Alice: Madness Returns

A few months ago, I started, played through and finished Alice Madness Returns, totally skipping the first part of the story that came out on pc years ago. American McGee’s Alice was on my list of horror fantasy games to play for many years before I got into playing titles like Fatal Frame, Silent Hill or Resident Evil, but console gaming proved easier for me.

Alice Madness Returns follows the story of a dark haired Alice in a world that makes Tim Burton’s universes very Disney like. She is on a journey to saving herself in a dreary and depressing normal life and saving her own world, Wonderland from destructive outer forces and demonic looking foes with the help of a very sinister looking wide grinned Cat and unusual items for weapons. This mangy cat gives you very interesting advice, not only for in game usage, but interesting quotes to think on in general. Curiouser and curiouser!

Her story gets darker throughout gameplay, shifting from general strangeness to the downright absurd and disturbing as you uncover parts of characters’ backgrounds and Alice’s story about the fire. Playing this game gave me a lot of “WTF” moments as my original memory of Alice in Wonderland as a fun and delightfully weird children’s tale was turned inside out with no effs given. There was still some of the charm within the game, but with the downright evilness of some of the characters and the helplessness of some of the others and very sickening depictions of olden day mental asylums, this game breathed a different kind of life into a tale a lot of us have known.

I loved the Chesire cat’s and Alice’s updated character design from the first game, and also the graphics for the gameplay. I also admired the weapon designs to help it fit in this dark/dystopian/disturbing Wonderland. The game boards or places that she visited were done in a very creative manner to fit within this dark wonderland and I loved exploring them and seeing what each level had to offer in terms of surprises.

I had to get used to the gameplay and not losing important battles, but I caught on quickly, and didn’t experience too many problems like with the game that came before with movement and quickness of responsiveness. (gameplay issues) The gameplay had progressed with this second installment and did not distract from the story line, nor did it make me overly frustrated which is a plus.

Being into fashion and special abilities when it comes to games and replay value of a game, this game came through with different styled outfits for Alice to wear. The tentacle like dress and the Chesire styled ones were my favorites! I would totally replay this game and unlock more of the story line and hidden content.

Have you had a chance to play Alice Madness Returns? What did you think about it? Don’t be shy! Share your experience with us!

Mortal Kombat: Time Travel

As a person who has played Mortal Kombat as a youngster, it made me quite pleased to know that the new Mortal Kombat was made in Chicago. To some people, this may not be an important bit of information.  To those who know where the game and game kompany originated from, this is a big deal!

Sonya

The first outfit I wanted to highlight is Sonya Blade’s halter top and leggings kombo. Her outfit is fitted to show off her muscles and strength, but very late 80’s early 90’s inspired. Her slightly loose high ponytail, and bangs is a very 90’s athletic look for her, but not very fashionable or kute.

Kitana

Moving on to Kitana’s outfit… I would break down all of the princess’ fighting kostumes, but that would be far too redundant since they wore the same exact thing in the early Mortal Kombat games! Limited game memory for kharacters and all of that for the arcade and Super Nintendo. Old gen konsole problems.

The princess’  wore what looks like halter top styled swimsuits with knee high flat soled boots. No heels were worn in these earlier games, so foot gear was very practical for female fighters in the Mortal Kombat universe. Their fighting gear was sexy in a sense, but very subdued kompared to the feminine outfits of the more kurrent games that have been released.

Sindel

Illustration by Jhonatas Batalha

Queen Sindel, one of the most recognized kharacters in the series is not exempt from this fashion post! Her outfit is more revealing than the other kharacters, and doesn’t have the halter top to secure the outfit at her shoulders/neck like the other ladies. She also wears longer boots that kover up most of her kalf than stopping at the knee.  Out of the female kharacters, her outfit is more “sexy” and too cheesy while not going overboard like in some fighting games.

With these visuals from the old MK games, how do you feel about the fashion direction of these klassic kickass female kharacters? Share your thoughts in the komment section below! We would love to hear from you!

Anime Central: 2015

My Little Pony

This Acen was filled with lots of familiarity; meeting and catching up with old friends  from school or the gyaru and cosplay community and of course some from SugarGamers, taking pictures, checking out tons of spectacular goodies in the Dealers Hall, and staying up super late. However, some things were different this year, including your Galtaku* , Lisha, having her own panel about gyaru fashion and totally missing the rave.

Vincent and Sorceress Edea

Alice (knight outfit) from Madness Returns “How’d you get so tall, Alice?”

At my panel, I took a lighthearted approach with describing the fashion and answering questions, even playing some Eurobeat music that had a parapara dance tied to it. I showed some of my essential items in my handmade denim purse, letting the audience see what make-up items I used for my look, the cards I used for getting discounts at stores, and what brand of lashes I favored.

Cool style, Cool Tattoo

What a deer! Her dress and flower headdress was so cute!

I encouraged the audience to get up and look at the items I brought. I even had some of the local gals come up to answer questions that the audience had. I was glad I had a diverse audience to speak to and despite not having video for my panel, it worked out!

My Little Pony

Though I did not get “turnt up” for the rave, I chatted with Monica, Kat, and Keisha, looked at gorgeous accessories and clothes from steampunk and traditional Japanese fashion, and even got suited up in Samurai armor! I was very tempted to buy a sword or a stylish kimono, but there were far too many beautiful designs to choose from!

Samurai Gyaru! I don’t need a sword… I can use my nails!

Some of you might be wondering what the heck a “galtaku” is. It is a word that combines gyaru  (gyaru fashion or make up) and otaku (Japanese word for nerd).

Ginyu Force

Though Acen is geared towards cosplay and Japanese oriented comics and animation, there were so many lolitas in varying styles and themes there! I had to oogle Akira’s line of vkei/gothic lolita clothes and accessories. Also… there were some Deadpool’s , even one in a pirate outfit, some Mr. Fawkes’, and friendly fuzzy furries strolling about. Not too many gyaru this year though!

Chihiro and Kiki

Did you go to Acen this year? What panels did you attend or what did you buy for your gaming or fashion collection? Don’t be shy! Share!

Yuna- A Final Fantasy Jerk

Final Fantasy Jerk Offs: Yuna

 By Lisha Misha

 

 April 29, 2015

 

 5 min read 

 

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 In  Gaming

 

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The sweet looking, David Bowie eyed, high summoner of Final Fantasy 10 is second on the SG list of Final Fantasy Jerk offs!

Though some people may view Yuna as the hardworking daughter of Lord Braska, sacrificing her young life in order to save the people in the land of Spira, I found some evidence to dispute her total innocence.

Yuna scheming to lure Tidus in.

After Yuna summons Valefor, and is sitting with two elderly people and a child at night time, Yuna seeks Tidus’ thoughts on if she can become a High summoner or not. When he says yes, her tone of voice changes slightly when she “asks” if they are going to ride on the same boat when they depart so they have a chance to talk about Zanarkand.

While some people might think that she is flirting with Tidus, remember that her main goal is to collect the Aeons and have guardians protect her in her journey. Not necessarily have a hot and steamy relationship with the star player of the Zanarkand Abes.

Another instance, is when you have to fight against the strong Kimahri when you leave the temple in Besaid. After a few hits in, Wakka calls a stop to the fight, and Kimahri walks off. Yuna tells Tidus after the quick fight is over, that the Ronso warrior was her guardian when she was a child. She also goes on says that even she can’t understand him after all the time spent together.

“Aye! Yuna, get yo boy Kimahri!”

So, a new comer comes to join your party because he has nowhere to really go, wants to help the Besaid Aurochs from failing another Blitzball game, and you let (or don’t stop) a giant blue cat man from attacking him? Sounds pretty fishy to me Ms. Yuna!

Do you agree with Yuna making the list for Final Fantasy Jerk Offs? I would love to read your responses!

Anime Review Time: Paranoia Agent

On the prowl for something new to consume, I visited N to Watch Paranoia Agent by Satoshi Kon, creator of Paprika and Tokyo Godfathers. Having watched a few of Satoshi’s previous works, and being interested in series that have psychological elements to them, I knew that I would not be disappointed with the art style and obscurity of the storyline.

When you gain so much success for a character, what do you do when you are under pressure to produce more?

The series does start off a bit slow and gains momentum after the first few episodes. Speeding up the first few episodes would have kept my attention a bit more. I was drawn to the various differences of the characters mindsets and psychological states (such as multiple personality disorder) that have drawn Lil slugger to them to ease their pains.  Even though the series is about the characters that have been targeted by Lil Slugger, I feel that there could have been a little bit more story for the characters who were around the victims of Lil Slugger and how they dealt with the attacks to the person they were close to. I also felt that the episode with the little girl, older man, and man around his twenties was a bit of a distraction to the storyline and personally didn’t add much to the plot.

After watching Paranoia Agent, I made my way back to discuss our opinions on the series. Upon talking with N’s friend Ks, I was told that each episode referenced Satoshi’s earlier works. Not only do I have to go back and rewatch the series, I also have to catch up and rewatch Satoshi’s previous body of works to get the imbedded references that are scattered throughout the episodes of Paranoia Agent that I missed the first time around.

Have you watched Paranoia Agent before? What did you think about the characters or storyline?

Share your thoughts below!

Final Fantasy Jerk Offs: Wakka

One of the most recognizable characters of the Playstation 2 installment, Wakka is a Blitzball player of the Besaid Aurochs. With his orange hair and bright clothes, he reflects the sunny, sandy atmosphere of the Besaid Islands. He is one of Yuna’s guardians and the coach of the Aurochs, a team who can’t seem to score a goal and is ok with just doing their best. When he happens upon Tidus and his signature move, Wakka is drawn to him instantly and snares Tidus in his grasp.
Rewatching the scenes of Final Fantasy 10 I started to notice something in Wakka’s behavior. Though Tidus needed a place to exist in the land of Spira with his core talent, was Besaid the right place to start off and with Wakka? A man who saw that there was talent in the young estranged Blitzball player? A man who only wanted to use Tidus for his own personal benefit for his failing team?

Now you may say, “How can you say that about Wakka?!” With just reviewing the first part of the game’s cut scenes I noticed that Wakka wants to win a tournament and tries to make it seem that it is ok for Tidus to refuse to help out a team. How can Tidus say no to playing his favorite game and what he lives for in life? Tidus has no choice but to say yes, entrapping himself in Wakka’s plans.
To further reiterate my point:

1. Wakka upsets Lulu by choosing to have Tidus tag along with their group. She had loved Wakka’s brother, Chappu, who looked similar to Tidus and had died years before.

2. Wakka even salted Lulu’s wound by giving Tidus Chappu’s sword, the Brotherhood Sword.
3. Wakka also does nothing when Yuna has been in the temple for too long. He stands by and watches as Tidus makes his way through the temple to save the summoner.
What do you think? Is Wakka a jerk for nabbing Tidus for his plans or not?
I would love to hear from you!

Otaku vs.Gyaru

Otaku is a term that usually people don't put in the same sentence as Gyaru. 

Otaku translates to nerd. (n.) a person with obsessive interests {such as manga and/or anime, and may lack in social skills especially with the opposite sex.} 

Also means "you" or "your house", in Japanese. A polite honorific.

You may even have seen them, at anime conventions, or maybe even at your school's anime club. 

They are all around you! 

While Gyaru, translates to a fashionable girl who dresses cute and trendy.  

They can be seen wearing the latest styles, with bold and at times elaborate make up and hair, and looking girly.

So you can see the big divide between the two, right?

When I was a little seasoned on Ricoche.net, it seemed like a big No-no to even mention that you liked anime, gaming or manga. If you did (like myself...), you were not a real gyaru, and just an otaku or worse yet! A weeaboo! (like I was called in 2008 by a gyaru who had did the fashion for a little bit longer than myself!)

The term Weeaboo seemed to have sprung up in about 2008 or so where I lived. See definition here if you are of the loop! 

Anyhoo...

Putting that little tangent aside, I had tried to save a lotta face by not mentioning anime around my more gyaru peers and sneaking off into an anime club in my first year of college (they had a big room and a viewing screen so it was like you were at a small film showing!!) and trying to squeeze in time to play some good ol' Final Fantasy. 

Now, people seem to be more accepting to those who are into gyaru and also like anime, manga and things of that nature. And I am glad!! A lil mad that this happened AFTER LIKE, HOW MANY YEARS THO?! 

But glad that girls/gals like accept that side of themselves and are not ashamed to share it. Plus, anime conventions are a great stomping ground for meeting up with various gals if they don't live in the area!

Why let hobbies and interests keep you apart? 

What is even more interesting, is that there can be Otaku with other interests than just games and anime! From obsessing over fashion or camera devices, to being closeted otaku or spreading their interests with the world! 

Max's video about the topic at hand

What are you an "otaku" for?