Zidargh

[size=1] Right, I've been listening to a number of country songs lately, and I've really found them to be much deeper than any other genre of song out there, therefore, I got the inspiration to create this thread. Basically, you could call it a game of sorts, or you could not, but I thought it'd be very interesting if this thread took off. It works like this: - .I'll start off by choosing the first song. Then I'll give you the following details; It's Title; The Artist; Time era; and Genre. .Then, (I recommend you find the song or download it if you are not familiar with it), you listen to it several times to become familiar with the song. .Then you give your opinion on what you [i]really[/i] feel the true meaning is behind it. .Then, as it's the first time, I'll put forth my views, and we'll come to a conclusion on who had the best ideas. Then that person chooses a song and takes charge like what I did. ----------- Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, and I'd appreciate it if you were not overly critical of people with their views, and if you're darn out rude to others, let's say you're just ruining it, and action will be taken. Please try to treat this with maturity in the sense that if the song deals with violence, drugs or sex, you are respectful in your views about the topics and consider other people's feelings too. So let's start it off. Download/Purchase the song [b]Horse With No Name[/b] by the band, [b]America[/b]. The song was created in the [b]1970's[/b], and I feel it slots into the [b]Country/Western[/b] Genre nicely, though some may beg to differ. So come on, tell me what you really think it means, and be detailed with your answers.[/size]

[size=1] After a couple of hours, I've re-re-read my post, and I'd like to apologise for the tone it gave off. It was a very cruel post when I look back at it, and yes I can see how it gave off the impression of a witch-hunt, so I apologise for that ChibiHorseWoman. Yet my point still remains. Even though I myself do not feel obligated to post in these kinds of threads (And Id like to state another apology for putting you completely to blame), they definitely give off an atmosphere around that forum, and to be honest, I really am not encouraged to post in any thread in there because quite frankly, they make the forum seem as if that's all it consist of. I ask if it were possible to create more well thought-out threads. I respect the fact that these are social message boards, but there needs to be a limit to these kinds of threads. Because, excluding the minority of the very intelligent threads in there, that's all the forum seems to be pumping out! [b]Edit:[/b] Credit goes to Shy for this. He has made a very valid point that the OL has always been of very poor quality. And he is right that her presence is reflected alot because of her heavy activity within the forum, so admittedly, I am wrong in my one-sided opinion. But something needs to be done. [b][Z][/b][/size]

[size=1] Don't bother asking me what the acronym stands for, because I don't know either. I used it for effect. Now, I'm sure you've all noticed, but Otaku Lounge's quality of threads has completely sunken like a ship in a stormy Bemuda Triangle. I do not usually go in there, simply because nothing really interests me in there anymore, but after I finished reading through the election thread posts, I clicked back on my browser, and was suddenly gobsmacked. "Why were you gobsmacked?" You ask? Well, I'll tell you. It seems to have spawned something that a member has infected it with. Thread after thread (With the odd exception of a gap in the pattern here and there), it states that our glorious 'ChibiHorseWoman' has been the creator. And yes, I'm singling people out, because quite frankly, it's getting out of hand. I understand that that forum is literally General Discussion, and we are going to get the odd thread that makes you do this, 'o_0', but I'm sorry, the sheer lack of quality of not only discussion, but topic, is ridiculous in these threads. It seems that the intelligence level in that forum has dropped significantly, and don't get me wrong, alot of you very intelligent people still post in that forum, so that's all well and good, but I feel the stupidity of her threads outweighs the actual intelligent ones. Yes, we're going to get the odd member here and there that does the same, but the amount of 'What was your most embarrassing date?' threads or something else is swarming. Quite frankly, no quality 'general discussion' is coming of them. If these 'threads' were written with some clear meaning/discussion/acceptable humor in mind, then I'd be all for them, but something needs to be done. (And don't get me wrong, there's quite a few very mature/excellent threads here. None by Miss. Chibi Centaur). I tried to write this to be as less insulting as possible, but if any of you take offense to this, I don't particularily care. As I'm not alone in saying this. [b][Z][/b][/size]

[size=1] I've been following this thread closely for a while now, and your last post, Tony, really made the game just that even more appealing to me for some reason. Any news on a PAL release? [b][Z][/b][/size]

[QUOTE=Sage] The graphics have always astounded me (although FF7 is hardly comparable to FFX anymore, but in its time it was something awe-inspiring). I enjoy playing games that look good. [/QUOTE] [size=1] Oh come now, whenever I play FF7 for the reminscing experience, I still have a soft spot in my heart for the graphics in FF7. ^_~ The backgrounds were pre-rendered, and those adorable blocky hands melt my heart, lol. Well... I wouldn't take it that far, but I still enjoy the looks of FF7. And you're definitely right, the graphics were awe inspiring for the time. To be honest, I've extremely enjoyed the Final Fantasy series from II-IX, including Tactics (Not Advance!), but now I feel this modernisation has ruined the Final Fantasy atmosphere. Admittedly, I really do think FFXII could be sensational. But Final Fantasy X just made me cringe in places. My draw to the series was by FFVII, which was my first ever Final Fantasy game (A damn good one at that if I do say so myself), and of course I just got sucked in, being in my young, naive age. I was in single figures, heh. I just found the variation in gameplay throughout each title, and the strong story up to IX a wonderful experience. I hope XII brings it all back., just like FFT did when I played it for the first time 2 years ago. [b][Z][/b][/size]

[size=1]Still in Los Santos. I'm finding that first Officer Tenpenny mission quite difficult. Despite the strong story, I must admit I do get freaking annoyed during cutscenes when all the dialogue I'm hearing consists of, "**** you ************", or "I care about the hood homie, you down **** dawg?" I understand what the entire game's centralised over, but sometimes the foul language is just unneccessary. I recently completed Big Smoke's last mission. A friend told me it took him 2 hours to do, but I managed to do it on the second attempt. I was having lots of fun though, especially with the [spoiler]very cinematic car-chase cut-scenes, what with that huge truck chasing you. I was very intimidated, but kept calm with Big Smoke's humorous speeches. And don't take me for a fool here, I idiotically got my friend to tell me what the first twist was, so I know I was going to be a bit shocked. ^_~[/spoiler] My 'Wow of the Day' came today when I managed to jump a roof on a BMX, lol. So, any other players going to talk about their 'Wow of the Day's? [b][Z][/b][/size]

[QUOTE=Epitome][size=1][color=SeaGreen] And Im not saying thats not fun, but I was hoping this one was going to be made a little more difficult.[/size][/color][/QUOTE] [size=1] Trust me, this game is alot more difficult. Instead of further into the game causing you to be a hot target to rivals, from the [i]very[/i] beginning you will be subjected to drive-bys if you feel like being a pedestrian around East Los Santos. The missions can be very difficult. For example, one [spoiler]involved me with my fellow Big Smoke to chase a train on a dirt bike for him kill four gang members on top of it. Not only do you have to keep catching up and staying at a decent range, you have to avoid the random obstacles, such as a car in the way or an oncoming train.[/spoiler] Within 2 hours Ive been involved in three gung-ho/Leon/Saving Private Ryan-style gun fights. And not only with this gun fights, me and my comrades had to make sure we had each others backs or... GAME OVER. Yeah, so, Id say its alot more difficult. ^_~ [b][Z][/b][/size]

[quote name='Baron Samedi][size=1']There are actually custom-mods out there that give you the horseback facility, but I'm not sure what other mods are required for it.[/size][/quote] [size=1] Ah. but you see I play it on XBOX. My computer would have no chance of running something so large as that. Windows ME. o_0 I also do not have Xbox Live, but if it is possible to download Mods from that, perhaps I should purhcased Live. [b][Z][/b][/size]

[QUOTE=Dark Serena][size=1][color=purple] Seriously, I HATE how freaking stupid the human characters look. They could've at least done away with the girl's stupid gnome-hat, and made her hair look like, well, hair. She looks like some bull-woman. And yes, the guy looks idiotic, as well, but I think the girl looks more retarded than anything (except for, well, Monique, that fugly drag-queen cat :moron: Boy am I glad she moved). [/color][/size][/QUOTE] [size=1] Oh come now, it's all part of the Nintendo charm, ^_~. Seriously, I myself found the graphics delightfully relevant to the game's overall atmosphere. Sure it was an N64 port, but they still worked. I remember when I played AC, I got bored after expanding my only floor. It consisted of a Zen layout with about 3 rocks scattered here and there, a grey floor, and a screen. That was it, lol. I just got bored of the game before I could afford anything. I must admit really [i]loving[/i] that bamboo fountain thing, where the bamboo tilts with the water and clicks afterwards. I saw it in an animal's house and wished Nintendo implemented a steal command into the game. [b][Z][/b][/size]

[size=1]You know what, I'm incredibly impressed with what you cooked up within the tiny amount of time you've had. And the simplicity really works. I especially like the gradient effect on the second one. Definitely a reminder of my Reanimatrix character. Thankyou very much. [b][Z][/b][/size]

[size=1]I loved Dynasty Warriors 2, but that was about it. I borrowed the third off a friend and got bored in a matter of days. To be honest, no matter what new's been added in with each title, the later ones are just gimmicks and playing off of the franchise. I don't feel as if any strategy's been implemented into the game. I just leg it straight through the front lines and kill the commander, leaving me bewildered and thinking, "This is hardly realistic." I just find the titles repetitive. Perhaps if there was a building element to it, that would make the series superb, combining building sims with RTS. Admittedly though, Empires has caught my eye, and I am also awaiting an indepth review of it in comparison to the previous titles. I may pick it up afterwards. [b][Z][/b][/size]

[size=1]Sweet Jesus, let's pray to God they don't do a Fable and spend 4 years cutting out most of the stuff they promised would be in the game. (Though, I'm almost sure Bethesda wouldn't do this.) I like the fact that you will actually be riding on horseback (Or so it seems), it was ashame that all you got was a black screen when riding the Silt Strider. You should've just been given the option to skip the travelling sequence. Oh well, only a minority. I wonder if battle will be taken place on horse back, nothing better than charging down on assassins and bandits preparing to raid a town. The AI system is certainly ambitious, but if executed correctly, say goodbye to the next two years of your lives once its released. [b][Z][/b][/size]

[size=1]I don't come here as often as I did (many apologies for those involved with PBI), but I thought I'd just let everyone know I'm writing a book. As ambitious as this may seem, I feel that with the right planning, and right time coordination, I may be able to cook up a very successful novel. I've read 'The Hobbit' many a time now, and after studying JRR Tolkien's ideas, I've realised what it takes to come up with a world and characters that are enjoyed by so many. I was thinking about those cliche storylines you find in many of the RPG's in the world today, and I've just realised what we don't find any more; A vulnerable protagonist. I was thinking of the title, [b]'An Innkeepers Tale'[/b], and yes, as you can tell, it is going to be based around an Innkeeper. Basically, he is but an ant that lives in a thriving fantasy/medieval-based metropolis. [The name has yet to be decided]. The city is known for its ultimate power within that continent, and many countries fear it for its military strength. However, due to a great unknown force thats been growing for many centuries, the continent-like city is thrown into a state of pandemonium. Just to clarify, the protagonist is not an ant, lol. I just said that metaphorically. As of yet, it sounds cliche. But imagine, a fantasy-based world turns from peaceful to war-torn, yet that is not the main focus of the story. I was thinking of showing how the protagonist is drafted into the city's army against his will, and after time, he is actually sent into his first battle. However, instead of being victorious, he is taken as a prisoner of war to a location that is the equivalent of a Nazi concentration camp. Then, the story follows the character's escape from the camp, of which he is forced to travel the vast unknown world before him. Much like Bilbo Baggins had to when he left The Shire. I want this to be a very emotional story, with huge amounts of interaction between friend and foes alike. It's ambitious, but I really am going to try to make it work. To prevent copyright issues, the world is going to be designed [i]similar[/i] to that of Vagrant Story/Final Fantasy XII. But it wont be that clear considering Im introducing new concepts. We'll just have to see I guess. What do you think? [b][Z][/b][/size]

[size=1]My posts seem very empty without a banner for a signature, so I'm asking any of you pros to cook me up a little something. I'd like it sleek and 'cool'. Not cool as in, "OMFGz, th4tz R0XORz", though if it was worth that, the better. But what I mean is like, Lounge Jazz/Beatnik cool. I'm afraid I have no images to give you, but I would like it based on [i]A Detective's Story[/i] from the Animatrix. So you should be looking for pictures of the protagonist in that story, the detective. They're usually black and white images, so that makes things easier. Shape the banner how you want, and keep it smallish please, but not tiny. Also, some small text should state "Unexpected..." Much obliged. I'll return the favor in anyway I can. Good luck! [b][Z][/b][/size]

It does look stunning, yet, let's not build our hopes up about those being the actual quality of graphics we'll recieve. If it's to be released for XBOX 2, we have quite a long wait, and they couldn't possibly of added in too much gameplay yet, so let's not count our chickens before they hatch. Remember, we usually have to substitute graphics for gameplay, but I certainly hope the graphics will be up to this standard. Any news on estimated release dates yet?

As harsh as it sounds, his fate was sealed from day one. As much as I disagree with the Government at the moment, they did do everything they could. And though for anyone who has had a member of the family kidnapped and held in captivity it's so damn tempting to give them what they want, people must realise that you simply cannot give into terrorists. If Blair did, then we'd have thousands of other terrorist groups targeting British civilians and holding them hostage because then they know they'll get what they want. Kenneth's family know the Government did what they good. And besides, Mr. Bigley was warned to get out of the country in the event this would happen, but he refused to listen. It was almost inevitable. However I do have respect for the man and his sacrifice, because once again, nations have set an example of strength against terrorism. May he rest in peace.

Well I just got the game today, and it's pretty damn cool. I've only played the Battle of Naboo and the Naboo Palace scenarios. I won the Battle of Naboo without having to take out those Fambaa Shield Generators, but you [i]seriously[/i] need to gain the control points when as the droids for the second level. It's damn hard lol. Eh, not much to say, but you were right about offline being really good. I may get Live just for this one, I'm not too sure.

Right, I may sound a little stupid here, but this is going to be the decider for if I want to buy this game. Is it possible to still enjoy it quite a bit when playing it offline? This is because of the fact that I do not have the right internet connection for XBOX Live, and so I won't be able to take advantage of the online element. So, someone answer the question, lol. Many thanks.

Mario Tennis was pretty rockin' on the N64, so I don't see any reason for why this game shouldn't be. I especially like the Mario Sunshine court. By the looks of things you're working against the clock or whatever to clear the courts of the slime by hitting the Shines. Perhaps if you hesitate too long, a Pirahna Plant begins to grow and then attacks you. Who knows? The graphics look typical of the usual GCN Mario engine (If you know what I mean), but it works. I just seriously hope they manage to use up enough space to make the audience 3D instead of 2D. That's a major gripe I have with spectators in games. :p

Heh, Advent Children's getting to Square's head. As much as a fan as I am, if AC isn't successful, then this game isn't going to be released. What with the spin off of a pre-existing game in the form of a movie set to come out, if that doesn't live up to expectations, I don't see the point in releasing this game. I feel they're trying to fill up the plot holes they left in VII as Vincent was left unexplained in most cases. He was probably one of the most interesting characters in the game, so the only way they're going to pull this off is to leave it where he was placed into the cofifn. (This is assuming it's based before the events that occurred in FFVII. Though, by his get up it looks like it's going to be set after VII, considering [spoiler]he was a Turk[/spoiler], and those guys wear suits.) Just have to wait 'til more information comes out.

(Noone Ever Really Dies) So I felt like creating a thread dedicated to this band specifically. I understand people have mentioned it in the Hip Hop thread, but there's been no true discussion and I personally believe that N*E*R*D isn't solely a Hip Hop band. If you hadn't noticed the true diversity this band brings, then I will inform you that they mix Hip Hop, R'n'B and Rock together. An excellent mix as this appeals to a larger range of audience. So far, they have released two albums. In order from newest to oldest, the names are, [b]Fly or Die[/b], and [b]In Search Of[/b]. Admittedly, they have released a Japan Only E.P and various other versions of the two albums to other countries. I personally preferred their first album in the beginning, but the more I've listened to [b]Fly or Die[/b], it's seemed to grow on me. I'm not a huge fan of [i]Maybe[/i], but apart from that, I feel that the rest of the songs are at least decent; Especially [i]Fly or Die[/i], or [i]She Wants To Move[/i]. Though, I hate it when songs are just killed when they're overplayed by chart radio stations. ([i]She Wants To Move[/i]) for example. The trio consists of Chad Hugo, Shay and Pharrell Williams; The man responsible for Justin Timberlake's success. You can catch him in that [i]Senorita[/i] video I think, lol. Not that I care much about JT or anything. Chad and Pharrell were once a duo, and named The Neptunes. After finding Shay, they formed N*E*R*D, and released [b]In Search of[/b], in Europe 2001. However, they were not happy with the results and with the help of another funk band, they renovated their album, bringing N*E*R*D to new levels. And to this day, I think they're an awesome band. So any songs/aspects you enjoy/hate about the band?

Uh, sorry to burst your bubble, but the RPG has started since quite a while ago, and the sign-ups have also been closed since a while ago. I apologise, but thanks for posing interest.

[size=1]I lied... Sign-ups are officially [b]open[/b]. This forum definitely makes recruiting quicker, easier and more efficiently seeing as I've covered a majority of the main details here. Good luck everyone![/size] [size=1] --- Right all, due to the Prologue having ended in the RPG, I am now going to start using Arena Underground as a sort of suggestion/query center. Now, I am posting it here to bring this place to life. As I write the beginning post of the Training Day, you will have this little 'aside' to read and enjoy. And I would like to let you know that 'The Shell' is [b]not[/b] Bowser or any other character who has been encountered in a game before.[/size] [font=verdana][size=2][color=#ffffff]Somewhere, Outside the Mushroom Kingdom? Away from the majestic land of the Mushroom people, and deep in the Earth, was an area full of deceit, treachery, evil and lots and lots of money. The area was a headquarters of some sort, a labyrinth of rooms dug in and supported by large, steel girders and other objects. This area was of course the home to the yet-to-be-infamous, Dr. Papajojo, preferred to be known as, [i]The Shell[/i]. However, besides all the evil-ness and other sorts of atmosphere in the catacombs of this place, there was a room filled with insecurity and tension. Inside the huge room was an also huge metal table, with black suited corporates and executives from all over the place sitting around it. ?So, we lost one of our men in a bar brawl or fire did we?? Asked a being whose voice was deep and husky, representing the type of encounters this man had had throughout his life. The man sat in a huge, leather chair, faced away from his petrified employees. In front of him was a large screen, illuminating the room with a florescent blue glow. ?Uh, yes sir. Well, not just one, about three. The cause was apparently a liquor-toting chicken.? Replied a koopa who wore sunglasses and bore a scar on it?s left cheek. He then lifted up a remote control and pressed a large red button towards the screen. The screen then flickered showing a close-up of a drenched chicken, which was set on fire. ?Does someone want to tell me how this happened?? Questioned the shadowed being once more. ?Sources have said the fellow that caused it was under the influence of alcohol. Apparently, he was also covered in the stuff.? Replied a beautiful blonde woman, wearing a scarlet dress. Her sharp, blue eyes were capable of piercing through all mental defences. ?You think that makes the matter any less pathetic!?? Yelled the mysterious being in rage. ?In fact, it makes it even more pathetic. How many people do you know that were killed by a flaming chicken?? ?They say it was [i]?El Chicken Diablo?.[/i]?Interrupted a turban-wearing elephant, which was floating on a magic carpet, perhaps in an attempt to calm the ?boss? down. ?Don?t try that ?guru crap? on me. So, can anyone tell me who this [i]chicken[/i] is working for, or has attachments with?? The koopa pressed the red button again and rubbed his scar before clearing his throat. ?Our ?sentries? say that he works for a man named Mario, who resides in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario has one sibling named Luigi, and appears to have recently opened up a small business named [b]Plumber Bros. Incorporated[/b].? There was a pause and suddenly, the being in the massive seat raised his white gloved hand and ordered, ?Find out more about them. You know what to do. Send in, [b]The Squad.[/b].? [/color][/size][/font] [size=1]I would also like you all to use this place as an opportunity to develop your character. Perhaps you could put background summaries, or even write stories that reflect on your character's pasts in some way. Go wild. [/size]

All I can say is (And not being religious), God bless those who were lost's souls. The only way I can look at it is, and I apologise if this comes across very badly, but if it weren't for 9/11, we would still be very vulnerable to more attacks. God bless to all those who died, because their sacrifice allowed us to put up our defenses in the event something else happened. Terrorism's always going to exist, but at least we know how to counter it and what to look for in some form or another, even though it may not be the most successful means.

The [i]Mystical Ninja: Starring Goemon[/i] fights were quite special to me. Every single one was so damn unique. I mean, one minute you're running around in a dome-like arena that's centralised around the boss, jumping to dodge giant chef plates, and then you're in a huge robot named Impact that is the equivalent of Gundam Wing and stuff. Mental times. I agree that it doesn't take much to fight in a turn-based battle system, but in FF7, when I fought that huge robot-thing that Scarlet and Heidegger have towards the end of the game at level 37 and winning, caused some serious celebration.