One of the twelve Gold saints, constellation Leo. A very loyal, kind hearted and righteous man, much like his deceased elder brother Aiolos of constellation Sagittarius. That... pretty much sums him up, really. >_>;;
The figure: Perfect. Everything is proper - tight fitting hands, steady legs, accurate face/head, fitting armor (except for the skirt, just a liiittle). Even the gold luster is right this time!! A very pretty gold for all the metal parts, and a beautiful orange gold for the plastic. He stands out more than EX Gemini, but looks great together. Very easy to assemble as well. Simply 10/10!!!
27th October 2011, Thursday
Game rant: Street Fighter IV Online Versus
This is officially the first time I'm posting match vids on SF4. I rarely play versus (with random people) online but I did try it a few times as well as play with two friends. I still can't record via the PS3 but I can with the PC, lucky me. =) The vids below are listed in chronological order by date of match. (Disclaimer: Of course, I'll post only unembarrassing vids lol =P)
Vid #1 - Vega (Me) vs Honda (Friend)
This was actually recorded quite some months ago just a few days after I bought the PC version of SSF4AE. I had problems trying to encode the vid so I never got to post it until today. To be fair, this friend of mine doesn't really use Honda but he tried him against me a few times that night. He's not a combo person at all tho' so I think Honda is actually pretty suitable for him.
Vid #2 - Viper (Me) vs Abel (Random online guy)
This was against a random guy from the US (I think, cos his flag icon was American). Played with him many many rounds that day, him switching back and forth between Abel, Guile and Honda, while I switched between Viper and Chunli. It's pretty clear to me that his Abel is the least experienced of the 3 he used, hence prolly playing to gain technical and match up experience. When he switched to Honda my Viper died 7 times in a row hahahhaa! I just am so bad with her against so many people. Siiiggghhhh....
Vid #3 - Chunli (Me) vs Ryu (Random online guy)
I don't remember where this guy's from but beating him was quite the fluke. XD Was fun, nonetheless. =)
Vid #4 - Yang (Me) vs Abel (Friend)
This was from last night with a friend I randomly made at the arcade weeks ago. He uses several characters but I've only ever fought his Abel. I get really careless easily against him, but he seems just as impatient sometimes, which explains the almost-even match. XD
Vid #5 - Yang (Me) vs Blanka (Friend)
This is against the girlfriend of the guy above (Abel) in Vid #4. I don't actually know her but I do remember him saying his girl plays SF4 as well so both of them "ganged" up against me last night. LOL. Now here's where I shall proclaim - I suuuuuuucccckkkkkk royal d*** against Blanka. Any random Blanka of any level is capable of killing me, typically in the most embarrassing manners too. >_>; In fact, I lost two matches in a row to her before I finally beat her (the above vid). <_<;; I practically had to force myself to play extremely defensively, which gets on my own nerves and is not my favorite playstyle for Yang, but it was the only way. I had to be patient. x_X If I had used Viper, I'm pretty sure I'd have lost every single round, let alone winning a match. XD Blanka is SO my worst nightmare. Aarrrghghhgh. >_<!!!
23rd October 2011, Sunday
Game rant: Yun & Yang (Street Fighter IV)
Was taking some screenshots of Yun and Yang's alternate costumes for a friend the other day, so might as well post them here as well to show off my love for these boys ^_^!!! <3333 (I so have a thing for video game twins?? XD!!)
Default/ Original
I like their default costume. It's cute. ^w^ And alternate color #6 is my favorite color for both of them. But I'm amazed at just how tight-fitting those tops are O_o;; (as with lots of other charcters tho'...)
Alternate 1
IMO this is the least favorable costume. Yang's kitchen boy costume still looks ok but the chef getup for Yun just does NOT look right, dammit. >_<!!
Alternate 1 - Color #10
Color #10 is a unique variation of the alternate 1 costume where their tops are removed altogether leaving them only with so few garments. LOL XD!! I do like this one a lot cos Yun's finally cap-less, and Yang's half nekkidddddd!!! <333 Random note: Yang's is what I call the Feilong-wannabe look. XD!
Alternate 2
This is their casual/street outfit. Yang's fits him perfectly, but when I initially saw Yun's for the first time I wasn't too happy, tho' I couldn't put my reasons to words. Over time I got used to it and now I'm okay with it, but I think I prefer Yun's color #2 (red) and 10 (white) while Yang's best in color #1 (red). Anyway, the last two pics are of the both of them in color #10, or you can just check this out. XD
To end things a little more entertaining-ly, here's a random vid of me playing Yun and Yang against the CPU at home (I occassionally challenge players only at the arcade). The CPU's set to LV7 (hard), the maximum being LV8 (hardest).
Yun vs C.Viper
Yang vs Sagat
11th
October 2011, Tuesday
Random survey:
Live to work or Work to live?
While feeling random I came up with a short list of "different types of people" concerning their career/work. It's not 100% accurate of course, and to be honest I had trouble coming up with a 'title' for each 'type' but oh well, forgive moi. >_>; There may be more 'types' of people out there too, but I'm pretty confident the current list is quite enough for most.
Well let's start with myself. I, for one, fall under the "Work to live - Type 2 [The Fan]" category. What about you? Man enough to own up? =P
Note: I am aware that some people are a mix of types, and types may also change over time/influence. In this case, just pick the one that is most like your current self. Not every point in the description has to apply to you in order to qualify.
People who live to work are generally defined by their innate/natural drive and motivation to do/produce/achieve something they desire/seek, be it wealth/status/ego/self-fulfillment. They are highly dedicated and work diligently towards their goal. It's safe to say all natural leaders, visionaries, revolutionists, and anyone with an ambition or dream they're working to fulfill fall under this category.
Note: "True interest" means a hobby/interest for something for which you have true passion for and considerably spend both time and money on. (e.g. Games, astroloy, celebrities, item collections, travel, etc) I find this quote from 'Batman Begins' the best explanation for this - "“It is not who you are, but what you do, that defines you.”
Live to work - Type 1 [The Achiever] I wanna stay busy and productive! I want to achieve something (significant) in life! I prolly like climbing up the corporate ladder! I like being in charge! I can't stand just sitting still and doing nothing. I want challenges, I want personal growth!
Live to work - Type 2 [The Fortunate / Pursuer]
My work's my passion! I run a business in my own field of interest! I feel like I'm born to do this! I'm lovin' it! Or, I'm still in the process of trying to achieve this.
Live to work – Type 3 [The Hasty] Easy or tough I'll do whatever it takes to get rich and retire ASAP so I can enjoy the rest of my life without a worry! Until I retire, no matter the career/job, my engine's always (most probably) on full blast cos' I'm just that eager! It doesn't matter if I don't exactly love the job.
Live to Work - Type 4 [The Lost] I just want to work, but only because it gives me the delusion that there's 'meaning' to life and something to look forward to. It doesn't matter if I don't exactly love the job. I do not know/have a true interest.
People who work to live are what I call ‘the commoners'. Most people born in our society eventually have to come out and work whether they like it or not (exceptions apply of cos, but I'm not gonna talk about that) in order to feed themselves and pay for bills - basically, to survive. Many go to school, graduate and get a job because it's part of the great circle of human life and not because it's what they really want to do/achieve in life.
Work to live – Type 1 [The Ordinary]
I'm contented as long as my job pays enough for me to live a simple life, single or married. It doesn't matter if I don't exactly love the job. I don't really know what I wanna do in life or what my own interests are if any. I just go with the flow of life.
Note: This is similar to "Live to Work - The Lost" but in differs greatly in the sense that you are still optimistic about life. Typically this means you'd be enjoying life doing mundane things rather than entering philosophy and worrying about the purpose and meaning of your life.
Work to live – Type 2 [The Fan]
I'm contented as long as my job pays enough to for me to live a simple life, single or married, AND ALSO finance my true interests. It doesn't matter if I don't exactly love the job.
Work to live – Type 3 [The Unfortunate]
I had a dream career and worked hard towards it but I couldn't make it, so now I just go with whatever I can get that I'm contented with. I may or may not have true interests.
Work to live – Type 4 [The Dreamer]
I don't want to work! I'm only working now cos' I'll starve and die if I don't! I wish I can just marry someone rich and live happily ever after! Or, I don't mind living off my parents forever! No real guilt/shame whatsoever.
10th
October 2011, Monday
Anime rant: Recently Watched Anime
I. Have. VERY. Strict. Standards. When it comes to anime. I'm ruthlessly picky with artwork/style, story and male-to-female ratio that almost all new mainstream anime within the past 5 years go on my fail list in a single glance.
However, thankfully god has yet forsaken me, for I found two new anime that actually pass my standards (the first one below passes with flying colors). Excluding all the figure/toy rants for the past 3 months, I haven't actually truly posted/written about anime for a while (the last one being Fairy Tail from last year, which I gave up at ep 22 or so), so please allow me to introduce.....
Tiger & Bunny
Genre: Superheroes / Action / Comedy Number of episodes: 26 (Complete)
General setting:
The story is set sometime in the future in Sternbild (their version of New York) where 'Superhero' is now a legit career (with monthly salaries and all, lol) for those born with supernatural powers. Although their job is to save people and prevent accidents and the sort, their job technically falls under Media and Entertainment as all their daily heroic work is recorded and broadcast live on a reality TV show to the entire city every time the heroes are in action. Each superhero works for a different company and is endorsed by real live sponsors (e.g. Bandai, Pepsi) whom they are obliged to please in order to keep their jobs. XD
Basic story introduction:
Kotetsu (the one in green) is a 10-year veteran superhero. Barnaby (the one in red) is a super rookie. The company Kotetsu worked for went bankrupt one day and he had no choice but to move on to Barnaby's company who's willing to hire him but on the condition he partners with Barnaby in the attempt to market them as the first ever two-men superhero team. Unfortunately, the two don't get along due to contradicting personalities, beliefs and style of work…
Comments:
ABSOLUTELY LOOOOVE IT!!!! LOVE the art style! A refreshing and creative story/concept! Beautiful graphics and CGI animation! The only waste/shame is that it's such a short series!! T__T!!!
Click here to download the episodes. Click here to stream/watch the episodes online.
Bakuman
Genre: School / Romance Number of episodes: 25 (Season 1) + 2 (Season 2: Ongoing)
Basic story introduction:
Inspired by his now-deceased uncle, Mashiro dreams of becoming a successful mangaka (comic artist). However, when he discovered that his uncle died of overwork and is reminded of the harsh reality of the manga industry, he gets discouraged and stowed this dream aside. Eventually he decided to go for this dream again when a classmate (and top student), Takagi, proposed that they form a team (one artist one writer) and take on the first step to entering the manga industry on their own. Mashiro had qualms about it but he soon burned with motivation when the girl of his life agreed to marry him... on the condition that they both fufill their true dreams - to be a mangaka and voice actress, respectively.
Comments:
A relatively unique story coming from the artist and writer of Hikaru no Go and Death Note. I watch this because I like and respect the duo and would love to keep supporting them. As expected, Bakuman does not disappoint. It's much more light hearted than Death Note, obviously, which is a good change of genre/pace IMO. This series may appear boring and is not be suitable for those who are uninterested (or unfamiliar) with Japanese manga culture. However, if you're at least interested to learn something about it, this will serve to be quite educational. =)
Click here to download the episodes. Click here to stream/watch the episodes online.
3rd October 2011, Monday
Toy rant: Top 10 favorite figures in my collection
Random day, 2nd random whim - I feel the urge to list my top 10 favorite figures in my collection. To be fair, though, most of them make it to the list either cos' they're the most expensive, or cos' they're my favorite characters.
Mihawk is the only exception - Not only is he expensive, he also took the most trouble/work/effort to get all because of a long streak of pre-order bad luck and transaction failures.
All figures below are listed in chronologically order of when I bought them.
Note: The most expensive and tallest figure in my collection to date. I actually bought this before I even read up to his first appearance in the manga series, making him a special case of compulsive purchase which I regret NOT the least bit - he's gorgeous.
3rd October 2011, Monday
Anime rant: Top 10 favorite anime characters of all time
Random day, random whim - I feel the urge to decide who my top 10 favorite anime characters of all time are as of now and today.
All characters below are listed in chronological order, based on when/how long ago I first knew the character or saw the anime.
Souma Ayame [Fruits Basket] Watched in the year 2002
Occupation: Fashion designer
Character traits: Boisterous, comical, shameless
Kyuuzou [Samurai 7] Watched in the year 2004
Occupation: Lone samurai
Character traits: Strong, quiet, efficient
Sendou Akira [Slam Dunk] Watched in the year 2004
Occupation: Basketball player/High schooler
Character traits: Laid back, friendly, genius
Sakuragi Hanamichi [Slam Dunk] Watched in the year 2004
Occupation: Basketball player/High schooler
Character traits: Comical, simple-minded, silly
Grimmjow Jeagerjaques [Bleach] Read in the year 2007
Occupation: Arrancar #6
Character traits: Battle-hungry, somewhat rebellious
Note: While I love this guy to bits, I must make it clear that I am highly aware Grimmjow has no substance/depth/development as a character in a series. He makes it to this list simply becos' I lust for his looks/design. Period. <3333
Trafalgaw Law [One Piece] Watched in the year 2009
Occupation: Pirate/Captain
Character traits: Laid back, cocky
Raphael [TMNT 2003] Watched in the year 2009
Occupation: Ninja turtle
Character traits: Tsundere, hard-headed, protective
Hijikata [Gintama] Watched in the year 2009
Occupation: Shinsengumi (Police)
Character traits: Tsundere, workaholic
Gintoki [Gintama]
Occupation: Yorozuya (Odd jobs)
Character traits: Silly, random, sarcastic
I like these two completely equally, hence listed together as one.
Sage [Lost Canvas] Watched in the year 2011
Occupation: Pope
Character traits: Wise, mature
Manigoldo [Lost Canvas]
Occupation: Cancer (Gold) Saint
Character traits: Cocky, fearless
I like these two completely equally, hence listed together as one.
Takagi Akito [Bakuman] Watched in the year 2011
Occupation: Manga artist/High schooler
Character traits: Optimistic, self motivated, diligent, selfless
