Grazza

No, I no longer need anything from the Grottoes (what a funny thought). I did however, want to complete all the Quests, which I was only thwarted at by my lack of Borya's Boots. If I knew which day Borya's Boots were going to be available, I would connect to DQVC and buy them (if it's still going). Alas, I currently still have that one Quest to complete. The other thing I wanted to do was create the "Alchemiracle" versions of all the Rank S gear. The main problem being the low chances of getting them, as well as the ingredients you waste every time. I was trying to boost my Resilience to 999 in order to give me a better chance, but stealing all those Seeds wore a bit thin.

Just me being a doofus then! (Not for the first time.) Indeed. I meant to make the distinction. At first, I loved the combat in Secret of Mana, having two characters fighting alongside me in real-time, and all controlled by the computer. It was a very specific bit I got stuck at - can't remember where, but I think it was at the start of one of the later dungeons. If I recall correctly, I saved my game in the wrong place and couldn't go back and grind/heal... basically prepare for it properly. That said, it was a long time ago and it might just have been down to my inexperience.

To me, facial beauty is entirely aesthetic, and therefore objective. This is the reason a talented artist can draw or sculpt a figure that both genders would agree is good-looking. Cheryl Cole, for instance is undoubtedly a very good-looking woman, yet I have no idea whether I'd fancy her until I met her in real life. Sexual attraction is (mainly) based on how much chemistry you have with someone. Part of that is complementary personalities, part of it is probably pheromones, but I generally need to know someone in real life before I find them sexually attractive. The only indistinction for me is a good body. Like facial beauty, I consider it objective. Unlike facial beauty, it has a large effect on whether I find someone sexy. Whilst I've never had a significant crush on a celebrity, I always liked models like Cindy Crawford, Baywatch actresses and certain glamour models. I can't say that was entirely aesthetic - a good body definitely induces sexual attraction, as far as I'm concerned.

I think there's a time and a place for good posture. Personally, I do keep a good form whilst I'm walking or sitting at a dining table/computer chair (like now). However, I have no problem with slouching on a sofa or laying on my bed.

In StreetPass Quest 2, apparently.

BUMP. Throughout Dragon Quest IX, I was very keen on getting the full "Erdrick's" Armour set, as the Sword and Shield at least were excellent. When I finally got it, I was a little bit disappointed, but to be fair, there's only so much the DS can handle. However, now a figure has been made that shows just how good it's meant to look. Awesome, eh? It has Boots as well, which weren't in DQ IX. http://www.siliconera.com/2012/02/18/dragon-quest-figure-fully-decked-out-in-legendary-roto-armor/ I don't think even the 3DS could do it proper justice, but I'd like to see it try. If there was a Dragon Quest game on 3DS, it'd be a hard decision choosing between Erdrick's Armour and Metal King Armour!

Quite interested in this. It's my type of game, just depends on how it turns out.

Went to the gym today and was weighed and measured (before my workout) to finish off my "induction" period. I've been going for 14 weeks so it was probably later than they normally do it. Arms and legs hadn't changed significantly, but the other results were: Weight = +1kg Chest = +4cm Waist = -4cm So, I was pleased with that. Slightly disappointed about my arms being no bigger, but it's not surprising really as I used to do dumbell exercises before I rejoined the gym, and haven't increased the weight yet. The only thing that surprised me is how back exercises really don't build the arms much. I know they're mainly for your back, but I thought biceps were the secondary muscle worked. Regardless, I was pretty pleased with the results. I'm happy with my chest (can do 3x12 Unassisted Dips), so need to concentrate on back and biceps. I can do 6 Unassisted Military Wide Pull-Ups now, but won't be satisfied until I can do at least 2x12, preferably 3x12. I also want to lift about 5kg more on the isolated bicep exercises, but I know my limits - it's not like I want to be massive, just return to what I consider my personal peak.

Yes, although I didn't know it had timed battles. The reason I haven't played it is because I didn't like Secret of Mana that much... or rather, I got stuck on the SNES cart all those years ago and gave up. All the same, putting a timer on turn-based combat ruins it, in my opinion. To me, the whole appeal of turn-based is having as much time as you like to consider your options.

Technically, the two best are probably Mario Galaxy 1 & 2, but I can't say I'm that "fond" of them. If I have to pick the game I had the most fun with, it'd be Metroid: Other M. As odd as it may sound, it seemed quite friendly and familiar to me. Here was a very successful attempt at putting Metroid into 3D, arguably more so than Prime (even though Other M is less slick). Imperfect, yes, but not truly flawed in any great way. Whereas iterations of other games didn't feel all that much like the franchises I thought I knew, Metroid: Other M felt like putting on a favourite pair of gloves. Stackable beams, weapon-specific doors, Screw Attack, Speed Boost... it was all there.

I don't think it should make you sleepy. Exausted? Maybe... but the main thing would be muscle ache.

It's not like their games are even that obscure. Etrian Odyssey was just "hard" for the most part, only becoming too hard in the post-game. Shame their games can't even get a limited release now.

I believe, as @Dan Dare said, a standard coffee is an Americano.

The only ones I've completed are III and XII, the latter of which changed to an "ADB" (Active Dynamic Battle System), which I actually preferred. All the same, you can't beat untimed turn-based! But OK, maybe I'll give another one a go sometime, perhaps VI. Not that I'm aware of. There are bosses you can add to your Summons. Personally, I thought they were easy after completing the main game.

You're right. I for one would not like Zelda to go back to the NES days. A hint about where to go on the map is necessary, in my opinion, even if it's only optional. All the best games use a "lock & door" system - eg. doors in Metroid that can only be opened by Missiles, Super Missiles or Power Bombs. Or, in Zelda, objects blocking your path that can only be lifted with the right gauntlets (a sorely-missed item, IMO). That's good game design. The trouble with Skyward Sword is that it didn't even let you find these locks. When you entered Hyrule Field in Ocarina of Time, you could explore to the West (Lake Hylia), the middle (Lon Lon Ranch), the North (Hyrule Castle/Town and Kakariko) or the North-East (Zora's Domain). You might not be able to get into all of them, but the game let you explore. Skyward Sword didn't even have environments built like that.

I'll be sorry if you don't like it, @dazzybee, as I hate to steer people wrong. All I can say is that I meant every word of my review. Genuinely loved the game in the end.

Argh, it's pathetic but StreetPass Quest has really annoyed me today. I did that thing with the pink magic, when, if I think about it, I should have just kept clicking "Send to Back" until it wore off. This led me to waste my strong Miis and my white-shirted warrior. Nonetheless, I got into the penultimate room and (here's where it gets even worse), realised I no longer had the white warrior. I then proceeded to waste 60+ coins trying and failing to get a warrior with a white shirt. I could have spent those coins on Puzzle Pieces. I haven't felt this bad about a game since the 1980s! It's not like a difficult challenge (say, Metroid Prime 2), which you can keep trying to do. The problem is that it's so random. If you're not lucky enough to get the colour you need, that's literally weeks of walking wasted (because of the 10 coin daily limit). To make matters worse, I'm not sure I want to bother trying to get real Miis tomorrow, as I need to build up coins first and try to get a white one. Very irritating.

First of all, thank you very much to @flameboy. I've bookmarked all those sites. I played on the Vita today and, to be honest, I wasn't all that excited. Now admittedly, this doesn't mean too much as I haven't really been excited by an in-store demo since Super Mario 64. My first impression was that the analogue sticks are tiny - certainly not as good as Nintendo's Slide Pad. But, I stress, this is just a nitpick and I don't think it would have any effect on how much I'd enjoy any game. The load times are also surprisingly long, but I hear that is more pronounced on retail games than built-in software (I must have been playing the latter for at least two of them, probably all three). Again, this is something that is exacerbated by being in a shop. I don't think they'd bother me when at home with a good RPG. All in all though, I don't think the Vita is something I'd carry around with me. It would generally be an "in-bed" gaming device. Some thoughts: Gravity Rush - Might be a great game when you get into it, but perhaps not really "demo" material, as it starts more like an RPG (you have to find a certain character) than a platformer. Nice graphics, although it's no Wind Waker. Super Stardust - Now this seemed fun. The appeal was immediately obvious - good graphics, good controls, addictive gameplay - just the sort of thing suited to a handheld. I can see why this might be considered the best launch game. Ridge Racer - Just reminded me that I don't really like Ridge Racer. If all that sounds negative, I don't mean to be. In a few years time, if there is a game I really want (like a Dragon Quest), I'll probably be saying how good the Vita is. Like I suspected, the hardware in itself is not exciting enough on its own, so I have to admit I'm sceptical for now.

Played on the PS Vita today and it's made me reflect on how well-designed the 3DS really is. For a start, the Slide Pad is an excellent piece of design, much better than the tiny analogue sticks of the Vita. A redesigned 3DS or one equipped with the Circle Pad Pro will surely have the best controls of any handheld. Also, the graphics... Well, as far as I'm concerned, this is Nintendo genius in action. They pitched the graphics/power at just the right level (the first time they've achieved this since the GameCube, in my opinion). Every time I play the 3DS, I still think the graphics and display are good. Playing the Vita did not make me think the 3DS was outdated at all. So, I am in no way saying the Vita is bad. It's just that it's made me appreciate how cleverly-designed the 3DS has been all along.

Pikmin is probably the Nintendo game that will benefit from HD graphics alone. Just by having more pixels devoted to each tiny object will be a benefit in itself. To be honest, I'm not all that excited for a new Pikmin, although like I say I think the fact it'll be boosted by HD will get my interest. I agree with the comments about the Pikmin needing to be easier to separate. Well, they were easy to separate in Pikmin 2, but using the whistle to gather them all too often collected Pikmin of the wrong colour as well. Also, I wasn't too keen on having Olimar and another character (I forget his name) to control. Other than that, I'm interested to see what Pikmin 3 will be like.

Good ol' SEGA! Still my favourite company after all these years. Did anyone ever find out what Etrian Odyssey on the 3DS was going to be? Eg. was it a remake or was it Etrian Odyssey 4? Even so, I hope it gets made and brought over here, along with many more Atlus RPGs.

Argh!! I take it back. Whatever you do, don't use pink. I've just been into town and got 5 Miis, 2 of which were genuine, 3 of which were demo units (so quite strong by now). Like an idiot, I decided to use pink magic (not a euphemism). Well, I then watched my Level 3, 4 and 5 Miis miss every time. What a waste! So, never use pink if you have strong warriors. I suppose it's not a bad tactic if you only have Level 1 warriors though. I know it's pathetic, but it has ruined my day a bit, especially as I was lucky enough to get a white warrior, but because of my stupid tactics, I wasted him before the room he's needed in!! On the plus side, I got my first piece of "new" jigsaw today.

Actually, I'd say that's exactly the mistake Skyward Sword made - making the overworlds similar to the 2D games, with narrow paths where objects would frequently block your way. When Zelda was first put into 3D, they instinctively knew 3D = exploration. Ever since the Wii, though, Nintendo has been trying to merge 2D and 3D games, hence the linear nature of Super Mario Galaxy and the structure of Skyward Sword I just mentioned. Now personally, I like 2D and 3D, but they are very different and have different strengths. We need pure 2D games and pure 3D games that fully take advantage of what they are... But they are a very different thing. He did mention the problem caused by motion controls though - namely, that it led to "Simon Says" gameplay. I liked the way a poster on 1Up put it too - the combat in Skyward Sword is like Punch Out. He was absolutely right though. That is one of the best moments in Zelda history, the way you have to suddenly decide how you're going to tackle such a large task. Creep round the edges, maybe use your bow. I admit it's easy, but it's still exemplary.

That was a fantastic article, thanks @Ronnie. Not that I agreed with all of it - you have to be very careful with difficulty, for instance. If I think back to fighting the Spider Guardian in Metroid Prime 2 on the GameCube, that was frustrating, not fun. I agree with Aonuma that The Legend of Zelda on NES is too difficult (even though I have completed it). Also, I consider it somewhat extreme to say the series has been going downhill since A Link to the Past. I can't say I thought there were any significant problems with LttP, Ocarina, Majora or Wind Waker. No, I only consider the series to have been a bit "off" since Twilight Princess, and I suspect there is something of a consensus on that. Nonetheless, it was a very deep, perceptive article and I do agree with much of it. I could write pages and pages myself about this series, but I'll just say for now that I think the next time there is truly a magnificent Zelda, it will be because someone had a very clear vision.

The best strategy for that (weak warriors against strong enemies) is probably to use a dark green (strengthens the next hero) or pink (critical hits) Mii first. Of course, you have to be lucky enough to get one. [EDIT] Don't use pink!!! I totally agree with you though. Not being able to hire previous warriors is the original StreetPass Quest's biggest weakness. What are the chances of passing a "real" Mii more than once? It hasn't happened to me yet. I have got one Level 7 warrior from a GAME demo unit, but they reset that and it's hardly ever on nowadays anyway.