Warmaker

I played the Shinobi games until III. Shinobi III was one of the last Genesis games I ever bought, but it was sweet. The action, controls, and speed were just right. Oh, I just remembered a good 'ol Shooter. During one of my friend's visits, he showed me M.U.S.H.A. on the Genesis. The music, gameplay, and intro were bad***! It's also one of the last shooters I ever tried.

Warsong was a favorite, but the original Japanese was Langrisser and years later I found out there was a ton of games for this series, that of course didn't cross the Pacific. Which was a shame since console strategy games in those days were rare here in the USA. Plus, you got the anime character treatments in a fantasy setting. There's still several missions in Warsong that I recall, like that big river crossing. There's also the great "class" system of advancement for your generals, so you could have even more variety in each game depending on how you promote your generals. Another one from really early in the Genesis' release in the USA was Herzog Zwei. That got a good following from me and my friends. Even my Dad got really into that game. Even when I moved onto the PS1, when I came home to visit, I could still hear the familiar sounds of Herzog Zwei playing somewhere, knowing my Dad was still grinding with it. Sometimes he'd dive into a game I gave him, Dune, but he always went back to Herzog I was quite good with Herzog, saw all the endings, and for as many times as I played against my friends, I only lost once. That loss came after a roughly 3 hour match. I was pounding away on his base but he had a sneak attack that got mine. I gambled for a quick victory in the end with literally throwing everything I had. The attack stalled and he sent a side detachment to take my base down. It was a loss, but it was a really satisfying match. Also, you couldn't mention "Sega" and "RPGs" without throwing Phantasy Star in there. My friend introduced me to it, shortly after my purchase and beating of Miracle Warriors. He stayed the week over at our house (Summer vacation) and brought it over. His Mom just got it for him but he said he was stuck early in the game. I woke up early the next day and decided to try it out. "It can't be better than Miracle Warriors" I thought. Wow, was I wrong! Phantasy Star was vastly superior. The word, the dungeons, a really epic feel to it. I also got past wherever my friend was stuck at. When he woke up, he said, "How did you get over there?!?" I was a fan of the franchise when I stopped at PSIV. PSII was great and left a cliffhanger. PSIII was so-so... way too many characters that really did nothing for the story, and the story I felt was... I can't recall... but I was upset that it did nothing to resolve PSII's cliffhanger, even with the multiple endings of PSIII! PSIV was a fine wrapup in the Genesis days. It did everything right for a PS game.

I'm not sure how and why, but I ended up looking up 3 games that I played and liked from back in the day on my Sega Genesis. First, I stumbled upon Valis (link is to the Turbo Grafx version). Now, the only one I tried in the USA was the Genesis version of Valis III. IMO, nothing was special about the gameplay in comparison to other outstanding side-scroller / action games of the 16-bit era. But there were 2 things I liked about it: - The "cutscenes" - Half-naked anime chicks with swords... in the early 90's, here in the USA And then, during my search on the "Internetz," I came across a long forgotten favorite of mine: Arcus Odyssey Back in the day, I loved that game also. The game was quite easy, especially with 2 players rampaging through. Again, there were 2 things I liked: - The opening sequence - The music! This was one of the few games in all my gaming (Sega Master System thru PC gaming today) where I used to leave it in Sound Test Mode. By far my favorite was the song upon defeating the final boss, "Castomira - Defeated." Lastly, I ran into another old Genesis favorite, Target Earth (US title: Original was "Assault Suit Leynos" IIRC). There were a few difficult moments, but nothing to an avid video game player with a bit of dilligence. Three things drew me to this game. - Japanese Mecha Combat! Complete with outfitting of different gears for your Assault Suit. - A very military oriented game, reminding me of Macross. The game is permeated with this feeling with friendly Assault Suits, Warships, etc. all around. Yes, you played as the hero in a specially colored Assault Suit, but you were in a battle with units from all sides fighting. I always tried to make sure that friendly AI unit finishes the mission with me. The centerpiece again was the feeling of being in the middle of a battle. - The end theme song and cutscene My only knock against Target Earth was that it was short. Edit to add: Another reason why Target Earth / Assault Suit Leynos still hold some meaning to me is that it was released here in the USA in a time when practically all Japanese Mecha themed games would not cross the Pacific. A subsequent frustration was the Front Mission Franchise, which didn't get over into the USA until well into the PS1's lifetime. By then, there were a ton of FM games released, most of which never got to see US releases. This is all of course before the days of the "Internetz" and the ability to browse around freely. It was just so frustrating back in the day...

The movie Enterprise looks advanced also, finally using 80's special effects technology (in a Post Star Wars era). The movie version looked much more like a succeeding revision of the TOS Enterprise, and acted eventually as a wonderful medium between the TOS and TNG era. It was simple, sleek, beautiful, and still gave a presence of power as far as Trek ships go. As for the TOS Enterprise, well, this is before the snazzy effects of Star Wars and the 80's. It doesn't look as good in today's standards but the "rule" still applies to her.

My first Macross toy was a cheap knockoff Blue / White VF-1J from waayyy back in the day. It transformed into all 3 modes, but really, it wasn't a full transformation. It was cheap, but I enjoyed it since it was the ONLY Robotech thing I could find and get as a kid. I liked it until my friend got a CF VF-1A, a bonafide, fully transformable, die-cast toy from Japan. It wasn't a big 1/55 Tak, but I can't remember the maker. The quality I recall was quite nice, even the packaging, similar to 1/55 Tak packaging at the time. He got it from his Mom who stopped by Japantown in San Francisco on the way back from work (she was really one of the nicest ladies I have met in life, even now). The next Macross toy I had was a 1/55 Tak. Strike Valkyrie VF-1S, patterned Red / Black / White for Hikaru's -1S of DYRL?. My Late Dad got it for me as a Birthday present when he took me over to Japantown. the toy wasn't cheap, as I can recall from his apprehension (hindsight). At the time, I haven't seen DYRL, and I was wondering why it wasn't Yellow / Black / White for Roy. Still, it was bada** with all the Strike Valk parts. My friends with their TF Jetfires were dismayed by the bad*** that was a Strike Valkyrie. The killer blow would have been a Roy -1S, but oh well. I recall the Matchbox Robotech Toy commericals, and I was thankful that my Dad got me the Real Deal Japanese stuff. That would be the last Macross toy I would get until a few years ago when I stumbled upon MW, and learned of the "True Path of SDF:Macross & DYRL?."

Is a MW member one of the guys running that place? If so, he needs a "Hey man, you messed something up" PM

The Executor would be great, too! Also, you can't show Star Wars starcraft and not mention TIE Fighters

I vote for the Stormtroopers, though the Boba Fett one looks pretty dang good also. The X-Wing & M.Falcon stamps look okay also. I wanted to vote for the Darth Vader one but the helmet overhang on the sides look too short. Surprised there's none for a Star Destroyer or Death Star I or II. The stamp with Han and Chewie looks weird. Han looks like someone just poked him in the ***. The Queen Amidala one would be cool but the stamp is too small to show the whole thing better, but there's also the lack of detail to the face... and it looks deformed.

If anything, they'll leave out some "Mirrorverse" episodes (not sure how many there are total, though) just to ensure you buy some series season box sets. I bought the Klingon set, and I realized later there were some really good Klingon episodes left out, especially from the era of the Dominion War / Deep Space 9 Series, where we see Klingons in a time of war.

Those outtakes are still great stuff...

My train of thought I feel still holds. The reason being is that I feel unmanned aircraft presents a bigger potential for growth in implementing technology and new doctrines. The immediate form of control will be remote (a guy in a trailer far back). But how far away will advancements in computers be to make fully automated weapons? Command and Control improvements is a gradual thing that I expect from any competent military with the funds. Combat Aircraft will still be limited by what the man in the cockpit can withstand. We can throw engines that are x3 more capable than today's best. You can try to design aircraft that could be maneuverable. But as good, as strong as you make that aircraft, it is still limited by what the pilot can take. It will take developing technology and new doctrines. Let's use your improved Command and Control example and my very vivid imagination - Imagine improved Command and Control with advanced, manned combat aircraft. - Imagine improved Command and Control with unmanned (fully automated) combat aircraft, that are fully optimized for war with no care whatsoever in taking care of living pilots inside them. I know I'm reaching a bit, but I feel airpower has a real chance of changing drastically than ground power can at the moment. The potential is there.

Yeah, the "Akiraprise" from the Enterprise TV show.

Traditions need to be upheld, I like that, but the reality IMO, is that a military force should be able to change and adapt to make it succeed. Like how Cavalry used to be the pride of any Western Army until it was brutally swept aside by the changing nature of warfare. Signs for the eventual supplanting of Cavalry as the core of an army by Infantry and new technology / warfare starting springing up alot since the days of Medieval Europe. There were still a good amount of Cavalry in WWI, and they still had this air of historical superiority in their heads. But as far as what they contributed to the war, they did nothing. WWII? There were still a few, even the Germans and Russians had a few Cavalry Divisions. But the history and glory was taken up by the other arms of the military: Infantry, Armor, Air, etc. Opinion / Mindless Rambling: This reminds me of a thread in another forum I frequent. We had a little discussion about what area of warfare will see the biggest advancement (doctrine or technological) soon. I put down airpower, simply because the idea of unmanned combat aircraft seems enticing. UAVs were first being used in combat operations by the US military (probably the Brits too since they were in Iraq since the invasion portion of 2003). There's definite uses, lessons learned with UAVs. Things to improve, new ways to use them, iron out their proper utilization. Other nations took notice since I've read about numerous UAV programs being pushed quite fast by other countries. What I thought was that given time and technological maturity, the idea of combat aircraft designed for unmanned / computer / "drone" usage isn't too ridiculously far off. Combat aircraft that can be somehow flown without the restrains of consideration for a live pilot? What power and maneuverability can be made into that aircraft? It threatens the near Chivalric Combat Aviator image... Maverick being replaced by a computer? Think about that. But the same was said about Cavalry that it can't be replaced. War slowly changed that. The same was said about Battleships, how they once ruled the seas with their power. But Aircraft Carriers swept them aside in dominance of the seas. Or, for an ancient example, how the Spartans refused to change to a point where Sparta will fail due to the inability and desire for her people to change and adapt their ways.

Never doubt the power of "Anti Harmony Gold" here! The hate is justified!

Lion-O should have retained a good build. I mean, Male Lions are friggin' huge. Oh, and we can't have a Thundercats-related thread without the obligatory: "Thunder! Thunder! Thundercats! HOOOoooooooooo!!!!"

Good idea, really. But as far as the "overwhelming the pilot" concern goes, it'd be best rectified by larger aircraft with multiple aircrew. It doesn't have to be a P-3 sized aircraft, but a 2 seater would be the smallest. Even aircraft like the E/A-6B Prowler can have up to 4 aircrew, and surely the workload can be easily distributed.

What kind of ammunition will you need? Puny 9mm? Respectable .45 or 7.62mm NATO? Or .50 "just to make sure?"

It sounds like what happened with Star Wars Galaxies. Originally, the game was focused on the Original Trilogy era... Empire vs Rebels, all the classical stuff. As time progressed, to capitalize on the released prequels, Old Republic / Clone War era subjects began to dominate. - We had Old Republic / Clone Wars gear vastly superior to the newer gear used from the Imperial-era by the Empire and Rebels. - It was easier getting Clonetrooper Armor than getting Imperials to wear Imperial Trooper Armor (Stormtrooper, Scout Trooper). As a matter of fact, you had just as many Rebels wear Clonetrooper Armor... - After Publish 9, the eventual push and overemphasis on the Jedi. Jedi were once extremely rare in SWG. There were Jedi players before Publis 9, but it was hard and mysterious to become one. Even then, becoming a good one was a huge undertaking. If their abilities were spotted by players, they could be hunted by Bounty Hunter players via special missions. The Jedi then were subject to Permadeath... die x3, that character was gone. But Jedi, once developed, were extremely powerful, capable of taking on several good players on by themselves. It was the whole Risk vs Reward thing, since Jedi back then were very difficult to make good. --- Also, during the Original Trilogy, Jedi were to be essentially extinct. Having Jedi in SWG when it came out was a questionable as far as Star Wars themes go, but because Jedi were so rare and so hidden in SWG, that it actually was fine. They were there, but didn't want to be found and hunted by the Empire and Bounty Hunters. ------ When SWG came out, if you became "visible" enough as a Jedi, Darth Vader could be looking for you. Oh yeah, remember "Permadeath" --------- After Publish 9, all the risks for Jedi were being slowly removed. Jedi became increasingly numerous, many parading around with their Ligthsabers and powers in front of everyone and everything. More and more Publishes were dedicated to them while neglecting the rest of the game and the other professions. The Jedi infestation got so bad that it looked like this: For a game set in the Original Trilogy era, the days of the Empire and Rebellion, you have more Jedi running around than Stormtroopers. Think about that... It's like Order 66 never occured, like the Emperor forgot to bring it about. SWG continued to progress where Star Wars fans, especially to the older movies and that era, were disregarded for new blood. Ah, but that's just the tip of the "Titanic Iceberg" that was SWG. I really can go on. Thanks for making me remember the bad memories ------------------------- P.S. - Early in SWG, Jedi characters were revered because it was hard to become one, develop one, and retain one. It was awesome to see one live. As a lone Imperial player wandering Dantooine, in about March 2004, I saw what looked like combat in the distance. I hurried over to investigate, thinking there was an Imperial vs Rebel fight. I arrived and I saw a lone Jedi fighting a group of wild creatures. It was the first time I ever saw a Jedi in the game and I was amazed. I didn't shoot either, despite me wearing Stormtrooper Armor. When the Jedi finished combat and saw an Imperial Stormtrooper player, he said along the lines: "Oh... you weren't supposed to see that." I told him that I was watching for the past 2 minutes. I could have lit him up if I wanted to, but didn't. "So what now?" "You're the first Jedi I ever saw in the game, it was great. But let's part ways here in peace." "Alright then. Take it easy trooper." "See you some other time Jedi." Before Publish 9, that was the ONLY Jedi I ever saw. After Publish 9, you saw multiple groups of them wandering around.

Considering how ridiculous Star Trek has been of late, nothing is too far from the truth

I'll bite, April Fools or not! It also gives me a chance to say the obligatory: "Stop raping my childhood!"

The drawing for the Enterprise? Gotta be April Fool's joke. Looks just as ugly as the "Akiraprise." It looks like a closer derivative of the much later TNG / Dominion Wars era than early Federation stuff. And if it is a TNG era ship, it looks far too primitive. I mean... turrets? This isn't supposed to be Space Cruiser Yamato or Macross!

Wow, a few more feet and that portside wing would be scraping the deck or "catching" the wire! A little less altitude or a tad bit more push to the left would have done it. Somebody had to get an a**-chewing for this

Sorry SpacePirateNeko, for me, if there's "SOE" anywhere on or associated with a product, I stay away from it. I was with SWG starting in Feb.2004, even after the "Coaster of the Year Awards" that it received on release in July 2003. I stuck around even with the weird "Combat Upgrade" revamp. But I left after the disastrous and unwanted "New Game Enhancement"* revamp that appeared with pretty much no warning after the "Trials of Obi-Wan" exp.pack. Also, SOE's customer service and player treatment is abysmal. Again, my experience with SOE was the worst in my computer gaming experience. I see an SOE label on Vanguard, so I feel the need to steer clear of that game. I hope it continuously works out for you, but I won't touch it. ----- * = Emphasizing my saracasm with that hated revamp.

SWG is the reason I don't touch Sony's SOE products anymore... including Vanguard. Like Garlic is to a Vampire I'll leave it at that, since the experience with SOE was that bad.

After my experience with Star Wars Galaxies, I've taken to a "wait & see" approach. From the few previews I read, it looks interesting. I hope it turns out well. I hope there's mounted combat in LotRO. Mounted combat has yet to be really done well enough in any RPG, console or PC format. Even the PC's latest, big RPG, Oblivion, doesn't have mounted combat despite horses being put in the game. Also, I haven't read the books, just saw the movies. I'd like to be some sort of cavalryman Right now my MMO experience is on Guild Wars. It's not perfect but it's fun. But if there is one thing that GW oozes is polish. Very fine, finished product.