Jonnas

Haha... People actually say "Shay-man"? In Metal Gear Solid, no less? Then again, I've always pronounced it "Shuh-mahn", because that's how it is in Portuguese ("Xamã"). Can't say I like the correct pronunciation ("Xámã"?), so I'll keep using mine. Gungnir always seemed obvious, just pronounce it as if you were Scandinavian, right? How do people even mispronounce it? "Guhng-nyre" or something? Deus really was obvious, can't believe people still mispronounce it. And I'll definitely start using the correct "Mana" pronunciation from now on. I thought Symphonia 2 was just messing around when they changed the pronunciation of that word from the first game. (In a related note, I really hate "Kray-tos" instead of "Krah-tos". Do you plan on ever touching that one?)

Recent gameplay trailers prove this theory wrong, though (Gametrailers has more exclusive gameplay videos, if you're interested) Damn, I'm so psyched for this game. I love both series (especially Tekken), and to see a game where the combat system is such a perfect mesh of both series, it's just... *droooool* I can't wait to see who else will make the cut. I hear they plan to bring more Street Fighter characters besides the ones present in SSFIV, so here's hoping for R.Mika, Birdie, Alex, Hugo and Elena. Also, we need info on Tekken x Street Fighter. I seriously can't see how are they going to make projectiles effective.

I didn't play any of the 3D Sonic games before Unleashed, but I liked it (at least the Wii/PS2 version). Werehog levels and unnecessary plot aside, the game was ace. I'd give it 7 in 10 (because flaws are still there. But Unleashed is peculiar, in that the good parts, the mediocre parts and the horrible parts are distinct, they never intersect in-game). I have yet to play Colours, however, but I am psyched for it. And this "Generations" thing... I'm not holding my breath until we have more info.

I only played the PS2 version, and I don't know what you mean by "offscreen activation", but everything else you mentioned was there. Maybe it had to do with the single-player mode? Future Gohan played a prominent role in one of the movies (the one that focused on the apocalyptic future), but I don't think the BT3 version of him makes much reference to that. Wasted potential, considering the one-armness. Future Gohan wasn't the worst one, though. BT3 had King Vegeta, King Cold, random Frieza soldiers, and a few movie minions that never did much. But it also had Tao Pai Pai, Grandpa Gohan and General Blue, so character variety was many kinds of awesome.

Really, really, good sequels? -Super Smash Bros. Melee -Fire Emblem: Blazing Sword (as compared to Sealed Sword/Binding Blade) -Kirby's Dream Land 2 -Pokémon Gold/Silver -Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (as compared to Phantom Hourglass) -Megaman 2 -Mother 3 -Super Mario Land 2 -Wario Land 3 -Super Metroid -F-Zero GX -Sonic 2 -Sonic 3 & Knuckles -Advance Wars 2 Maybe I exaggerated?

Well, damn, well remembered. After SC2's fluid, fun gameplay, we get a SC3 filled with overcomplicated modes and bland characters, different button inputs for every character because the developers felt like doing it, and every single hit releases FLASHES and SPARKS! Pretty much the only positive I saw was that my main, Voldo, had seen his stance versatility improved. And even that was spoiled by needing to learn the new inputs.

But Melee already had a K.K. Slider trophy... I hate Brawl vs. Melee arguments. It's just two sides completely unable to realise that the other one actually has a different POV. I know a lot of discussions are like that, but when two sides are continuously spouting arguments that are completely meaningless to the other side... And just to make it clear, I don't play competitively, but I liked Melee better. I do admit that Brawl has tons of advantages (and it's the one I play regularly nowadays), but I just liked Melee's physics better. Also little details like better events, and better "Break the Targets", or the bonuses, or the fact that self-destructs actually registered. But Brawl has more characters, improved those that utterly sucked in Melee, introduced Boss Rush, there's better stage variety (even if I miss some Melee stages), more music, the SSE was actually pretty fun, and if you want to have Pokéballs-only on Very High, the game won't shower you with explosive crates and capsules. And to keep more on track with the thread... Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire. There were a lot of changes I disliked, and lack of compatibility with G/S killed interest in the series for everyone I knew. Also, Soul Reaver 2. They decided to sacrifice any quality in gameplay for what was essentially an interactive movie. Sure, it had awesome plot, but that's literally all it had.

The Water Temple in MQ is way more bearable than its Normal counterpart. I remember at least that much. Also, you can't get the Hover Boots before you beat the Water Temple. You literally can't take that route. I can only think of three Zelda games where the Water Temple is that difficult: OoT (normal), MM and Oracle of Ages. ...We should have more of those

Well, the Forest Temple is quite confusing, yes. But the Water Temple is moreso. Good luck in Master Quest, then. I think I need to replay that one, because my memory is getting fuzzy... I'm actually glad Zant lost it. Before facing him, I honestly thought he was Ganondorf. At least by turning insane and going all surrealism on you he set a personality for himself.

If you're inclined for MM, complete MM. You're probably not in the "boring and weird" crowd. One of the things I love about MM is that it stretches Zelda conventions pretty far back As for Master Quest... Worth a play if you're familiarised with OoT dungeons. The MQ dungeons do get a bit insane. But go for OoT first, if you haven't completed it.

Most people don't seem to realize that Nintendo isn't trying to widen the chasm between the "casual" and the "hardcore", it's trying to shorten it. Hence, a Zelda game that's easier to control. It's not a bad thing. I'm just wishing this game isn't like Phantom Hourglass, where the game was laughably easy, I'm hoping it's more like Spirit Tracks, where it's potential is put to good use. But I'm optimistic. Three words: Four Armed Stalfos

Golden Sun One of the most beautiful town themes I've ever heard. Golden Sun Lalivero I do not know the original name of this track, I only found a piano fan version, but it manages to capture the original's sense of suffering and despair. Skies of Arcadia Beautiful piano piece that accompanies a few scenes in SoA. Usually in genuinely emotional scenes. Skies of Arcadia These two tracks serve roughly the same purpose: providing an amazing ending for an amazing game. Tales of Symphonia Zelos ~Serious Arrangement~ A bit context sensitive. Becomes quite powerful in a certain optional scene, the more you realize the motives behind Zelos' actions. Megaman: Dr. Wily's Revenge Ending Theme Simple, yet satisfying, ending, accompanied by an amazing Game Boy tune. Wily's Revenge had great music, imo. Astro Boy: Omega Factor This action game has an unusually extensive plot, and a very emotional ending, helped greatly by the music. Chrono Trigger Considering all the love Chrono Trigger gets around here, I'm surprised this track hasn't been mentioned yet. Chrono Cross One of the most beautiful videogame music tracks I've ever heard. Chrono Cross' soundtrack is simply amazing.

The main plot is pretty basic, but I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously. Zelda, in particular, is a very amusing character this time around. "Come on, Link, we need to hurry to the top of the tower!" *I choose "To save Anjean, right?"* "...Uhh... Yeah! That's totally what I meant, yes!" As for the driving...It's a complaint I never understood, just like Wind Waker's sailing. In TP, you ride your horse, in most Zeldas, you walk everywhere... But the train and the boat are hated methods of transportation. I mean, I can see why the evil trains can be bothersome, but still... Too bad you missed an awesome final boss sequence, though (as well as an awesome optional boss, probably) I hope we can agree that the game has good music, though.

Just to say... I agree that letting other studios handle Zelda isn't a bad idea (just look at the Capcom-made games. They're excellent), but it it doesn't need to be a western developer. Japanese developers can come up with Shadow of the Colossus. Western developers can come up with Elder Scrolls. And honestly, I'd rather let Team Ico, instead of Bethesda, take care of Zelda. That said, didn't TP let you skip some cutscenes, at least? I remember skipping some, when replaying the game. Either way, "not skipping cutscenes" isn't a trademark of the Zelda series. But silent protagonists are, and you can't possibly convince me that Link suddenly talking would be a good idea. As for lack of voice acting... The only problem I see is with Link's name. Anyway, lack of voice acting doesn't bother me. I don't see why it would bother anyone. And I don't remember who said that text in videogames isn't needed anymore, but I completely disagree. Voice acting is nice and all, but it can't replace nice, clean, text. Anyway, I find the lack of Spirit Tracks love a bit baffling. Not just in this thread, but in general, you know?

Ah, I see. I didn't like Marche because he was actively trying to doom an entire world, without explaining his reasons properly. I mean, I appreciate the message of "escapism is bad", but there are many things wrong in applying it to that situation, and when others called him out on it, he just said "No! You're wrong and I'm right!". A case of bad writing, I guess. Meanwhile, that Luso fellow sounds like the kind of idiot I don't like. It's okay if the hero's idiocy comes from optimistic idealism (like in Tales of Symphonia), but there are so many idiot protagonists which are simply stupid, it's insulting.