Aimless

That's right, you, with the mouse/other regulatory pointing device. The purposes of this thread are as follows: Allow returning members to inform others of any name changes that might have occurred during the forum transition. Cite reasons for such changes. Give users who have just joined us the chance to introduce themselves. Fill the unpleasant void that is the new Chit Chat; it is empty, empty like my soul. As is tradition, I'll get the ball rolling by saying that back on Xsorbit I went by the name of— actually, scratch that. Instead, you have to guess my late moniker using the power of reason. Whomever gets the right answer will win... something. I know this isn't particularly inspired, but originality isn't everything (see: the rise and rise of EA).

I'm afraid that assumption makes the rest of your post moot, in my opinion. More 'quirky' games do not equate to fewer conventional games. I don't think anyone is suggesting that traditional Western games should be dropped entirely in favour of titles like Electroplankton and Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, merely that more such games should see the light of day outside of Japan. Although foreign genres don't tend to do that well in the West, perhaps people will be more willing to try new things when they've already accepted controlling games with a TV remote.

Corrected! What's that unravelling sound? Disclaimer: The contents of this post were prepared in an area that handles jest. May contain traces of joviality.

Reciprocated. Hijack over.

Business is business, whoever you are. See: The SP's headphone jack, NES Classic re-releases. I'm not saying it's bad; games companies have to make money somehow.

I'm afriad your theory doesn't quite cut it. I'm sure that a lot of people do see the way I write as a way of trumping my own self-importance, but that isn't why I do it — although I admit I've given in to such things more than once. No, I write the way I do because I want to improve my ability, and that requires both vigilance and practise. As you said, probably. But I'm afraid it's wide of the mark again. I don't take everything that appears in EDGE as gospel, and if I did it wouldn't do a very good job of fulfilling that which I buy it for: entertainment and an articulation of other people's views. Perhaps you're right, perhaps it is just an attempt at gaming academia, but that doesn't make it bad. I would say that the gaming industry might be too fledgling a medium to be subjected to deep analysis, but if a magazine such as EDGE can gain respect amongst those who create its subject matter, and more importantly encourage developers to aspire to something 'higher', then it is aiding gaming's growth by extending its appeal to other markets. You have to learn to walk before you can run. Similarily, you must wait for your legs to grow strong enough to endure the heightened pace before you even think about donning your Nikes. But that metaphor is probably too stretched for anyone to even recognise as coherent thought. I'm not even sure if I do. Anyway, several reams of text later, we're still standing in exactly the same positions as before; I never was one for rhetoric. All I can say is, "I'm not very clever, I'm a C/D-grade student. If I come across as a real ego then I'm sorry, but my sesquipedalian ways are about expanding my vocabulary rather then my own importance. And yes, that last word was a joke."

That sounds like pretentious iconoclasm to me. Making accusations is easy, backing them up is what most people tend to forget.

Suggestion: When posting your choice, try to put forward some ideas as to what the controller could be used for and things of that ilk. If I wanted to read a list of names I'd pick up the Yellow Pages.

Shenmue. Imagine the darts! The darts, man! You could reach out for objects and examine them by tilting the controller, dodge in freehand QTEs, play with the kitten, roll dice, drive forklifts, jive with Tom outside his hotdog stand...

Final Fantasy VIII's intro is possibly my all time favourite. 'Liberi Fatali' is such a fantastic opening theme. Majora's Mask really sets the mood for the rest of the game, and gives an interesting depiction of Link as an unknown hero; he saved Hyrule, but in a way it never really happened. On a similar note, Ocarina of Time's title screen is the best I've ever seen. Epona, the piano, the sun slowly rising above the grassy plains. Ico's opening is another great mood capturer. There's a pervading air of silent remorse, an undertone that underlines the entire experience. As many have already mentioned, Shenmue is a classic. And I know we aren't talking abut endings here, but the entire 4th disk of Shenmue 2 acts as a brilliant transition to a more magical third game.

For print-based magazines I only buy 'EDGE', but online I also read 'The Escapist'. I used to buy loads of magazines, but now I siphon off that extra cash in to buying actual games rather than just reading about them. I've got a pretty single-track mind.

Yusuke Iseya, 'Casshern'.

Like most that have posted here, I'm not so much afraid as aware. Naturally I clock possible threats, but I find the best tactic is to just ignore those that attempt to confront you. If they get in my way then I just look them in the eye and move past them. Of course the streets I walk are pretty sheltered, and I do notch up the caution when in actual cities and likely trouble spots. I often wonder what would happen if someone were to try and attack me. I may be a pasty geek, but I'm a pasty geek with fists; years of bottling up my anger is sure to take its toll one day. Who am I kidding, not even primal rage would make me any good in a fight. Besides, I'm not sure if I could willingly hurt someone. Well, obviously I could — we're all animals at the end of the day — but I'd regret it. I'm no marathon runner, but over short distances I can move pretty fast. Job done.

And PS2, if you've got yourself one of those. It fairs better on a console, in my opinion, as it's a real 'armchair' game.

First I've heard. I would say that it is worth playing Legends after the DC version if you simply can't get enough. It's a shame that the GCN version isn't a definitive one. Whilst content wise it trumps the Dreamcast original, aesthetically it falls short. Textures are lower resolution, filtering distance has been shortened, and assets have been compressed — this is particularly noticable in regards to the soundtrack. Presumably this is due to the game now fitting on a single disk.

You know, I'm pretty sure the original name was 'Nitro'. Why? Well, for one thing that was the name on the machine's leaked spec sheet. For another, you'll notice that the model codes on the DS and its paraphernalia start with 'NTR'. I could be wrong, but it makes sense to me. They could call the final machine the Nintendo. No, I'm done.

Actually, the codename was 'Nitro'. DS was a tentative name, but it's pretty unobtrusive and fairly apt. I'd imagine the final name will relate to the controller in some way, something along the lines of 'Liberty' or some such.

I would like to exclude EDGE and GamesTM from that sweeping generalisation. Polls are just bad, really. Bring back the OASP, I say.

I really hope that wasn't a joke. My resolution has pretty much been fulfilled, so instead I vow to start more interesting threads.

I wouldn't say I was particularly open, but, at the risk of sounding egotistical, I am honest; the two aren't diametrically opposed. For me, this balance works. If someone wants to go skinny dipping amidst this sea of information then that's fair enough, but they shouldn't expect everyone else to bear all in a public place.

My resolution is to take the miniaturisation of signature file sizes to the next level.

In my experience, third-parry controllers just don't cut it. They might not be as cheap as you would like, but you can pick up second-hand official controllers from GameStation and the like for between £10-15. You could also try eBay, but I think it's better to be able to get a feel for the controller before handing over your cash.

Ah, memories! (Albeit of Don Miguel's dubiuous translation of RM2k.) I'm going to download this now and force my generic storylines upon thee!

I've got this on order from Play, but as it was despatched around midday I'm not expecting it until Monday. Still, it's a bargain at £27. In the mean time I'll have another bash at defeating that giant mouse in Ouendan; it appears I have no sense of rhythm.

You can see a promo video here. There isn't any game footage, it just serves as something to show some of the possibilities.