors do provide some unique personality to characters not known. Especially from some of the new voice actors that have become prominent in the anime voice acting community.
With that done, that’s Zeiram 2, the sequel and final movie in the Zeiram duology. There was an OVA prequel called Iria: Zeiram the Animation, which explains the origin story of Iria and how she became a bounty hunter. However that’s another story for another time, so here’s your boy wishing you all a Happy Halloween 🙂
Absolution's Archive 