Top Ten Video Games and their Characters...(#10. Chrono Cross)

Hello everyone! so what is up? Not much here, I figured to go along with my Top Ten Video Games and Bosses, I would do one with the characters.  So, without further adieu, I present to you #10 on my list....CHRONO CROSS along with the following characters:

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SERGE

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Serge is the main character and the Protaganist of the original Playstation game Chrono Cross.  Born in the Village of Arni, Serge was nearly killed by a Panther demon at a young age.  Desperate to save his son's life, His father had taken him to Chronopolis; a future city that in the middle of the ocean and a place where the fabled Frozen Flame had been hidden by one of the legendary hero's of time, Crono some several years before.

Eventually, Serge is saved and grows up to be a young adventurous youth, who dreams of one day leaving the El Nido Archipelago and going on an adventure of his own.  Little did he know, that his adventure would start much sooner than he thought.

Serge, is what we like to call a "silent protaganist".  In other words, depending on what the player chooses for him to say or do, can affect the actual game play itself.  It just kind of depends and its really up to the player on how they want the main character to act out the story.

However, there are times, when you must select the obvious choice in order for the storyline to continue.  You find this more often than not in the Suikoden games. 

I also chose Serge, because I really like his character design and is actually quite stylish in IMO and his weapon of choice also had an effect on my chosing him as well.  His strange past and his connection with Chronopolis, the Frozen Flame, Kid, Lynx...all are an aspect of his character that make up who he is and what he becomes.

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Glenn

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My next fave in Chrono Cross is Glenn.  Not to be confused with the Glen (aka: Frog) in Chrono Trigger, this Glenn, comes from the alternate dimension in which Serge had died as a child.  His innate color is green and later on in the game he is able to weild two blades at once and is the only character who is able to do so.

He is the brother of Dario and the son of one of the legendary Dragon Devas named Garai.  I am uncertain, as to what his fate was in the video game.  If I remember right, I think he went missing along with the Devas who are believed to have been killed at some point.

So in the end, the reason why I chose Glenn as my second fave, is 1. He is just an awsome character, 2. who WOULDN'T want a party member who can weild two swords at the same time especially if those swords are the Einlanzers!

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Norris

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Norris is another one of my all around faves in CC and was the last a final party member that I used at the end of the game when fighting the Time Devourer. Norris comes from the mainland and IF I remember correctly, is on the hunt for the criminal, Lynx.  He joins the party in hopes of confronting him.  Also, Norris' Innate color is Yellow and if you fine tune him and his elemental slots he can be a pretty powerful ally in combat. I don't remember his personality much, but if I remember correctly, he was one of the more level headed characters that joined you and well...he was just an all around cool character to boot!

I think for now, I will leave my fave characters for CC here.  I want to go ahead and continue my game/boss countdown and so on and so forth.  So, if you have any fave characters from this game, please, feel free to send me a reply and state YOUR fave characters!

~Mellie

Top Ten Games & Bosses Countdown..(#8 Devil May Cry series)

The next game series that I wish to talk about, is the Devil May Cry series.  This game series released by Capcom, became an instant hit with the release of the original game on the PS2.  A couple of years later, DMC 2 was released and was met with less than positive reviews. 


Unlike the first game, which constituted fast paced button smashing with over the top acrobatics and a smooth, trash talking demon hunter named Dante who himself, is have demon due to his father's blood running through his veins.

The second game boasted a much older Dante, who for some reason or another lost his trash talk and who's moves became stiff and jerky (for lack of a better word), however he was still a sexy beast whom I had come to respect.  Although, I almost never got back in to the series once the second game was released because I had a feeling the next game (if there was ever going to be one) was going to be the same as the second.  I didn't realize just how wrong I would be.

In DMC 3: Dante's Awakening, we are taken back to when Dante had just opened up his shop.  He hadn't met Trish yet, but he did meet another hunter who called herself 'Lady' and who eventually became a rival to Trish as seen in DMC 4. 

In this game, you are out to stop Dante's twin brother Vergil from opening up the portal to hell.  Along the way you find all kinds of nasty enemies that you must face. The battle system in this is a refreshment from the second game's system and returns back to its roots of fast paced button smashing, spectacular acrobatics and even new weapons to help you out in battle. 

I do have the forth game, but haven't gotten very far in it yet.  However, I can tell you, that it follows a character named Nero, who for some strange and odd reason resembles the legendary demon hunter, Dante.

For those of you who are new to the series, here is the chronological order in which the games should take place:

• Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
• Devil May Cry
• Devil May Cry 4
• Devil May Cry 2

And there you have it.  For a small little factoid, I never got in to these sorts of games, UNTIL the DMC game came out.  The funny thing is, I couldn't STAND games like Parasite Eve, Resident Evil or Silent Hill.  I STILL can't stand them, but for some reason or another, I can get in to the DMC games without fail along with its spinoff series Bayonetta!

And now, I present to you, the top bosses that I found to be a pain in my ass when I first encountered them.  For those of you who have played these games and if you are following my blog, if you reply, please do not bash my blogs and say things like "oh! that boss was easy! how could you have trouble with that one!?" or "maybe you just suck at games."  I really hate that kind of negativity so please, unless you have something nice or helpful to say, then DON'T SAY IT!!. 

So *ahem* down below you will find my list! Enjoy!

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(DMC I: PHANTOM)

Phantom, when first encounted can appear intimidating especially when Dante knocks on his hard outer shell, but doesn't phase this hunter.  This demon, prefers to take on the form of a spider with lava flowing throughout his body, which can melt anything and everything in his path.  He also has a scorpion-like tail, hidden on his back that he releases if Dante is close by.  This beast also spits fireballs and can also summon lava pillars to shoot up from the floor to the ceiling. 

If not fully prepared for this battle (which can be difficult, especially since he is the first boss you encounter) it can end VERY quickly!  In order to defeat him, you must land on his back, where his weak spot is, but becareful, his tail will also be poised for attack. A full frontal attack will not work on him either, as he will begin to shoot the fireballs and if you stand in one spot for too long he will then unleash the pillars of lava on you.  So, its best to use plenty of acrobatic moves to defeat him and your sword works wonderfully if you are able to land on his back.

Once defeated he will melt a hole in the floor and flee.  Collect what he left for you and then get ready to exit cathedral.  once outside the door and after only a few steps, Phantom will bust through the door and chase you, use your devil trigger and run as fast as you can to the next door and enter to end the chase.  You can fight him, but I wouldn't recommend it, as it is a narrow passage you are running in and he shoots fireballs like mad at this point.  But don't worry, you will get your chance to face off against him again later in the game!

It should be noted, that as you depleate his life gauge he gets faster and I also believe he jumps around too! so be careful and use the pillars to hide behind.  Once you complete the mission of defeating Phantom, the Cathedral will open up to a secret mission, where you must kill as many baby Phantoms as you possibly can in a certain amount of time.  however, if you fail to meet the qualifications, the mission will end in failer.  But, fear not, you can reenter and do it as many times as you wish.  Unfortunately after a certain point in the game, you will no longer be able to access this secret mission.

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(DMC I:  GRIFFON)

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Griffon, is is a twisted and demonic version of the legendary beast.  This Demon, is one of the right hand minions of the demon known as Mundus and will follow him until his goal is complete.

Dante encounters this beast out in the open and is the boss whom you fight just before Nelo Angelo I believe.  He can DEFINATELY be a pain in the ass! especially since he flies and shoots lightning at you!  He also has a wind attack that can be devistating if not avoided at the right time.  The one attack that I hated, was the electrical bursts that he would send in your direction.  He also charged at you if I remember right. 

During the battles conclusion, two pillars end up coming together pressing the Griffon in between them.  He even pleads to Mundus to show him mercy and is met with his own sacrifice.  Dante, can't believe how evil and twisted Mundus is and finds his cruel, evil ways to be rather quite repulsive and furthers his resolve in hunting him down and preventing his resurrection in to the mortal world.

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(DMC I: NELO ANGELO)

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Quite possible the most challenging out of  all the bosses is Nelo Angelo.  My theory is that sometime after the events of DMC3, Dante's brother Vergil, who got trapped in the underworld at the end, was found by Mundus and brainswashed in to becoming his slave and one of his generals (Gryffon and Phantom also being two of his top generals). 

Nelo Angelo uses all kinds of moves, that can be extremely devistating all the while he teleports around the battlefield.  Upon defeating him, he flees the scene allowing the player to continue. you fight him once or twice more in the game, the final time, he doesn't have a helmet and the player can see his face, though it is unrecognizable as Vergil, Dante realizes the connection after he sees the pendant lying on the ground. 

The other time you fight him, is when the boss Nightmare (see below), absorbs you and you have to face him again. He can be a pain in the ass then as well.

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(DMC I: NIGHTMARE)

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This freaky looking creature, loves the dark and is encountered on Mallet Island in the Cathedral portion of the game and during the second half of the game where everything is covered in darkness and shadows and where the player had prevously fought Phantom.

This demon is encountered 3 times in the game and each time he becomes harder to defeat.  He is able to absorb the player and send them to an area in which they must face a miniboss of an opponent that he had faced previously.  So, the first time you run in to the Nightmare, if you are absorbed you will fight Phantom, during the second encounter the miniboss will be Griffon and on the third and final encounter you will face off against Nelo Angelo.

This creature can also send out smaller creatures to attack you and distract you so that it can absorb you, however, if you get sucked in to it, and defeat the mini bosses you will deal a substantial amount of damage to the boss as well. 

Besides absorbtion, it can also fire a blue ray at you and cause significant amount of damage in just one shot.  Its true weakness, is the blue orb that opens up on its back when it is about to fire the cannon.  Do your best to get on its back and hack away. After a while, it will reabsorb the orb and you must wait for it to reappear before you can hack at it again. 

As a couple of side notes, try to keep the room lit as much as possible.  If it goes dark, it only makes Nightmare even more powerful, so you must slash at the runes on the wall and when the light seems to be waining, go back and hack again..(I think that is how the orb appears too, I could be mistaken...) for the second note, Nightmare cannot be defeated by continueally fighting the minibosses.  it must be defeated by hacking at the orb on its back.

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(DMC I: MUNDUS)

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The Final boss of the first DMC game and its main antagonist.  Mundus wants nothing more than to see hell on earth and allow his minions to rule over the world. 

Dante learns, that Mundus had been sealed away by his father, Sparda,  many years ago and had rebelled against the forces of hell and defended mankind.  However, in order to seal away Mundus, Sparda had to seal away his own power in order to save not only his family, but also the entire human race.

Now Mundus, free from his prison seeks vengence upon Dante for the simple fact that he has his father's  blood in his veins.  And since Dante is standing in his way of destroying all of humanity, Mundus intends to take his life as well.

If I remember right, Mundus has three different forms.  You even get a hint as to whom you are going to face in the game in the second half  when you have to go through the much more twisted and demonic castle at night.  If you can remember the rather large angel statue that was in the main level that you first enter, you will notice in the dark castle (as I call it), that it is no where to be found. 

The final part with mundus, has him trying to grab you as the portal is beginning to close.  this time, he appears to be grotesquely dismembered and rather disgusting actually lol XD.  eventually Dante sends him back through the portal and he and Trish (which I didn't mention much) escape in a red bi-plane that is located in the castle.

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anyway, I think I will stop the bosses for the DMC universe right here for now.  As I come across more that I despise I will probably add to them. =^-^=  and right now, I can't remember many of the bosses for two, three and I have yet to fight a boss on DMC 4.

So, Until next time! Keep gaming and no matter what, never give up!

Blessed be and Merry Meet!

Coming soon! Top 10 Video Game characters!!

     Well, For some reason, after creating my blog entries for my top ten video game boss and their bosses I felt like creating an entry for the top ten video games and my top fave characters from each!

This series of blog entries, I hope to get started on tomorrow night, will feature my top ten games and their characters as my main focal points.  I will give descriptions of each character, and what I find unique about them. 

Just stay tuned for which games and which characters i will choose!

~Blessed Be and Merry Meet!

Video Game Boss Countdown....#9 (.hack//G.U.)

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Well, I couldn't resist! I had to do at least one more post to add to my top ten Video Game Bosses of All Time.  This time, we will be doing the boss or bosses for the game series .hack//G.U. and they, will be taking the No. 9 spot on my boss countdown. 

So, sit back, relax and enjoy the next installment of my first time blog series: The Top Ten Video Game Boss Countdown!

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 Before I give you my listing for the .hack//G.U. Bosses, let me just tell you a little bit about the game itself. 

.hack//G.U. Follows the story of Haseo, a PKKer, who, after a chance meeting with a character named Ovan, joined his Twilight Brigade in hopes of locating the Key of the Twilight.  However, during their adventures Haseo watches in terror as a strange and mysterious figure appears and takes down one of his friends named Shino and not long after, Haseo, in his third form and weilding a giant scythe, Haseo comes face to face with the assumed Tri-Edge who took down Shino.  The fight doesn't last long as Tri-Edge (aka: Kite of the Azure Flame) data drains Haseo and reverts him back to level 1.  Angry and disgusted, Haseo has no choice but to reclimb the ladder to the ranks of the elite and to once again reclaim his title as "The Terror of Death".

The character Tri-Edge bears a striking resemblance to the character named Kite from the first series of games.  As the story progresses Haseo learns the terrifying truth: That it was OVAN who placed Shino into the coma and it was HE who was Tri-Edge.  Eventually you are brought face to face with Ovan and a terrifying enemy called Cubia.

You also learn, that Aura, before she died, had tried to reproduce the three Azure Knights from the first game: Kite of the Azure Flame, Balmung of the Azure Sky and Orca of the Azure Sea.  In the G.U. Universe they were created as anti-virus' and to stop the spread of AIDA, a virus that is slowly eating away at The World R2.

Eventually, Haseo is seen as a possible Epitaph user and gains the power of Skeith, an avatar that resembles the monster seen in the FIRST .hack game chasing Aura through a dungeon.  Haseo uses this power to help hunt and eradicate the AIDA virus that is spreading through The World and taking over other users.  

 Haseo's avatar state, doesn't awaken until he comes face to face with an opponant named Endrance. During this fight, Endrance is found out to also be an Epitaph user and controls the avatar Macha.

So, anyway, I think you get the general idea of what the game series is about.  I think I may have skipped around and I MAY have gotten some info wrong and if I have please feel free to help me correct my mistakes. ^^ I typed this up at 3AM so I WAS pretty tired lol! anyway, without further adieu, here are the bosses in .hack//G.U. that I find to be the most annoying:

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Macha

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Endrance's Avatar Macha.  At this moment in time I cannot remember what I disliked about it, but it was a pain, that I DO remember.  I think it was because of its Data Drain ability and it could do a substantial amount of damage if you were not careful.

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AIDA

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Skeith Vs. AIDA (the spider looking thing that is purple in color).  I REALLY despised going up against these bosses.  For one, when they Data Drained you, they Data Drained you BAD! Almost to the point of  meeting the game over screen very very fast.  You encounter the AIDA annomoly several times throughout the game and they take on various shapes and sizes.  The one that I really despised, is the one pictured up above.

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Tri-Edge (AKA: Azure Flame Kite)

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Kite of the Azure Flame...or at least an incomplete copy of him created by Aura to help keep an eye on the new World R: 2 game and to destroy any and all annomolies that he comes across.  Unfortunately, Haseo mistakens him as THE Tri-Edge because of his rather Zombie like appearance and the fact that he attacks him when they meet. 

At the end of the first game Tri-Edge can be a pain for the simple fact that he absorbs the space around him and heals.  If defeated, you face an avatar form of him called Azure Flame God.  This version of him is much more powerful than the version where he just floats around the room.  I think it took me three trys to defeat him, because I kept getting caught in his Data Drain attack.

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CUBIA (All Forms)

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This boss was a menace! pure and simple! Although after Haseo upgraded along with Skeith, it wasn't so bad, but he could still be a pain in the ass!  Sad thing is, I can't seem to remember how he attacked, but I do remember it took me a few tries to defeat him.  His Data Drain was also devastating and could easily take down half of your life in no time at all if you were caught in it.

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And there you have it.  The top four bosses in Game #9.  I just wish I could remember most of why I hated them, but I do remember AIDA and Azure Flame God.  I am hoping to finish playing these games so that I can finish my books of 1000.  Anyway, keep an eye out for the remaining 8 games and their most despised bosses in my eyes.

So, Until next time! Blessed Be and Merry Meet!

The Video Game Boss Countdown..... #10 (Chrono Cross)

Hello everyone and how are things going? I hope all good.  I know I haven't been posting on here like I should be, but with me being busy with both work and school, it kind of takes it toll on me and puts behind on the things I would like to accomplish in my life. 

However, I am planning on something totally cool, IMO.  and that is a countdown list of my most hated enemies that I have encountered in the video games that I currently own.  So, to start off the countdown, I present to you, BOSS #10:  Chrono Cross' DIVINE DRAGON GOD ,  THE TIME DEVOURER, FATE computer, and GARAI.

This boss, is a combination of every single one of the dragons that you encounter in the game in order to gain their blessings and head to Chronopolis. This boss, if not fully prepared for and if you are not paying any attention to what his innate color is at the beginning of the battle, can be a pain in the ass.  If I remember right, his default innate is white.  (if it is different, please let me know, it has been a LONG time, since I had played this awsome game!)

However, as the battle progresses, it will change from white to either RED, GREEN, YELLOW, BLUE or BLACK.  You will know, which its current innate color is, by its environment.  While fighting this brute, he will change locations, giving you a hint as to what element to use against him.  That is why, it is necessary to pay attention to the dragons when you go to receive their blessings, that way you will know what its innate is and what to use against the Dragon God when you go to face him.

If you guess wrong, I believe the attack will heal the boss, instead of getting you one step closer to your goal of defeating him.  I also believe that this boss has a habit of casting elements one right after the other, in hopes of casting an excrutiatingly powerful spell, that could spell doom for your characters.

However, he is not the only boss to share this same spot: The games' FINAL boss, the TIME DEVOURER, is a remnant of Chrono Trigger's final boss, Lavos. 

This boss, like the DRAGON GOD, can be a handful if not fully prepared for.  However, in order to defeat him and get the good ending, you must have acquired the CHRONO CROSS, an element that is both melody and harmony and unites the elements in to a single beautiful melody. 

You CAN kill the Time Devourer just by attacking it, but you will not be able to save Schala, and will thus get just a game over screen once the credits roll.  So, In order to get the good ending you must do the following:

You MUST cast the elements in this order: RED, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, BLACK, WHITE and then once you have successfully done that, cast the CHRONO CROSS, which is equipped on Serge.  This will end the game, free Schala and give you the good ending, though the ending left quite a bit to be desired and wasn't very inspirtational. 

But, Becareful, because the Time Devourer can mess up your pattern at any time, should his turn come before yours.  Luckily, I was able to resonate the elements and the chrono cross in one shot the first time.  The second time, I wasn't so lucky.  It took me nearly 30 minutes to successfully execute the Chrono Cross.

I have one more boss of Chrono Cross to share the #10 spot: FATE.  The super-computer from the future that is found in Chronopolis, guarding the FROZEN FLAME.

FATE, is a pain in the ass as well.  If I remember right, It begins to countdown and once the countdown is reaches 0, you will be hit with a devastating attack, that COULD obliterate your party if you are not prepared. 

This was the Super-Computer, that allowed Serge's father to enter the chamber of the Frozen Flame so that his child could live after being bitten by a panther demon.  Upon meeting FATE, the player realizes that FATE remembers who Serge is and even calls him the "Arbitor" of the FROZEN FLAME. 

However, things do not go well and FATE tries to stop the party from viewing the Flame, which is rumored to be a shard of Lavos that the heroes of time defeated long ago.  FATE even warns the party, that they should not alter time, that it should be allowed to flow normally. 
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One other character, that could be counted as a side-quest boss, is Garai.  He is Dario and Glenn's older brother and one of the seven dragoon deva's,  whos spirit lives on the Isle of the Damned and is possessed by the Masamune, A demon Blade which possesses its weilder and turns them mad.

He can also be a pain in the ass, but in order to gain Glenn's other Einlanzer and enable him to weild two swords at once, you must visit the Isle of the Damned and defeat him by freeing him from the curse of the Masamune.
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And there you have it! The four bosses in Chrono Cross that are tied with the #10 Spot:  DRAGON GOD, TIME DEVOURER, FATE computer and GARAI. I found these four to be the toughest in this game and are NOT by far the most annoying or challenging ones I have faced to date.

Stay tuned, for further additions to the countdown as they become available in my short-termed memory! XD

Also, it should be NOTED:  some of the information that I have given may not be totally accurate.  If you have played this game, you may have to refresh my memory on some of the details, as I have not played this game in such a long time.

So, I hope you will continue to enjoy the next post when I am ready to post it! have a wonderful night!

Video Games, Anime and Drawings oh my!

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Hello WORLD! whats up and how is the weather in YOUR area?  Here, it is drab, cloudy and a little cool, but, none the less its not too bad!  It has been a while, since I have posted an entry.  there hasn't been too many things of huge interest happening to really tell you about.

Although I am kind of frightend about my first speech in Public Speaking.  I'm kind of afraid that alot of the other students will not find it the least bit interesting, considering we were supposed to be using either our roles or what have you, that we take in life. 

I chose the following:

1. Video Gamer

2. Anime Fan

3. Artist

not too much going on there lol, but I do have an interesting back story as to why I chose those three:

1. Video Gamer: When I was little, say around 1983 (I was four yrs old then), we had an Atari 2600 and had several games for the system.  I can remember very clearly sitting down and playing the games with my sisters, especially Tank, Space Invaders, Missle Command, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Pong, Frogger and Q-Bert.  Of course, this is just a taste of the games that we used to own for this system. 

As I got older and the Atari began to lose its appeal, a new system hit the market called "Nintendo".  Four of its most popular games would eventually go down in history and to this day are some of the most popular titles around.  These titles, include the following:  The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy.   Of course this again, is only a small sampling of what the Nintendo had to offer back then. 

With this system, I have a few good memories.  One of the most memorable, would have to be when we owned the Kid Icarus game.  According to some info that I had looked up at one point, this game was one of THE rarest that the original Nintendo had seen released.  Only a handful of copies had been manufactured and to this day, I still wish I had that game! XD

Anyway,  to get back to the story, me and one of my sisters, had started this game and she told me, that since she wasn't there all the time, I had to wait until they came to visit, to play Kid Icarus, because they liked it too and they wanted to defeat the game just as much as I did.  You have no idea how hard it was, to keep from playing the game, when my sisters weren't around!  And for those of you who don't know, my sisters are half-sisters.  They would come down every summer or every other major holiday.  We used to have a blast when we were all together and since I was the LITTLE sister of the three of us, I usually got the worst end of every deal!

And so, after being turned in to an Eggplant by the annoying Eggplant Wizards about a thousand times, falling off of platforms and small landings over 4 dozen times  and dying over a billion times, we finally defeate the game around 3 years later! XD I swear, that was THE LONGEST it ever took me to defeat a video game!

Then, around 1997, I was introduced to one of THE most AMAZING games that I had ever laid eyes on!  The name of this game, was Final Fantasy VII and was released for the original Playstation and since then, the Final Fantasy Series (minus 12), has been my absolute favorite game since I was introduced to it and the Playstation, has been my console of choice for just as long.

My dad still doesn't like the fact that I play video games.  He finds them childish and to be honest nothing more than a waste of money.  However, I beg to differ.  On my days off and when I do not have to study, I sit down, pop in a game and I am immersed in to a world of relaxation. (omg! that sounded totally cheesy! X3) 

2. Anime: Anime, has also been with me since I was small.  Though I didn't know it at the time, two of my all-time favorite shows as a child, were original conceived and released over in Japan.  Known as Hundred-Beast King Go-Lion over there, Voltron: Defender of the Universe was by far one of the most amazing shows I had seen when I came home from school every day.  I remember plopping down in front of the TV ready for the next exciting episode to air.  The same was true about Transformers as well. 

One of the things that I can clearly remember, is that I wanted the five robot lions so that I could merge them and form Voltron! XD haha! my dad wouldn't let me have any of the lions, save for the Blue Lion and that was only because I told him that a girl piloted it and then he let me have one.  I also wanted Optimus Prime and uh, yeah, that fell through as well lol! XD

3. Drawing: Both Video games and Anime have added to my intrest of being an artist.  So much in fact, that I started off by copying and enlarging what was I was already looking at.  This would come to be termed as "Fan Art" In truth my very FIRST drawings, were of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from their  Super NES game titled "TMNT: Tournament Fighters.   I had drawn all four turtles and where those drawings went, I have no idea, I do know that at least two of them have survived and are stored away in a storage container. 

From there, I have drawn numerous pieces of fan art, ranging from Magic Knight Rayearth, to Beauty and the Beast, Disney's Hercules, Pocahontas, Naruto, Gundam Wing, as well as Dragonball Z, Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy.  Since then, I have begun to create my own characters, my own fantasy art and even though I have never studied the human anatomy, I think they turn out pretty good, save for a few things that can't be noticed unless you turn the paper over! XD

One day I hope to become a manga artist or a fiction author on the side.  Not sure where that will take me, but I suppose time will tell!.

Anyway,  I guess I have made this post long enough lol.  So, I will come back with a Part 2 sometime this week! have a great day everyone!

And you thought you missed me....*meh!*

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 Hello! Its been a while hasn't it?  Anyway, it was an intersting day today.  Had my Applied Mathmatics class and took my test; which, I hope that I have passed lol XD math never was my best subject lol! And then it came time for Public Speaking.  um, yeah, Its an ICN course just like my math, however, it wasn't showing the instuctor when it was time for class to start.  Instead, it showed nothing but a black screen, but, thankfully, we are not the only ones who are having trouble with the ICN network as it is a state wide problem.

As far as the last few days go, nothing much has happend.  Though I did have fun rearranging my bedroom.  OMG! I thought I was going to break my back, But alas! I made it through! now all I have to do is some vacuuming and go through my closet! LOL! I still have alot of cleaning that needs to be done.  With this hot and terrible summer, I have been to exhausted to feel like doing anything.  I still need to clean out my spare bedroom, tidy up the bathroom and do some dusting and try to get rid of some cat hair that is still lingering on some furniture! Sounds like FUN don't it! LOL XD

In other news, a former co-worker, was in a car accident and broke nearly every bone in her face. she flipped her car and it then landed on top of her in the process.  I felt like I never got along with her well, but I don't wish anything like this to happen to anybody.  For a little while, they weren't sure if she was going to make it, but it looks like after everything that happend, all she needs is a series of reconstructive surgery. 

However, my thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family. 

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Well, I suppose it is about time for me to head home.  I have to fix dinner yet and then work on some homework and hopefully do a little tidying up.  My kitties seem to think that my apartment is their play zone! XD LOL!  I also plan to work on a couple of anime reviews shortly too, to share with all of you.  The animes that I am planning on are the following:

Gensoumaden Saiyuki

Hellsing (Signature Series)

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen

I also plan to post some fanfiction or some original characters for a story that I plan on writting.  I have a lot of stuff that I am planning on for this blog and not just every day posts like this one ^^()  I intend to make this an interesting place that you can come and visit and see reviews of everything from Anime to movies to video games as well as some interesting things that have happend or just some thoughts and ideas that I would like to share with you.

So, until my next post (which, will probably be later this evening! LOL!), See you then!

~Blessed Be!

 

 

You know you have made a child's day when they give you a big hug!

(The Elric Family and Friends)

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Tonight work wasn't too terribly bad.  In fact, it was pretty easy, other than the fact that we had to wait around for some hot water so we could finish washing the dishes. 

Anyway, the absolute cutest thing happend as I was handing out an order for counter, a little boy, who had come in with his mother had ordered a happy meal.  As I was bagging the food I placed the current toy that we had in to the box and sat it down on the counter.  I then proceeded to finish bagging the rest of the food and told them thank you and have a nice night.

Well, the little boy in the mean time, had opened the box and wanted a different toy.  His mother, had told me not to worry about it that the one he had was fine.  I then told her "it was no problem.  I'll go and see if we have one in the back"  And so, I proceeded to the back to find our customer satisfaction case.  Upon locating it I searched the one he really wanted.  I found one at the very top so I grabbed it and then went back up front and asked if this was the one he was wanting. 

Smiling really big, the boy's mother looked at him and asked him "what do you say?"   Next thing I know the little boy said "thank-you" and then gave me a big hug!  I was TOTALLY shocked by this and wasn't expecting that at all!  It warmed my heart and soul to have made this little one so happy! I even had tears in my eyes, because I miss those hugs coming from my neices and nephews back at home. 

My whole family means the world to me and I do not know where i would be without their support and their love.  So I thank them all from the bottom of my heart and I am proud to call my self daughter, sister and aunt! 

Blessed Be!

Negima! ~ Review, Etc.

(Some of the cast of Negima!)

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As with anime anime or show, I go in to it with an open mind. I had heard of this series but had never seen it and for only 14 bux, it was a bargin! This version of the anime, is the TV series and lasted 26 episodes. The manga is still ongoing.


Negima! is about a 10 year old prodigy by the name of Negi Springfield who comes to Japan to teach english at Mahora acadamy. However, he also must maintain his own personal secret: that he is in fact, a wizard-in-training. Down below you will find a series overview, which I copied from here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negima!_Magister_Negi_Magi so that it makes it much easier to explaine the series and give my first impression review.

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SERIES OVERVIEW
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Negi Springfield is a ten-year-old wizard from Wales, who dreams of becoming a Magister Magi (Approximate Latin translation: "Master of Magic" or "Master Mage"), a special wizard who uses his powers to help normal people, using covers such as working for NGOs.

Negi's reason for becoming a Magister Magi is to find his father, Nagi Springfield, the legendary mage also known as the "Thousand Master", who is believed to be dead.

After graduating from the Merdiana Magic Academy in Wales, Negi is given a duty as a cover in the real world, and training, before he actually becomes a Magister Magi. That duty is to become an English teacher at Mahora Academy in Japan. The task will not be easy, however, as Negi will become a teacher to a Middle School class of 31 older girls, each very special in her own way. The series details his time and adventures in Japan as he gains acceptance and respect from his students, helps them in their problems, and faces magical threats from inside and outside Mahora Academy. Although each of the girls has her own back story and personality, Negi's main relationship is with Asuna Kagurazaka, his student and roommate, who dislikes him initially but later accepts him as a friend and becomes his partner, helping find clues about his father and his life.

The series, while initially appearing to be another romantic comedy work featuring numerous bishōjo characters like Love Hina, has progressed into a mix of shōnen action, fantasy, horror, romance and comedy. Akamatsu stated that he specifically wanted to do something "different" than Love Hina. Negi himself is prepubescent, and many of his scenes with Asuna are specific subversions of the "awkward romantic scene" tendency of harem manga, quickly diffused and only played for laughs. In addition, many of the girls are able to fawn over him in a childish sense without any romantic expectations from the reader.

In keeping with this style, Negi himself is seen as a contrast to Love Hina's Keitaro and other typical male leads of manga. He is hardworking, capable, and treated kindly, but due to his appearance and age (well below most of his students), he feels completely non-threatening and finds it difficult to be taken seriously as a teacher; many of his students treat him as a cute little kid, if not a playmate (or plaything).

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MY IMPRESSIONS
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While filled with fanservice (something I am USUALLY not fond of), this series was actually pretty humours, especially the very first episode where the main female character, Asuna, is dressed in a fish costume hoping to have a specific faculty member as her homeroom teacher.

I also had to adjust to the type of voice that Greg Ayres used when voicing Negi Springfield. I wasn't quite used to it especially at how little his voice is (meaning Negi's lol). But as I watched the series it began growing on me and I found myself enjoying it more and more. It is also humorous, seeing Negi try and keep his abilities secret, considering that if his secret gets out, he can be turned in to an Ermine.

As I have progressed with the series, I have come to notice that the fanservice isn't as bad as I thought. The series is very humorous and entertaining. However, I wish there were more battles in it, considering that Negi is supposed to be a wizard in training.

However I still find the series to be highly entertaining and now a member of one of my fave animes. I must say though, that I do like the special features that are included. Character bios, cultural notes, textless songs and even over 5 minutes of Outtakes.

I guess one of things I wish they would do in some of the series, is explore more on the backgrounds of the characters. But, I guess that is where the manga comes in, because the author can go much more in depth than in the anime and that way they don't have to worry about if the show will get cancelled or if the series is limited to a certain amount of episodes.

anyway, I give the series a B+ The voice acting, animation and the character designs are pretty good in my opinion.

Just Another Day On The Job....

(Nekozawa and Beelzenef from OHHC)

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Hello everyone, Its me again! This time in living color! XD nah! kidding.  anyway, how is everyone doing? Hope all is well.  As for me, I got the great honor of going from 5 to close this evening at work! Nothing to exciting was going on  tonight other than the fact there were high school football games going on. 

I got the call early this morning and then called them back to let them know I would do it.  Now, looking back on it, I kind of wish I hadn't. The reason I say this, is because I didn't get nearly enough time to study for a test online.  But, it is only the first quiz of the semester and I think i will be able to improve upon it.  It can and will happen.

Working for a place for eight years and not doing something that I enjoy, has taken its toll on me, but as of right now, until I can achieve my goal of becoming a middle to high school teacher, this job will have to suffice.  Granted, its not the best job, but it helps me to take care of my bills and gets my by from day to day.

Of course, like any other place that you work at, you will have gossip and people who will talk behind your back and not listen to a word you are saying.  In many ways, its kind of like talking to a brick wall.  No matter how many times you tell it to move, it isn't going to budge. 

anyway,  I think I am running out of things to talk about for now.  After all, it is nearly 4am and I am sitting here finishing the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and then I may stick in a disc of anime.  Not sure which one though, as I have at least two or three I could possibly be watching.

So Until next time, I bid thee, farewell! Blessed Be!

Are those meatbuns I smell? Nah, just my imagination.

(Ahoy, Mateys! From left to right: Lavi, Allen, Lenalee & Kanda)

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    Well, its been a wonderful day! nice and cool and for ONCE i haven't had to have my fans on much today.  If there is anything that I seem to be dreading this year, its going to be winter.  From what I have heard, it is supposed to be pretty bad (not sure however, if it is just going to be cold or even more snow than what we had this year! I know I sure hope not!)

     In other news, I was at Wal-Mart today doing my shopping, when I decided to go back and look at their incense, diffusers and scented oils and burners, when I came across a fellow anime fan.  I can't believe how I reacted, when I seen her messenger bag! LOL! I felt like a silly fangirl! But what REALLY surprised me about the bag, is it was a D. GRAY-MAN bag featuring ALLEN WALKER and LAVI! The bag was black and the characters were outlined in white with no color to them!

I looked at her and said "I'm going to steal your bag!" lol! she looked at me stunned and said "No! I won't allow you to steal it!" I then proceeded to appologize to her and told her "Nah! I wouldn't do that! But I really do like it! Its not often I run in to another anime fan who likes D. Gray-Man! We then talked for just a few and I found out that she goes to at least three anime conventions a year, including ANIME DETOUR in Minnesota! She also told me that she is planning on COSPLAYING as MIRANDA OTTO (Hope that is how you spell her last name! XD). 

With my undying stupidity I told her sorry again for bothering her and she then said "no problem! We have to look out for each other!" I responded by saying something along the lines of: "True! There are too few of us around!" (though that ISN'T what I truely said! I have memory blocks all the time when it comes to some conversations lol! XD) 

Anyway, other than that, nothing much more exciting has happend, though now I am going to go out and purchase my OWN D. Gray-Man messenger bag! I felt so jealous when I seen hers! XD However, she was really nice and maybe, just maybe I will see her next year at Anime Detour.  I am hoping to go there next spring before I move back to Illinois. 

Well, Take care everyone and I Hope all is well! Blessed Be!

Ouran High School Host Club ~ A Review and Then Some....

(The HOSTS of the Ouran High School Host Club)

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Probably one of the silliest, most humorous and entertaining animes I have seen in a LONG time and quite possibly one of my new all-time favorites!


Ouran High School Host Club, is about a group of high-class students who attend a prestigious acadamy. Some of the male students, have created a group called the Host Club to cater to the young ladies who also attend this private acadamy.

Enter Haruhi Fujioka, a student who "accidentally" stumbles upon the host club while trying to find a quite place to study. While trying to escape from the room, Haruhi accidentally knocks over a VERY pricey vase that the club was going to auction for over 8 million yen and is thus given a make-over and unvoluntarily enlisted in the club to pay back the amount of the vase.

While in the club Haruhi engages in many strange adventures and episodes. She even introduces this "High Society High School", to what they call "Commoner's Food". In one of the first episodes, Haruhi is sent to pick up some Coffee and ends up picking up common every day coffee instead of the expensive brands that they club is used to. Out of all the members, the club's "leader" so-to-speak, Tamaki, decides to try it out despite the pleas from the other members of the club and some of their clients.

So, lets meet the members of the Ouran High School Host Club!
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Haruhi Fujioka: A 15-yr old first year at Ouran Acadamy. She lost her mother at a young age and has a cross-dressing father. She attends the Ouran Acadamy on a special scholorship in which she must rank first in the class. She is completely mistaken as a male by everyone in the entire acadamy. She doesn't dress like the other students and when she is first seen, she wears a heavy sweater, eye glasses and has pretty messy hair.

She stumbles upon the Host Club by accident, when looking for quiet place to study. While trying to escape the music room in which the club meets, she knocks over an 8 million yen vase and is thus unvoluntarily made a member of the club. The members, give Haruhi a make-over by styling her hair, giving her contacts, and even going so far as to give her the official uniform of the acadamy since she cannot afford one of her own.

It isn't until she is asked to change out of some wet clothes that the club prince, Tamaki, notices that Haruhi isn't a he, but is instead a she! Now that her secret is out with the other male members of the club, they will stop at nothing to keep her gender a secret!

Unfortunately, she must still keep her gender a secret from all of the clients who attend the host clubs meetings, parties and gatherings. Haruhi also loves Fancy Tuna and the other club members often bribe her with a reward of some, if she completes something that they ask of her.

Tamaki Suo: Is the 17-yr old, second year and the so-called "Prince" type of the club. He is completely dedicated to his job as a host and will do almost anything to keep Haruhi's gender a secret. There are numerous times, where Tamaki has fantasies about Haruhi. he is pretty much the entire comic relief of the series. (more to be added later lol!)

Kyoya Ootori: Is 17 at the beginning of the story and is a second year student and is the sly and cunning vice president of the Host Club. He is best friends with Tamaki despite the differences in their demeanor and is often considered "Just as reckless as Tamaki." Tamaki is often calls Kyoya "mama" in a reference of Tamaki calling himself "Daddy"

It should also be noted that Ootori, unlike the other hosts does not put on an act for the ladies who are members of the club. (More to come later)

Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin: Twin brothers who are 16 at the beginning of the series and are considered mischivous, devious and childish young men.

They like to take their brotherly love to extreme and use that to please the ladies who attend the club. The twins also talk at the same time and finish each other's sentences which just adds more to the humor!

***While watching this series I noticed that Greg Ayres and Todd Haberkorn voiced the twins. I then began to wonder, just how many outtakes there had to have been while filming each one of these episodes! they are simply awsome VA's, along with the rest of the cast especially Vic Mignogna who voices Tamaki!***

Mitsukuni "Honey" or "Hunny" Haninozuka: Despite his height and his demeaner, Hunny is actually 17 yrs old and loves sweets and adores stuffed animals and is also a cake lover.

on the wikipedia page, it is written down that Hunny is actually much stronger and more powerful than what he lets on and seems to care deeply for Haruhi.

He is also a cousin to another Host Club member, Mori.

Takashi "Mori" Morinozuka: Is 18 years old at the beginning and is a third year student. he is considered the strong, Silent type. He too is one of the Host Club members, who does not do much to impress the ladies.

However, ladies admire him, because of how much he cares for his cousin, Hunny. (More to come later lol ^^()
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The character descriptions, are not that great here ^^ and I may end up posting info from Wikipedia's page at a later date, when I give my final review.

As of right now, I am REALLY enjoying this series and it is all thanks to a friend of mind, NDW!! Thanks NDW!!! I greatly appreciate you telling me about this series!

Currently the series, with all its zany humor and cool animation I find Ouran High School Host club to be an A+ in my book!

Anyway, take care everyone! and stay tuned for further anime reviews that will take place at a later date and time!

~Mellie
PS: I was half asleep when I typed this out, so you will have to excuse the poor explanations lol! XD

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Final Thoughts
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Well, I finally finished the 26 episode series. I must say I REALLY loved this series and found myself enjoying the story and the zaniness more and more as I continued the show.

However, I was SLIGHTLY disappointed. From what I read about the manga, Haruhi finally realizes that she loves Tamaki and eventually confesses this love. However, In the anime, you can clearly see this is evident in each one of the characters, but neither one openly confesses to loving the other.

I was also disappointed in the extras that were included in the complete series boxed set. I was happy to have the outtakes and the usual clean openings and endings however, I figured that they would have at least included character concept art as well as interviews from the VA's or something like that.

Sadly though, the only interesting extras that I really like, were the outtakes. Though not as funny as say live outtakes but humorous none the less. Some of the funniest ones were included on either the last or 3rd to the last disc.

Anyway, my final rating for this series, is 4 1/2 stars. This goes for the extras too. I seriously think that they could have given the Ouran High School Host Club fans more for their money, but hey, thats just my opinion. ^^

(Oh! and the opening song SAKURA KISS is a really good song as well!)

Well, I'm new here...so how is everyone?

Hello everyone, My name is Melinda and I came across this place, when looking for a place to share my thoughts, my ideas, as well as my interests.

Right now, this is just a small introduction.  I will post something a little bit more extensive later on.  As of right now, I will tell you my interests and such:

Name: Melinda
Age: 31
Likes: Anime, Video Games, Movies, Drawing, Writting Fiction and Fan Fiction, The American Civil War, The American Revolutionary War, The "Unsinkable Ship" Titanic, Ancient Egypt, Rome & Greece.  Japanese culture and much more!
Disklikes: Liars, cheaters, haters and people that have to bitch about anything and everything under the sun!
Motto: Sometimes, you just have to wing it! then if that doesn't work, throw your hands up in the air and say I don't give a Fuck!!!
Political Views: Do I LOOK like I care?  The system is so screwed up anyway so what does it matter?  Not like the Declaration of Independance or Bill of Rights means anything now days.  I think our Founding Fathers would have a Coronary if they seen how this country is being run now.
Religion: "An Harm None, Do as Ye Will" (for those who know what this means! ^^ though I am still a Newbie)

Anyway, thats just a TASTE of what I am in to.  I also like anything and everything to do with the supernatural and as far as TV shows: Supernatural, Ghost Whisperer, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife and many others.

So, if you have any questions you would like to ask me go ahead! Just don't ask stupid questions that make absolutely no sense as you will get a stupid answer right back!

Other than that have a wonderful day!