Mercurial Morpheus

I'm kind of peeved that they started charging for concerts now. Though it should probably let them last longer. They're 15 with a weekend pass. I really need to pull some strings to go.

Yep, that's precisely what he was teasing me about. I'd even guessed it beforehand. Curse you, AX!

Just read it on ANN. I think it might be what my staffer friend was insinuating about. Now I really have to go.

That base is horribly underwhelming. The stickers are nice. From what I gather, the clean Sheryl and Ranka version are the regular, with the art being stickers. The SP has the mouth and Foxy lady tampo'd on. Aside from the stickers and handbook, the cheaper regular version is looking even more appealing.

Nice art, much better than Rise Up. Shame it's not what's on the new toy judging by the promo pic. I think I definitely prefer Sherilu with blue hair.

Shame they're being so secretive as to any release date. Guess it's not as bad as Giant Robo.

Actually, it appears he split it simply to hold parts hostage in a vain attempt for donations. Then he got pissed some guy upped the unrared version (apparently, he claims some guys joked about reporting him). He didn't even span the rars properly even. Like I said, the guy's got a real superiority/God complex (read @$$hole). No one "needs" the camrip, which is why his attitude is even more hilarious. As for the filesize, chalk it up to lousy encoding. It's a WMV9, which isn't the most efficient codec out there, at about 900megs, which is peanuts for a 2 hour file. That codec at that length, with that many source problems? I'd encode to at least standard two CD size (about 1.3gigs). Given the quality, I can't really complain about the size. Not like I'm archiving, and if you're on dial-up, it's not worth it to begin with, regardless of size. You think he could've used an anti-flicker filter, but this guys clearly an amateur. He probably uses the software that came with his camera. All he does is cams. About the only thing going for it is that it's not oppressively dark like the Eva 2.0, and the sounds okay. Like i said before, anyone bothering with it should already know what they're wasting their bandwidth on anyway.

Probably. I don't know the usual period for Japanese releases (US is usually 5-6 months except for Christmas films). It still cracks me up how angry he gets about his own rip. He probably didn't even cam it. Just stuffed it in rars after grabbing it off a Japanese P2P. Some people... Any word when the second comes out? I can see them holding the BD until just before to drum up interest in the new film.

Final part is actually out. Though I only mention it to point out that the guy who released it obviously has some sort of skewed superiority complex. Telling the "b!tches" that uploaded his crappy raw without the needless raring to die and such. Of more important note, the thread marked "Die B!tches" claims the BD comes out next month. Hopefully true.

Yeah, that too.

I seem to remember that the Messiah was privately funded by the SMS, and so it's specs exceeded the VF-171. They also were secret, so while the VF-27 was built to exceed the 171, it naturally was without knowledge of the 25's abilities. As for against the Vajra, who knows? My guess is that the producers needed cannon fodder, and since the VF-25 was supposed to be this high tech machine, they used the VF-171 instead. Makes the VF-25 look better, like it's supposed to. Sort of why one wouldn't want to pilot a brown VF-1.

It really depends more on what one feels ruins the experience more: a. watching a low-quality version (which really depends on one's definition of low quality, most people I know have no squabbles with issues that personally drive me nuts for example [namely compression]), b. having most of the plot spoiled by internet discussion (easier than you think depending on how much one surfs, I know I tried the Eva 2.0 rip because i was already getting massive spoilers from jackasses on Youtube commenting on the trailers) or c. waiting so long as to no longer care about it anyway (I know I'm sort of at that point, so merely sampling the rip ups the meter a bit and has restored my fondness for "Universal Bunny"). Though really, it's all down to personal preference on what the quality threshold is. Personally, I can't stand how acceptable watching anime on highly compressed streams like Crunchyroll and Youtube has become (Hulu's about the only decent quality free stream I've seen, though my standards are obviously higher than most as I tend to find most TV based HD channels overcompressed, to say nothing of online). Some would even argue Vespaeda "ruined' the experience by watching it raw, missing the nuances of the story, no matter the picture quality. I think most people know what they're getting into when it comes to a cam rip, so I'd say let them decide whether it "ruins" it moreso than the alternatives(aside from the shoulder, I've seen much worse anyway). Especially since we don't even have a date for the BD, and know full well that it's not hitting US shores probably ever. So who are you or I to say that it's "ruined". I'm not saying it's ideal, far from it, nor do I intend to actually watch the whole thing, but after what, seven months with no release date in site, can you blame one's curiosity? As for today's anime fan, that's a whole 'nother thread. Fansubs tend to look better than Funi's overcompressed DVDs. the success of streaming has pretty much touted that convenience and cost will always trump quality. I can't count the number of times I've heard people bitch about the price of DVDs where I point out that one can now buy entire series in both languages for the price of one subbed tape a decade ago. Evangelion on remastered DVD - about $60, Evangelion on subtitled VHS (how I own it [and they really did look just as good as ADV abysmal first DVDs]) $390. It's like buy two, get the next 11 volumes, plus the dub set (another 300 dollar value) for free.

You know damn well it's not just you. People not swayed to either side for the win! Though I've warmed up to Sherilu a bit since the series concluded. Who knows, the movie might get me to actually fully like her again. As for the camrip, time and time again people have demonstrated a preference for speed and convenience over quality. Hence the rise of over-compressed streaming sites like Crunchy Roll and the preference for 6-7 episodes a disc that Funimation fervently believes in. I know I've been curious enough about the film to at least skip through the cam a bit. And wow, does the new quoting system create a lot of indecipherable garbage. No use wading through that. EDIT: Looking at the preview the guy posted, while the video and sound are perfectly clear enough to watch (minus the macroblocking), the camera is at an angle, with a guy's shoulder in the way (at least for those first two minutes), and nothing's been done about the projection flicker so far. I've seen worse, but I'd say hold off ye of some patience (I know you no patience guys don't care either way)[he says whilst loading the torrents for a lark anyway]. Pretty low key start too.

Thanks for elaborating on the SP version. Saw it over at MyFigureCollection and wondered why the art looked weird. I should've guessed it had to do with the movie. So it's all Sheryl-ified in the film. I suppose that makes as bit more sense, but the Ranka version was so kitsch and out of place that it worked so well. Definitely sounds more like the price is warranted now, though I don't like the Sheryl Noseart being pre-applied. As cool as the other extras sound, like the base, I'd definitely want it as Monster Girl from the TV, as that's how I know it so far. I'd hate having to destroy a sticker to do so and agree that it being over the eye looks bad (assuming it comes with the Ranka art, it sounds like one big movie Sheryl fest). I am liking the color scheme over the Yamato so far. Any closeups of the nose art, it doesn't even look like Sheryl.

Shocking to hear. It seems like only yesterday that I essentially dogged him at AOD for his autograph. I'm definitely one of those with mixed feelings on his work, as I'm not a fan of "overly creative" dubbing and editing, but like everyone, he had his gold along with his rubbish. I've never hated the man, just the conditions he had to work with. I'm still fond of the Dirty Pair dubs, and Grospoliner's voice in Silent Mobius. The man knew casting for the most part. HG may overplay Robotech's importance (or should I say downplay the numerous other anime of the time), but it's still important to many. Yes, I first saw most of Macross through Robotech, but long after I'd seen M+ and knowing it's sordid history. Same goes for a lot of the Streamline stuff Recounting my own meeting with him at New People basically involved tracking him down to the stairwell, as he was pretty much avoiding the loud gathering to talk with associates. I got to listen to him regale them with stories of the numerous alcohols he'd had in his travels and his own famed Margerita mix (made without tequila). Not to mention winning the oppertunity to spend the night with a local girl or a prized bottle of liquor (he took the latter). I finally got around talking to him and discussing the dubs I had brought with me. Combined with the ANN interview that came out the week prior, my view of him was a friendly, interesting person, with a bit of a "I know best" take on work (mostly from the interview in which he's quick to point out the flaws in other people's method, justified or no). Any problems I had with accuracy issues was generally pawned off with the fault being the translator or him putting faith into it being accurate. I didn't get to go into it as much. I enjoyed his sense of humor, and he even signed my Silent Mobius tape with the words, "Sorry for the dub" (though i did get to tell him about the Emperor of Swords).... It was definitely one of the more interesting meetings I've had with a guest, and I'm sorry it won't be repeated.I think AOD we be the be all, end all when it comes to Mecek for me. Now I'm really peeved I couldn't find my Roujin Z tape (though it's no biggie in the end, I guess). Like everyone, he had his gold and rubbish. Viewed from the perspective of the time, he definitely played an important part in the shaping of the industry, whether you agree with his methods or not. Personally, I'll never think or Robotech as superior to Macross, and , while important, is horribly overplayed by HG's desperate bid for relevance. I loath what it essentially is, a hackjob of one of my favorite shows. Though even there, given the time constraints he had making it give me respect for his skill. The Dirty Pair dubs are woefully inaccurate, but still highly entertaining. Silent Mobius' script removed a good portion of what made the film great, but still had some good casting choices. So take the good with the bad. Hate the game, not the player. RIP, Carl Mecek. I'm definitely grateful that i got to meet you, and form my own perspective outside of the "love him, hate him" rhetoric.

Noted. I thought as much. Right now, I'm simply missing Protect and Shell.

I just got to the part of being able to switch members (yes, I'm mad behind now). I've tried Light/Van/Fang, and I do see the the double Sab benefit, but every so often I get a battle where having Hope instead probably wouldnve really saved my butt. Out of curiosity, is there any point to developing the other roles for character, like giving Fang some Syn capabilities?

Well, if you mean actually worked on, then it was one of the Endless Waltz Gundams (probably DeathScythe though there were others) that my friend bought and i helped put together. The first one I bought was one of those 10 dollar "Action Figure Model Kits" from Target around the time Gundam SEED came out. A blue Astray. I didn't take it too seriously, as I was mostly testing the waters with it. So it's half painted a what not. I may give it some TLC one day. I also have a 1/144 Gundam W Mercurious I found at a thrift shop. I might have gotten it first. It's unpainted as well. I got it because Noin piloted it in the Endless Duel game I was playing on emulator at the time. My first serious attempt at an anime mecha model (I'd long built WWII planes and Star Trek models) wasn't even Gunpla. It was an Aerial type Aestivalis from Nadesico. Completely handpainted. I spent a lot of time on that sucker and essentially learned a lot of different paints and so forth (the orange was a real bitch). My first real Gundam kit was probably the 1/100 RXF-91. I saw someone do a metallic paint job here and tried my own. It's not as good as it should be, but not bad I suppose. My most recent are probably my most proud, my MGs. A RX-78-2 that I got for 5 bucks and painted in my own interpretation of G-3 from the Gundam novels I'd been reading. Also completely handpainted. Finally, there's the Mk-II ver2 AEUG I got from AX 06 for 25 bucks. I went all out on this one. Full primer, almost entirely spray painted instead of handpained. Some dual layer effects caused by either happy accidents or some experimenting. It's definitely my finest work thus far. I even picked out colors that best matched what I saw on my DVDs. Hence a dark blue chassis instead of the black it suggested, as well as a blueish hue to the grey part achieved by misting. The only thing I relented on was a more golden yellow (tried three yellows, and that's what worked best, I also handpainted it to save some costs, which helped since I bought so many shades). I'm currently working on a MG Quebeley, but I've misplaced the spraycans for it. I may need to just start over on it. The purple's a bit dark so far. So i haven't built many, but I'd like to think I've improved with each one. I'd love to get a Zeta or some of the new Unicorn kits.

I was noticing that about Lightning, hence why I switched from Gladius to BlazeFire. I'm merely wondering whether they're strong enough at the point I'm at. I think so, but I'm sure being a bit stronger helps. Any Ch.9 grinding tips, guys, since this is supposedly one of the better points to do it?

I keep having other things to do or no access to the PS3, so I've fallen behind quite a bit (though I refuse to let that pull me out of it, like XII which then got stolen along with my memory card). Just finished chapter 8, and still have a few problems utilizing Sahz and Vanille together, though i suppose that doesn't matter anymore. Great, emotional moments though. I definitely get the feeling I need to upgrade my weapons and have next to no components since I was messing around with different weapons before David shared those links. I've got most around 11 and I think I've been using Blaze Fire (also have a decent upped Gladius, but she keeps getting Rav roles), Belladonna, Denebs, Hawkeye, Fang's starter and Wild Bear (only level 3 and I'll probably switch to Power circle for now). Paradigms are interesting, and I've known about the Sab function for awhile now. Allowed me to justify the default Syn/Sab one since i like always having an attacker. It's mostly fighting groups that seems the problem, as I have little trouble against most bosses (thanks for the haste tip, David). I'm still loving the game a lot, but have no clue where I'd place it on the list of favorites. I doubt anything with top VI and VII (especially since the latter was my first RPG). l No kidding. I've been loving some of the song nature of the score. For an FF without Uematsu, it's doing just fine in that department. Though if you're unused to the concept of Chocobo with lyrics, I'm guessing you've never seen this old gem. http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/58184

Caught a screening at New People in SF after The Macross World meetup. Enjoyed it as much as I expected too, even having missed a scene. The dub was pretty good, like most Gundam dubs too (while I didn't want to see it dubbed the first time, the big screen aspect made up for it, despite the bad framerate). A little too much CG at times, but the rest of the animation was superb. The in colony battle in particular was just awesome. I loved the rich use of blues in the colony. Loved the new RGZ. The blue scheme worked well on them. And yeah, as I explained to someone afterwards, the real treats are the nods to the previous series surrounding Audrey and Marida. I got a kick out of how she came up with the name too. Definitely looking forward to more, and I really need to pick up the BD and some kits. Wonder if anyone'll translate the novels fully.

Keep in mind that I'm dragging shadow member Raider3 with me.

Thanks. I'd say view Com I knew about the strike bit. It's the same in how if you use magic heavy Sahz on commando, he'll prefer Ruin, as it uses his magic stat. I'd say view COM/RAV more as the difference in Chain Guage and Elemental, rather than one uses STR, the other MAG. It's been growing on me a bit, but they solely added it to provide the Pulse clue. I was more caught off guard by it than anything. Still, I'd say it's probably better than any other "cute" English voice inherent in dubs. Can't wait to hear the serious voice. Listening to the Japanese trailer, I'd say most of the voices are pretty on par actually, and so deliveries are much better in context than the English trailer suggests. I think they even rerecorded some lines. Serah can be a little rough at times, and Vanille's accent give or take (and not present in the trailers it seems) but Lightning isn't as wooden as the trailers suggested. Hope sound almost exactly the same. Though going off those, I'd actually go so far as to say I prefer Fang in English. It's just clicks for her better.

LOL, it's Sheryl Nome reasoning all over. I'm inclined to agree, as the trailers have been leading me on for so long that I just HAVE to like the characters. Still, there are times when Lightning is just one cold hearted b!tch. Though even she's realised it by now and regrets it a bit. I cut her slack anyway since I just assumed she was worried for Serah. I just read over on Penny arcade how much Tycho hates most of the characters. It's sad, but I can sort of understand it. THey're really the type you have to grow to understand. Not every character can nor should be sympathetic and likeable in the start just to be considered a "good" character.

Finally completed the Nyan-Nyan mini set (outside of the mascots and all the variables), and obtained my first non-keychain Sheryl figure (the red one).