tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543203719742857942024-03-05T10:06:08.378-05:00Retro Gamer RyanHaving grown up in the '80s and '90s, I've got a soft spot in my heart for the games of the 8- and 16-bit eras (sure, early 32-bit too). So I'm documenting my experiences revisiting those old favorites (and beating games I never got around to when I was a kid)!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-48638151707360337062012-04-24T16:43:00.002-04:002012-04-24T16:43:28.237-04:00The Shape of Things to ComeYou might have noticed that there hasn't been a new post here for nearly a year and a half; I've been busy with work and life, and to be honest, it's much more fun to play games than it is to write blog posts about them. But fear not, because I don't plan on abandoning the blog anytime soon. In fact, not only do I fully intend to finish Dragon Warrior IV, but I've also got all the necessary media for nearly a dozen games after DWIV, five of them (FIVE OF THEM) RPGs!<br />
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Now, those of you who follow me on Twitter (@RetroGamerRyan) probably noticed a couple of rogue tweets about Twitch TV and Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and there's a very good reason for that: I've recently had a hankering for some live streaming gameplay action, and I completed my very first stream this past Sunday afternoon with a live attempt at Alex Kidd in Miracle World for the Sega Master System! I didn't quite manage to finish the game, but I will soon enough. I still consider myself to be in the setup and testing phases, and I need to work on the screen layout a bit, but the results of this first broadcast are available now to watch at your convenience on my Twitch TV channel:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2062371034"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.twitch.tv/RetroGamerRyan/">http://www.twitch.tv/RetroGamerRyan/</a><br />
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There was a break in the stream that cut the broadcast into two parts, but I do have a complete recording (in 720p, no less) that I might make available on YouTube if there's enough interest.<br />
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In order to make improvements to the stream, I'd like to get my hands on some better equipment. I've got a pretty good idea of what I need in some departments (a wireless microphone for the camera, a better camera, a more powerful streaming computer, etc.), but I can't really afford to keep throwing money at such a costly hobby, and that's where you come in. I've set up a ChipIn widget, which you'll see at the bottom of the right column here, that you can use to help out. The goal of $5000 by the end of the year is COMPLETELY ARBITRARY, and I'm not expecting to bring in any specific amount of money, but I hope to be able to obtain some of the equipment I'm looking for with your help. The widget will make appearances in a couple of other places as time goes on as well.<br />
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If there's money left over, I plan on using it to buy more games to stream, along with covering other expenses, and if anyone has any equipment or games that they'd like to donate to help more directly, just drop me a line at ryan@retrogamerryan.com, and we'll see what we can work out. <br />
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Thanks in advance, and I'll see you in the stream... well, you'll see me, at least.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-6677120488121429372011-01-17T02:11:00.000-05:002011-01-17T02:11:00.746-05:00RGR020 - EndorI know, it's much later than I said it'd be, but it's finally time to get back to Princess Alena's Adventure. Having proven ourselves by retrieving the Birdsong Nectar to restore the king's voice, we now have permission to use the travel door and visit Endor. The bridge just east of Endor is currently heavily damaged, so we can't go anywhere else at the moment. I guess that's the easy way of making sure we don't get ahead of the story.<br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiNbRX0UFLAFsi1aGpqg3XSMGiYlx8nPF5wgFb9L0uZcjrN0uwBUnqHrO9bGdAIaHDkLup7EdL-In932CIpPcfB4n9WBH60dsaWj6IG1d2sKjbt6pYBAxy3ZGiuhXI0L2v7hcuMMz6Ek/s400/dwiv246.png" alt="Now what were we doing again?" label="Now what were we doing again?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985233897846034" border="0" /><br />Now what were we doing again?</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFFol1iEdmCcAHgAJ2JGqetXQIkBzM4JUbDFh1XdUdQCT7DoCCQzcPw8y-OEumPoOeLy3kr56If_OaY-Vh9o5CK3EXrnWXc9FepxAA3g0wqcW41UC6wmJuEWcvn5ZxEro1C8lufBSf90/s400/dwiv247.png" alt="Wow, that's a fast messenger!" label="Wow, that's a fast messenger!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985233448972994" border="0" /><br />Wow, that's a fast messenger!</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLkudRIRIhehHh4jq3XgkSPV2SNwsRfL8SsJuNFF0JDzg1Ud-JUfzlHaBqg-9tc6qEW62okw7yxck2WYgh8UBIWEpMRdXspW-xr7RvvLUbfu7IsoRSfycNnkkuUVIua93djFJdhVzySk/s800/dwiv248.gif" alt="AGGHHWHHGGHHWHH!!! Oh, that wasn't so bad." label="AGGHHWHHGGHHWHH!!! Oh, that wasn't so bad." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985226949221890" border="0" /><br />AGGHHWHHGGHHWHH!!!<br />Oh, that wasn't so bad.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSL95l2O0Vfk-ck0BrOgMo8yxS-sXdxwZBm3te-s7ao-eIotBuicxvRrbynKQEk3dEl61dYZMCWm6rGSdJVZNJB28W2I9V5Q3aYYO7JVqpF144uS0b20XKHVqb_S7UQNENb3cQsstKRY/s400/dwiv249.png" alt="Uh, did you not just see us enter through it?" label="Uh, did you not just see us enter through it?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985221488102674" border="0" /><br />Uh, did you not just see us enter through it?</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdXVZIUT6FHahdmb9d1QH7AvWxCehz8g-Y2L4p1qqkM3rG-UZfbqEdb0CVGxMZNqX60_ZoNMSLoTqTsZ6QKv5CoZv5zInoCeIBnAXnLXo-oVG9Mm8Tby2zpRoTUnwnirxvLi0C5tL7MA/s400/dwiv250.png" alt="Hey, I remember you guys!" label="Hey, I remember you guys!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985222380440098" border="0" /><br />Hey, I remember you guys!</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjn0MeqMmK3VWYNOpVRJUtXR5JV9OWvs5IBPpzQqFFRVOpeSWaMuzIlB7LC-Ntujswhvxv9cnNkqbNdsp8LpKGRa29BaNCN2VZXJtLHcXhmrGb_58t90bdpdLV3-lkn0vEgrI-ZY-4mU/s400/dwiv251.png" alt="Well, not everyone's literate." label="Well, not everyone's literate." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985121640684226" border="0" /><br />Well, not everyone's literate.</div></div><br />For most people, the big draw of Endor is the giant underground casino; they've got slot machines and poker tables, and the somewhat questionable practice of monster fighting. I don't know, it just seems sort of... barbaric.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V95eGgZbrU">BARBARIC!</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Ahem... so yeah, the casino deals in coins rather than your normal gold. And you have to buy these coins from them, so they get your money immediately. It's like tokens at older arcades, or those new-fangled card things they've got at what passes for an arcade these days. It most likely serves a secondary purpose of allowing items to be purchased for insane amounts of money, thanks to the exchange rate of 10 gold per coin. In particular, the Metal Babble Shield costs 50,000 coins, which amounts to a half million gold. We played around a bit with the whole gambling thing, but decided not to waste too much time, since we're really here for the tournament.<br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7f-FJFMfoIN2RFm71kPXZs1mFjB2jz883rhDHep-RVM3yvkDt-7wkf9PXbh_MVPwqRWd0apcCLlVyWSkdYjYBq1_urRTXd3B7rKaeEo02gU6x6WlRWXEPsNH7yzDm26_MvWVOrIuo9c/s400/dwiv252.png" alt="Now why did we want to come here?" label="Now why did we want to come here?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985115276457330" border="0" /><br />Now why did we want to come here?</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0IEj6EgIuSGkg3uC8DCh3NvYhb7v30xoyFC71_LzTrSd14UvHUvMF07sUvktthVdL2Y1PVD6BFU2mli8Gy5C1c7jhnRb-hgKpbefSTMmfb_7uu5BI7iWj-X4BUZ0wDEkx-6vrpX8ZMU/s400/dwiv253.png" alt="The first step is admitting you have a problem." label="The first step is admitting you have a problem." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985115011356018" border="0" /><br />The first step is admitting you have a problem.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-OcSZY0LycCxTqf22Z3IY1mCzJGN4g1nG9XLAKqCbYmYgLFDT7lR0_NldqtAJ9s38Pk3FXGoaSzS00q3SWxqGb1nwzbEHlkbjPNRBCPweXpNLPEjACcB2iFuf2xyeZdvMpgUa78-PkU/s400/dwiv254.png" alt="Is this one of those casino buffet-type deals?" label="Is this one of those casino buffet-type deals?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985113805782994" border="0" /><br />Is this one of those casino<br />buffet-type deals?</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8SoBKJSk649-jr_SCEjOd4JOkQplF-IPXVQSCb6_dza67A4dipqPp0tzmD8h75RM20Kzz0f1G2eN1vHDs6X8Lou2hgk-pHrsXfzQCy0RrDAUAPWSRHKeLer9tXA6mb1WlTWrd-uC1og/s400/dwiv255.png" alt="Ugh, not another one of these guys." label="Ugh, not another one of these guys." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985108043772002" border="0" /><br />Ugh, not another one of these guys.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktB3j_J87SBLC-juamVXOnhfoOi8DaEOqZDA8ZEsOvvImI7N29TpcllJnCbxZUVJ3cFsx2QXuZ4pBhjxft75VoH4xuLdEX6eDIcPUvFUfhjhVCB9idT7SbHORG2nr5k19OLlbdCqt_xQ/s400/dwiv256.png" alt="And you'll lose it all tomorrow, I bet." label="And you'll lose it all tomorrow, I bet." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985015493691202" border="0" /><br />And you'll lose it all tomorrow, I bet.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VjNwCcR9VcSoNHRKJpZI-jeRP3cKN_aqKXRmnSaYK1U2MS8_PfWxrlSeYM_Ya7Zw8CFnGm6hRXwYxs10AlBpavqvsY5ZAa0rQALXPZNu6PDquNrzqP94FybqgleBg5axo3zO6eggN9w/s400/dwiv257.gif" alt="I see, get the money up front. Clever..." label="I see, get the money up front. Clever..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985010642217570" border="0" /><br />I see, get the money up front. Clever...</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBbu9mfPbWPJCsaT2QDNfSoVGft5KiwG6WI_gcwlVt3DBEDvmT6S8_xOw3pqTAVrFY0gyHTdwAz4uM-o1o_7-2-v9GXJmtWkvqqQspVBCxboC3okz386KtIoucENFltkWyXNBsB-qy-E/s400/dwiv258.png" alt="Yes, that's how it works." label="Yes, that's how it works." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985006840123858" border="0" /><br />Yes, that's how it works.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwuw58NkeZrD685pl20oE8Hu5FsQWU1pa8p_ocv1hczdodFJ9u-J7awJ-9pWX8YTkxgezxcLsVC7Tf7axZGSjo3F084Hujj5aW55dw_0vkcOQSXqvHGspWPyGh6_PkiNrPa_SsL5SEoQ/s400/dwiv259.png" alt="Video poker... I'm sure this will end well." label="Video poker... I'm sure this will end well." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984997197162866" border="0" /><br />Video poker... I'm sure this will end well.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTw_egxqAS1uhAOxvxgQKt0fLFiIqq6lHWlHcQuoIxEurn24AU9EHymnkzVY0Fwxdb89QYxtS0G0wx6d4Vdjpc8ewpW4tft5CC9zgAlM1sxwtpU22Fki4hOBIr3ShiExazxdSJdjhaV0/s400/dwiv260.gif" alt="This seems somehow inappropriate." label="This seems somehow inappropriate." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984990943404546" border="0" /><br />This seems somehow inappropriate.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NSe_5H67EGais75qhAL4xM1uAWImPvA7UruuqgaYPfzrCsF6QlPmMYb-rOxee2kxu1qDwFYySOljvI-_a0zzxnIjUWoBcPcqGI-O_T9eV-Uc0GxXq2235L2gflO0VTlD2YQ8GoZkqCM/s400/dwiv261.gif" alt="Yes, let it ride. That always works." label="Yes, let it ride. That always works." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984895382915314" border="0" /><br />Yes, let it ride. That always works.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vNQuXL7VUn2CBxzAdxzSMi5hS8gA0BndVvhoydkCPBVdlGH5eOeuiBwjzH2fR7OKZumPI08BdxUDs_DmjoS6Cpy5NRI7Eziht4x9oNjk930jiDKPIaZqFv0tZgMgzeUPNMPMYyYQ2dY/s400/dwiv262.gif" alt="Spoken like a true addict." label="Spoken like a true addict." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984894792149266" border="0" /><br />Spoken like a true addict.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun7VZg5I7pEPrBC1eEF68vs9D6fVGLUTWXFguSeUmnpLMR_AS1nuoSFHJPJ1t3j3jnD40jszoOFPDFL9WeE3JkpYydRONM_t4POTMSMzuM6oIOF0LCtwYxADWC70XMdvsBSOT6IhwkhA/s400/dwiv263.png" alt="So go kill some monsters; it's good money!" label="So go kill some monsters; it's good money!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984886449848642" border="0" /><br />So go kill some monsters; it's good money!</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeKR_AhyphenhyphenTECObBgmwNDwh5nEGUb5KFnxtyEEVG-nAhnI6lNVaW2SWekC0h3sY_wzMODrkX0jcXLrFuYf3eBcy0lR4hrCIdy912lN42djMlBcxACzKLRS3hlYVMNAksc5bRAHSV5bRwyM/s400/dwiv264.png" alt="Yeah, we'll get some logo mugs and Silly Bandz!" label="Yeah, we'll get some logo mugs and Silly Bandz!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984881651817154" border="0" /><br />Yeah, we'll get some<br />logo mugs and Silly Bandz!</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_GzZrsZv8ospPnq052x9WT66D9-MDgdZMOsHsp0Mp6oKtov8ofHYUq_W1mFHc1OiryrsArJzdMinTEUEWASXiOQBQB4IELPXQ_2hBk2QTxl2mzypsHDJhWMRiNmsAXuf3Y5xf5etA6s/s400/dwiv265.gif" alt="Ah, so it's like a pachinko parlor." label="Ah, so it's like a pachinko parlor." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984882783694162" border="0" /><br />Ah, so it's like a pachinko parlor.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAPyTCwu22eCWjpzaTboYvcxXk-Zj_wM-dqwOBkBXVfY1hLRdXbae8zvWsjDTd1C0LtMqISMh5XWMOKv4KSTh6EW_o_2mlI9vegFXQKCkboz-9H-cN5OSmhbqA5wTLKoftWZNUHpWIuI/s400/dwiv266.png" alt="And by luck, you mean money." label="And by luck, you mean money." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984703512836242" border="0" /><br />And by luck, you mean money.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27pwru3XYmuyNQAtny-mERz64c_go8UyQZCucqWLg86XxRij8sWekSmwXhXHgvMa99Fj9ccm8SdzWuxtdSCTWxyaOVuQdafvXAKomsiVyGuUunUbCQyJqYte2v1C0vVUGeVatwPERLn8/s400/dwiv267.png" alt="You make it sound so depressing." label="You make it sound so depressing." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984699909648962" border="0" /><br />You make it sound so depressing.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3UUMXLqzNr5oVtk5wyZFDH5UFmM6K2rZXgcQk1Uqool7kLfrBFIFJIFs-DHDWDZmkorOGL5HpNurfV7z655SFlOuuNSPtYorSuIP6cwxZ2CSwSocvtjXql0f_C3oq2-TK0SfnK_rBAw/s400/dwiv268.gif" alt="I want items, but I have... no coin." label="I want items, but I have... no coin." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984695520564050" border="0" /><br />I want items, but I have... no coin.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPEqX1N__qKF_PDN9oUSTBFSpaATuMwhEnE7XWwWfJo_Bn6fuU_cllxibgrCAqMkbJ1vSnSBs5y7tkxVVCMF5LsuFOGzPR-rY8o-lzAdzImd0YeboG3hzNreHVjHcCaTys59xS7fZNaM/s400/dwiv269.png" alt="Is that why you're not doing it?" label="Is that why you're not doing it?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984689550630962" border="0" /><br />Is that why you're not doing it?</div></div><br />Beyond Endor's castle stands a massive Coliseum, where the tournament is held. Before moving on to the tournament, we visited the castle, where we learned of the mighty warrior Necrosaro. People seem to generally fear him, and with a name like that, it's not hard to see why. We then spoke with the king and princess, who were put into an uncomfortable position by a declaration made by the king, stating that the winner of the tournament would receive the princess' hand in marriage.<br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVls4MlJCEORzX_pTVnlB9ZndWF5m1wKKuLnDm5J4LCb54T5L7GkYV7-9YaGoW47LcoWAzW5tKIr_lAM6DYTulLuvLTn5JbAkY_kAw0L8STzOshJuenvgVgGeY8XeIZbf2XY8wl6aShKc/s400/dwiv270.png" alt="I do know. I hear earlier." label="I do know. I hear earlier." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984687888462482" border="0" /><br />I do know. I hear earlier.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDdwTGqcBcwsDRroocwZ5LnmFdJdUlefCSKxI9qdzmkyTiG3AZissJPTx2LA-Dt8PQCUAPDJImg_6pASRAaRAuQIljPIPmOcNTQ-5GxPiP7j7gCikeVkPgcBfYSRWXkYppzmIV-kV2Jc/s400/dwiv271.png" alt="He's a gambling addict. Guess." label="He's a gambling addict. Guess." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984514399106642" border="0" /><br />He's a gambling addict. Guess.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pDH_yITXSO0H4kcBDYuITs3i9XKZkfJ5vGsX8A1sx73y2VEZoj1nMnLRlwjpQhbmBNt5Nl97Jpg3b1xtv9YnZK3ge1f4_alZwNQYJU1rAXp0njVq7JjzKD6Jer_G-SD4ZxaC4PCBttQ/s400/dwiv272.png" alt="Ooh, I hope we're not too late!" label="Ooh, I hope we're not too late!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984508287819570" border="0" /><br />Ooh, I hope we're not too late!</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXfoKJN8HWksjOn8ykTHQOt-8z2xKx2zxU-uqXqOeDIVfpr6wD9R07sS-buj0tSfTRzcFmC9yWgec4rXwT_R8HkbqC8y5oieuAFmpVI3QtafDojY9Cg9-gTMtpvqbNElW6HIsVOVWqOg/s400/dwiv273.gif" alt="That's some skillful foreshadowing." label="That's some skillful foreshadowing." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984505067673970" border="0" /><br />That's some skillful foreshadowing.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPJerXdutMfnCvPdBRMjsmw5teOslmUkhfCKrahv6SWyifSE9nrDZrhkmqOWLlrerPfRGfpfraG77tp58knCc1SOR-AOyQVe7n6j8-Rb58mpaGmey1RfnB8CgI_P-uKn7vRah_m_RC4E/s400/dwiv274.png" alt="It'd be easier if you had a decent printer." label="It'd be easier if you had a decent printer." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984504249422978" border="0" /><br />It'd be easier if you had a decent printer.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglDzWcxqbuFFat0uBspQIkjZWZeLtZ5Oq24Gy2FcodM8akWZnxSMBzcrzJ18fWV_CQ6JeDkCMjztOwUdmKT35seZ6p3V9ZTiI7soK3kIou2eqwYfRO_Ut2goGmsGC40olHPFfTibCN2Y/s400/dwiv275.png" alt="Maybe he just likes violence." label="Maybe he just likes violence." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984503156147458" border="0" /><br />Maybe he just likes violence.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx3WSxl5Y-fo1Nr8RJtSRDMQk4ZQZIrp3RZL-r4CQ2p0rNKI76Q3BaMVrATGHz7C6eCJgOgwHl9XeZHXV2ZA1CBp25ThBkwzP3edkMHCeIPbVbQeCbG6D9WMQmZGqQx2GR_ISZgNo3AA/s400/dwiv276.png" alt="The world is ending, duh." label="The world is ending, duh." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984296299912162" border="0" /><br />The world is ending, duh.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FsViW6hNE5rdWI0N4Cs0fPuneIes05hc9puTuk9OY8Y7ZVD2q-KpfiFh6x2TRxj8OZUnj3GoQfjxX266wGqefRKHjfPYmwSe85fdvMQBkO8JmJCvT2yEHf01ToMs1OOPAn-RIHCu24c/s400/dwiv277.png" alt="You could just make a sign and leave." label="You could just make a sign and leave." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984289524060098" border="0" /><br />You could just make a sign and leave.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85Mp1ypP8hY9ybEe31jIgKhShfRcrkIAQcOjoz8L7EPe3uWFJb7YQZ7yNMPzBC00W6RDFOmN8LkpPPHO23NGArO4w2ky9DnxmoKw94wXRDtTBAfC6MqF80sc-lPFzw2MeH8KfVXEHhyw/s400/dwiv278.png" alt="Ooh, I'll bet the Stones of Sunlight are... wait." label="Ooh, I'll bet the Stones of Sunlight are... wait." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984282571664594" border="0" /><br />Ooh, I'll bet the<br />Stones of Sunlight are... wait.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV-YY_ujY1j1VkomDy8247iiX5AsenFDdSGiFn0ecYAudowkqa9KmjV2wRB7EG3Qu4w2WZL2pNq1Qkfu9amv77MH1zJpxR7plO9P8DFWLcgHVX6pMqFxwvCAZN3C-kMmWHbvIop47tyo/s400/dwiv279.gif" alt="Figures he's inside the castle." label="Figures he's inside the castle." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984280085605842" border="0" /><br />Figures he's inside the castle.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEsMU-t5uh3FK5OdWZ5CbcydxBQB_6OdMtDT1lRxqbmdZvPXvxu863XVdXzk8w4NrLesT3PWS15SvbC4Kx1TICLcPsCqFSKDR8dYXool2lEkaS10KlHyPtfdkvVn8spIAU181JOIhMNc/s400/dwiv280.gif" alt="Those are the only two choices?" label="Those are the only two choices?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984281433845186" border="0" /><br />Those are the only two choices?</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgApcj20gUte8BaFXjZaHg0bd_gRORdEELJu7bi8-Qucp2gEMSluPOCreVkN9hgP16l_pARkbkCt_Yg2RAB_sRzmi2Any3WesZSiEsyUfNUNQdqxg135aNw0L3_r1jDtz_Z0C6eivr5Y/s400/dwiv281.png" alt="Security's awfully lax around here." label="Security's awfully lax around here." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984012399243906" border="0" /><br />Security's awfully lax around here.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3SPa6JSnZ0TSNIR0OLlzcix0Wu5wjEOcjvFcGWsBScnRIHThQGOhe88eO52fSP2iNdRF2SlAjpA8C-bu891O50hH-qrrcsS_8pZ1yaULkblVklc8MWBr6LIRcVvONujb0xyH-qBK0-Y/s400/dwiv282.png" alt="I'll bet he's loads of fun, though." label="I'll bet he's loads of fun, though." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562984006313974274" border="0" /><br />I'll bet he's loads of fun, though.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl95g6kjATMNwtfpgSllQeJJEDgcbxboOc0gebHrRr3Bq7LXbB3oUUIHMAQQ9UaqLA_Ejva9-Wf9XnlR1Q0TZigWyJplPMy5TijUa_-QwqIEJUv7yHW9yA7MahglDOwW5ZZC0znB9GrY/s400/dwiv283.png" alt="Really? It doesn't sound so bad." label="Really? It doesn't sound so bad." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983997603460690" border="0" /><br />Really? It doesn't sound so bad.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqp1qLaE5s9vPhckCioiSgduBVT0Vfb_2budT1Pk5vCuQ2Ge2FYznJQYFzWyar76-XqVeJGnPFzN-TybwbtpXrFsN7iljNr-qPnhA0e9xRH1FRoIEX19BDL8BIGICFly96Wvf6k_8wA0/s400/dwiv284.png" alt="So he's assembling an extermination team..." label="So he's assembling an extermination team..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983996146992674" border="0" /><br />So he's assembling an<br />extermination team...</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3znw5voyqWfussk26z_9tTR-iCM-LE7CdaHTxSpp1yK4bjsFB-iPvxm2ZW5XeX5ucEqOdk2AfSWE4BY1ajMa6Yy41JRj_tKeFVuiVX6JnX4fb2oAdhzOETsEzlalnWQxI46qqbuVXrBs/s400/dwiv285.gif" alt="Maybe we can team up... heh." label="Maybe we can team up... heh." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983993809054578" border="0" /><br />Maybe we can team up... heh.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIuknN5FpkmUE9OzYKtf_ozGRnFaI6vjEG7rncT1fQqUQpQgfqwg6R28I4IbkB5LLb26Op0tPd3e5WsIbaeip6u7cfIzNwfBuQW4FrNY0eQS4VE6upOtDD7ML36ARLOfxEWitB36SUo8/s400/dwiv286.png" alt="Will she take his name?" label="Will she take his name?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983817923921586" border="0" /><br />Will she take his name?</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S7iY_UnJTz1BCtb435-ihjphs9BmElo5B0F92fmg0xPJpRaYr8DvzdZB3bma230M3J9sHrgiWQbbmv4y7O3C-OO5W4ujngT0svL-ooDTsAHq2LTz6AldX3fY7c7AzYG2s19XfcFmooA/s400/dwiv287.png" alt="Will we get to wear camouflage?" label="Will we get to wear camouflage?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983809671019266" border="0" /><br />Will we get to wear camouflage?</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxzyL9f6HCjQiDUSlN7y-pxO5o1eXF2MuVAQOwSemdwfj4APPNavKNufKyDTKhkYTJC9div0aP_NXkwN5scVw_7GglrR4oZWTQOMLPRELXIy4XWgt6zvfL-AhStSFqRrl-F2DwxBzwGA/s400/dwiv288.png" alt="Do you keep using the same water? Eww..." label="Do you keep using the same water? Eww..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983802244787282" border="0" /><br />Do you keep using the<br />same water? Eww...</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwb_tEyfc9-IeIQ4jPADjjlnhTKzgikn6-iXYipPbd-YP0UZROzDAubf4-E364MZOBGsgeW6I5O4bqNLGUSktpstqWvn20ooengXrp-iJ9kSXWc8nqmqIdrLEax6tw9vKRARZ9lbiFZw/s400/dwiv289.png" alt="He'll beat you up!" label="He'll beat you up!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983804058597026" border="0" /><br />He'll beat you up!</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxL3cstEY2B1lDwC3tdA7ZjDt30XBLVYR9EkZqBGNpmx9xJA6P6sohx5NQtc59JNEjormS4mVdg-cU7HM2Hl4P8Hn6WO5_UVxgcgciTYrK-dK03JQl2I7VxCOKMGagEI9-FR2GqKwJgI/s400/dwiv290.png" alt="I could tell, what with the king and all." label="I could tell, what with the king and all." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983803324116306" border="0" /><br />I could tell, what with the king and all.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOJW50-d9WN4ORBx6DP8P9O5lR9UjQgOlbEyYjOe0J24HUK0iL6FWWBQhjDm3zwjABHT_rCEMjc-KA-YzmhuB5b9zrcaDvsY50DbyD1NyltIdy2L15fhLf86sxvpoULb3yWVGjQBZR74/s400/dwiv291.png" alt="Only if it's significant." label="Only if it's significant." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983589901183730" border="0" /><br />Only if it's significant.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhXgEWnOJbFkc1BU3TOmGQ-6nqWJI7RzvloCaAyDd-jmPwnaUqcevPG_vHrNPAMt85_tqwZ8M73KdKjRGZ_1VyhCO9geA29KXb2qThp2fulMa2atUyVbJH4-VvbgzAq7C7RVM99DGd-0/s400/dwiv292.png" alt="Did you just say wipe?" label="Did you just say wipe?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983584445795314" border="0" /><br />Did you just say wipe?</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3f6SDT8OsBsmtCMM-7VhIIScaozDBmHQeSCSXJg8x7KFrAlDL1Ibe6p0wyGDpgwo5I18wGxV3Gw37xTQi2nlgHMyPADA3hSztEWECudtcAuxYIUqeHE59fx5QY68_MeedLegVQYnpr4Y/s400/dwiv293.png" alt="Maybe, but it's pretty cool." label="Maybe, but it's pretty cool." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983582088539842" border="0" /><br />Maybe, but it's pretty cool.</div></div><br /><div style="width:100%; text-align:center;"><div style="float:left; font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXkYzsoENk_0-2DucItpiotcW03AhJ9nbPsE3NbUy8QwiGH0rVPnuQ2BbFr_Qnzxg6aFlyAoU-__gvbvlh6UKzxUqbPet84LeLzd6chOb-sM_Gh2pdtCm2yykBeMvviIKTokf28dtQN0/s400/dwiv294.gif" alt="I'll win, but not for you." label="I'll win, but not for you." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983584164207650" border="0" /><br />I'll win, but not for you.</div><div style="font-style:italic; font-size:10pt;"><img style="display:inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBAiIplVe2dplYYK6FKUjWn3FxND9X2GH5WSWlKbQzclt6F43ExHG1XZpGEaO_y_PNmcYMd2FoJzBUgYtBzpJYnTRc4v8ZtsEm4CIiqLSq33UP2nRpwa8YrcQR72ebTmhXX7Zc-kGva0/s400/dwiv295.gif" alt="You can't just give the winner money instead?" label="You can't just give the winner money instead?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562983581799187858" border="0" /><br />You can't just give the winner money instead?</div></div><br />I guess it's a good thing this tournament will be won by a woman.</div></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-68573824899952279632010-10-24T19:48:00.003-04:002010-10-24T19:52:14.831-04:00Just a Couple More WeeksHey all, I've had a lot going on these past few months, and it's not over yet. But in a couple of weeks, everything will start to settle down, and I'll finally have the time and energy to return to relatively regular posting. I've got plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of Dragon Warrior IV material to post, and then we'll see about maybe getting started on one of those extra features I mentioned way back when.<div><br /></div><div>But right now, I have to finish packing! See you mid-November!</div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-65795293875135260182010-08-11T20:21:00.000-04:002010-08-11T20:22:04.650-04:00RGR020 - The Silenced KingWell, the work-related stuff I mentioned in my last tweet has more or less worked itself out now. The good news is that I should have some extra time to work on new posts and get back into the game. I'll let you work the bad news out for yourself, not that it really concerns anyone but me. Okay, let's get back to Alena's adventure!<br /><br />The southern desert that guy in Frenor mentioned was quite a bit smaller than we expected, so it wasn't hard to find the little bazaar going on. For all intents and purposes, it's a town. It's got an inn along with the normal set of shops, so I'm calling it a town. A few people here mentioned Endor, so I think we'll be making our way there soon. We found a strange item called a gum pod in a jar, which it turns out is actually supposed to be a clump of horse... output, so to speak. Nintendo's censors strike again!<br /><br />We were actually having a pretty good time, but that all changed when we ran into a castle guard from Santeem, who begged us to return to the castle immediately. Of course, we don't listen, so we hung out near the bazaar for the remainder of the day leveling up, and then settled in for a good night's sleep before setting out for home.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMtQa4f8lbJQfeBOFzvXP09Qm-LpBcz9YGUphQaxQtGsRaNmYGKwUv_NadXb0ol5N-t9rvgJbX-gLrvWgpk8VFk_svAk8bGjE4lkDw7Jpbi-7H2WizQkAgF2UfHukCo1p0MQW_s6MnUo/s400/dwiv207.png" alt="Awesome, let's buy some sandy junk!" label="Awesome, let's buy some sandy junk!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488998136081847602" border="0" /><br />Awesome, let's buy some sandy junk!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFA9Fz1kw0ve0o705kun-8ixaO3rHjvX0vT87koHGrX3X1mz7EYFzevNRCLOES4nUcgO0KXnh0T23FmuPt4LTaomaPtiBvEVlAlNI8XO5Quvbc0HhFYczmrr4I54eOHlApJFScEl9pEs/s400/dwiv208.png" alt="What, you guys don't have maps out here?" label="What, you guys don't have maps out here?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488998131551911250" border="0" /><br />What, you guys don't have maps out here?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFuymLp026js5JNoiiDOu8nLHLBqUMfZXcAENI4y9tUhZ-pQj4QGl4l8tdMOd7wVr83a_hPDl8tFXfaKXyq3uqiGEVHv2DXB1T4Jtnq-XMkoQd5Xuk5SrhIQitFPlY5HwPmrGGvEJNBk/s400/dwiv209.png" alt="What makes these jars so rare?" label="What makes these jars so rare?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488998124185899410" border="0" /><br />What makes these jars so rare?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOKFU3yf4M21IUrrF0D0s8QtVS-zrm4jKDAnBKlrlUSZQpACTQ3EYd38_YoonYjezIcnltiWH6OObO37NNrP_KduUydFSxKm96FvSnRgqK6jMLOjtSf78Bb6GxrmFnQuxYOTTzsWAcjo/s400/dwiv210.png" alt="Eww..." label="Eww..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488998122299332690" border="0" /><br />Eww...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xpb2EDxe9rI5rmNDuPNtrT1nnM1kXa9asvTiFFvF6TWP8vh97sLdBY33TB1dooDWqazG3Jv9Hb7-xcpq6Aw49i7ffjaQFmfwpzbAyjcxMNnVze7_DSIYSkTzv8K4eGdAdjw-jYXV33w/s400/dwiv211.png" alt="This is your fault, isn't it?" label="This is your fault, isn't it?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488998117078216770" border="0" /><br />This is your fault, isn't it?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCctt5RFWw5z7FYiQiDWlsgZKTkZNWD7LkiEk4qEQk2Oo8VxYGCTSe-YwkK2J-Z3EOGp5cnfgv8U1pHiexsKInhW0j_1_Hjpy4KjQbhWPqgiPBYommSI5aS6HqFy08QNoO0PxQJ1FW4rQ/s400/dwiv212.png" alt="We'd be happy to take some off your hands." label="We'd be happy to take some off your hands." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997998918819410" border="0" /><br />We'd be happy to take some off your hands.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1VrtdWqROj0X-WYsLs4hwcNe4OQxeIGzIMDeftTHq1maPplf4-smZMI_xRDKGXY03mVmngSz-GYkBgJzx9cHPYPkHoa8kZWOEVgkNMoMGiv96zEYY2n6E2j1nXsMG80NGY6cKAL9oz8/s400/dwiv213.png" alt="Can't it wait until tomorrow?" label="Can't it wait until tomorrow?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997995759646018" border="0" /><br />Can't it wait until tomorrow?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsbHXmGrtMMWxm9EwwFbGAaPQpsG0RqQ2m-NwARrHd9kRH1XhgzwlNbo6merez0RoeZHOPMxNI2s3fJfSHlusWnmhS1ZOof267s0iuwtI_T4xvd3a0g2CI8BDO4AOdAlBdg32q9ZmShA/s400/dwiv214.png" alt="They smell better than the Gum Pod, at least." label="They smell better than the Gum Pod, at least." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997992495126290" border="0" /><br />They smell better than the Gum Pod, at least.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWaxx97LarFK62IdqsQPmAQVR9RKvLreO8Q-8mp0leFzxlEE6OZnlAndQwP3bI0dGh08Vb54MPaP6H8rofmd7ZVnFdUJDRkwotOIAu3a6co4Ixsc0fCVcwAXsYWLzLPjsTvmPQ20B71k/s400/dwiv215.png" alt="Alena doesn't just WATCH tournaments." label="Alena doesn't just WATCH tournaments." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997986278436882" border="0" /><br />Alena doesn't just WATCH tournaments.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB_h7aJuQhqvLnraT2fpLlBJvXESpFqKwwTAG32N3aV5sM8tVF7RaIbMnP_Vv87nYlvnzwzy_IJoj_tDcW61tcRD-83L4HVEIqHURntXxkHnYDOTAr7ES-1mzrpwbDtYp-JqReuHqPWI/s400/dwiv216.png" alt="And I'll be winning it." label="And I'll be winning it." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997983682933090" border="0" /><br />And I'll be winning it.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNcND-3r0LSXWDEOU6I-v5ghso3wZd8Cq9yNb9u6wN3gr1E4f8X1ArJ2R3kvootpUG4R5vf7z7bPfYPcgu7nvm8LNHNjm0ncKWrUh3y6cGfLCmVxjtzqVDYM5hi94I3Kuci5N31IzrJU/s400/dwiv217.gif" alt="Indigenous things we killed." label="Indigenous things we killed." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997887777306594" border="0" /><br />Indigenous things we killed.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zzzLGLV-YNAOHIqWaqJmuvbyB6CFqNUuqHNOYqnomLqoACKbjdY8z7FCtv28eC8WUJ2K1XUPO7ueqGzv3BdGf_qqRArCncMJ2aA6H6IaN5UKVDRywcGpjSe24FDlZmrCVGt6TSSMbYk/s400/dwiv218.png" alt="That can't be comfortable." label="That can't be comfortable." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997883837267858" border="0" /><br />That can't be comfortable.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0b7lbi14HwL8DCb9iUZol10fr230ed5kO_t3zTirO6Wr2hnxe5ZLKxQQ6czo4ALxHCJNkQM4MOdDUUrbDvsWjSJpyjCEFbbB3EjlGHuAM8i2mkLpOqMVcFEkzBCJ2AwF7yLaNThsKBDM/s400/dwiv219.png" alt="So you came from the stars?" label="So you came from the stars?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997874180480482" border="0" /><br />So you came from the stars?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI1Ydt4EXet8k-usctrB7m1kILmjFkS8uRkbhj4X684LMnWMUOrjCv4GLT6uNeqdNmp_dRqnefJJ85g7tCjNVE3jJzhazE6jBRAOGIaBai8KiZDRtBnTvFbd_sFVm0DvMeU5L7_blcfo/s400/dwiv220.png" alt="But only in tiny deserts." label="But only in tiny deserts." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997865400332898" border="0" /><br />But only in tiny deserts.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9DUg_t0mi11mrNlVFa569ZTOZTaxFcgl6lYdaK7cRpfRh0edbX6ehEHlUhYGzZP8SlUDLRSfF8ZaKKg3QI4q8FxVkElvO_fK75Gjsh031B4tnOLetXNt5O-gcH15XBWlUC-BxjWzmIU/s400/dwiv221.png" alt="You have to have a door to be closed." label="You have to have a door to be closed." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997862324663586" border="0" /><br />You have to have a door to be closed.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1qHkSJloASUERFZyEnY0P5JdU-pL57Anvv2vU0vL761J6PS_pAELx-C3rRJaZUuqTTkXVREDGsOQOIfFoi6X9dJVPg_4P0dpMPkXP3tgCV2UfP9677WfkFP03oon_mmlwLdZ4dr13xg/s400/dwiv222.png" alt="But we want more delicious meals!" label="But we want more delicious meals!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997750696917570" border="0" /><br />But we want more delicious meals!</div></div><br />Back at Santeem castle, we were shocked to learn the king had lost his voice. Well, maybe shocked isn't the term I'd use, but we certainly didn't expect him to suddenly shut up. We were pointed in the direction of the shed behind the castle, where old man Goz lives. I'm assuming he's a groundskeeper of some sort, but the chancellor didn't say, so he might just be some creepy old guy who lives in a shed.<br /><br />Goz sent us over to Surene village to see Marone, who had once lost his voice, assuming he'd know what to do. Marone told us about the Birdsong Nectar, an elven medicine of some sort that helped him recover his voice. Of course, the Birdsong Nectar was only available at the desert bazaar; but when we tracked down the guy who sold it, we learned he had run out long ago, and now the only way we could possibly find any would be to climb a tower to the west, where elves are said to play.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSXT7Zw7scGEOUqpbuXIOYra6gXILnIAv4czYYQcoKaGOFt7GCjqTd2QvptRljzCRIXamIa-luO7XcG5ZR5fZs0rPLJYYlWJZYyHzR5OmbKIHjmK-zWmPVgyq1gx1hddpRaWWBalg5o8/s400/dwiv223.png" alt="NO SEGUE!" label="NO SEGUE!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997749180558850" border="0" /><br />NO SEGUE!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeryHUsYdTTNZ2rvr_h0UP5K5EU1REtbySQUgnhCtOfRNLfnK5ZCWYTGfphBrz1gEzTpRJdOZcF_G4zFnvropR2ovmq15xz7pFrmjQqeeE2CNmJfmtwyLXnlq9P2VLOovFZhhLQBr8pU/s400/dwiv224.png" alt="How is that awful?" label="How is that awful?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997744531213170" border="0" /><br />How is that awful?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObFiWoFKsnof4drvKj9grtHEozMLbRodRUM0GqNzyyyrtIh57wSx2zT16ZEQ8vy2LTNgQ75sppPEVD8JTFYGubmU_5nYBY5rEHzo-EdvoBfSG-HQzpA90pSkRsRLX3wH2nVWpu_NG3OI/s400/dwiv225.gif" alt="How convenient, now that I have that key." label="How convenient, now that I have that key." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997737313299922" border="0" /><br />How convenient, now<br />that I have that key.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3yGR3DEyXNJQkIbKhU0SfRbCjT3ypDAHNJFYfNR4i6-PoRKYctRExU_HQa7VKG0TzRal2lBCAA1THwL9nFiQp24vddFBUPRYdlL_cYNfyHVYhjIUpDDg6BVIGoh4kiA8h970xbyyAII/s400/dwiv226.png" alt="Yeah, ................... right back at ya." label="Yeah, ................... right back at ya." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997731847902594" border="0" /><br />Yeah, ................... right back at ya.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNJe2fCuB9dpj-5O_B78ffVqAMwdIzAdcZRtWM05Z5uhWrJSJbU7raEXiAdmzfoIPy8fVW0uSbkjGkZAUrZx-2zPgZ6HLshkf12rNw_qfeNvBbK0xUCwyLUaGMGa8HXeEkaIkYQw8FZ4/s400/dwiv227.png" alt="It's a secret to everyone." label="It's a secret to everyone." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997605540682322" border="0" /><br />It's a secret to everyone.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX1-5xl80-TR7RhcaqG_uRQNSwAk7vQTDYsTHtwV_lqq9NaDqRi7K6WkC4BrxWxMRHcMc3JGSDEnymJtgjUuAeJJhRsTaBRyFJ5X_lBGPZmvs2-Kacp0CnOaFSCY60cjQjYWlDm8MtGg/s400/dwiv228.png" alt="Welcome to out of the loop!" label="Welcome to out of the loop!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997598340360274" border="0" /><br />Welcome to out of the loop!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMpbZI1Uhj2jgMDrJeLgQqqi8xfmjt8du5dbT5suEyLibgvRZSHq0PY6MCulz1x2pmOsoy-khqg0B17JBmaFw9QBADSYyBTB9kKfjqvf5S4v0JAOZvtW9twpf-92Jq4suwx2Cvposb7Q/s400/dwiv229.gif" alt="Ugh, I hate that guy. His lyrics are terrible." label="Ugh, I hate that guy. His lyrics are terrible." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997590733883410" border="0" /><br />Ugh, I hate that guy.<br />His lyrics are terrible.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdFb3XZ3swZJd_CgHcZUYyyVAFCyylMKRx4C1mAA-qIGVMmcV8UypDeFpUdblr4H4mjhzzwy5P2TtOq2a78O0CV6_pDgZO2HGXOPWMNMYSqy8lVybSSL4akkbKmkgQZjMzZH5PmPOF5M/s400/dwiv230.gif" alt="Walking in circles, tra la la..." label="Walking in circles, tra la la..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997593144341938" border="0" /><br />Walking in circles, tra la la...</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2znqNrnBmB2PCwWZYHRbGpQJz39fbyjNMDDQztYuAvFpGeH48EMurWwwaquta3LEjh2UQwdn7Z7A0yexIy3Zj3T9_JtFIOm24Py8l4kTV9MFKTxeiKdPsPIPSkZ5hJhIJFESBtfwk-N0/s400/dwiv231.png" alt="You could go back and check, you know." label="You could go back and check, you know." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997585801445682" border="0" /><br />You could go back and check, you know.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6FKV41gPKgMDmkgcFt3TVLCar3GDgg4P3Jkm7Olx00AqsaQlhWqhKCntHBR_e6zoMhejh0_vrqSao_58b3J2E76xaIPt3jvcYA-qbuGDGNTyxhFKVGsVxijXkt0UGb96c4W4CmDY-h4/s400/dwiv232.png" alt="At some point in every quest, there is a tower." label="At some point in every quest, there is a tower." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997454045399506" border="0" /><br />At some point in every quest, there is a tower.</div></div><br />The tower was difficult, but relatively uneventful. As expected, the enemies were much stronger, and had a habit of attacking in large groups. We died several times along the way, but eventually reached the top of the tower, where we found a nice little garden of flowers, along with two elf girls. They weren't happy to see us, and ran away as soon as they could. Luckily, one of them dropped a small vial of Birdsong Nectar during the escape, and it wasn't important enough for them to double back for it.<br /><br />We rushed back to the king with Birdsong Nectar in hand, and as soon as we gave it to him, his voice returned. He explained, in somewhat awkward English, that he'd had a terrible dream over and over again involving some kind of monster wreaking havoc on the world. As soon as he decided to tell someone about the dreams, his voice disappeared, no doubt the work of some evil curse.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81vZv6RAPYCix25ZG926EnG28tWVpvqZ8kmelZy49MBpxVKye4U5KoB4uLpq4NYdNUnyYcGr-4SY1rAUQa6ac4f9kHZKqDUAfFPFEc8YXqcl8gPQ3BxH23xcaG5v92Dk85JZKBYJfhmw/s400/dwiv233.png" alt="Fine, I didn't want to go to Endor anyway." label="Fine, I didn't want to go to Endor anyway." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997450648151122" border="0" /><br />Fine, I didn't want to<br />go to Endor anyway.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Gq6XjXEZNA1HKIn6tAqrOGgVJcsmwyT36PPFtv1y99E4fhCklL-fizMIyG2S1QYdEkw5hp6-tTTtxehvCy2wdZ77EE32CemXv3lrwHEJ8onz_bM1QaeKTxjZs6Ew6RNjX3vVitSTtok/s400/dwiv234.png" alt="Let's capture some elves!" label="Let's capture some elves!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997451837660178" border="0" /><br />Let's capture some elves!</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTVE0KZSmpnFV0W7rl4cdt4uauHRQ4JxZuGaBDLXlRXLe_gImVf8hfAZE3FM2JN3hPtzao-GLhGo-JweqbeRKdfUhqWL2KFILuLQGGj_j46MQQmNf5B-NsaFnxnA7m2d9aELKWHYAOig/s400/dwiv235.png" alt="What welcoming decor." label="What welcoming decor." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997444164482482" border="0" /><br />What welcoming decor.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKGKPH_7Gr9T1qtdYIyUnmp4K97GL6gjsHa7Ylcj8dBLff35ld1AN-KK_luPJncBkvnXAELLcEx7l9acNzNL6pKBPb0ft_Jwgt8NazlnauPVR7vmbTApLAdXTw0vURSu0Pl8tcqIqJVQ/s400/dwiv236.png" alt="So you just wander around here?" label="So you just wander around here?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997436588174770" border="0" /><br />So you just wander around here?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lpf4FUMF8JH86GqC46H6Uo4iPrDtUL1WpxZ2eB_ho9m6sxkDlbZzJMJhqlWoxN8Vqjgwg0hEHy_S9X4GYI_g_mlJxCjtmzApSVx_Hxi9vCHatuLM84Z-mI1CZ01aay1_WyAzWbsvBF0/s400/dwiv237.gif" alt="Indigenous things that kill us." label="Indigenous things that kill us." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997298137362674" border="0" /><br />Indigenous things that kill us.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fYgy0LHDGo4G2hHbClwhU9gR7daiwsJsYXASQ0rJMYpxebyToJIbpavxpZeOJCIKytaRAgFQ_nNyI9240EYw5HfylkK92TnsEuUWSxDNEcP78etWNSGTGbe-02CLKObj6J-Fnmc-VDo/s400/dwiv238.png" alt="This tower..." label="This tower..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997297757962818" border="0" /><br />This tower...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwXtFMUjYdyPAR53ooaAE7__NASWD1NO48trB-gW-3nsCV2u-zcrLojp7KksPqYEEOjVfSl_jQ1UrI0Ik-C8w-oBtLFQJduNXvvoL3i3RR21ieoe80HQgtdImuQrwn6cNSnvkyRlqP-8/s400/dwiv239.png" alt="seems to..." label="seems to..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997284889335858" border="0" /><br />seems to...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMRNuEPFbQADVBDTsN55_X7Cho0-aj_uOkPI_7fxDMj6wlj2q6_E_dXqq3fyeVem9TIRx2MUoxQX0wIVdw5XuV2RJyIbxtumUlZTMsD5PJXiRvgcvKFLqaSn1v1zquHPWqNgcbGem6nc/s400/dwiv240.png" alt="go on..." label="go on..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997281533070866" border="0" /><br />go on...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbrhV_zxZjloTCzTsScDBHkYbc0BgRdzAWOxzVjf8gyXzBnUDGJNlTNLf9RwJDnehMgpscJJ-Nj2lY31EJnPtY0pm7h3ZAw0XOIlILbo13gKi9ZInnzFINRGxVKT9JZnAI59YCKLtrRE/s400/dwiv241.png" alt="Oh, we're at the top." label="Oh, we're at the top." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997278757580738" border="0" /><br />Oh, we're at the top.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSKA5V9Z42Rr-cg3gGw4DZc1ZZEUeI2VGhDLWKTt-Wa_Y18XpWxwW6Mqk_BWaThnZDCYA367f-LRbXXd68VkLFwokKOkj25lmN8wzyOBDjZvUCswVsR1wkqey8SR_4gz9qVkp9Et6dJ4/s400/dwiv242.gif" alt="Elves are such snobs." label="Elves are such snobs." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997117652915186" border="0" /><br />Elves are such snobs.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtdpx192wM93XRCJegIms8OJpRf8JVGHN6A0DxiAutzAatrg0ar_eSsGA8QRp4RTMoww0810FSI5ZWv3DwFbein8UBRKXQEbwRQVPtMmt7oBwDvjNUlSbman9qJkp1RAyFzLmLYI_qrE/s400/dwiv243.png" alt="But their loss is our gain!" label="But their loss is our gain!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997115893477346" border="0" /><br />But their loss is our gain!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyuJiPhzsBqIqTKsCHiBFtN-TOVX4r2Nb9evcZPKRm1UsiejOWhjKaowYTk-tGhI3ilw4J6sMRD3T24_KGtL62VGU3n3iQf9tZqCVkiQEumz-ablFpkU5Gs8_1ELLTT3PtH0h0lbg3qQ/s400/dwiv244.gif" alt="Oh no, not the Evil World!" label="Oh no, not the Evil World!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997109350096210" border="0" /><br />Oh no, not the Evil World!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMT2yoXgrI24tMdzWYT8t34q2AokifABTj74i8HkSH3s9_tJCs5IJDhlS9yYMX8ZO13KyJIOxXdcfJfVyT7fHZgPha6Ma-wbXVBgqE5RkUuVwcLn6_LKUqqVV2p_sZW5kA0-rR5vm3_E/s400/dwiv245.png" alt="Yeah, I always forget my dreams too." label="Yeah, I always forget my dreams too." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997099524245874" border="0" /><br />Yeah, I always forget my dreams too.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTCYzgfl7RKQaHPir1rIOAVoIdKDKPZOlP0EWk-yMQXXxkuqlCKoKaOTQ7wcnFUlKQLDPYFGzuv-MwNV0XIoJ3o_nlVsUyphuYH76PyBIfZLmi7e8bxOalcecQwRkoq6GAFAUnEj3vlQ/s400/dwiv246.png" alt="Oh, I'm sure they're nothing." label="Oh, I'm sure they're nothing." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488997093381050450" border="0" /><br />Oh, I'm sure they're nothing.</div></div><br />Now that the king has officially given us permission to go wherever we want, we'll be heading straight for the portal to the east that leads to Endor.<br /><br />I've got a tournament to win.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-2241388379554477272010-07-04T22:01:00.003-04:002010-07-04T22:04:13.863-04:00Happy Independence Day!To all my fellow American readers, it's roughly fireworks time, so I'll wish you all a quick happy 4th of July and be done. The next post isn't quite ready, but I might be able to get it together to post tomorrow night. But enough about that, go watch and/or set off some fireworks!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-25693339745554942662010-06-27T23:05:00.001-04:002010-06-27T23:07:51.490-04:00RGR020 - The Golden BraceletI said I'd get a post out there this weekend, and I've made good on my promise. So don't be mad, okay? After all, one post per month is still better than none, right? At this rate, I might finish the game in five years or so. Anyway, on to the game!<br /><br />After a short hike (yes, a short hike that took a month), we reached the town of Frenor, where we were shocked to learn that we were apparently already there. Someone posing as the Princess of Santeem was in town, and everyone was doing their best to attend to this princess' every need. Of course, this meant they didn't have time to deal with some random visitors from out of town, so we couldn't even get a room at the inn.<br /><br />About the only person willing to give us the time of day was a scruffy man who told us about the Golden Bracelet, a bracelet--presumably made of gold--that was the town's greatest treasure. And, like every greatest treasure, it made them miserable, making enemies of friends and all that, so they sealed it away in a cave to the south. You can be sure we're going to have to go fetch that bracelet for one reason or another.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KWavZ30h86arV7Dn6YuyiwphA9CbCyZxx2gA3lp_6xxLLkjxdpu6QG6SNaGgwGJcJoioMg22pXzhrdtdVd5Uz8zNNRIs6xrhzGn_FjaVy59dkL79j0ggBA32MTPZNJTMXq5rm7zPnVQ/s400/dwiv175.png" alt="Oh yeah, we were going to a town." label="Oh yeah, we were going to a town." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637735607387922" border="0" /><br />Oh yeah, we were going to a town.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmozZ3Ws2DgEJoUkCxlBcRiCW8BXZfW969e3PopOysm4MyJNONtstQOStfXKFsqS6rGuuKzHOxk9dBdY8KJcEy2Xg_lfzqkFoOJYj1bZtKni3Gog7KgFPTtVZzrb9tKjv8VC6aQhLp1kI/s400/dwiv176.png" alt="It'll involve very little going." label="It'll involve very little going." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637726792935522" border="0" /><br />It'll involve very little going.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovGm844zV0X6moSp5v33U9BK5ZTbqSfDq-M-J8Snc8twNc2UIQy_vDApqL3ITglhgPo-a38sOGYjZvrFyp3ULnabE_UbTv_CBAbK4Lm3p160posgZQzQvr1p7FGsS4iqp_gF3dcIiNiU/s400/dwiv177.png" alt="What's with the crazy talk, old man?" label="What's with the crazy talk, old man?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637720391968578" border="0" /><br />What's with the crazy talk, old man?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLygnma4bJxFZitDnmnMbOgnhL2NOduLdSx9XtUhedcRSWnIpDlwVabpMVIjYHUYdz07w1ao8NSlUOtTsO8KKSvjERukA5oolTOzFcpRpFMWlR9kSyhr8fHn1m6lqNt49UGF1R8yZibw/s400/dwiv178.png" alt="Why don't you ASK ME?" label="Why don't you ASK ME?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637721632049186" border="0" /><br />Why don't you ASK ME?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-76xh5mh7AD0_9I-BQzM2EOgJA7Tu8q86GFf67PIutMdhUvvXgDoz7t0YRO0d02vxvUbcxsS8oHaRf_F31bz0TbtyyYUlLOJyNFNqkDbqTcaV_J_f4ItC_HsZ48qcKod0yioS-fMRyEQ/s400/dwiv179.png" alt="I beg to differ." label="I beg to differ." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637713377067890" border="0" /><br />I beg to differ.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsKq6exEUKHQ60g7HfMWnYhGa9LjLgzS4zdsAWBZ9R2mG1dqGgeegBrbdgpAVUJEnkquvrLWvb_b2cpwGYTQKOHq1Qbyah0WGtejwPJbu37eSXO8BN7izVSog6lguzYJvU6oApzpZYwE/s400/dwiv180.png" alt="No, but I know where the princess is." label="No, but I know where the princess is." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637577053589634" border="0" /><br />No, but I know where the princess is.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeqFMb5rmUIUT4yfrLDoZ0uCv7eay97gvq36ZtRYQ5IY3CNYj3klCRZOSYQ1OLmPBMQ_8JJhKG0kBUf3dox579zAHn_5OIQKzTTJJtm5KkXoGsVzIHAvIifauGXSXX4nYzOcxAw_00eo/s400/dwiv181.png" alt="Wait, should I be offended?" label="Wait, should I be offended?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637573445093890" border="0" /><br />Wait, should I be offended?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29Lj8-1SWayEGHtKR4EcuZWURN-AM61sv1ZRmY4PG6iuXdoEg74Eml78z5buhtwcs9JLhPIebvlkBIDu7iRG_jp8FtcGNDk0OzL2Ia0L6HnXUN0Wgeu-yycYZTCb0PlhKvDv9m2KRSfI/s400/dwiv182.png" alt="Don't be creepy." label="Don't be creepy." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637574805293522" border="0" /><br />Don't be creepy.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGOAnut5j8xld8N3H5FsHS4U7h5ugB3TdgtdjXg0JdDpeUEGJRKtWXM25DwCI8LQIFOf0KIuOF90r-bIMQAlJmk3ZfibLQu8oC_1tYqNM16n0-98CEOuhCc7muPEDffftG-hqx8_IhrQ/s400/dwiv183.gif" alt="This sounds kind of important." label="This sounds kind of important." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637567418729378" border="0" /><br />This sounds kind of important.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJkUpADyGSK0X5RqpCdaZLQCmBkNzHuogXFRNqh9xzQBqF8X9vse0mTdgLpeRhlBb0UMbk-Yg1s2KBwVAIREwrSvo01HeUkzdz6XNt9vPbqdl_uiQEJx5LEgazpkl5YlTziSQnZadPNA/s400/dwiv184.png" alt="You already did. You can't take it back." label="You already did. You can't take it back." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637561270047666" border="0" /><br />You already did. You can't take it back.</div></div><br />We decided to pay this "princess" a visit, to see if she needed to be roughed up or just threatened, but just as we entered the second floor of the inn, a pair of kidnappers appeared and took off with the impostor! At this point, it was hard to tell whether the kidnappers were in league with the fake princess, or if they actually thought she was the real Princess of Santeem. In any case, we were asked to help rescue the fake princess, and according to the ransom letter the kidnappers had delivered, rescuing her will require us to go fetch that Golden Bracelet we learned about not ten minutes earlier.<br /><br />Funny how that worked out, eh?<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzuXB3NSl1yzWZS5CBnBy5EETPVghurC0y11ZEbwYmm78ZUX3yzb9kWCOFVml98QtEKnMDGDmiDCanpLtH1x3KHsdGPy_hNjftZDTx40BoH3-Oo3S4qLX_IdnkLqkFuctBr9LguWS5z8/s400/dwiv185.png" alt="Unhand that... uh... princess?" label="Unhand that... uh... princess?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637357801436562" border="0" /><br />Unhand that... uh... princess?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHF7t2bZDCg8AO-VIshecHlFsJiRWkYzU3ZqwleEb3s2qbqZJ_PaTbxCG9Cen-aotLfXle5AP_AvqQMRr5ZyO0w2xd8H7PiGKpOhFEjbAKNO0IMsMAVpy67AAO-CY56TaRyjbGnCadaYY/s400/dwiv186.png" alt="Yes?" label="Yes?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637355867479042" border="0" /><br />Yes?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BsA_qzrj5idpjexxt_XTwtW16cuMA-ltH3mC4T5O2z6OKJtJYAcoPKxLIiFLp5kVPmRNKEqNVJnyhs9QIlULaucFOxKdy202tp3IqB7wgATnjlHAQWKpc86uQiSR_v94twTlEOVKd3w/s400/dwiv187.png" alt="Why does everyone say " label="Why does everyone say " around="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637352102664642" border="0" /><br />Why does everyone say<br />"Gasp!" around here?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcjV2Es2_Pr-ADa6KIXuNrqv5OL5AFe-ShsWAn1Jx-9bAVP5Vgx6TlJS8Q-LV390lnG9_6exoDQworHUrVHsEMU3Qr96QD_p8hm3Q9NOhIAsCPYdSv28DVeUo5G5rdI5IRyPDGm_Koa0/s400/dwiv188.png" alt="*sigh* That's not how these things work." label="*sigh* That's not how these things work." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637346978827074" border="0" /><br />*sigh* That's not how these things work.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEEw3h9KB0NrgdaFS2dMmxQOnQ2Ft8Bks-qSTjUtH2qQDeZ2jRud9y694OMisd6bIsLL96QrY27KgJ0x_qqNFyc_Ts-_lnLEPKBBoy4MZyrseIFeIdpRppZZXdO46amDFPAl-YCZHx-E/s400/dwiv189.gif" alt="Yes, of course, the bracelet." label="Yes, of course, the bracelet." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637341629118322" border="0" /><br />Yes, of course, the bracelet.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfT3K1znWQ7lTjIfDGzWOhw_ck-tXhk5byzNJSXpeXZOKw2rPbbR1effhQq2x_IAKOeNV1UGdI1PXVu7WTOgBbrIfYoAbGKD0JadkWMg0DyGimQVmq-EQsYDSr_BfheBzIeLK0WGHP2Q/s400/dwiv190.png" alt="She's not really a princess, you know." label="She's not really a princess, you know." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637226845754402" border="0" /><br />She's not really a princess, you know.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe12oQAKMLCJFI5GyvNqlGP0Rg-CORiaz5YWr51_vxlo-Smo7oohHQNzBBHuK3t_LsJVw-z5tXvdatbnz3-g5XXIkn_uMHsnqMFHSYRNgoGXpShbEm8FBZyf-vW8gVGeBxwE-AoyrPth0/s400/dwiv191.png" alt="Aha, so you're in on it!" label="Aha, so you're in on it!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637219909760594" border="0" /><br />Aha, so you're in on it!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOYgboRxYV__GlddN9CHlyzbdh19OhPTYHiTZfYmYlR2GsfMkVb7GGLfdZf-EjVLWL46fbq_cJIVCPZp-h6psfz3Cgg7HwDytd3M9DwGzu6tJ9W3zaIwSBfiHqiL1c7DJLr6dRraBFRo/s400/dwiv192.png" alt="Yes, I'm so sure." label="Yes, I'm so sure." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637216568916962" border="0" /><br />Yes, I'm so sure.</div></div><br />The Southern Cave wasn't far from the town, though the monsters around these parts are a little tougher than we're used to. Luckily, we spent plenty of time gathering experience and money, and were already well-equipped for the journey. The cave itself wasn't very exciting; a few new monsters, some dead-ends, and a couple of twisty paths. As expected, we found the Golden Bracelet at the end of the longest path into the deepest tunnel of the cave, and quickly brought it back to Frenor to exchange for the princess-like object.<br /><br />The kidnappers were happy to have the Golden Bracelet, and took off immediately once we handed it off to them. The not-actually-princess, who revealed that she was actually an actress named May, thanked us for saving her by giving us the Thief's Key, which works out pretty well, since you know how we love us some keys. The following morning, everything was back to normal, though some people were a little depressed that they hadn't actually met a real princess. I guess that continues to be all funny and ironic.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHbcAjK2BaOSisVmXlPcz-hDmyLUoMQy_7QKXltvBzmKp0eER5o6T87PYVjlT5eYVbOdL3rWUCtJsZ2r81zJrHby2WuZmBAzKF3dCAhC2LUGUopJ-G0cX2jH-HLS8TdAlxpnI3vYIwTQ/s400/dwiv193.png" alt="Super Saiyan Snakes!" label="Super Saiyan Snakes!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637219491616642" border="0" /><br />Super Saiyan Snakes!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkicKz1PCSxvayrdu-HKYFwxGtUnprqwsBKZ6un9V8OPgmOa9C6iNZQhGGAUPBISLf6jFwVI1fK995u1399Cqx96TYxpHTODmPuHGQC0lPvg7Zy9QI-cV10GXCvYr5piFir3srbAVEYA/s400/dwiv194.png" alt="All right, let's find this stupid bracelet." label="All right, let's find this stupid bracelet." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637214926926082" border="0" /><br />All right, let's find this stupid bracelet.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmjhgjPqXa7LuebBCGctjraE5aYN77cdsX7TaNn8qVrAOLyZgmpp7JJKpfE_g54ny20hiDBqaLvtz3C01tvcHg7ky0V39HH2hOxFrtAIVope6O_r_4lSUQP7XIaOtEPhhgOOVaqEpppo/s400/dwiv195.gif" alt="Blah blah cave yadda yadda." label="Blah blah cave yadda yadda." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637020899276066" border="0" /><br />Blah blah cave yadda yadda.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EjEPoij1B2Zn1TZPLo6XQUyF-l3DCADcZaFYEdY1A-Cc5xa07J3n0DrfEFA3kc7cIRv-wcok9GX5zSlFiRwycnHOEhBk2-ibxWiY-2GBZJQ9Q4r_6L6c8Dr3qjHWWyfz-xUu-lH6W_c/s400/dwiv196.png" alt="That was easy enough." label="That was easy enough." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637016442020786" border="0" /><br />That was easy enough.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D4OV-YAXubuf6gnHVZ_CL-T2qM_ujDuZK1BPfXwxDjfInCV4BJkIdCbYzhonhKV7VbvDUw1FIm5j4PT9NYKCgsBlpKLDZCBOwJBqKmgv1pCCyHVFAXpg5GHeautjawDNkD0mHZnHaBk/s400/dwiv197.png" alt="I feel like a Russian spy!" label="I feel like a Russian spy!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637012847437218" border="0" /><br />I feel like a Russian spy!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5olz72uQUj7YPpVMhL5dpliA2DNU71D09-qha-1j7-MnB3EF_yK-t1edAKyDEvXdKE7_uIHwbkZgPQUH880owYNnloPKDM5XJv0luhS7rNhrHOyf4-fP4keDC4252FpjLSfmkYCQb9NU/s400/dwiv198.gif" alt="You're a terrible kidnapper." label="You're a terrible kidnapper." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487637005932867122" border="0" /><br />You're a terrible kidnapper.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xvGa98SnSdOjmJ8DYgQTwOcB515Utx2awHtfAX8GPud8bz3npV1q69UiKRL81-aKxb02Dz-Rduvvzx8Ec6LyXO-AsTK3hyCATOiwirXczP0RBHVFXWBF177L3RMZmv6Ud_2N0ef3KNE/s400/dwiv199.gif" alt="Yay, we saved the... lady." label="Yay, we saved the... lady." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487636996834100050" border="0" /><br />Yay, we saved the... lady.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kO8f0rpTfT_Yj7pcGZo33Ha_tdabK-6q8td2jkXzPfVxYg-_iegOWDYZCdLJ5GO8HtUgCz0tU56iUYEhUUR5qGWVdU4hhRHCFTL_Acaqu7kmrPfQJRN6sHA_QFuYi214EgLK02sLf1o/s400/dwiv200.gif" alt="Leave the princessing to the professionals." label="Leave the princessing to the professionals." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487636667605788146" border="0" /><br />Leave the princessing to the professionals.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VwWAaRB2ofnVLW8zqlvKHQOa4JTEW2-wD1Y4rHVUO8ghGKgFfRaHe1xE89iEcbgwhccRA9qEvqptEKx926SWcnhp-Y_Xviwivwr5PqypY6lgv95BVuZiqUex0BGzpCdUgNnxfk9yepA/s400/dwiv201.png" alt="Well, you're still a crazy old man." label="Well, you're still a crazy old man." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487636662995058722" border="0" /><br />Well, you're still a crazy old man.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEc98N0e3t03jzJaUqNgUh9lmqVA0K0QnUqn3DcoCv9V99f5Kx-J_Z1IX7BT6Q4kvJjKpbckP_kz6HEu9L0Di5eNlbnzyt7YkiHCRDsGYBlUfEyI9VPRm07kT9Oy5_GQ7FDrlzXG5i0E/s400/dwiv202.png" alt="Yeah, really... oh, wait." label="Yeah, really... oh, wait." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487636657990888978" border="0" /><br />Yeah, really... oh, wait.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZvnlgRQx39BwZiZTUjUTYHQ3f7Gk75zNo6Tkof4BHX-C7WT3mgxn2IjMcafTEOW70QRSrQeq_NskV9yLd1zaonaMtYdCQcVwrvuttk2fFwZIyWMrwK6_6JHHOxkKGj8OXO9pPN9tWyk/s400/dwiv203.gif" alt="Well, I guess we're heading south now." label="Well, I guess we're heading south now." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487636656796596162" border="0" /><br />Well, I guess we're heading south now.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvd5BYJlncBCqzeQH0k61os4HnZktrGdT_9GHmK5ff3IZf_0HC0sFoHClyiy2Vx93CfgOxQbnzf36pt7rZv48Byvw4xkRqRoJcY75ey8kwKnFkQCEa4HrKHutCQnEHdHq71S9igDoS3ao/s400/dwiv204.png" alt="Yeah, that other guy just told me." label="Yeah, that other guy just told me." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487636651936069954" border="0" /><br />Yeah, that other guy just told me.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7gNvDCrRqYeTZFwATTgylH9F-0PhiPoE0rk73kE1lrTXVugBQT5tyO_t2QhWG9YPT3yM3zjQXW4wun60CcF5pT2-OEGrY3lgBmrB1vPdIsRoHRlydYBO2c_2RSuimFz2pDIICRmcsWI/s400/dwiv205.png" alt="A comma? What a refined dog!" label="A comma? What a refined dog!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487636442731204642" border="0" /><br />A comma? What a refined dog!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IpyhOJFM7Uf5Ssul-wJSO15RK3Lr9GMGm-y3U3XOQ4EIMj6GU2rn4yXeokC67ntZrpVRPVW6w9NA3FFAzkS4TTI23rvGGZ97zn6c703KLBHRWcYn3yxcT8lnlD6ch-LIHXeRgpF4wlE/s400/dwiv206.png" alt="Aw, man..." label="Aw, man..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487636438798683522" border="0" /><br />Aw, man...</div></div><br />We got a tip from a couple of people about a desert bazaar going on to the south, so we're going to check it out and see if we can't at least get some new weapons.<br /><br />And when we get there, with any luck, you'll read about it in less than a month.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-25235176513073226522010-06-24T22:10:00.002-04:002010-06-24T22:10:54.476-04:00A Post is Coming......sometime this weekend. I promise!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-29841376856605412002010-05-29T12:41:00.000-04:002010-05-29T12:41:36.694-04:00RGR020 - An OfferingAfter a relatively short hike, we reached the village of Tempe, nestled in a little mountain alcove. The people there have a serious problem in the form of a monster of some sort who demands regular offerings of the village's young women. I don't know if the monster eats the women or what, but you can safely assume whatever it does with them isn't good. Next up on the chopping block (so to speak) is Nina, the village chief's daughter. It's a real shame, too, since she was supposed to be getting married soon.<br /><br />Of course, given my propensity to destroy every monster I see, it's only natural that I'd volunteer to put an end to this one. No one else in the village seems to be brave enough to challenge the monster, so it's up to us to stop this horrible cycle of sacrifice and return safety and peace of mind to the young women of Tempe.<br /><br />Besides, the monster's blocking our passage north.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S3DYDrh0T26VhiS3b2j6lNNy7t6pJH-2M9HemdrG5kOeMwQBz0Wcgmmjpjcdi7JEUFNBNeMPDb60wevHRc-uzLQJ2va6ZNCXIPZF8RODyl30R1R37miZm3JLOErq26Re2ZgCNW3OCCo/s400/dwiv147.png" alt="This must be the place." label="This must be the place." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287650426877074" border="0" /><br />This must be the place.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoJLoIf6UraOvIGQuQy-bqn3kBNwGhACW5QiHqkGO-DK3ykjvQZpVbcOzhq9trFHHOyHP1eJ2N3XeS0YIa91DSYpYz2rYYYN98D1H4jLN5v9ZMpJnYt6kkpUoZLgowTBqn0QLC17VF3g/s400/dwiv148.png" alt="Assuming she'd have been born somewhere else." label="Assuming she'd have been born somewhere else." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287651892449314" border="0" /><br />Assuming she'd have been born somewhere else.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1L3-60P46S-sy_G2QzizDPOc4aKpNMYGU22nb_fYGlRuzhzec9bzNkWbiw-J6DKXWw5i_xO9mJVk759c6oojUL6Z02WB3hJtiLmo3rue50K64dVSo5R1q50tbxyfY64ZC6Z8r9Gpw5k/s400/dwiv149.png" alt="I think the sacrifice part is worse." label="I think the sacrifice part is worse." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287648114042706" border="0" /><br />I think the sacrifice part is worse.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00KSq8VMG5zXK7BEHxciCSglu6nWUYP00QNrZDTR5DmXCoS16I1cN22pav2leEf388YgVIN_kqEL_WCVoNmYmQYgxLqQ-k_Jvj10HCSBwpgfBFliiVE9m-r9HLtC7TbIpsvBkNZsNJ8Y/s400/dwiv150.png" alt="Uh, I guess so." label="Uh, I guess so." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287642393765554" border="0" /><br />Uh, I guess so.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAabJ0_zwx3R7qhVBz1O2P3L_FYnQqr_XBw5wDseIskyPJFNf4-7c7vgFKGe1ZOlUr2mtQWdmV459XweajoBwmAJ5HNgagX6_DR3V71T-xmk20AsSKsZVROoNp3srlsdDMVYAPeZ_mJU/s400/dwiv151.gif" alt="Oh look, a test of strength!" label="Oh look, a test of strength!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287639659248434" border="0" /><br />Oh look, a test of strength!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4ONlXimuqNVUTwaNHUsO9aiUvdb3WIvT3gh1KOsQEmWNd36mBCxYh1ChEqfWtntV6ghwmgFtV1xfj37pHD9Y6XNr2n8tV3hba4AP4iTXgC74WRbeCgk48_tN8yWhzYvR_LWKCsIR71o/s400/dwiv152.png" alt="Just keep walking..." label="Just keep walking..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287516108877586" border="0" /><br />Just keep walking...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM25awaDrRK57aandglSvnZspbXjPgclkpmDgQphKxOYi9JLnWs7OtCbAOaXnwColyZyMSmiByARub1eqstxZJkMj0dIYi1RQWwkVMM9qqtboTI5PHQSdPwfKxqaiwfgLxM3MovDaG7U/s400/dwiv153.png" alt="I'll bet he won't help us fight the monsters." label="I'll bet he won't help us fight the monsters." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287510261102066" border="0" /><br />I'll bet he won't help us<br />fight the monsters.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsovDq_a9zEizu4v9RMZ6DOriFZeteyLOmyIFJN_O7kgg5PcSVJtEsYENBtJTfocV2P9LuDiutcBweFbU1F-IvEFoxjEpznpraZ9G4lePoQnQ8SFGVUm16Qef-eOQKDDnxgtH4aQ7H_g/s400/dwiv154.gif" alt="Sounds awfully pervy to me." label="Sounds awfully pervy to me." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287507165642594" border="0" /><br />Sounds awfully pervy to me.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRefGcKPKLGFxoHA4LEPLm_021jBTeCiEip0qiiVMI6IorwGDUy195ScQb22lmXTHrEyuxcPJUJW51S0rSyZJKXWaZgEMCRVhXmSTIkXv9HIdsrBVmHpYt4ObtmYpDCMhhgSJ57qYVb5g/s400/dwiv155.png" alt="Don't worry, we've got your back." label="Don't worry, we've got your back." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287500742751010" border="0" /><br />Don't worry, we've got your back.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesr5iOq1qFQ7tLDkv7YPouhgkjxATe9TRefyu8V4zawGFzAWsktXe93sCWLsrpqopWUvrRyyKaXaSzJUdoT7vwHHK-pIa9p1_gbItc5f_ig_FtgnMqvv8zoPcG5gdhz8oFlA6YGOAAYg/s400/dwiv156.png" alt="Or let the girl beat up the monsters. Wuss." label="Or let the girl beat up the monsters. Wuss." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287494979075906" border="0" /><br />Or let the girl beat up the monsters. Wuss.</div></div><br />According to the village shaman, the monster only appears once a girl has been given as an offering, so it looks like we won't quite be able to brute force our way through this. Instead, we'll simply become the next offering. The litter the people use for offerings looks pretty small, but we ought to be able to squeeze in if we pretend it's a clown car. Then, once the monster shows its face, we'll break said face.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFliE-uh3OgV5p7Duup-d4PRIGW6Z7PRmj2TPA-Te9KSBkjtTLXmPukgYWT22HYz4WkAJIGAIehv4HDVf0EkVkSoNO36P0T_1Z691SOlP7Flg8y-kVeQKFDMCtVpMryKMPZz99XZd2OmE/s400/dwiv157.gif" alt="Nice segue." label="Nice segue." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287375668258546" border="0" /><br />Nice segue.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdOmTTE8uL0_9x7BuHJ2IZ36REUEaTr1Oi4xTAGFDKkm4PjWu2M2aEVfGWTzIfjGNprYPgGzLY3hQNPWyRDZf69cCbNLXIFteo2QUipuuWI7tGmwwcPYcannCpFuNonpJLLf6SZwXsxQ/s400/dwiv158.gif" alt="You guys have this all figured out, I see." label="You guys have this all figured out, I see." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287376704341234" border="0" /><br />You guys have this all figured out, I see.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-YUtXn1XbIQSIvMvJNiIqKUGyskcO2YJyR4wzSm0x_q9KFyTRvlilsAPmts-jHYJBNRKnPMdoKE1vHbMErzrsSHa8kwfi06ib1oosa3uukqlHqIxTEcLfER0xcpU-fwye5nnvyQCJiY/s400/dwiv159.png" alt="Who the what now?" label="Who the what now?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287366454660530" border="0" /><br />Who the what now?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv5JxyQGfhZ0bQ_M26thPkjF4eKT9wl0jPBTE6b5lxL5UjimvGsOzpUsHqKs2-AO_S4mHUljWqTD0es-l50h8Ulh5PnR6Yj7Xv7x-w5OPhQ-eW4piltSkEmJAhBw7nJsQPQJ1z5y4iVo/s400/dwiv160.png" alt="I don't think we're all going to fit..." label="I don't think we're all going to fit..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287364245522610" border="0" /><br />I don't think we're all going to fit...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnK6UZBW-NAFpcx5PO8PCAuydRZncL4ihYmfHfuFh6eCh0axudMgw0mlj_xDztNnZtjT95bb85fnI1n6uHVK-wtNwhH9B8Czba51AkTBNzi5ifutDaiqe3NRe3LD6VN_5l5sctevyj9o/s400/dwiv161.png" alt="We haven't done anything yet." label="We haven't done anything yet." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287359245462610" border="0" /><br />We haven't done anything yet.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOz7YUlM8oy15qelbKOP_oCcDpRVAhdpikch-65-BFhIURhbljw9Lo4sp_imG2m63qomVP1uJoGyNXE2qWkkfZXTNRTSFg7BZuxgfnqstGp_k2tbbq7k7rV3AiKf46gz9-v1HLxroRHY/s400/dwiv162.gif" alt="Rim shot?" label="Rim shot?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287234131613794" border="0" /><br />Rim shot?</div></div><br />Easier said than done, I suppose. The monster, a Chameleon Humanoid, showed up with two Rabidhounds in tow. He looked an awful lot like Saro's Shadow, but I'm chalking that up to ROM capacity limitations rather than foreshadowing. Also, maybe a little laziness on Akira Toriyama's part.<br /><br />Anyway, the battle itself was pretty tough; no one seemed to have any sort of special attacks (though the Chameleon Humanoid was able to do some healing), but they were strong. Luckily, we've got a healer on our side too, so we were able to hold out long enough to finish off the Rabidhounds, and then concentrate everything we had on our main target for the win.<br /><br />The news of our victory (which, I'm sure, everyone could have seen from where they all were standing) spread quickly, and the whole town was ecstatic. Everybody was celebrating, and even the item shop owner got into the spirit by reopening the item shop. After a quick weapon upgrade (Boomerangs for everyone!), we triumphantly marched north, into the mountain valley that would lead us to the next town, Frenor.<br /><br />I missed the opportunity to get a screenshot of the monsters, but if you really want to know what they look like, there are plenty of images out there.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGccmyKpEYa3zwkkqKat8W70jrvho5XzmtLuChrZecJGSRXhS27PGAdThxe7__xlUDJuP499g9mUhSCQNh52Ccw7vOFzPsaGgnGHOjWAYESnpHRFXkaCjlcSNcQd9HW4Q10i9AN5Cii9s/s800/dwiv163.gif" alt="Oh no, he brought doggies!" label="Oh no, he brought doggies!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287230582498258" border="0" /><br />Oh no, he brought doggies!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUfZFYdAelxyiVhJOsK-fWMEE0KwkaEUvne2YMfvxb1VeY2rYR7yAuMqEYF9Jpo3DEQ9BdbxRNQk3e88OEgrhTkm-LCqf01QXQdxb1sgQtKxQyxcSW5xySFdGJr17Pb2NYY8Ln-EFSWU/s400/dwiv164.png" alt="Oops, you blinked." label="Oops, you blinked." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287227328488450" border="0" /><br />Oops, you blinked.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvFA06d5kfPPxzzABjYPrsgHZ0U9UW76-FNRkeKbLVwiqWSEx4KER8RSeQftnr4KUYDoYvsM3487S588yA3EPhujNvMgWb_NrsGFDvpATp38ACnIvSCzux8nq9djMfxN7Ssj97u9ZLwY/s400/dwiv165.png" alt="The village is 50 feet away." label="The village is 50 feet away." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287226158104818" border="0" /><br />The village is 50 feet away.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCV-SYKLcdU8YuyCVl4I4ll_GR3s4unEVHT1MH4cmAVPa_gpRNaCe7ollX51wAe84zMcWowBwccMWJ1yQan_xKh5hcSCPTDwtngJREJytEQMFREihZIxnI-ABRZpIIBL2u1kHKxfmBBns/s400/dwiv166.png" alt="Actually, he's a pile of little chunks now." label="Actually, he's a pile of little chunks now." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287217434292530" border="0" /><br />Actually, he's a pile of little chunks now.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbRVEaqrPgQvChdx5J0GiJ_TQTR2ATnmvzWEewXcTPJJvBf-BFAZcch5LSXjZWx5obcvBDxJbeRTZ_gSg137ZKUFKp7O8ttFpWN0JDrylr8Fkg2DoK3Y0qJE9IgkoX4w5bxfZgDEFPzk/s400/dwiv167.png" alt="I kinda figured." label="I kinda figured." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287057130163538" border="0" /><br />I kinda figured.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieiRZhAmlmP3mr4__IsujmixY_fAmgcsYcZU0fF69IPQ9wOdhm5gVHruf0mPvnOH_IpNV1BvrMnA-O_UTlIgiH772N1ZIvMG6Ss6h5iljdnwqDzDSR_-6vxeSFL4rc8xakICodJGEXL8/s400/dwiv168.png" alt="You guys probably could've taken him." label="You guys probably could've taken him." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287055274451922" border="0" /><br />You guys probably could've taken him.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEbI6yPeLUx32azHS0QVEBlBOXsTJogiiOj0oy33EI7anj2hqjzC5sLV8gR7y28xcUovekoUn23eLgBdT5RFVWluxKq0mQvErDxLa2m6XKaSHwDyhmmJSoe0AMuVsDX_b2qKEslQfhyphenhyphens/s400/dwiv169.png" alt="Yes, this statement is now correct." label="Yes, this statement is now correct." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287044932344818" border="0" /><br />Yes, this statement is now correct.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpo16L19a3mxSdQ0-g3BHp5N4lDVHMldBLfEiSib5ZrMasY3foHeGX6AcAkpACAJh1cMAuayTupfpvxY5u2WfHodkmg9iyNJyfNH8XCUdBgVWUq08Ebfjvc8GA9B4Eu5eyxqEmyzWKKc/s400/dwiv170.png" alt="I could get used to this hero stuff." label="I could get used to this hero stuff." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287041667515730" border="0" /><br />I could get used to this hero stuff.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4T3ERf-LV4nht-ksokpm-tmfaCRxPPV8p3SCasy_spNPwOE42juM6OSwSeZH98NFzvqJntkRF1_EqsBV8-RYHq0vGlZb3TsXO8PvPWZ7HZa7nZzAW-Ow5X0eo_r-foPvZhVMOFv_UwM/s400/dwiv171.gif" alt="All right, but if I see any Wookiees, I'm gone." label="All right, but if I see any Wookiees, I'm gone." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474287036408600594" border="0" /><br />All right, but if I see<br />any Wookiees, I'm gone.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUEPObVn3Ft9kfkpJOyR1y6wXFXJbEEUWjfosWOM8HZoMqZI94qn_X3CtXWWHZGcuk59KK4iQMe2nLhrJsM_cIvWl_qKrZdpuIUVoDl_RxzuHI9NV-xKE_8x3EoiTf03mDq5EbN3iln0/s400/dwiv172.gif" alt="Business as usual, eh?" label="Business as usual, eh?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474286848297021170" border="0" /><br />Business as usual, eh?</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbcfPvUofIFfpNXOPxmyqt9dkAaQPixIMV3PkiodlPuC99Rp0RQBpHPwKjQj1l19KRZKJ-HAbhoDbaui28FIbB9zhz5aqzWaZlOjMTJ2tuZlXgDz90DaTmhc7wSXdOwHkVnsZPffWtZc/s400/dwiv173.png" alt="Do they have a monster for me to kill too?" label="Do they have a monster for me to kill too?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474286840697795842" border="0" /><br />Do they have a monster<br />for me to kill too?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtN3KwWYmfzMumd1uE6-Ubsu2L_7up8cReK_8oiqsksLdMx26sfR-gqM6zsBSrSqy0U44dKEbF8-xTVZIzwt8Nf5duoQLRJhr-T7hqfz_rJ6VfP4ICtilTKkDowIKbnDeEUlyU2WNHmo/s400/dwiv174.png" alt="Onward to Frenor!" label="Onward to Frenor!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474286836784460706" border="0" /><br />Onward to Frenor!</div></div><br /><br />You know, we should have asked the Chameleon Humanoid what he was doing with the girls before we killed him.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-37295164775018423882010-05-22T02:02:00.001-04:002010-05-22T02:05:43.552-04:00RGR020 - The Next Adventure<div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGc2Yxk7IJor7Qnh1zLaz7uheta7-JzuTuCMY-3dVzprky9fATDmCFULfb2RMbcSrilWkjmHM2_Dd4l7HHm8bfSSW6jiLf9IldjQyUg5D7vm9f2PCRd7453cUe0xW10Ir_o1K8KhG4e8/s400/dwiv111.png" alt="I've always dreamed of being a princess." label="I've always dreamed of being a princess." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935464465925042" border="0" /><br />I've always dreamed of being a princess.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nuZfaJhv4NDWeTJ7M_YLvyLMQDRI5HwQM04qzmKhFENR-xOnxqNDXUVK6z2ElhZFUbEmB-__F34JULjoL3DB4IBr3mc_Jafn-wHXqIGYJA5-zaLfyxSYnTvOqtwsX4qsO87Dd8TC46I/s400/dwiv112.gif" alt="Kind of a weak introduction, isn't it?" label="Kind of a weak introduction, isn't it?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935459438907346" border="0" /><br />Kind of a weak introduction, isn't it?</div></div><br />Yep, I'm bad at keeping up with gaming. That modern game I mentioned? Beat it, immediately started the sequel. But now the sequel's beaten, so maybe I'll be able to focus better on <span style="font-style: italic;">Dragon Warrior IV</span>. I know it's wishful thinking at this point, but the pace I keep is my own, so if I want to speed up, I'll speed up. If I can manage to actually make some posts, that is.<br /><br />Anyway, back to the game. Chapter 2 follows the adventure of Princess Alena, a tomboy princess from the kingdom of Santeem. She wants nothing more than to venture out into the world and prove her strength, but the king won't allow her to leave the castle. He's just concerned for her safety, since there are all kinds of scary monsters lurking outside, but that's exactly why she wants to go. Everyone around her, including her tutor, Brey, and servant Cristo, keep urging her to give up on her dream and stay in the safety of the castle.<br /><br />Of course, it wouldn't be much of an adventure if she listened to everyone and stayed put. Fortunately, she recently kicked a gaping hole in the wall of her room, which is now under repair. Since the wall repair guy only seems to know how to use wood and nails, all he can manage is to cover the hole. So, with one good hard kick, Alena is able to sneak her way out of the castle.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26hUpETS1mBN5p8iBEHp70WGH6dcMJp_xUpym8hm9CYuiI9Kt0iChI9DBxaMuYR5q2y1asKVFcXLCB4H73XbTyQA3IP801YjLBt3KGJDWqrSf7WjK_rK1QI2iBgsfOfdMePIbUTS_lDw/s400/dwiv113.gif" alt="Yeah, like you'll be able to keep me here." label="Yeah, like you'll be able to keep me here." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935457252224690" border="0" /><br />Yeah, like you'll be able to keep me here.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmAY2_GAhOHaLz0bCRhKCvz0o-d33tSd9Q9ELMA6PXo44Cxoki6VAe3vnAlymiTBU4empQZNipvlIQZeLY8tGK1eKeE-lqzl5wtaIF5d5dhJ0j7iZiFZHas7sJ5QskobbfIepivM0HWY/s400/dwiv114.gif" alt="He's not sexist, just overprotective." label="He's not sexist, just overprotective." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935451982611762" border="0" /><br />He's not sexist, just overprotective.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_MDENxaQvQzv3KK9_gNjF9mTyBXEfjHE1e1n0YSbj2WBaXQlBdymlZdLyiiZx9ZIObiK6ol26STUw0BLBTvYE9tyOEbvO2ZdWnlPLj5RuJyTMldlaKACpOg1XBROUIji5qTvow3IDJ0/s400/dwiv115.png" alt="Yeah, yeah... but I'm still leaving." label="Yeah, yeah... but I'm still leaving." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935447307267858" border="0" /><br />Yeah, yeah... but I'm still leaving.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gUWC_YOADJJLRf4736Yt0HGsiA2iww4poEiqWB6SMsUCBp6piCeAZojueI-UWCf4NEWT2K-8aVxom4Hs1dgoKcgoXSyztmLJYOgzWT-kApYy2eAytHnqtg1O6MjZW0Z81HZgryVtrFA/s400/dwiv116.gif" alt="Fair enough; it's all your fault!" label="Fair enough; it's all your fault!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935326722120898" border="0" /><br />Fair enough; it's all your fault!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gYxguMd_LYOdVQGHTSRVvx3hCvXcxQv3EbW9fZN9Z6m1YiiOH728kWMNFBwo4t5OCPGLRTVCGSsUVC_SUz1B2YggJOr67VILnNcZ3XltS8tnLoRQycx1xLnvdcwAzmEMiBp8AEk7FWg/s400/dwiv117.png" alt="You do know I live here, right?" label="You do know I live here, right?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935321585195906" border="0" /><br />You do know I live here, right?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj1qzEgskpGPIvH4HHMTfbUkz_qGUSUZjMePLYWt-BGYgrfUG_90Vh1hm69gxqyh49GTa9uzvrmXuX0bzsdhPEVc0PUdhPUFoFGjCQIUUinHSlKi3l9-FSxndxEoRM9BWOo7vWbVRBaM/s400/dwiv118.png" alt="Is this your first day here?" label="Is this your first day here?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935319916710402" border="0" /><br />Is this your first day here?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtSS1vr9KlNXiULZdorW3RoGY2bTA9WbnzFBvlyxOqVKRsVbBGh6LoRVsGcHFwiZbntYfF3jUO3Z15uJ6reqOXVqzR6UdycsFpZlZTSPxnA1pGxgc7Z_DhPWu9xMMSI9KHHXaXw-4iD0/s400/dwiv119.png" alt="It's my wall. I'll do what I want with it." label="It's my wall. I'll do what I want with it." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935314941575298" border="0" /><br />It's my wall. I'll do what I want with it.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1muWbMS9v2isEmH91zYgvwTVcJ5yREi3rJJRVpz_Og3SLz_QXHRb0k1pInHynCzzKjfdUpS5DI6oHyXco3RsYD1U1PRWAdBtxKHAYm8OdtoQGuiFjJmaxCysX-m1eR2R-ME1hzdHbw4/s400/dwiv120.png" alt="You're wasting your time." label="You're wasting your time." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935310680475442" border="0" /><br />You're wasting your time.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN5RmszqizuKmu-JyrjCQjdOMK8qdsNZppnIwwW2ktjZXPNFvkHwujQ1Ofv9EuKtlBBlHPHx3Hg0g_ezq5wXtPN4CrNklpNldzxanqSbzNxsRpApLoMEFp-xlS5M-wzRM6pyruVqv_wo/s400/dwiv121.png" alt="Eww... I'll bet he's drooling a little." label="Eww... I'll bet he's drooling a little." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935196198543682" border="0" /><br />Eww... I'll bet he's drooling a little.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fsoY55YDLkaSDQszMtECRNOU2Z1vKZ-GHCUAV4zIFyPge4dnRMeykMJxO_N_bne9NIZZtIc9VnaHboCzvNxexA9rcVfCheCYBPC8xTPrwjJVKZyRplP9FkO7BrjWb28l5Eriw-gyaow/s400/dwiv122.png" alt="I'm not so sure." label="I'm not so sure." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935198648261442" border="0" /><br />I'm not so sure.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDrBhsV54wNHU87BbMKXp6WKQEVkjgvXUmyfZL1U52yNJIJgPJtqPF-0OHSPI4zBm_0NtvJAACY39EfwbZORVFK8lJu4fJq5s_KR7hMVuntbQjAtOL0QybQ1wSUuOivQYWDrBCZPDYdg/s400/dwiv123.png" alt="Let's go protest against discrimination!" label="Let's go protest against discrimination!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935188542467442" border="0" /><br />Let's go protest against discrimination!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o2ViSne8viCfBUy6XUsaVUY5XAXq1OgNPvCS4nqJXKLg_5szqtc_ozIeQyv-s9fTGHBRJdZmEoUaBfzd6NCVZNwVMZMK28yJu4ln11ngV50NETPFXwZFYPYiJqwZDfcZjCV-MmsqYHs/s400/dwiv124.png" alt="It'll be ready when you COOK IT YOURSELF." label="It'll be ready when you COOK IT YOURSELF." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935181758090018" border="0" /><br />It'll be ready when you COOK IT YOURSELF.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5vt3JB_BRf3AF-cxPxe9JSnjdzkxIY2lbx1ICoBLJ91RJ0bVDNqbkNS-Z_fWm4jg0P6iMdp2o7LtHSmib3YBTfrGxWEum_bn1J3tQOchTUj9IQ7ceDcW67pzny73Utv4gbiBFTkf0E4/s400/dwiv125.png" alt="At least this guy recognizes me." label="At least this guy recognizes me." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935178766180786" border="0" /><br />At least this guy recognizes me.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJkdlhqQsl2Hm5bXd08CjvpIVEXgsut-86DIpeyy3dsJ5XSCKkkjuE0OkVZuxkMARb_xLbMVtJB8y0_53FMTIYaO4jAPzyCu5pUVTdm3njp3jSOER7nbxBqZNt2r4Ac3tKTdLKDB7zdA/s400/dwiv126.png" alt="And she'll promptly break those hands." label="And she'll promptly break those hands." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935053139639906" border="0" /><br />And she'll promptly break those hands.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4AnQntFxCRWjDqVMvVUiFaFnYRftL1nLaKpSVsd_qMkc0ef8Htp4HKZRqkM8yqI5ChsbX87RrDvjXgnXtwI5GaiMUs_dBfnvQIZAJ_RFWcZt_W8wG7bkRpGACdxztM-mXKRdJh-Z6m0/s400/dwiv127.gif" alt="Hey now... looks like someone has a crush..." label="Hey now... looks like someone has a crush..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935046401024194" border="0" /><br />Hey now... looks like someone<br />has a crush...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqctkIDj58zJ4F1GalN2K9-qoO-W8UHqvDfgyywX85kOg9iQ-nbUsr3K_BBroeLJzN-sKYzV1CCd84jBsYRvvDtFoky9KrpDDSeZH2OWBVBHVbmI89Xe43FOmeBrtLlTKZbEARaiNsKH0/s400/dwiv128.png" alt="Oh, but you know it will." label="Oh, but you know it will." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935045519087170" border="0" /><br />Oh, but you know it will.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_87V5iHmhL0_nvW70lHgBbZJJ0OjPz2h4aOtTq4hIwZFF51W3DvnE789VqINM_H6LNY2EhwA-vsMtSbhRP4k2X-GuwncoPdQKBlxvZ3Q-_FCTsAJ7F6hzTQs55e4uyhuBgsj3g-QjW0/s400/dwiv129.gif" alt="Flimsy walls are no match for me!" label="Flimsy walls are no match for me!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935039432840146" border="0" /><br />Flimsy walls are no match for me!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAE-DRWn4n-eYTAvxZDjbT0PzLBDL5AoA7f5gZzEOVHyM4tWn9HsgNm4XW8qAppBUPWk5I7h9U7yafpxBZody8kl08NPFdr8lOuRsKhHjFCJYYNktoxZs6Cr5AcqeGpVwIcJLzUlYaDM/s400/dwiv130.png" alt="Hello there, roof kitty!" label="Hello there, roof kitty!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473935034784295378" border="0" /><br />Hello there, roof kitty!</div></div><br />Sneak might not be the most appropriate word, since Brey and Cristo quickly catch up with Alena outside, and, realizing they can't stop her, decide instead to join her. From this point on, the king finally understands that this journey is very important to her, so he allows her to freely leave the castle as she wishes.<br /><br />At this point, I spent some time fighting the weak monsters around the castle in order to gain experience and gold for weapon and armor upgrades. You know, like I always do. The nearby village of Surene has a fair selection of beginner's equipment, including things for Brey (a wizard), and Cristo (a cleric). We met a wandering poet named Marone there who kept coming up with these lame lyrics involving whatever he happened to be looking at.<br /><br />We stuck around until nightfall, but there wasn't much of importance going on. Most people were sleeping and Marone was singing about things he saw in the sky, so we decided to turn in for the night. When we began to explore the area the next morning, we happened upon a sign that pointed us eastward, toward a village called Tempe. There's nothing but shoreline and mountains in every other direction, so we'll be heading east.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWakY4mdFORgD_AUkcAVpWohyphenhyphenmaSa0a2j3GAqwIUi3sgWHUueePi_ppoPy3PIZBM4A9hFdpuivrGgrkIuvnv_W2-kJbUFeXVmbOwMCkvEQ9qLkdFF9-g7hRDxbhJv241B9vSD5B4sx7I/s400/dwiv131.gif" alt="That's more like it!" label="That's more like it!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934821293558562" border="0" /><br />That's more like it!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-IcoyNCU7xP1KQYe_Ps2-TOMb3YMNzV1rgc0L7vOs2FvvT-1BiSbmvwC2kdetffni8PhvjscnqPVrt4asPw1MUpA8QMF24a4EAQ6xCbeH_KwQoN-Bhj0A_Oc06PxbrdKc3CYAfvs-q8/s400/dwiv132.gif" alt="Well, that's a good start." label="Well, that's a good start." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934817724058306" border="0" /><br />Well, that's a good start.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Uj-l5wY6FrXIE1b3PXJrfebW6RKA1cr9adyKYN_aQfGrfdOCXxQR21QVTu6Nwh1WgrwUVDoEQN0rtN8-cA77j0laKq-WU-kmtvyCgL-XYj0tLixqDmYLZIJTecW-Zaan9CGziYrtRZY/s400/dwiv133.png" alt="So this is what the outside world looks like..." label="So this is what the outside world looks like..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934810657823778" border="0" /><br />So this is what the outside<br />world looks like...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wsDWb6bipSzajhyphenhyphenvUFlxuhc620Bf3SBC7VtzQK_gL7Jq3GnRrhU3nenBWQwsYPEJCkQJX-Rfc4x6BhVzfGeZmdxzL_hhQ749Y2-spw_j973M5_r6YCE_Pkuh5cvN_a99ZY2_Ut_thhI/s400/dwiv134.png" alt="Remind me not to tell you any secrets." label="Remind me not to tell you any secrets." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934806426731634" border="0" /><br />Remind me not to tell you any secrets.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRpfoBQ5MUF3i6exXu7s7DrGUZReU6BYxiz8D4jQtpF6J2lPn8ZiHttIHCmaqeIyTDH4I0jnEvYYorb23ZD6mUBlkCUuQIe2tRFnKiai0ULGXBHpBa2LJ130izUOIgYgKjgsgN49yJ7Y/s400/dwiv135.gif" alt="So there's some nice equipment here then?" label="So there's some nice equipment here then?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934803729382258" border="0" /><br />So there's some nice<br />equipment here then?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg9qVZoC57dYwk-aMxEJAWSjllP7iDUgele-Auw9-CIqiXyddaraZiEDwVKM4J_WZjOvlmUjetyEa2dMGVlzfKR5K1sT_yLCH6N0cwMHq6sgpNoIPEW2Tta9k9ACnkCNARTsFPPz3OAw/s400/dwiv136.png" alt="Uhh... I guess not." label="Uhh... I guess not." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934410652754674" border="0" /><br />Uhh... I guess not.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPpVw6_xcjGaB5RA0QCtAIGdg8JaSq-wPT0Ft-P9Gj3PqobHCcU2Q8BWZO1CIanjn36AMziycBoXKau_zh8NNYz6b6gYCrWVxAUBmHPpLwJANxTOlQEMrkAXDhyt0iAwNKoV4hSAZYR4/s400/dwiv137.png" alt="But she's a nun." label="But she's a nun." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934407970818450" border="0" /><br />But she's a nun.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v-OBAwUAlcAE-YW18Acf2oF42f9CTQWcP7YNEu0uKRJO8Vt75NXVSuD3Cp-_ARGjEBOGMhbYYUxmyqZRn2zqGYzieEXFrNagUo76wd9oy2KcA606CKt205bRwtKjfyhW0w33pwOLqFY/s400/dwiv138.png" alt="And you're a nun." label="And you're a nun." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934409486778578" border="0" /><br />And you're a nun.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuJXVcKWe342WDmgT0W6_y6ALyeLjTrPonFwBOPCIPSgSrkYyLy9sQaNNTBLuOU7jmCzWaP7k94yuX7IOTWC_LpUgsLVztwZBN3zZgUyZzUUOZ0PT8kGIXcilYPYL3Gz7TDd_VhGGOo0/s400/dwiv139.png" alt="Too bad you don't have a day job to not quit." label="Too bad you don't have a day job to not quit." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934405195943378" border="0" /><br />Too bad you don't have a<br />day job to not quit.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBxbsSNe5SpWmEbXW7HxBtDtI_LwKrf_IIPPbgIya1Bx3TGbzgvVKrfI8LzZYZAR1o8enG9dEe6ZxWH0HMP0vD3xSRH10Yf9jcWuv51Y2MN6ruC7pc_iAypQaK857VC2IlaD5aL6aarA/s400/dwiv140.gif" alt="I recommend you watch your mouth." label="I recommend you watch your mouth." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934400589080754" border="0" /><br />I recommend you watch your mouth.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej0UdUbOsYYCCdgoqs-j39H-iLG7zXwzdNCJa6_SP4OXWfOENRcJAr6OpI_jdyLoFgnVDy6-XtfipSio2Q4km7rWB4WqWDu-M1ty-W4nl2QF6j6LwP9I86YT0gcsGExczMJYq_PqQVS4/s400/dwiv141.png" alt="Watch out, she's a snake!" label="Watch out, she's a snake!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934208055417394" border="0" /><br />Watch out, she's a snake!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK-e3AZ35IDjk0XQVv_jBZ4qsNr1K5kCNFs37PEdnXtvPkhUa56KaxRpufPQLuhhr0KA9TknxnEDT_m0aCdhzXgZDVP0onjjjocjEy5CTKib1kxX-16oGj1CTenTER9w8xzXHlGnZCug/s400/dwiv142.png" alt="Since when?" label="Since when?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934200228219202" border="0" /><br />Since when?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QGoGm4P4T-OqO5byLBRPOguQiOugc_kz18Z2lsv8aJkXJHDoWCtc-8BFYgDygSWqLLQzxSDdQnvzUg68OX3kNptjbKFp78uUNrWQ99f1AnyayFPE3lvFBU4BB_GUPRfqARdc3dijlwQ/s400/dwiv143.png" alt="Seriously, you make money off this?" label="Seriously, you make money off this?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934194606501810" border="0" /><br />Seriously, you make money off this?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptZlS_LRq5arF5bVialmrH_g8nuuUQ2Sjzb9ScT5Xl4UaAzzvLKUYW_IUhW-WUrnLFwNAELUUGdhiI3QfUUNQk1eg9cgDsOig8XFR0t0dmN0aiwnsnF0YVhWZuntuJxmJitt4qolWXyY/s400/dwiv144.png" alt="I wish he could write better lyrics." label="I wish he could write better lyrics." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934190089818146" border="0" /><br />I wish he could write better lyrics.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxs8jpVRCV1AlG3jiMce2GAJdt8zt9TW0FXJoX4RyHNAGZZmfFAdH-wWaOYXnQGUKEHW4ecn_EoFxpY9wRvotuy5kOvNAB1MVkbNEiY6UR5DOZtKH4J1gfLQ1ItYK3oZYdNR6248E2AI/s400/dwiv145.png" alt="You're on your own there, pal." label="You're on your own there, pal." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473934185974430770" border="0" /><br />You're on your own there, pal.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1J-joyw8cjHxwwr7cKPMlyc28xYMEdrkWtqNrNz-1eK_UlLg1fFra0b_EuIF8KKdtOZhkyDi20T7HG3EGYsHLySBQDz8QzyK_96y7HWaA541QNFFODcuBkL9_yEE3Ybg5BmoXJci6ZI/s400/dwiv146.png" alt="Gosh, the world is so big!" label="Gosh, the world is so big!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473933870030790578" border="0" /><br />Gosh, the world is so big!</div></div><br />And so, Alena's adventure begins as she and her companions hike eastward toward the village of Tempe. Check back soon for the next exciting installment of Retro Gamer Ryan: Dragon Warrior IV: Chapter 2 Edition!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-91397234151091880742010-04-27T21:03:00.001-04:002010-04-27T21:03:00.488-04:00RGR020 - Saro's ShadowDarn it, I said I'd be better about making these posts on time, and here I go again falling behind. Truth be told, I'm playing a few games at once right now, mostly non-retro, and I'm not good with the whole concentration thing. Anyway, it's finally time for another post:<br /><br />Within the children's secret playground, I found nothing but an old well. But as I approached the well, a voice called out, beckoning me to jump in. The voice continued to guide me within the cavern at the bottom of the well, but I was feeling exploratory, so I chose not to listen. There were a couple of minor treasures here and there, along with a nice new set of stronger monsters, which I noticed only appeared when I strayed from the path the voice led me along.<br /><br />Deep within the cavern, I met a kind Healer named Healie--yes, I know, very creative--who wanted nothing more than to become human. He seems to be under the impression that he can become human if he makes enough human friends. I'm not about to argue, though, since he's a Healer, and he's in my party now. I have no control over him in battle, but he does tend to cast Heal pretty reliably as needed.<br /><br />After wandering for a bit too long, we eventually reached the end of the last path available to us. Inside a chest at the end of that path we found the Flying Shoes, which explains a couple of things I've been trying to wrap my head around. I tried using them right away, but they apparently don't work inside caves, what with the ceilings and all. So we backtracked to the part of the path that led outside, returned to Izmit to rest, and then tried the shoes again.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv5KVbdRwbFHCLSzC-dtDTedLtfqrL7QnEm4ZdLeT43oqG9KiVXqiGuwqO27P-i3SMpgkm1KjCxNm3paZ03v-76zTldixYVAnbkuSIEQ722Alk6ggN1JsQUiXwtxpMTcx5IoueK76E5M/s400/dwiv079.png" alt="But it's dark and it smells funny..." label="But it's dark and it smells funny..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470709753703170" border="0" /><br />But it's dark and it smells funny...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3svCB6vXNpO2VcYtT5DQubbw-412OZDFT1_QxXVS7TZWQsVYfQRPyDIeW_jAzc1FHiSQjo4Vom-voz4j9_l2hxmqrV_rjf8STSUoQL54Y43Wnzp7ZZe3hzFKnZJEq2Nd2gBYjwPhxRTc/s400/dwiv080.png" alt="Wait, which way?" label="Wait, which way?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470706731841058" border="0" /><br />Wait, which way?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1DMQmPLr1uHZ36j8R_0NzFPOHIoiRkzHg4WLVerqeGJYEUe3gc2u1I-XgtLBhBB4SwSqPGnsIziRvLwbDVuZUGyYaL7Kb1L-2R6hyUYy7gqFu6LKAdeiBtMkyu6khJqgwDV3sIcZkAE/s400/dwiv081.png" alt="You should probably just draw arrows on the walls." label="You should probably just draw arrows on the walls." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470700715370690" border="0" /><br />You should probably just<br />draw arrows on the walls.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalyzCcZuENTAXu_2VxhAPu_hCQBpuWXY-CUkoo9WcbYkT1nisVOatfMEUNFOSbOP13AAgEmjsM_10x0nht0vyEOQIQ1s5nuEdbk0rYe-CxWkSCQ0C2hIbTsb5Me_15HqrZHgbj5sRiRQ/s400/dwiv082.gif" alt="Your logic is mind-blowing." label="Your logic is mind-blowing." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470692213188194" border="0" /><br />Your logic is mind-blowing.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82DcobUWJyExQNrxK1MBwACk7NmDz-rK-b714wvWeseg-QL1laau0KoHOgxd9hZkZb0CfZ-54GCKONd8bZzAXmqPj_1tvXAFVaVdkEO6_dcjpoNk5QkTih4cE8h9Qw3H0uzIMS9As5Yc/s400/dwiv083.png" alt="Things like this really impress Healie." label="Things like this really impress Healie." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470689395267522" border="0" /><br />Things like this really impress Healie.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmtJZNOXaraacPGVn_oTF1Ncw0wL5Ytkn5oEuSqV2w56gZ3wduTdLT2nNQf71HkwLvUUO0Cg-956ZZ-UPiZaOM8vkm0tjnw8lY0dmrhYdPWZ9i6o3FtbNOda3U6noOOipYeOr2Mjxs4w/s400/dwiv084.png" alt="Just $129.95 at Foot Locker!" label="Just $129.95 at Foot Locker!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470565714647506" border="0" /><br />Just $129.95 at Foot Locker!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_wFiDFWQxqiNgCsx-GfK4IMF9hfZd37AKUOXaY5YK0WN62M1q7_6QeVkl4iHsxSISVb_pV_ONOoXnNrG6TH3U-wdLywFdJTnz9yPqfwoCHMt9ovdjMUfVB3cCbtCmv5NOY5AwubaUUg/s400/dwiv085.png" alt="Oh, so they're actually shoes that fly?" label="Oh, so they're actually shoes that fly?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470559748394754" border="0" /><br />Oh, so they're actually shoes that fly?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93sNb3MPO60EHfc33H3ziOZ-cOzvczZDMqOxGziYg_ukQIzCeElxA1fMAKHX_idRGZ6DlLthZfakKOthbBKNZNuVwVEb9zrVvIs1PC2fwlLyX8ReWOlf1TD8lQ-8IbwhMb0X7XUdw814/s400/dwiv086.png" alt="This is going to hurt..." label="This is going to hurt..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470557805701490" border="0" /><br />This is going to hurt...</div></div><br />Instantly, we were both flung through the air, landing on top of Loch Tower, that mysterious tower to the west of Izmit surrounded by a moat. Once inside, we noticed a monster harassing a small child, so we knew we were in the right place. That monster had lots of friends, though, so we had some difficult battles ahead of us. We scoured every inch of the tower for treasure on the way down, and had to make a few trips, since Healie can be a bit unreliable at times. I gained a few levels along the way, so I guess I can't complain.<br /><br />We encountered another of the Royal Soldiers within the tower, who wasn't long for this world. Before he died, he managed to reveal the monsters' plot to us: it turns out that their ruler is going to revive soon, but a prophecy says a hero will appear to destroy him. That hero should be a child at this point, so the monsters have been taking all the children (and most likely killing them) in order to prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQE9R55M8KHNZnuz7ekSO18N3r1zjArW5PSSFp-X4cnnByATOsXzGSl-EnIazZlPHD07eZ84crj220HpqU_GJp465UrqFMfToPNgyEuQxwXbvOVszHG5FyvezeF1NxYxFDrCviYZOi6w/s400/dwiv087.png" alt="*oof* Hmm... that wasn't so bad." label="*oof* Hmm... that wasn't so bad." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470555517705810" border="0" /><br />*oof* Hmm... that wasn't so bad.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnICpAQat5ByGswQ_QrkLpZ5miLxhr4B0b_0bo515Cijtw9wzU3rJ-vGxe8rtdANvOHVSD_3EttqYZEKKYQL9wCK_p59kY55r-oqoTVHwoRt68l9aeckQQCih9leXGX8dTnNl1af3K3Ec/s400/dwiv088.png" alt="Unhand that brat, you fiend!" label="Unhand that brat, you fiend!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470551276766754" border="0" /><br />Unhand that brat, you fiend!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEExO3QXOxaQiHi87dF4eGMGEn959s1E0pQA4fWGBn_GmuKn7y4XJ5_CuD3e9NtsvcBc0zwYW61nWcznkB7XxBsa8djTFjdmAZB6DTvfLMk2ZxzJXbmk98DSxUJC0IOahMvhJMk9AtbFw/s400/dwiv089.png" alt="They're much tougher than they look." label="They're much tougher than they look." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470388158839762" border="0" /><br />They're much tougher than they look.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVmtGf2Tp2ESPhuNlflSup7PdBs0HRzbPZHr9q84a4sOPWjkV0PRsTwCNSXXeKcxB4-cduYHD4oN5w08c8DGkWYL0AVuzBz0Po-DfGl0swUfoH_r4I7c9CIlcdR-Sc7Y2h6aUnGs_73Y/s400/dwiv090.gif" alt="I hope Healie appreciates the irony here." label="I hope Healie appreciates the irony here." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470381922993570" border="0" /><br />I hope Healie appreciates the irony here.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvxhdiYDf9hzwlXE1LOVAWeFc6f_xuqpPPI_1Q-apPhuxL9MUFl3WIgEOHpB9lxmK9QL0RjMdeRNalUDmBxlP5D2Yl0e4XQalvTbMzrYGTkJuETDaYX5MDGio2ucNYR_Y1IrgPIcmHII/s400/dwiv091.gif" alt="Everyone loves Healie!" label="Everyone loves Healie!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470379597503458" border="0" /><br />Everyone loves Healie!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3T_lqlu5kEjRoI98n_PlHIXA2-2DI5h66WlZDbb-PVUpLtdjTZOiOr0HLAMTCe2IaEH3CHR1iOneXJkHYKu4XRjQpzxU8sY6kIe6trrfHJDomDwdG4aVRjQaWGpmsUhsSHjo8iZyTIU/s400/dwiv092.png" alt="Mmm... Bantam." label="Mmm... Bantam." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470381405504786" border="0" /><br />Mmm... Bantam.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0ge4qFfCu0hdJmonEajqDSCoeyQXIaHjhffKp4Va4LE_04hn5gYZ7ndWbvK8wA1mtWNfJT9b7TXT9MS1lDU6MgSfbIWbUoe4kf8zgKevNGB2gY9U_0gMYDGsuGNOrC2zFMmpD7E0_hM/s400/dwiv093.gif" alt="Now pay attention, this is important." label="Now pay attention, this is important." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470373532357266" border="0" /><br />Now pay attention, this is important.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfWBSiHZmRe4BtF4bGi43GgP22NKZjH0CsDIZTLHsitTV8OWvW7XirKIpXgUfzAO0C1UpT06J-gZtpa6U_JqKXxBXl4acrOSCiHrt4DH5hsGglytTLBrXM57TKv0BG7Ahk98NF97KhMA/s400/dwiv094.png" alt="Sorry, ceiling, didn't see you there." label="Sorry, ceiling, didn't see you there." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470228275082210" border="0" /><br />Sorry, ceiling, didn't see you there.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YO3lWB47y1zrJ6Db5VclRuCQOskYdNk4yF2EveqLFRRWkeKdzG84U5ou_lpSuOq3V7i2t97r1938Ph_AvQJZLHCaVgUPII44wi5fhzOO5Ko9NNSiFV-HfJAjBEq6VWjY-VSpFC3ZlGQ/s400/dwiv095.png" alt="I really hope this isn't a trap..." label="I really hope this isn't a trap..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470226340680802" border="0" /><br />I really hope this isn't a trap...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qAy0St4ZE6RrgDEjYx02eWVSEL0_vITJVWzs49RIjUhLf0xIa9rVWXHTjrWMEVIwfl1zie3A9Bhg9Nfy22xnXkfCJyWk97EHLTr8MzA_Mch3QExKXTUzrs5v_Gsn3TfmZvmPl7TUAhY/s400/dwiv096.png" alt="I'm the Hero! Treat me badly! ...like that?" label="I'm the Hero! Treat me badly! ...like that?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470221150125570" border="0" /><br />I'm the Hero! Treat me badly! ...like that?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv6Y_d1G8X4Fh4GL6HC1JBTReaKZiAser8qa2_Z_qrqb0l-HwnMK9GkYjOHDz8z3SNF6aAw4_hiBc37FMOzVRs4yJ-Owtag9rwwdLdsPgptxwD3zFKBpcFVGZgXSxydKyhilc-nG9Qu8/s400/dwiv097.png" alt="Then it's not really a door, is it?" label="Then it's not really a door, is it?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470215301616178" border="0" /><br />Then it's not really a door, is it?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHOfI25I63Aqj02zhpkfK9qFrfFI4gmYpGG6UAiOj7c_bDgGcrh8w0Q361jb9l4I7qDDRod321C-1Rx_GXkc1Pk09JafWOh1mMvrB4vjpU9FH2g5kSSHH2gpnuYcgtNPmokiwk0KwkiI/s400/dwiv098.png" alt="Well, I have no business with a creepy tentacle monster!" label="Well, I have no business with a creepy tentacle monster!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456470213044004002" border="0" /><br />Well, I have no business with a creepy tentacle monster!</div></div><br />Finally, at the bottom of the tower, we found the local leader of the monsters, an impish little wizard type by the name of Saro's Shadow. He was surprisingly strong for his size, but Healie held out as long as he could to keep us healed while I hacked away at him. Healie didn't make it to the end of the fight, but thanks to him, I survived just long enough to deal the finishing blow. Thankfully, we were healed by some mysterious force after defeating Saro's Shadow, so we had an easy time climbing back up the tower to jump over the moat and return to Izmit.<br /><br />The people in the village were thrilled to see their children returned safely, though the children who had learned of the revival of the Ruler of Evil were pretty spooked about it. But since there's nothing we can really do about that right now, we decided to head back to Burland and report to the king. As you can imagine, he was pleased to hear the children had been rescued, and offered Ragnar a reward of his choosing.<br /><br />This Ruler of Evil stuff was really weighing on Ragnar's mind, so in lieu of an actual reward, he wished to be allowed to begin searching for the hero in order to help and protect him. The king was happy to oblige, and handed out a fairly large chunk of experience points to help him on his way.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfTrWZKtM2wj-zNYzK6dmIOk0CYKx2kN4_yNpVTaUMOkduTpeUyx8ePZlbaFO7AB2cvcuaAgcbj_BB-lLwlw9mLW1Kzq6c0809bTbg0iZO5e1f0rsaOo2tLBTI9iD7Z3Kcsk6pb94lek/s400/dwiv099.png" alt="No, that's not what I wish." label="No, that's not what I wish." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469834560990050" border="0" /><br />No, that's not what I wish.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NqPWn_D88LmRo4X219QDovnZ66r9DwgaHHN440M1Wc7Y4Vh75Nxud9a1rC9aMOaQlME4MM3aq3L32aZ-7razIxfEGFHykSLKd0a3qmFqDr0Kvg-L0hiuo-Dy5bUdGKsz33vfQj7yj1I/s400/dwiv100.png" alt="These next few turns had better count." label="These next few turns had better count." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469831571380114" border="0" /><br />These next few turns had better count.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Veypg5yNkTYUeCX5pR3juh0pHqszNihgczrP71W8-Gnzcxhq486KzVmAZmqmLvLHgK6HzQWdPuxMsdSoAyvbwkVHHnrvOJ7O9Em8iePl6cqGd4N3_34HAlqjbVtvscbFv1jqzzfjkEA/s400/dwiv101.png" alt="And they did!" label="And they did!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469821839493058" border="0" /><br />And they did!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6obzXNww42_y7W833Exu_7a7uj8I1FSHYFvAFUyTMgrsIKgHXIfKp7wjnJBZdywU1XL2i6bj-Y5KYWK0MFs0zivenR5KrhOxQlgrrfjk6fwkKE8WUnP3fTBFCwm-6VhwJWLsyhjxCb0/s400/dwiv102.gif" alt="He actually said " label="He actually said " at="" the="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469814731070530" border="0" /><br />He actually said "Gasp!" at the end.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6475QM0uVfH4doCU1_JYOg-dhDAGDq3wf9OxmoKMRJIun5LTGARN6iLTEZy1ETgLkeSz0_IaPZMR4mEJUqAHxbRKu60WyjkI3CGDn5r3AJkxeeKvVde5ikbqYVCF4gRanJvqwFUqAF0/s800/dwiv103.gif" alt="And now everybody loves Ragnar!" label="And now everybody loves Ragnar!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469810341996306" border="0" /><br />And now everybody loves Ragnar!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbtG2kd8phTPLyu9rvoAAenvDci3DGqh7GVhBhYq9B80-mPg3F_-RZ_7zLRyrbIGMcp82YMI_UQWSftbrH6UpT2DELmcw8jkBg-xHd9OO-sm6GL4bpEyyFfU7IW-Suho0OZ8R1YTyW00/s400/dwiv104.png" alt="Kid, I barely know what's going on." label="Kid, I barely know what's going on." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469599159299698" border="0" /><br />Kid, I barely know what's going on.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocdReEsp22yJGEb74XOq1nSpgM-fcRpxwwnJCGQY_DIsGhb-C6EcAgzH-Fyx5brO_Isvd01tskNlaKvwrgLkyfzIQizHJtHc0CQBHcuiophtTf4SjU92BG-i50_wv2KHZPFD9WIu1Ktk/s400/dwiv105.gif" alt="I don't like you." label="I don't like you." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469594571660578" border="0" /><br />I don't like you.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4xuGILH17oQjTg-4K41cZXhyKENQwQV_h1s3zdotghffJlhu-2ElQF-ddbodL3w51RpX1m4WzDn-b6vFjJHI4A6IVKDWb8YdnsfH8DilVQvzM3Ucc-5SyOhrOzA7D7lUMlCEWSHnLbk/s400/dwiv106.png" alt="If you were young, I wouldn't even exist." label="If you were young, I wouldn't even exist." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469586991617954" border="0" /><br />If you were young, I wouldn't even exist.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGg3PbUYCpFEukQlqEXg2xcyKk8YqXia4dXjQ-cI_EedndSUEbbgu2FPpnXaru0WlG_UsX2U7E8V5ovrnP71i1X0tSCq1JXII4iO9OHl4hrdja0DDRe5TNKTSDVd8I4Q6omN8VmnPDpTk/s400/dwiv107.png" alt="Please, waiting is what he does best." label="Please, waiting is what he does best." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469587513265074" border="0" /><br />Please, waiting is what he does best.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOspnlInGLhe2a1r6JxSkkM6UdVaUaKPPpAFgIBVBaw5Cv6lG3csohcvajgUcju2THapdHpdEhwSlTOZhifhu3bBovBPKteWpJ4elDa_8pUW6ufaK6K50S48VVgG-vsyHvNyfF8c-TM8w/s400/dwiv108.gif" alt="All that experience and I only gained one level." label="All that experience and I only gained one level." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469583229105906" border="0" /><br />All that experience and I only gained one level.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73IVi9RFUOyxAP-vON2LrtWSOELw_rBYgFQIdmSE04-x6hPfjAOPf6SDCj9l8S8YQZxQq8D-ho36XVhaLWBOLPTAH-_7-Qf2j1FFfwRoQp1CfpSgRVNYiI0TpkHITMxzaanKJto8j79g/s400/dwiv109.png" alt="Yeah, good luck with that." label="Yeah, good luck with that." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469455530795938" border="0" /><br />Yeah, good luck with that.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF1iRnfVDYsXuRYDnU7Pi_ribd2bCYgkxGnmvtRhp5Edg4g3IjWr_OSBxB7QYncu4jh7CBlejfocQpA7lST4iSzUeb0Rs8lJSJyvhHHr-64DXUNwhcF2HRJuN9665VQrMvBwpstalcwc/s400/dwiv110.png" alt="Not quite a cliffhanger, but I'll take it." label="Not quite a cliffhanger, but I'll take it." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469450381858770" border="0" /><br />Not quite a cliffhanger, but I'll take it.</div></div><br />And that marks the end of chapter 1! Chapter 2 will begin as soon as possible; I'm at the end of one of the less-than-retro games I'm playing now, and will probably be done with another pretty soon. That'll leave me with more time for <span style="font-style: italic;">Dragon Warrior IV</span>.<br /><br />So, assuming I don't start playing several more games, updates should be a little more frequent.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-71531793250163333102010-04-07T19:27:00.003-04:002010-04-08T13:05:36.554-04:00RGR020 - Alex & FloraI needed a good night's sleep before departing for my trek back to Burland, so I stopped by the inn to rest. In the morning, I gave the town another investigative once-over, and was told by one of the children that the innkeeper's son, Pocos, flew away. I had already learned from the innkeeper that Pocos was playing with some "funny shoes" when he disappeared, and I think there's a connection. That is, if the kid was telling the truth.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vhpoavRKWDEutRm0NK3Fy_73kiNoBCJ9PgRXpFCn00z7WV2Syyg1umMttTFtwU-tY-aQ_dOCKemKiRIA8PZwesufCdVs9_-NnPboOr0yQrc4mzme5z5mjuoSQI0zZhxz5lIpvrZUhiQ/s400/dwiv057.png" alt="Actually, I was already here." label="Actually, I was already here." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469078854329922" border="0" /><br />Actually, I was already here.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv1iRvr25wHlYx6cKs8qH89QpZVPMn84x1VpSCUUFb9bt3UYZ6wBQlysxoNA5YZpyVH_eplUpNuMlAGUTgpYgFksaqsMYnDSM-Q0XxObSZAsF2dw6nOltufoCved6wloS6E17I90xNvA/s400/dwiv058.png" alt="That sounds serious." label="That sounds serious." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469075455431154" border="0" /><br />That sounds serious.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighNGGD5F6Gse5zuYG_16aA8vzn9TPw9SQLRLw_owjwj4aGHNxgWlhzlcg1jmNtjQGzPaCKyeY115t7LgIcXbMwnSIuvffFZRPR8eMV_eZ9R_Z_dVXA8gd8fzTDpFK3IksRezBCt-HqGY/s400/dwiv059.png" alt="That would explain the pencils, books, and... dirty looks." label="That would explain the pencils, books, and... dirty looks." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469074202696370" border="0" /><br />That would explain the pencils,<br />books, and... dirty looks.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7AzBI4OwiGqottLPLdLnHXam62zupNAg-Wvdw-QpzMEdCIC0Ga1jyEOFvjN8FxgdaFiliKzR7u1wGd8fxqzBQqVUIFmM4dJOSghqDQjV_BrmnaLvrU1-OfSnjtHmQXMlN3f9goGmUew/s400/dwiv060.png" alt="Yes way?" label="Yes way?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469068484377746" border="0" /><br />Yes way?</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SINVGb3av-hoIjDD2RNLcgbIUgwpTU0Fs94KOEjpoV9Ok4iIGYtHrxu9NAXjfp3W93Z9IbNucEJBjD4_hvj4xz1hb4eGcNQMLfB5RIWPZD_jCytsLkMARh-DDAOBq61HCdlsD8YBYf0/s400/dwiv061.png" alt="He went that way." label="He went that way." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456469062043682338" border="0" /><br />He went that way.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiesVOZ5l7JefLlQmc4evJmk303qIRSh-6Bz4h81bus5RzFdUfeLh67BRqrQgwhZYv7sO0xV5hgDzzo6uev1R-y-FqpNSc_bqKT9wPqjhP93UwA0aUrnjzUCGAMdMWTnl67LrOp7SBrnI/s400/dwiv062.png" alt="That's also great!" label="That's also great!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468932521492034" border="0" /><br />That's also great!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX5g39Zp6HlovhMsFw2WNCWhDJHdNlYn2kSdK6eBnjnlf7YZHwQlhxdmXLQZSVI1UTLhFAQyBBJ7kEAos0lCDJdBVPIyWRzXxnlrUQYmpHI5hjPW4TeonTzR69ItBWwRMoZ1QaYn2DRY/s400/dwiv063.png" alt="I'm having a hard time believing you." label="I'm having a hard time believing you." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468923749702562" border="0" /><br />I'm having a hard time believing you.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtj42ll4fnHosoc-HH6HuCmUDCLfNeguNJLol8fOqW3Iru-0b4aBpQLkM68KCpx2k5MUpgnxFSHIk33lYSBlUn7HclRrRitdNgO-y3a-hTJdjzP6L6n261c38QAK5H_0X02PtrjnXOMg/s400/dwiv064.png" alt="Fwha?" label="Fwha?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468916766498930" border="0" /><br />Fwha?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatUD0K19ZBRs28Qs8Bkt4h8LG6PQBFz47X3G1Ce79HeAVgkVmSpQmr8wzbWVymGR77rrwWRM4Uo0_QExLjVI0xSCsncem2XWoWzQ8AmoPlUg45ujH65RSx1GLotKBQOmLBxSdpIT4gps/s400/dwiv065.png" alt="We already did that." label="We already did that." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468886129637666" border="0" /><br />We already did that.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWGb0H_eVtxDTZ-7OC8uwNZfVHJSxSGq5NYpjft9SoxL1ILH1vVZgWUbkdLcFrRctuHsXNsmeIMlausOj-gyxf7jTKpF59EG0YWxmn1yTaITPXOXClMfd30lf-dp55q6bF58qtiXiwJ8/s400/dwiv066.gif" alt="I already wondered that." label="I already wondered that." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468882113919106" border="0" /><br />I already wondered that.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5PwZMSip5HWgkYayhLFFgZ1s28yxNDeAlpQ0UCoymNR9B5iqQ4Z_aw64VlHY-wsj7FjxNdkFUtc1mZO1-N_cYJoBnWuEK7GQvzEVPcodiGVNb2mVwNoafkcv7MMnJLg2251ICCjr-qU/s400/dwiv067.png" alt="Oh yeah, I've got to go get your wife." label="Oh yeah, I've got to go get your wife." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468765139483330" border="0" /><br />Oh yeah, I've got to go get your wife.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1mksMxaEDX6iPasuihxNIPbRKTUTxZCA6cFcLZgYPEb3PnBjur3oubCdFLVmeeKm4I3lEDU7zFg6pzr-XxsRWCmH5ynjBXy-PGyyWeSyOroj2g1jJeCMLT9vPBj9_Jzt5u-slVVnlH0/s400/dwiv068.png" alt="Chosen for what?" label="Chosen for what?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468762798858994" border="0" /><br />Chosen for what?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrd_CQO_sF_ck1I2L5UoRzl2GY7P9GbXCVtdyfWaTBj-15O5iSxv_7QVYgZTp3r0jz4BFoemoQXotTmtHfwuWfy4uofUK0JP0zygZ4MsNIFCYqp2u7xMW9Jfb4-4Kv3FumjKO0r6v0l4/s400/dwiv069.png" alt="Tell that to the guy hiding in the bushes." label="Tell that to the guy hiding in the bushes." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468758323128066" border="0" /><br />Tell that to the guy hiding in the bushes.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QsiNyxl9meZj3aDNs40uuGufla2Or3Xebtx_Ykf_9SVmoOr9ONGkEsvDRYShlfte1kXn7If4fAhefX0Zt8d3ijTiMYh9E5jzV42Xu-I5LDq57HqFK108NfowDLqdTt8wgO-B1bnIvO8/s400/dwiv070.png" alt="I imagine they want kids." label="I imagine they want kids." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468757052280114" border="0" /><br />I imagine they want kids.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt6HZlVBl3MsZrv99YtAIuVAFklH5gGc_lfEXPSMVx45Vjey2CR74bC1AvDl6YOtZmZG9uLm80Lk5xFPCXfXPAFRYfNuFQIbVtfaEdhrR-54x8gV2kfjqidjlYPT6McQDu1Yhd6dNA_0/s400/dwiv071.png" alt="Tell me about it." label="Tell me about it." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468752585596450" border="0" /><br />Tell me about it.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8DpEzAgpwLROzfj2oJmu3X49E12dvs0pQ5WocXnKf8f_DC12WQIRnkDadVnfWDs1ExQp_VWisQUO8ul3xWU8iPtUyFXNV09C2G_IslUNjPGgPFocSiuHn6l9m44RsHBY35wxq4ZKN8Y/s400/dwiv072.png" alt="Funny ha-ha, or funny strange?" label="Funny ha-ha, or funny strange?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468640680735442" border="0" /><br />Funny ha-ha, or funny strange?</div></div><br />Armed with what little information I got from the people of Izmit, I started off on my way back to Burland to tell Flora of Alex's imprisonment. She begged me to take her to Izmit, though I didn't really have much of a choice. Having gained so much experience fighting my way back and forth, I found my third trip through the cave fairly easy. Not that Flora was of any help; she stayed out of sight during battles.<br /><br />Once we reached Alex's cell in Izmit, I stood back and watched as Flora helped Alex regain his lost memory, either by kissing or smacking him. I'm actually not sure which. Once he came to, Alex told me a rumor he had heard from the children about a secret playground near the village, four steps south and four steps east of the signpost. I left the two of them to their devices, stocked up on supplies, and headed out to investigate this secret playground.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpRKi6vuRVUbkEh6EpkEAxMWclORoW70aTLwYqW9fiVmRft7RtaQzBlet2RXejyaK9wvn4kDdpctG-idEEJitBfkTiBzHJgjuxpLtWbH83RZBvkkXhlaUENlcfi9l6uxVelCbJjrM1BU/s400/dwiv073.png" alt="Way to fail early." label="Way to fail early." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468634712207202" border="0" /><br />Way to fail early.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxnrbtLTdHvzeR93FXvJYPdO5EobgnMlGfE45TiDUd2LH7okatdVArCKyGKnU4-ggPoQr3Rc52H5Y3w3StD6xbXidYmgBiHNiq9RXUGXxWYfYMvMUZgmKDLpGVVZsptSEq9wWonRpD6Y/s400/dwiv074.png" alt="Okay, but you have to help with the monster-slaying." label="Okay, but you have to help with the monster-slaying." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468624334508898" border="0" /><br />Okay, but you have to help with the monster-slaying.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uR-cJePr3aN88kPhJhH5ePofAMimi5k5_WB_1oY56HxJ2zTVQnnRKgBKXXT_QqBNmN1R2D-uewtK-q2UfPGb5TpqG9b6P2XdASVb2KNUWqQSVV3rqZcoxVM21rvJdC0aUTHVASknOEY/s400/dwiv075.png" alt="Yep, I see you're making lots of progress." label="Yep, I see you're making lots of progress." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468591556466418" border="0" /><br />Yep, I see you're making lots of progress.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzjYWAoqdRaubz2-3hlKEG2bPLYN7gtkzHeYDxOid2rXul2vUx7UaTvarx_3cFJ-wgoDAFPHmvc1ARMS9Whxlx5-kYcTugzdwNfMPvqrf8qvwEBauxYyIG0cteIyAGGIO-NUiVtUxI2U/s400/dwiv076.png" alt="That wasn't so bad, now was it?" label="That wasn't so bad, now was it?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468585509045122" border="0" /><br />That wasn't so bad, now was it?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBj9PqGZSy0Jme8eINc3Dmvj0bvM-HaUyh4tgcakouh1XKWhjWdpTVrI1UR9P1KgQynKDCa206FZCj6v6IuG3gOPLcAt6aMld8YhpoZ6iJDIWn3Bv1PXdUEVJo0CwccRvP6VFnw4FNDOQ/s400/dwiv077.gif" alt="At least I got a clue out of it." label="At least I got a clue out of it." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468464843948658" border="0" /><br />At least I got a clue out of it.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUPi3KB7MDLXtGfGOU-8YBh8oBLio5vYHDhZ5mV84XnmNNrEGtYIiWQV476-VCUqYy-eORVjZDJiC21dpQmcYIFkV9AjSsrpRR6BU4_h4lz-OnONyaKCNxx0MQzkceCoXvPuqBBdVbi0/s400/dwiv078.png" alt="Here we go..." label="Here we go..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468456575688386" border="0" /><br />Here we go...</div></div><br />It seems like it'd be best if I teamed up with some of my fellow Royal Soldiers, but they're all just wandering around being worthless. It's like I'm the only one who knows what I'm doing.<br /><br />But then, I guess that's what makes me the star of the chapter.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-7220062548623278752010-04-05T20:03:00.004-04:002010-04-06T12:21:40.712-04:00RGR020 - The Town of Izmit<div style="width:100%; text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYz7MuDwU9sne0-Wx_Z_u5nnyEiSTZksjvEfItY8gFe0JHPRD5FoUew2gy3xmaTG-gBSa6rvvH8dMxrJAHSzZ-_4IkxQzLilfl-uWmtJflhnqUtI8I92EuTywhmfLOM5o_2U-xehLSyQ/s400/ryan-slime.png" alt="Happy Ryan slime is happy. And Ryan. And a slime." label="Happy Ryan slime is happy. And Ryan. And a slime." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456722420726525298" border="0" /><br />Happy Ryan slime is happy. And Ryan. And a slime.</div><br />After fighting a fair number of monsters outside the castle, night fell, as night tends to, and I returned to the castle town to see if any new people were out and about. Little had changed, though I learned there's a man trying to woo Flora in her husband's absence, which is a bit suspicious. The shops were closed and the king was asleep, but I still had plenty of awake left in me, so I started off toward the cave. Time passes quickly around these parts, so it was already morning by the time I reached the cave entrance. The path through the cave was pretty straightforward, with the only branches leading to small rooms with treasure, so I was back outside before I knew it.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nCPLZ6LSkiuq53ejRwEtyhDrY40Fp-EjYqLv912On_FegD5-Nh1lvKROWDLoBiuzRBj8l0clyV9ETikPRPm6J6m0wZAFwtElTstjmfMsT5AQ05uTdT2ZUMDuPhwqq_cL3PpTJqj6eVo/s400/dwiv033.png" alt="This doesn't seem too effective." label="This doesn't seem too effective." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468232303379810" border="0" /><br />This doesn't seem too effective.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86q6tZeP-qqzqyz0vAjEZrRP2WaMcpN2WDZbo981eFooPJBmsX6wpIvDUFH1D3-xa0vepx3XkKE5krtWGtidenk9BQ-Eu7NH2UgExPNufhislduqZdmZEBUdBk8De5ld6qE0-eaMMIx4/s400/dwiv034.png" alt="Whoa, that was quick." label="Whoa, that was quick." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468226491666034" border="0" /><br />Whoa, that was quick.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEBBZj3X_GTiutWdJlJKdDzS_O9omOlmLWAoPV7cHv-3mBWBlLDbhA2HBVS2TnoEgJqP84x6SuHa1zcLGSf6w47_rKVXKcxYTk-TlKHjkAVJTyyACw5bewyOubKsSnFc4-KnALOC1acA/s400/dwiv035.png" alt="He hasn't been gone THAT long." label="He hasn't been gone THAT long." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468220316509394" border="0" /><br />He hasn't been gone THAT long.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAsNf2KN-vgOAa3Ub8l8T8Ozo53c9W9fGMVkXZkLgpSHv_jIzA9pbnpwLdUuArBcfJVfn4yRhL262Tr_1wf53PbRDsD-PU9yZS1TOAU5eNqfaGzXkZ7rXiPRXB3tr3v28azYJBnlbdgY/s400/dwiv036.png" alt="You, sir, are an opportunist." label="You, sir, are an opportunist." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468210359412130" border="0" /><br />You, sir, are an opportunist.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprNMFxgjHVk9btj_zMB7hewbzZvUICxJlHJ6i7no66fBwtpjz8GfJaAVqixDl6VPV6PfdyII0p3-kcT4DhTeynDPiOvqsq5QzDcfUrsLgZanfh_NaUwjLJFiYSuLy16zsjgkEOFkAGh4/s400/dwiv037.png" alt="Do I look like your husband's keeper?" label="Do I look like your husband's keeper?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468202581917234" border="0" /><br />Do I look like your husband's keeper?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a5aD_WYxKk2DglmxZSD6S0wkHe1dS-WotGCYXXYLKnuOL1WuzKao4H1Ms-zEolMljdJT6KC6FVbVGh96NxjuCamQhqPFpgpAgvYHWo_bvHWy5_Mt6fi5_cCBuH2c0JfrqckWvq4y56Y/s400/dwiv038.png" alt="When you put it that way, yes." label="When you put it that way, yes." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468047479780002" border="0" /><br />When you put it that way, yes.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkuKBOVGmB4l602x4tczsPk9WB2TsiLFrv9NCeD2x0RMNQ5yDNXuBO8bZ04quDrl3sYxsVvNs2hruwYINMmMWNbfWTJ0FcqRMThGG4QTosXIWWH0Ml9z-PsogGed4o53hkunNOCdHJ_Q/s400/dwiv039.png" alt="You're a depressing guy." label="You're a depressing guy." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468043608907906" border="0" /><br />You're a depressing guy.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wkCzCQoX6KjnbLFyu6-Ww_kcn9Mvz1GNuU4R_FEsfbIMvGWq9WfXgR5JM-edtnk63ELUTmw_BcjuPtpLs3Hef0LvwWRxsbL3gxNaAfwz81JkMqtKK8LxvnFJmKrTu4Kw9RGR5qnraHA/s400/dwiv040.png" alt="I wouldn't imagine it would be." label="I wouldn't imagine it would be." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468035257179538" border="0" /><br />I wouldn't imagine it would be.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhyFSR_4KLWPeNzrHHVFJ1H_K60gNO13OL6u_RCF9EOH4oeZltGE_p9HUTeZLljgcSXLulSRpwPWapxxg2WqTtyka9APEOLRVx0GCG4z5KhGdF0lbZ1mttc9BeBbqsy-ZgeFvRgRCTMA/s400/dwiv041.png" alt="Having to search for your child makes sleep impossible." label="Having to search for your child makes sleep impossible." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468017867457026" border="0" /><br />Having to search for your child<br />makes sleep impossible.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4sK3MfSKxv5xpv9KpW-mVAPzN-laYdi_0Ee-YQd6p1fy4yxvRrrgMT1aTaOFy5_UIuUk2w4wDovBD_JB66bz3hfhYX_TwsXVvK7_4r8MqY_RzovFP7dGzQ9-XgPNQmwCdNYAMUjUYTE/s400/dwiv042.gif" alt="It also resembles last Tuesday's weather." label="It also resembles last Tuesday's weather." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456468007461355362" border="0" /><br />It also resembles last Tuesday's weather.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjJbrAvsQAzWTgz70XQr5S7aXGYw2kYMUX-wP2sGvYWui-5zQpgiyyzIfbNMIeAB9ObG54sKkh7jPQ4SvTOS6x5o4iqMReN2jbWNYZIsTBh4QjNL4EbBZyVmFEJnWMmRfrI0GJrg9Sak/s400/dwiv043.png" alt="Your dreams are lame, sir." label="Your dreams are lame, sir." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467828098501378" border="0" /><br />Your dreams are lame, sir.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1daTj6qnD0A7auRT3OoI3rTqlJxTKs6shbInlOrRuhNdt3QrxBPPWQpHnIWak-RC19pLqwVck3pDaSx6NCiNSzImcAPiYy19fp6eZX43eSKuMkVvzlsZQKNVw_AAN3iyEID5qa9RcfVU/s400/dwiv044.png" alt="At least they keep the cave tidy." label="At least they keep the cave tidy." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467814729688386" border="0" /><br />At least they keep the cave tidy.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmv2WsRzdxDDiTonFz_DWirs13wM8Z648SMt9kqZ0fp6N9BgKnmZmO6Hh1Y36nh93t3maASgvL_8jl9W0StjhdXhFfsVW4A0rRhL7h9Xiv2G4WydUJ2lJ0Ky8sw_YuSbY1z0jNZbP_ZS4/s400/dwiv045.png" alt="You know, he really is kinda cute." label="You know, he really is kinda cute." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467797808115682" border="0" /><br />You know, he really is kinda cute.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QEpcWedA9eh5RvaTDreq6yKagCamSZfwla6954yav3N6OVFZ5TTw5w0ECBwdoSygtZVD5DcFNP0bCXVWtctchph54d8las-tgOoAgcrFMuobwLxsq3a7P3yFeCJ3_N6YJxojT4tTQpA/s400/dwiv046.png" alt="Could've fooled me." label="Could've fooled me." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467794461469938" border="0" /><br />Could've fooled me.</div></div><br />On the other side, a nearby tower loomed over the land, surrounded by a moat. There doesn't appear to be a way in from outside, so I'll probably have to find some sort of tunnel. It was night again by the time I arrived at the tiny town of Izmit, so the children were asleep and the adults more willing to talk about the disappearances. The school staff suspects the children know what's going on, and just aren't talking. One little boy revealed that a man named Alex is being held in Izmit's prison; he was arrested for stealing bread. He apparently acts like a frightened child, and has lost his memory. I seem to remember the name Alex, but what was the significance? Oh, yeah; it was the name of Flora's missing husband. Imagine that!<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoHmp8nmYTMu-w5F2i7MhyphenhyphenXZSleJVRYa8MTTsrjhLj-irHkN8XT7H1xhkmG4Iy9mplGSOzGDFs3-wvTqWytBaRuShXXxNFalISa-eQ8wEj9ed8Y5bQMn7BJ2rTj1ZnUQvfz3kvZf3Fpg/s400/dwiv047.png" alt="I'll bet the kids are in that tower." label="I'll bet the kids are in that tower." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467789172923250" border="0" /><br />I'll bet the kids are in that tower.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-V_3ZGCjj0HFcas7VF9TBtbwqnpWx14gLahFAkf-vpV4k0rDoyV5d71NVUJLsMqycnBZt5XzRBaqGKcak_r-jsEqiXjoQG0MmH1Q0ZtFVdfJs8Q94yn9lJ05DzyfHxv3Cz-qtWVh3XYM/s400/dwiv048.png" alt="Play in traffic instead!" label="Play in traffic instead!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467613459359250" border="0" /><br />Play in traffic instead!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJvk37j38v2EFxmxE5kqGd4y-jPR2DfURF-idaKOHdnfbv06vIT5ccScbGKE2ojJ0hKcd2MKOPnTTT6L3zST4ZhjbYV-tYyoQS96RuP_J10ggWJ5r69XoaPoSbB6lfxF5W8cJSzYkhJY/s400/dwiv049.png" alt="Give me a chance to answer, jeez!" label="Give me a chance to answer, jeez!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467589297950034" border="0" /><br />Give me a chance to answer, jeez!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6jpXp3M8auS6timOLoiG7KBN43n2bsUL72tfPUMzk4W7U_cDpod6_qRdSRuUqS7zYli5Ke0heUk26B208WXFK8Ijv5huVwV7H7_Qi4qeCdgGeyfrPokO0Scw2lz_-59lkB_WY3ETHmw/s400/dwiv050.png" alt="I don't like the sound of that one bit." label="I don't like the sound of that one bit." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467555574489170" border="0" /><br />I don't like the sound of that one bit.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhk4RY5pv8k-3_DsL6ThLYgTL2P_4NFsPd9EivrMGfjv1NoIrdgYnz4Dn4MSkhP4_wm7AdkSqbTtKhTGl5bg724LDbhK6HD9vMKCMfXRChTEUHutabVN3hyphenhyphen5UO5Ey6Ykrbdx6v87aI2s/s400/dwiv051.png" alt="Have you tried asking them?" label="Have you tried asking them?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467520065722994" border="0" /><br />Have you tried asking them?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBpQyoqrTVUNVAXA9zfAPC-Beoe9qKoZCioWPF6UzgL2uUNzz_bLq7ZKWaZkiNDJcXjRWVn5Oeg9waKtAKUlP7bWBAnX8V82R1q-NvS0dUVIXrVb1DTmCH6ELdtX4NEiRAx9G6Xc7jjw/s400/dwiv052.png" alt="But... I still think we should ask them." label="But... I still think we should ask them." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467502504099586" border="0" /><br />But... I still think we should ask them.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXh5d2FAvMccs-3BWXw3W_JXdZ07zg9vipVoXjdpVIPgnO74fJXBaaSk3ozuAlw94C94LhOmNdnrF4uA-ypceFENsh8Vv-FTs9JPkkybAVMqPMyPgJHWNjO48j1u8csRYDBi3tDJj_fQ/s400/dwiv053.gif" alt="Dude, she's a NUN!" label="Dude, she's a NUN!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467305498619026" border="0" /><br />Dude, she's a NUN!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0q_8igetmOyHf0Y2HlYA2HmhIW_ZgNUzEwceCxIjBxT2-LYRMJj3LlTgOBwzT52ZszSyjf9zVnH7St9_4qC0tOycqV8j9-17JBWRETz83jFgqaTdSjkcRaA3eEKob6w0ePAEE2R9w4o/s400/dwiv054.gif" alt="That frightens me a little." label="That frightens me a little." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467284486560818" border="0" /><br />That frightens me a little.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr2dvaDwKtCWltRakKQqrxgSdM0Y9COxtOTcc1Mfz5jxvkuWdN1biM_K9e7kj2AWZtcHHbyNlMWS_k18ez2fZmVnPSVXtpTWdYYEIPYmw7WOGQrPos0exs_xXhoP31dvTYeREdET-qlU/s400/dwiv055.png" alt="*shudder*" label="*shudder*" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467237761128754" border="0" /><br />*shudder*</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJKFV9fFJ2MDrCxJg62sDWoOr_n1XzMaBCHzPhDDK5SY5rU-dL_1Pr-7jXZmySFZy_kD67s0nl7zKsdrsej2av-nsUMFkgx3KTV-d4twAcmT8xexCMP3b3Z4oRPZXRxBypN59ALlVw4c/s400/dwiv056.png" alt="Get ahold of yourself, man!" label="Get ahold of yourself, man!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456467210394319106" border="0" /><br />Get ahold of yourself, man!</div></div><br />Now that I've found Alex, I guess the next step is to return to Burland and let Flora know. Then we'll figure out what to do about bringing him home.<br /><br />I told you I'd end up running into him.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-26820776025912334362010-04-02T18:51:00.001-04:002010-04-02T18:51:00.640-04:00RGR Game #020: Dragon Warrior IV<div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidicSbpiqdgyjsSLcPPmFoDElw3fryBOkhzOvIAvkqwMOcfNpez3KXzG3unoLRG-uA-AB-4E0YhMjke7JCNJBMYeSqK6VirNFchMJmfrKrbbmRoKa8FUncuUx_G2l0OuhNMtxYkBpQ5aQ/s400/dwiv001.png" alt="Ooh, a castle in the sky... Laputa?" label="Ooh, a castle in the sky... Laputa?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518289760401458" border="0" /><br />Ooh, a castle in the sky... Laputa?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vRCMvkeRLOyrWnHVbg0B3dBe5N41vJ_dGm3msHW3d2Aw_4WZ4gc6BrFP6R1s3pFoXKHji3NlPz1IFpKCv0SlhtE46fAWWvC8iOg22bD2hcywJKDMhixy0rQNKRgK-2EJWnd_5_qwIYQ/s400/dwiv002.png" alt="Slimes, how I've missed you!" label="Slimes, how I've missed you!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518286098094578" border="0" /><br />Slimes, how I've missed you!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinptLasJcWB5zOd1USBefRg-C8OyjMrlzC7uHSwaUkBVa9oYjeV8d72ysrDZVSPN7IrMlOahE8rCLe2ppekEZuvYDJZUEytiPE-2lpCmxxrh-YIzwEKEj6RiVNzbQfuPn6wkOdf-Yhhjg/s400/dwiv003.png" alt="I'd be furious if I weren't just starting." label="I'd be furious if I weren't just starting." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518272643111058" border="0" /><br />I'd be furious if I weren't just starting.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR5XvMSUv-Jc8p5w03hy1UFcGamnat6WV39Hnqh4cQI-nupSIw7B6COZ8bO5I3EfXN1baxrztFOPnaabU16cQZ80IRInT41-WFWMjXX50hg5s2QxuXQbQqcmn1ZF_v-A9nv7bTYI0f90/s400/dwiv004.png" alt="Curse you, gender-neutral name!" label="Curse you, gender-neutral name!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518269772836610" border="0" /><br />Curse you, gender-neutral name!</div></div><br />Just like I promised, it's time for game #20: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dragon Warrior IV</span>! Unlike previous games in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Dragon Warrior</span> series, this one follows the quests of several different adventurers, all of whom must conquer their own foes and achieve their own goals before finally uniting in the end to save the world. The game is divided into five chapters, each of which is like its own little complete game; the star of each chapter even begins at level 1 with no items or gold carried over.<br /><br />Dragon Warrior IV is also the first game in the series to have no connection to the legend of Erdrick. It's like everything is starting over fresh!<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1VQc6_eO4c9mc43DqWeKiEQMDiJyYJg5wTITOAIPyu-mTOamAfxj4hff47uXcSAQ55wXzPWlThIhHimrEeqUhlHc7_w91Fk9XRaunVTCkBFOynt3cWMzZRaGG_WKzQIb4nEWWqulTU0/s400/dwiv005.png" alt="Grab your popcorn, kids!" label="Grab your popcorn, kids!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518270088170130" border="0" /><br />Grab your popcorn, kids!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxPA-ej5DjbEIQ7XgDoLz3fyYK6nXSGb0qzfmy6kbNaFrppHAobtGmqwhE8D5vub4nqWKSAOoLiK5p7fB5_8lGkNmhBB5aRPAlFpS_Re8bg9T-BD6qNMkeHgk5R2NsBPPFykmvXFaLU0/s400/dwiv006.gif" alt="But I thought I was Ryan..." label="But I thought I was Ryan..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518105681817970" border="0" /><br />But I thought I was Ryan...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99oM4CBX92MwLxI7i-00hLN1VfRr5a2aEAUxwcX5HQ5pW3kwiyFX_cgSUIWSbAQeeXYl2OOSeFHCZgCkQ54Vn_4yhDfrm_bqm0bf9uEhD0szVz5SlNIwRK22Tvs0y7NGEdfu_7psZYcs/s400/dwiv007.png" alt="Ignoring kings is a hobby of mine, actually." label="Ignoring kings is a hobby of mine, actually." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518101817519154" border="0" /><br />Ignoring kings is a<br />hobby of mine, actually.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RRLn_Cti3yuySD24mIkCzY2HK2O0OesrOGOXXvkm8-ANAA2I-22ayExLzw-ALtBjz-NpN4RDTGDDhlrjtFD3WHGI_fp9FSe_b_oHWit10rIyKMamhva0g5Uc1ayq3DVlpJj28lzwzJs/s400/dwiv008.gif" alt="Where's John Walsh when you need him?" label="Where's John Walsh when you need him?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518100978659682" border="0" /><br />Where's John Walsh when you need him?</div></div><br /><br />Chapter 1 begins at Burland Castle, where the king has summoned all of his Royal Soldiers to investigate a rash of possible child abductions. The children of the nearby town of Izmit have been disappearing one by one, and people suspect it might be the work of monsters. Ragnar, the star of the chapter and one of these Royal Soldiers, begins his investigation at once.<br /><br />Of course, given that I'm in control of Ragnar, the investigation is going to have a slow start. The castle is large, but what few treasures there are mock me from behind locked doors. So, after talking to everyone I can get to, I headed out into the town that surrounds the castle.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XGiCrMO9i8JxQFpF1sUO2rXBLcPXn-9cz377GIcd_5GU9bJ-qlTuorqvuqie-9FpK38MITn03xFuJRZj6zv9561UXw7dmrX2G6PLbAfj5qm94IIcqt6DGIpAru6ogZJJWTPjZttc4nQ/s400/dwiv009.png" alt="I'll find them; it's my duty as star of this chapter." label="I'll find them; it's my duty as star of this chapter." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518093333703090" border="0" /><br />I'll find them; it's my duty<br />as star of this chapter.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbzPYkI5Z6NSkuGWrSQG_yHdeitXNn1O7PbpLiX92AYlBGoOisLPppNUshB3b2Py0acY5U3tAl8495tShWZ62Kk62aOKyLYRrSGecqaam8-x8k7kl5MPhbeZJs-I0Yi-P7f3sQWFnv2A/s400/dwiv010.png" alt="Sorry, I just like talking to people." label="Sorry, I just like talking to people." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454518091439179442" border="0" /><br />Sorry, I just like talking to people.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOmPTgp-_TbFdsvhOd6bRavUxBqBc6ONxtx7KLD1IM3w3uRvqY637p7FTnGpDe5h7o-D9CFZ7lYcYsICQwaLnDLAWMNjRyQv3W40VrjAFx9Rvt8aapInTVmtDac8xKlDy0vL1OZsfhRw/s400/dwiv011.png" alt="I prefer Medical Steaks and Potatoes." label="I prefer Medical Steaks and Potatoes." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517890873325362" border="0" /><br />I prefer Medical Steaks and Potatoes.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f7nt58Dn7-9kwkSWeN2QUbm_L_wVlixZo7707UhJlRIkpfAbpbKWTwzdJdBhb0Xb5nS6Gfr3Q4xHdefEaZWk6T1dVU4hfRRp7-sII1RPanDfsZfkm_aICNWmcZV83W5W-H1VT-_Hrgc/s400/dwiv012.png" alt="By the fourth game, this is common knowledge." label="By the fourth game, this is common knowledge." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517884934639570" border="0" /><br />By the fourth game, this is common knowledge.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j3VyiDUcq-BO3uXFRGgW7bIFLSZ-u9N6Si1KiZl9rwzLQ-N9UxaRuJsIFz3mDxDiNRYruKPxqhbWPrjNVEQ03-Bk9gs0qKdXXV4MS62bECnbLvUag9yqlxqxn4okBN2C0pB-pXW9_Zw/s400/dwiv013.png" alt="No, but your buddy there might." label="No, but your buddy there might." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517880319275858" border="0" /><br />No, but your buddy there might.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7rm8L7xxogUIdX2xJqvrw2LqEHupNWDMjFQT9TPdvxCvN4cF_SgNKcaCM7v7lDIJLGftRQ4X6EBjD9iWB7cBqTMnFBPNreNfxwKEXTykQVucLIQ-FeVs41wIsKsQYqBzSLLyv1Z4yWQ/s400/dwiv014.png" alt="Yeah, I know. I work here too." label="Yeah, I know. I work here too." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517875810039410" border="0" /><br />Yeah, I know. I work here too.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Atl5WDfgOR3rgC8YeAkEWRFnYcg9VdYGYuGIMDZUSs_B1PPkYhmmqoYCg6eQjMIRW2MRk7t715uqNY23gdZOCCmoRy-fvy0l8Ma-zh_fLSFO6Ai8DA-pPX-Lo5XabdeUtidPAyOU5Vo/s400/dwiv015.png" alt="Wait, they let the kids play around monsters?" label="Wait, they let the kids play around monsters?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517870202974530" border="0" /><br />Wait, they let the kids play<br />around monsters?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZBz3lWwL2Fs2fLE0Lx4B0U4prO-Lxn7CxhWLwbAGETELsK0l1pHZ_PaNkPmc8xg4Isz5hUk99icHc3rR5MwTT_XP8sNZdkTGUtRGpAN5RZqcuX-mz58I20LBp6GR0qU5Zr_O_f0hydw/s400/dwiv016.png" alt="The other soldiers are incompetent." label="The other soldiers are incompetent." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517690259662738" border="0" /><br />The other soldiers are incompetent.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbHCg82SOepD5AycBSmuBNrDJbsLmvne_TOPW8rnpnS3laQ2SULKhPcNcFTzCXhIBRXISHF1wFZLOSPAtBnz7nEq0yaUaRraJnG89mqKmnHPdSoZSJbohwJqJJ8rVXdtgHeh6PZFkk70/s400/dwiv017.png" alt="Yeah, but it makes level grinding easier." label="Yeah, but it makes level grinding easier." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517691432927330" border="0" /><br />Yeah, but it makes level grinding easier.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MsIRvRKcVXpVW1cNaAg4UX_6rDQnDUyeFPk6J63nBIgdinB8WssNJBhX6akGd6voNMXW9rIl2sQ6l5QHUgzQm7uLE20kKAu79ZEf_jJxP5Jy2lk_l9c0wq1vksNJG8xoh_MXS2WKg-I/s400/dwiv018.png" alt="That's time for ya." label="That's time for ya." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517682579547362" border="0" /><br />That's time for ya.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwd5t3Tm4jPKZIIXG4fEKctl9r8mp0nf2XlnqzA6OGM9NMdIABxkqHBOFFCJpNoAdGylNeDHniTfA7uoK-h0DZ4WpGswV-lOUpaPahjNlcP5iyzqWf9F76xKRvLnddpbQbbihxxArP2Oc/s400/dwiv019.png" alt="You're literate then, huh? Lucky." label="You're literate then, huh? Lucky." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517675812719778" border="0" /><br />You're literate then, huh? Lucky.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DXk6sgEXlFGabqLxcrvw3p6yGLfzzUzikpNgjixXLnivTFkXDqZq_Z1b2Mr03r7u5lbW2-qsE2b5ECaBRDPK16cfr2KonhhIerKwuRai_wdLMLvtj4Vj4ImArx8vjUVk5yn85kMrTQQ/s400/dwiv020.png" alt="Ooh, no more tiny castles!" label="Ooh, no more tiny castles!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517677832330290" border="0" /><br />Ooh, no more tiny castles!</div></div><br />The first thing I noticed upon exiting is that the castle itself is actually quite large on the outside, larger at least than the tiny castles from the previous game. I ran into a woman named Flora in the castle town, whose husband went missing. I guess I'm the designated search and rescue guy, so she's asked me to report to her if I find him. Then again, if she's talking to me about this, I'm sure to run into him along the way.<br /><br />The town of Izmit sits on the other side of a river, and the only way to cross that river is via a nearby cave. No doubt the cave is full of monsters. The weapon and armor shops in Burland don't have much, but since I'm just starting out, it'd probably be best if I spent some time leveling up and saving to buy the best equipment available before going anywhere near that cave. Especially since the king's kindness to his people has resulted in my under-equipment.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhZUWBk0-wYQ7WxLhXMbrx1q_q3kJrGQfaLF-PUPYq3WneIglpsbVSFG6XO8LUY6SGIPb0LO_0g8M-FQf2s9iUWFlT0WhtKPvMIk5mr-0R_ReYM0f71l7La_YyI2Y8J9tGXwiCzllO9U/s400/dwiv021.gif" alt="We'll see how long this lasts." label="We'll see how long this lasts." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517515741773458" border="0" /><br />We'll see how long this lasts.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7L75Iwgn10EzTBybkUE5MV-ZwPoKklWzLa8s-z2UD8Kcjdhez1t6jPBhD5NE8AVPGCMtsu0pJaPn9v7-lT01Sra7Q9tNFKSG5lPm4OQIcSXKIHAbgGu1NSkv5cgilF9xc6uZzJRfrQI/s400/dwiv022.png" alt="That was four paces more than I expected." label="That was four paces more than I expected." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517516285320242" border="0" /><br />That was four paces more than I expected.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeF766shd9-ANTX04WZ2ZoX_PgLampW-o3f8pD4H4iE5TS1TIFv5mrp6JuCT3TndUXI6E_3Qo0lEBjqEsyLun22sN8SztFhNVp6_ZWey1nqmUIF4Lu7iRzK9oR8MINIpOgYFNj6nkjbs/s400/dwiv023.gif" alt="We should kill monsters to supplement taxes." label="We should kill monsters to supplement taxes." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517513293826194" border="0" /><br />We should kill monsters to<br />supplement taxes.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz-Iug_qr4Txfo5TN06kRJ8QzPDaFZ9RkdwL2MLjdA-gCZ_wT0krDOTNspaJcPE0w1ZcSdmQEkLC7u1lsP_Xr2T8LYFSEMgRyOXyhq0beTqgsG4joKb8a2d55YRigCbajoof3CeSeQIc/s400/dwiv024.png" alt="Why a cave? Wouldn't a bridge be faster?" label="Why a cave? Wouldn't a bridge be faster?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517507583484770" border="0" /><br />Why a cave? Wouldn't a bridge be faster?</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hU_8AL8ZxtL02w_5N_eUR8fqF-YSPsdj-SOfnt_prlKcDCYb7JyxYbrPog0iqeYJrn74yg0fMHfIm-KsizMdU5a-W3SPl1iuOsrNHcg867BA4B4oXkPrtPSfRm8L7qwWZuk5VsF20lE/s400/dwiv025.png" alt="Amazing!" label="Amazing!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517502977986066" border="0" /><br />Amazing!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8YB6tJHOzikaB6jMfV-ZgjteTg-bZSkYa5QARk2BZm0SHkIQ8KqlbNChwPoTacjyOhlmAICq_8ub6sTH1yhaJn7UlUZ40Aar23iV783vxmECVTXd8NwH8O9UcYGiRcfF6BuPHwGPUHo/s400/dwiv026.png" alt="You know, I'm kinda busy." label="You know, I'm kinda busy." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517323558994658" border="0" /><br />You know, I'm kinda busy.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTh_BGmMYY-Bp7lqfRRjKyshdsAZOonQha4Ymc15Y0trASLiZ9btusYktjM8F39JwiPdHF_83_X0-NmZudFqOrpoEylk1acOTx9DVCVAj4MPkLxga57BtENWRwz3FvWWm7lmIyPBJfyc/s400/dwiv027.png" alt="Hmm... I'll have to confiscate these." label="Hmm... I'll have to confiscate these." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517324764375474" border="0" /><br />Hmm... I'll have to confiscate these.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLZxuPmytz98iNz516LwXM6BQf03GYuUZbT1mEsqixlW5VswFr2estMMLUOHW0t0nzMFVB7yzuzGYFMiEI74OtmcNTMhO3RdZOrkIJ8-gyaf7BeE09aiP0Zjqu5lF1pGyLPgYNQpwg6M/s400/dwiv028.png" alt="Yeah, clouds are spooky." label="Yeah, clouds are spooky." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517317096396578" border="0" /><br />Yeah, clouds are spooky.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVpBcppwrZSxSM_rg9ysTB5-fa6g6mq5eGZ1CzL77ZDXlV_pPhjCKbtb3Xvd3QPvmT0AStHLQnsDvv_crIol0NIFPl9W-TrBHH5h4nM5QRH5JIOSJwcJUXGP1KBq0Eh4cyM76C0JNegA/s400/dwiv029.gif" alt="So what do kings do around here then?" label="So what do kings do around here then?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517312455583618" border="0" /><br />So what do kings do around here then?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcpzWAGbQSF40hEADIdneEhCVvMKfSGN_0LrocfHcuZRp38K5K6jQobAfl2b4dxXNpJjtG3xy03bKawVwp_n0XVE0qrGUq8TNigkzjgrzbTy7e3jMlPr3KtUL_rAq4xcIHPRiITnnrrU/s400/dwiv030.gif" alt="Give me a break, I just started!" label="Give me a break, I just started!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517305901025426" border="0" /><br />Give me a break, I just started!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXIzzk8OLklPLn9z0PkGcOcU4IrRP1sw2mO_jkSNOcIOxLr27LDqLzkGb_2KzrTl-xyyOFziNORSoSmCoC4-65RyNc1GoyZK-kpJAxuMzDUaNj5waWLp0YmpmYbrnmPsm8wqPCrBGuvg/s400/dwiv031.png" alt="Here, slimes... I've got a surprise for you..." label="Here, slimes... I've got a surprise for you..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517183092326786" border="0" /><br />Here, slimes... I've got a<br />surprise for you...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TsmpgG53z0h-MwmdB6twXygIhgh13NyEW9wqC0s9J3ICXczU4OZ-ZmzFX-z-zznjK95-Gas0Ova6HYgY2eCOj7r_Lz-aStrNZqkMXlmA-LYL9MzaiaFYnK0UBQLpgwmfwLT-jZh6ByY/s400/dwiv032.png" alt="Ah, the memories..." label="Ah, the memories..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454517177697817746" border="0" /><br />Ah, the memories...</div></div><br /><br />And so, Ragnar's quest to find the missing children of Izmit begins.<br /><br />I'm planning on pacing myself so that there are several smaller posts for each chapter, but we'll see how that goes. I tend to take a screenshot of every piece of dialogue, so a game of this size will most likely wind up over a thousand screenshots strong. I suppose I'll have to trim that down a bit, since I use a three-digit counting scheme, and that means no more than 999 screenshots.<br /><br />Besides, fewer screenshots means fewer captions, and that means less work for me.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-2086856031671017402010-03-30T19:46:00.000-04:002010-03-30T19:46:00.494-04:00RGR019 - The Final... Wait, What?I know, I know... it's been almost a month since the last <span style="font-style: italic;">Whomp 'Em</span> post, and you're just itching to see how it all ends, right? In case you've forgotten, and are too impatient to scroll down one post, we left off with Soaring Eagle's victory over the Secret Guardian and his procurement of the sixth totem, the Dart. This seems to have angered something in the heavens, and as a result, a hole was ripped open in the sky itself, revealing a column of light shining down on that conspicuous mountain in the center of the stage select screen. Inside the column, the final totem rose up from the mountain, and Soaring Eagle followed it upwards to the site of the Final Test.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Note:</span> Since completing the game, I've read a couple of FAQs that all called this final totem the Death Branch, but I'm certain it's a case of the first person getting it wrong, and everyone else just assuming he/she was right and copying what was already written. In any case, when I look at the totem's image, as well as the projectile it allows Soaring Eagle to fire, I see a dragon. Call it what you want, but I'll be calling it the Dragon totem.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLIJ1nT2xb1AQJslO8vB0ywWG9DIE8YtgxZ4tEVGYR_fP2jATpA6n1xpRqmou8QwVWrQb-7UHNhDLP-g9rV6bT05Si1etYXP5MMDDhkA058Sy6k89eEMSYoQJll-qC7YaSXRiw_EJrB0/s400/whompem064.gif" alt="Yeah, it makes my eyes hurt too. Sorry." label="Yeah, it makes my eyes hurt too. Sorry." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153304678506866" border="0" /><br />Yeah, it makes my eyes hurt too. Sorry.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CGkZ2nfHmEiuQn7c61oMfG6RMM1RYDSshAluoAaILLjUZ0EAriwqxUgCFoOPhdBXMR4oZyhbp6jQRB-sDrUMlc_Yuhkp2T5ugPPAjC-78bEebRM4ef9G9XwGpyToK6T-dydG-BVeaTs/s400/whompem065.png" alt="Oh, so I buy 6, and get one free?" label="Oh, so I buy 6, and get one free?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153294459489666" border="0" /><br />Oh, so I buy 6, and get one free?</div></div><br />The Final Test is comprised of a set of smaller tests, each of which is connected to the next by a vertical shaft lined with clouds. When you're this high up, I guess the clouds are solid, but springy, since Soaring Eagle bounces on them. The first part consists of dark, dangerous clouds, along with giant pillars, all guarded by miniature versions of the Ice and Secret Guardians. The Dart helps Soaring Eagle climb the pillars, while the Spear Whirlwind is necessary to break through weak spots in some pillars.<br /><br />After ascending the first cloud-line shaft, we're greeted by pillars of ice and pits full of what appears to be the same electric seaweed you might have seen in the first <span style="font-style: italic;">Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</span> game on the NES. The Dart comes in handy once again, as does the Fire Wand, which melts parts of certain pillars. Here, the enemies to worry about are miniature Water and Forest Guardians, though they act just like the guardians from the first area. As much as I wanted to use the Cloud here, I found it was too slow to avoid the Forest Guardians that patrolled the seaweed pits.<br /><br />The third part of the test throws a bit of a curve ball: ZERO GRAVITY. After stepping off the first platform, Soaring Eagle begins to float up and down, bouncing off any surface he touches. He can only use his spear to push himself to the left or right, and is otherwise at the mercy of the many platforms and columns that line the way. Gas clouds pursue him through this section of the stage, and since the upward and downward aerial attacks don't work properly here, the clouds must be avoided. My first attempt at the stage ended here, mainly because I was almost out of life by the time I reached the third area.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4R2I5gxUCrPNeTbT-8lRuNN4yZ2lTig34fr3eOLRGP-qUgK3elGyfDBaQPhdXasmDRD-vbhgccBJZq07Rz6clBaCVrsq3z2jp-8qy_yfyjfotZWLxDgS8r-i0nADlZbFFCGXGJcuQ0s/s400/whompem066.png" alt="This is why they call him Soaring Eagle." label="This is why they call him Soaring Eagle." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153285857363474" border="0" /><br />This is why they call him Soaring Eagle.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVeRds6ajJ3GC4xKk8O5HgfjDf0H4tU88qa5Tr2tRJ3qzPnljC7jJ0u-UnoQpsQx8YhMEB9Pq0kxOpGUO0wz7AaCuGMq1VvXqHKzG47ixgiuzhfWSY4uk1969yGUTtsruGZFlH066ws8/s400/whompem067.png" alt="The dark parts of the clouds hurt for some reason." label="The dark parts of the clouds hurt for some reason." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153281358662146" border="0" /><br />The dark parts of the clouds hurt for some reason.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz73BK8PVwcJI8WHlw9p0KWnsz_2GAzxQVfVGcc82o4OJp9WBJdcZxG_OwkTn45Zw8Ncqc-76gh_yNrK0Qo132HloepougAS6cK58kem-8KFNM9l4fNNWWHaLa0uSbamV-wZd8WuK1LJc/s400/whompem068.png" alt="I could use a helmet right about now." label="I could use a helmet right about now." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153276868846034" border="0" /><br />I could use a helmet right about now.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NqN4jfgLJVr64rnn7WywNnrVzU3wTJIH5-tT5tfIGzuDbUKTD1IEoEzyQQxifvhlxiBqVfp_mGAy4CU1Io7BE7EMq9L2T1xCYb8F_QE8HCnwnYHhBeDIold-N_U-8OlT3OQJtCQLiLI/s400/whompem069.png" alt="Hey, a use for the Fire Wand!" label="Hey, a use for the Fire Wand!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153183008267154" border="0" /><br />Hey, a use for the Fire Wand!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzXoHaKm42yGqOAH1NQ8JxMdw6RMU_fVY8DBqkC732beywPjpjurwdjJKWPO07UKgYvsVIwvB6OAF83j-LhdVlPz4BrfAosfBtrJPN4sEHmogE4MQGWDp1FcS_vxr4xkyNcvzz9sXNGw/s400/whompem070.png" alt="It's like a pink frog-filled nightmare." label="It's like a pink frog-filled nightmare." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153181100861314" border="0" /><br />It's like a pink frog-filled nightmare.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52S_XVbyw_LOETV1axoZPLQCl6rUEE6zzIt-A4tLbxcRDRH8Bh9T9Ibg4ZMoEzlacek-JMt855j-IdCpOWFiz8yd3DfZsyauA6ugNEgB7j2uslpy0GgZ8WlTB9RKcyLiJoPPtuDttbyw/s400/whompem071.png" alt="Aren't cocoons supposed to NOT move?" label="Aren't cocoons supposed to NOT move?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153173355087874" border="0" /><br />Aren't cocoons supposed to NOT move?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcpIAbgtlWkwWgdwfcmjYilWV62Es9zPCusiwERpIwecYNTU8IMgXkG20H77sBxejfV8IspoYZcDw2Chn2XUxY7b_lxcYkddI_9Z1r-U7oLEnV9KNJe0zHPiS6pbO4T9rXsF5j6cywAk/s400/whompem072.png" alt="*ahem* Excuse me." label="*ahem* Excuse me." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153162768228706" border="0" /><br />*ahem* Excuse me.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aPvztXzwdAFO3oPmIys4fsNDMDVSvbhV5LHfRB-sXHhZ6PoAmvFXfC-71KHnol25gpAeVqbJQrNc683HAFTarNhs3XXL7qTD346sXoziNOI_XPUMHhO1ca7RgHrzMUVD7jp2B5xuxp0/s400/whompem073.png" alt="This level is HARD." label="This level is HARD." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153163560864738" border="0" /><br />This level is HARD.</div></div><br />I spent some time practicing my jumping maneuvers on the earlier sections of the stage, and became fairly adept at bouncing off the little guardians, but it still took a few more attempts before I managed to reach the fourth and final section of the stage. I actually made it to the boss a couple of times (we'll get to him later), dying over and over again before finally deciding to collect the rest of the gourds I'd need to fill out my life gauge.<br /><br />The fourth section made the task a simple one, since the two enemy types there (little Fire and Secret Guardians) both attack by jumping at Soaring Eagle. They take two or three hits to defeat, and are stopped in mid-air when hit. So I found a comfortable spot and then moved back and forth, destroying a series of respawning enemies until I had my twelfth heart. The strategy also allowed me to refill my life gauge, and because I found three magic potions along the way, I was ready to put an end to the final boss.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRz9hYsotb9hYiW_QUE60frVbrgo8rSJAiL4da1uchWuA-hxnE3d87vR9tZQM0-Cl2PP1fdMs9H0Il5ZhQXfW6Hm8_F8hyM9k_qzx2mkyL7nAPHBot6hprKRUShTI0gRe8p14DmXxGaFA/s400/whompem074.png" alt="I fight fire with Spear Whirlwind." label="I fight fire with Spear Whirlwind." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153068684574194" border="0" /><br />I fight fire with Spear Whirlwind.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1dJoGFdwaXMTzucdbShn8BRQka5FF1xpXktY6FCasgQPkRPZk-SHUP70Ua50Yzmfj1Bo0U2HPBCbETHQiI7LJt32fQnjUt-h71BkvZybgWlBP9wgkfdMEQAVUOXSe-R4koTHZUzgk-o/s400/whompem075.png" alt="Behold, the final gourd!" label="Behold, the final gourd!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153064782161314" border="0" /><br />Behold, the final gourd!</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Boss: Majin</span><br /><br />Let's not kid ourselves anymore; this game was originally about Son Goku saving the world from the terrible Majin, and since the instructions carefully avoid mentioning anything about what actually happens in the Final Test, we'll just assume they didn't know what to do with him. So he's still the Majin, but now it's Soaring Eagle who has to take him on.<br /><br />The battle begins with the Majin lurking in the shadows, using his evil magic to summon one of the largest enemies from each stage in an attempt to wear Soaring Eagle down. After the lesser enemies have been taken out, the Majin begins his assault. He creates four spheres that quickly move outward diagonally, bouncing off every edge of the screen, and then he fades out and reappears in another position in the room. The spheres are difficult to dodge with everything going on, and I found myself getting hit by nearly every one of them. Platforms also appear that float up and down, but I never bothered trying to jump on them, since the Majin takes damage no matter where you hit him.<br /><br />And hitting him is the problem; though Soaring Eagle's spear does do damage, it would probably take twelve to sixteen hits to deplete one of those little circles that represent his life. That's why the Dragon totem is so important: one hit from it does one full circle of damage. However, each use of it also does a full heart of damage to Soaring Eagle. I wasn't worried this time, though; I was always weak when I reached this point before, but now I was full-powered. By the time I had finished off the Majin, I still had a potion left over, and almost a full life gauge.<br /><br />As the ground trembled, the Majin began to crumble and fade away. Soaring Eagle then took to the skies once again, his quest complete. He returned to the Earth and held up the seven totems, and as the spirits of his ancestors watched from high above, flowers bloomed all around him as a celebration of his ascent into manhood.<br /><br />See, I make it sound much more epic than it actually was.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-0pjANVjleJU85UqaGSzfVuB1cIQXBHFoWXQaIKuuozO2vf_H7SBGyWTkiJ4vY8EQEHVaJtUxd8CyDj5mglpOf5qhkk6-kE6ZN9oBZxoOAZpeBQ3Zot0bXLbbgx2BYoKrzC5s5_W4sk/s400/whompem076.png" alt="Now, we finish this!" label="Now, we finish this!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153055749922578" border="0" /><br />Now, we finish this!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmTucZCpLUtUZhhXpkMJ7kKxJ2yMRl40EsyS1ezSGhkjVKstUhyphenhyphenXrs_qwWk4g4ANv-LI55qsA6Xubmy7R160skH6Ea7ddXlr5Sv4brnkLF535MBHGkuqRPaMt6oAeUWxfD1Av5kL5ufQ/s400/whompem077.png" alt="Beware my little dragon!" label="Beware my little dragon!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153049090525234" border="0" /><br />Beware my little dragon!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLuRV4aerwCLeNTM3CZIat1RAuIxE0IfS_t6eo8TKBeyx5g3EFiOi1aj_Onb-UuLrONvteAM4D4HJYf_2R8zsTwHRhIfd-I51n9-OuvGUj_EtNmugH-9vAzW8lOQCZk_qe-Y6GYlpQgg/s400/whompem078.gif" alt="Ooh, holes AND a fade-out? I really won!" label="Ooh, holes AND a fade-out? I really won!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454153047747837762" border="0" /><br />Ooh, holes AND a fade-out? I really won!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcpBskBt40x9yY4zJk_tChqfIfDxM4Rs0YBw85XvvcSlYvzA3GXDxkhL1D1uiQVhsmWO2MT4mqBjB0F6GHbygYcH9TANfLnp5RVVNXFENfrskXYNUoVW10pOUnevecarwkBYs2N1lQbA/s400/whompem079.gif" alt="And so, Soaring Eagle returns to his home planet?" label="And so, Soaring Eagle returns to his home planet?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454152905906874610" border="0" /><br />And so, Soaring Eagle returns to his home planet?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCWtz6oZX6ZX3rtWMXHjjxYIY6WzYP60HOC78Uk53AUSOFu1G4UoLW4JOoqT9_iNmKWeEGRHtWd1nHwXUVH3O8G-HNeXr3sbPcTuRfPedlV15NrMJOtxf7ukbKIHeNinreYFGTBfcCg4/s400/whompem080.gif" alt="I like the little bow and smile at the end." label="I like the little bow and smile at the end." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454152902658957938" border="0" /><br />I like the little bow and smile at the end.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg7Y0Wl0hwke9fGWh5Qn4hVBT8DLBVCPZF-FZr_lUdh9TW0BeYgzufX-Fpd4YRD8xbbKO2oIRk4bEky-utYnwZNTKdmU-lUThYbbUy-4lqZJqSVLiwGX9mpGqcpHcO-Yn_oJb6ti1MG0/s400/whompem081.gif" alt="A whole staff roll of pseudonyms." label="A whole staff roll of pseudonyms." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454152896998586338" border="0" /><br />A whole staff roll of pseudonyms.</div></div><br />And that's it for <span style="font-style: italic;">Whomp 'Em</span>! At least I managed to get it finished up by the end of March. And since this was the 19th game played through for the blog, I think it's finally time to get started with <span style="font-style: italic;">Dragon Warrior IV</span>.<br /><br />Hopefully, I'll be a little more timely with my posts for this one.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-41840370348920032882010-03-29T18:11:00.002-04:002010-03-29T18:13:36.862-04:00The Retro Gamer Ryan Page on FacebookIn an attempt to... get with the times, so to speak, I've created a page on Facebook, which you can check out using the badge to the right. Check it out, become a fan, and speak your mind!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-83995310688111095722010-03-04T20:10:00.001-05:002010-03-04T20:10:00.332-05:00RGR019 - Finding My BearingsI was still feeling good after my win against the Magic Guardian, so I made another attempt on the Fire Test. Thanks to the fact that I've gathered more gourds and gained more hearts, I was able to make it to the boss with no problem.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fire Test Boss: Fire Guardian</span><br /><br />The Fire Guardian has two forms, beginning as a dark cloud of (most likely) noxious gas that floats around, body checking Soaring Eagle at every opportunity. After a while, the cloud dissipates, revealing a human-like body, completely engulfed in flames. In this form, the Flame Guardian quickly jumps around the screen with no regard for the safety of others. Sometimes, the jumps are high enough to duck under, but I wasn't able to get used to the timing of said jumps, so my first encounter with the Fire Guardian ended in death.<br /><br />Next, I returned to the Ice Ritual, and had no trouble reaching the boss. Something a little unexpected happened this time, though: once I reduced his life to four units, he turned completely red. And then bumped into me. And then STOLE MY MAGIC POTION. Suddenly, he was full-powered again, and I was near death. I didn't stand a chance.<br /><br />The next battle followed the same pattern, so on my third attempt, I decided to try to reach his chamber without a magic potion. I was used to his jumping pattern at that point, so I was able to hold my own against him without losing too much life. And when he turned red, there was nothing for him to take from me. So he stayed red all the way up to the moment I beat him.<br /><br />I won the Cloud totem from the Ice Guardian (I don't know either), which allows me to create a little flying cloud that I can use as a platform. If you'll recall, I mentioned a couple of posts ago that this game originally starred Son Goku, so this totem would be Kinto'un.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2SIhV6Zrb4Fa0UuDEyjmVwK6iJGjgba3LmuE5F0I3idmpeXnSkJL2NUJGe6IP4TMiM6nhmFAAZ03JFZNRRdG7KIE_prL0OYuXgo5Wu1j2BDSiGrHXsOLd2F0olyf0ca_kr5VwTW6XPM/s400/whompem054.png" alt="Smells... brimstoney." label="Smells... brimstoney." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844946558384178" border="0" /><br />Smells... brimstoney.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BYxQWJf7a_AB1sfneKGnimKYKPZz-8VewGW9PegPW8ox57xIRDMTFHJHNvJLiTt0S2rBiA-cQsdYgh6pi5M7_YG4skp8jDfUt0e6DT8Hyw-8ksdqNAGKfT-yYCuBeolFCZdCGjZBsQ4/s400/whompem055.png" alt="GETAWAYGETAWAYGETAWAY!!!" label="GETAWAYGETAWAYGETAWAY!!!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844943184454658" border="0" /><br />GETAWAYGETAWAYGETAWAY!!!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCMvAa944d_7i7H98sbD3aytWPwAbqPqBUjaiNvyKmikwf5rBO8hqDcO9MzTQWEH62MksRVzXSSAxGxyL9gxDioeHd4bUh1NKClZCa0G0R6VhA55jAwPUKw1MR_k89fE4STCsyJ9DKtE/s400/whompem056.png" alt="I have nothing for you to take." label="I have nothing for you to take." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844934548455634" border="0" /><br />I have nothing for you to take.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOsJRH__rKn7DycV4CHBQSOTJ-KRXFF1dvC_TwaMQHXgTxDsHmydUFVfXT_IDkAsZiNPL-wfPicK2Qi4lw_GIx30sD5C3YJoykIPzILc-ogQyCxk0nK4bM1JI4_yqvJcitmurQ5Dvpo4/s400/whompem057.png" alt="But you've got something for me!" label="But you've got something for me!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844930946988802" border="0" /><br />But you've got something for me!</div></div><br />I then tried the Secret Cliff again, and though I lasted a little longer this time against the Secret Guardian, it still wasn't quite enough. I had much better luck in the Sacred Woods, where I finally mastered the art of pressing up to block the falling bamboo spikes dropped by the Forest Guardian. With one of his trickiest attacks rendered ineffective, I had no problem defeating him and winning the Spear Whirlwind totem, which allows Soaring Eagle to spin his spear in front of him to deflect attacks and break certain blocks.<br /><br />With only two stages left, it was time for me to face my fears and give the Fire Test another try. I was able to master the Fire Guardian's jumping pattern this time, and thanks to that, along with a few more hearts earned from gourds, I defeated the guardian this time. This earned me the Fire Wand totem, turning Soaring Eagle's spear into a little blowtorch, which appears to be another useless power.<br /><br />Finally, it was time to take another shot at the Secret Cliff. The Secret Guardian was a piece of cake this time, only managing to hit me a few times as he bounced around the room. By defeating him, I obtained the Dart totem, which allows Soaring Eagle to throw spears. Now. Six stages in. I just now finally got my projectile weapon. Grr.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAq9TCPOjWhsDLfGjb21hQUGAI3IfH88QQUFzd59ZvD8DCwqld3GUg59IqicC9t-h6zNowm5_VfQwcJOsaMPNUy4W1ziihx-3fDoG90L3ilHrtn7bzxwyaLjPRSRg31RFVBCqR4PLjxL0/s400/whompem058.png" alt="See, I learned!" label="See, I learned!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844929649030930" border="0" /><br />See, I learned!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmZy3ct0MZakf4AvPNhufSNYM_NRV3tUzWhQu3Y0LRBkcwPJ-Y7THQahKZRsN6-0r6NYVY5-yPhI41thMxdJvkXz3eVUZYif-5jLoGMx0fRoRfXaR04nqmyjKGIY1uDCWCO-w-cSnK0o/s400/whompem059.png" alt="And it looks like it paid off, too." label="And it looks like it paid off, too." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844801102397090" border="0" /><br />And it looks like it paid off, too.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkXgaVRwkE8xjFqMJ2_jeBSgSKr_1b6xtyaHKFTi64UxFrU2dUBTTbtSAdXu0MdUAHUK9Exwt92GEXTxQOVo5DafdTA0-kI5CKmbG10s8FVmA4cpCIPWl0NgEUIHeM9BxWCLtTWww48Q/s400/whompem060.png" alt="That trick won't work on me this time." label="That trick won't work on me this time." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844801425181314" border="0" /><br />That trick won't work on me this time.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm55XRaIOQPB9pRYo-lvNGkjZHRZBK6dB3FbTMSxuhJ79XyLuNUvpqUqWsXD4sMEjyUNT-7fFI1HC_J1DXVJ1Mom_F8bO9DVZB8XgjtWeamPHWiTsy6pP0RSiVK271zkty0gaP6hQvzDE/s400/whompem061.png" alt="See?" label="See?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844797823290562" border="0" /><br />See?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRwqyJz0iTuN-PpQVc8Pzn3KNYZbgHOlxUFac8eCRJdC9Rrj5COPV2a_sTbQ1cfjp2T5IkiYSLahhouO-dCUGvhiTDaHg26hGxyui6PIbLZ05_IJA4Y5rMNLcep3ir8XEGVLZwCMnZbk/s400/whompem062.png" alt="What, you want to be friends now?" label="What, you want to be friends now?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844791220173842" border="0" /><br />What, you want to be friends now?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxW7kNufQxyD6Qm4KxshuYzHd3PLIozq178j7pUuAFNHz-Lg39ujeNzkRL0KNCVABnsBc71bjZCFZAQ0Q2uye4DPrnzWRYDdmDmH0hXIgWhV20eH879YCocOQd-OALfBsh8i8PaOLwAc/s400/whompem063.png" alt="I don't think so." label="I don't think so." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444844787280243106" border="0" /><br />I don't think so.</div></div><br />Soaring Eagle has completed the six tests and won the six totems, so it's time to take on the Final Test. What challenges will he face? What horrible things lie in wait for him? Will he find enough gourds to fill out his life meter completely?<br /><br />All these questions will be answered next time, as we experience the thrilling conclusion of <span style="font-style: italic;">Whomp 'Em</span>!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-18259981808489616592010-02-26T19:45:00.000-05:002010-03-03T14:59:33.919-05:00RGR019 - You Win Some, You Lose SomeFresh off my two consecutive failures, I decided this time to check out the Magic Forest. The stage is a bit creepier than the others I've played so far, with the weird glowing puffy flower-things in the background, the bubbling pools of unknown magenta liquid, and of course... pink elephant bees. It actually reminds me a bit of the poisonous swamp from Crystalis, but Soaring Eagle seems to have no trouble breathing here.<br /><br />After bouncing from branch to branch to cross the mysterious magenta swamp, Soaring Eagle must climb the tall bamboo-like stalks, both by using branches to bounce upward, and by riding on strange floating creatures that look an awful lot like flying jellyfish. Luckily, they seem to be harmless. After more obstacles, ominous hanging cocoons begin to appear in the background as the boss draws near.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Magic Forest Boss: Magic Guardian</span><br /><br />The Magic Guardian begins the battle in the form of one of those cocoons in the background, dropping onto the ground, kicking up some harmful dust or powder, and then quickly rising up and out of sight, only to drop again somewhere else. The pattern is simple here, so it's easy to get in there and get a couple of hits in each time he drops. After several hits (he doesn't take damage in his cocoon, unfortunately), the cocoon disappears, revealing a man-sized moth, a Mothman if you will. In moth form, the Magic Guardian zips around the room, throwing powder in four directions each time he stops. His speed makes him a difficult target, since you have to get close to hit him. Luckily, I had a magic potion to spare going in (plus I gathered enough gourds to gain my fifth life heart), so I was able to last long enough to defeat him.<br /><br />By defeating the Magic Guardian, I earned the Web totem, which, according to the manual, gives me the ability to catch an enemy in a web. In practice, I found it actually lets me catch an enemy, and then throw that enemy at other enemies. So it's kind of a projectile weapon, but fairly hard to use.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdZsAMMiWCmhZfGoTr-JlHNvuqXmuvGKTTSi1AyxyTGtiIMCtEdOh4A6-M4d5Ei-qyJktdBPc6CyH0mKkHRyWUjACgnwc6xGe6gnwJL9JAyhNyEq8aYttlfSBYg3FkPJbhs9OgaIfAho/s400/whompem026.png" alt="You guys see it too, right?" label="You guys see it too, right?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439330154785815586" border="0" /><br />You guys see it too, right?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96lqDmeKJuIso9WOdNvkxYKlqCojeJiC2NXC_9IB1Om_4v09ciDy3TtNfQA7SXRV3rhSiZf7flY4TglYIUEpVKrx1k-L1VJCq6ujpDo2KqPi1xc5jcqYi7NMzSpd35BsuDrsZKlO3_SE/s400/whompem027.png" alt="I wonder if it TASTES like fruit punch." label="I wonder if it TASTES like fruit punch." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439330142079730994" border="0" /><br />I wonder if it TASTES like fruit punch.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDXq3_5p1W77kHm4UlQ39tjf4QttfUmTN_3HS97l61gNGyeLJ94Zkf6-j5gMYDL4UnTl2oh40-Yw3DjpaGV-a4wA92yplvnNqCHtFC35mq5du4njX0TONb9nbICJebWL7bZLKBM_D-KY/s400/whompem028.png" alt="Blah blah Avatar blah blah..." label="Blah blah Avatar blah blah..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439330137689569010" border="0" /><br />Blah blah Avatar blah blah...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryt1KbUE94MC6o6k2PE5Z3cMKr7AuxNByBABX9gMWFXocoRRxyTmZDvGhrF4oaSZNeurCRzc0nkfdqhwmY_cLI0lFeoHZsJUH7Wi4ZbUvYXw_qvoE0JeRwco8bKMLWbrriOM968HfPoY/s400/whompem029.png" alt="Jackpot!" label="Jackpot!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439330136435119362" border="0" /><br />Jackpot!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuCzB-l3mRaciS3G4KjDSyMsrAwJ0Q0omcqkxHTv39qAdfufORfzRzYBOonziyUZuusGQtqzeQeGulXPnqKCRjzpU37AWxX3vBeP3u4UA-fOVm_90miq_8OD4fdpI5mntvWIhMVPpRqo/s400/whompem030.png" alt="Peek-a-boo!" label="Peek-a-boo!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439330136145061746" border="0" /><br />Peek-a-boo!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYMOivg1fl-hbVABo1H5ZxsEwoGu-TQuSXZfW350YJtzagZAWqW4TZHjAoSo6IpiVtbLI27-LOfTBivOnWKlKjuu0M7dowU0vX56ryTX415szgeK1omHARrsTvMVQ9qc8oK8chXq5C_c/s400/whompem031.png" alt="Are you a butterfly or a bee?" label="Are you a butterfly or a bee?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329999396880562" border="0" /><br />Are you a butterfly or a bee?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSVkaflNRvKyeMBypt-Xt_BTbiGhvwYdjWvln3X27hMTprXRP_jaJ7bcY8VBms4XaYLwwMlyC8lk3O2hcMls-yVrQywR-5Kj8sU0JTXKQA88pdjo-583QIusoBnuuVCa2WcW-mfujwdo/s400/whompem032.png" alt="I see; you're a SUPERSTAR!" label="I see; you're a SUPERSTAR!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329999887792834" border="0" /><br />I see; you're a SUPERSTAR!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrT12Y0izSdJpePxfRXzMWzZ8_aIokqrSbLyzMvj1gQ2f2CZ6sMvrCbarAhK_pLjNBpUAaCc7gYHdPU3PBlgQWmXfNdVigoxYSBgsCaUCmCSsP1WBodhyx1oqw0EkF7sHttV24F_qz3M/s400/whompem033.png" alt="But I'm still taking your totem." label="But I'm still taking your totem." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329994575410146" border="0" /><br />But I'm still taking your totem.</div></div><br />I chose to check out the Water Test next, since I wasn't confident the web would help with the previous stages. I quickly learned that Soaring Eagle can hold his breath FOREVER; long stretches of the stage are entirely underwater, and other than the occasional little group of bubbles, there's no evidence that Soaring Eagle even breathes. After fighting off some vaguely familiar octopi, snails and odd little blobby fish, the path leads upward, with fan-dancing manikins. You know, those little wooden figures artists use to help visualize poses.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZtQJI2l_42P2U1eGUaAi2Z_f6HQHBj9gEfhLQlCVrO5vFSr1PaAO9A60GE06rm-bhft2FmvEoN0vYcqyN08XkOpSkGIouSz3yy1CtWCHo6Y-xffrlAiF2VRbVVa-C9OhuSpcWPWXO94/s400/whompem034.png" alt="Back, vile octopus!" label="Back, vile octopus!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329990730935810" border="0" /><br />Back, vile octopus!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-EKEqDO8dpM_p-rvTmCDRJTrO8kKZNQDGPkPe6Dd2DP98578gwsC-ax36tSGtNvzPlVzGpUYykHl5OlIVUkxUK0FGpYGX_QZg5TT24lP_wCgVwgSrDaeGE4EgK4dp577vtshC9GSKHU/s400/whompem035.png" alt="This snail has ultra gripping power!" label="This snail has ultra gripping power!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329986538554354" border="0" /><br />This snail has ultra gripping power!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1cD233WRtdUoQcgg7qBMAAX87StRJqj01PXXhT-NkZNVpJRJnRwNSvhyphenhypheno3CGgC4MjB25VcMpVyvholVQhbswiZuakwL0P9oLau2tEzTno0mpqsyJ4BW8Uk9f0lRasdm1aK39Q-_Fj6E/s400/whompem036.png" alt="Soaring Eagle hates blobfish." label="Soaring Eagle hates blobfish." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329807047543586" border="0" /><br />Soaring Eagle hates blobfish.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMCf0vIo-wzI711AJpo2GVYUBtLlLkIALbwcmOKsHy9Q7SqWSmggeKgi0H1hkj8mkwNTJEOCSBulCRON6j1VIygdKlTJZ-ffpRAI9DSXM9OsAejFvEBrUopkdqBlCnga_ioTP8TTJFns/s400/whompem037.png" alt="What? Manikins do fan dances all the time." label="What? Manikins do fan dances all the time." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329804923583346" border="0" /><br />What? Manikins do fan dances all the time.</div></div><br />I didn't get much farther than that, so I moved on to the Secret Cliff next. Some cute little dragons guarded the entrance to some sort of palace, where carefully placed explosives made the going much slower. I ran into more manikins here, as well as a heavily-armored warrior who gave me a hard time. After riding floating platforms across a pit of spikes, I finally managed to reach another boss.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Secret Cliff Boss: Secret Guardian</span><br /><br />Yowza. The Secret Guardian is a living wrecking ball, bouncing wildly around the room in an attempt to destroy all intruders, including me. Every now and then, he stops, reveals his head, arms and legs, and launches a long-range punch. I was pretty low on life when I entered his chamber, so I didn't last long.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRecjSxvXSOS212NqMdZ8OJpC-fimUdvqnsfw8NevmPOyqJFCYId-jpFmn6u_XXKoL-Z3dwxMaK_H6kC9_7eu8G_pQsMbLXHs7H0Fc8NIywc_FTlV8K7iEryC4kjVTe_lwW9M0nI5WOQ/s400/whompem038.png" alt="Hey, flaming bird! Can I get some help here?" label="Hey, flaming bird! Can I get some help here?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329794651543986" border="0" /><br />Hey, flaming bird! Can I<br />get some help here?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXnNRDgihcQELlUDMEKi3MT_lt8C3vdSsd006FTT4Ot81ORihoNeyYhq7gQ0UYltyXT8d2lC8t_oQftLmJgSqhta22HJVT4Pr0KbRYS99G2732VFS7ySDE03k01dBB3AR_Yck3nKM-FM/s400/whompem039.png" alt="Ooh, a tiny disjointed dragon!" label="Ooh, a tiny disjointed dragon!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329792121218674" border="0" /><br />Ooh, a tiny disjointed dragon!</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jZyYuJNceWpFSKZROQ1sAioKZ8CnIlyhJm_899DaAb91xNWkvYLjOs11pYksTY5f42nubJ8TuJ4s38ucvsOXVjsQS30rN7fmubHNzevhCGfHSHEdaYcs0hb9OrueHOjR2D52f1zRARU/s400/whompem040.png" alt="'Cuz they're TNT... they're dynamite." label="'Cuz they're TNT... they're dynamite." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329789583012226" border="0" /><br />'Cuz they're TNT... they're dynamite.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1vr_0suAuBoOPr7pxflrdKMwH1DjVV6IjTnN5hQ5T3gINTLI-KM9xeyh5H4VUJt7eAedeW9Jthi2OCjOCSlYfYJwfq6afPrScVoHg02eFxIUFRyBgTHHYE_b_xUClwwJv5lFO_Jpg_s/s400/whompem041.png" alt="Why does he get a shield? No fair!" label="Why does he get a shield? No fair!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329671668693010" border="0" /><br />Why does he get a shield? No fair!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuoqs3HEmfTRqP_qngAhCOdNjKDqYl5jI-JaHWe_8pwK17gixCwiFgyDu-pzT5AJ0oh8bWMMSz3ZJhJ1sfa28u6zmCeorTMiSWBLgX9Md2HkU7MIBBIePrNrIZxzbQBCrMH5e1-aiL8M/s400/whompem042.png" alt="Nope, didn't make the jump." label="Nope, didn't make the jump." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329665542849682" border="0" /><br />Nope, didn't make the jump.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXx2L49aR1bfpvkq31RFonG2q_ozTU13j3jralW6a9WtykpOOs74eHkE67OPK0v9-FhNRM8lz2-CBwC4O8SxUZCZwr8I-PR9rG52yDz5qNPb1gtQnoum9xtc5KXkRRgigsPlNygGLDWA/s400/whompem043.png" alt="Out of control wrecking ball!" label="Out of control wrecking ball!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329662875373090" border="0" /><br />Out of control wrecking ball!</div></div><br />I swear, one of these days I'll beat another level. Up next was the Ice Ritual. Things were kind of icy, though I was more concerned with the floating grabby hands and the giant eyeballs in the background. A couple of long drops down shafts lined with spikes and various disembodied limbs, punctuated with samurai duels, eventually led me to a final corridor full of purple slimes that helped me collect some gourds. At the end of the corridor, the ground simply ended, forcing me to drop down into the boss' chamber.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ice Ritual Boss: Ice Guardian</span><br /><br />I feel like I could take him, if only I could get the timing down. All the Ice Guardian does is hop back and forth, stopping only occasionally to attack. This attack consists of the screen flashing red, and the Ice Guardian splitting into four copies of himself, each of which flies out in a different direction. Once the copies rejoin, he resumes his hopping. He also uses this attack to retaliate whenever he's hit. Unfortunately, I found myself overwhelmed by the attack several times, and couldn't time my attacks to prevent his from hitting me, so this time, victory goes to the Ice Guardian.<br /><br />On a bit of a side note, don't you think the Ice Guardian looks a little like the Shadow Statue from <span style="font-style: italic;">Ninja Gaiden</span>?<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaCrL2zOrjXFMFSO1sQwWX4iPFpsNtI4Ez3aOseFdLQba6rAYL4J0T6-IvOpHB64RIo4KDPsT2k7C9mBK2HyJA2yEEZN-JIvVIHWasnXw4jwZwwkJgK4AzxcXaXxcYRfDYORkXWQf8zc/s400/whompem044.png" alt="Eww, more grabby hands!" label="Eww, more grabby hands!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329658195391298" border="0" /><br />Eww, more grabby hands!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCR4dzOBAeGkxHtXSrGr5B0rHSwS3NBfEBvN0yLL3tX6KaTqD4jvMYfc3tINRU_1U1wgB17H0UcgzDuUurlei326jsqs1HcChXUnRSV9a8bHDIaQTr5URRZn6SgbbL-ZgqoQvnaUG9HY/s400/whompem045.png" alt="Indian Brave vs. Samurai: Who will win?" label="Indian Brave vs. Samurai: Who will win?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329655798982882" border="0" /><br />Indian Brave vs. Samurai: Who will win?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEvRxISbrgE0Q5x9kgmGvBePa21kWzdPvIVL8GXHq_JxbTW4wRzOLqb8v2RcM3o7UDG1u4MPpVqVQGVZvIVc3plDQ4URK0Sv9Uzg-8OAG2Yh8GwXVVYxCwWdWjG8oR50or1259Zrkulc/s400/whompem046.png" alt="And now a face to go with the grabby hands!" label="And now a face to go with the grabby hands!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329485739343458" border="0" /><br />And now a face to go with<br />the grabby hands!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjej-xIMf2ukLP3-MZHcxBcYUelJG3ZQfi8voG4zbFng6VNogsmBwQX87KgmufqBBWUO8kOL0dcGCB8HHfhlFMeS5qkslOnrN9o5CK2GJiFPgigXJebDEpNPDoxcdehPnPVjLsY0UIgjP4/s400/whompem047.png" alt="Hurry, the purple blobs are closing in!" label="Hurry, the purple blobs are closing in!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329483740208210" border="0" /><br />Hurry, the purple blobs are closing in!</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZH1t4KnyTpdeOeMahng3Tt67kbwFOZT74zLudRt9JxkwoIzdcUK4L4qhkZhvGMD_Pv-rpwnc_4M1pCq8OoP_Sj9lK3s2o2VlrlA25hQ4E2-mVgnOzh03gjR8DsMZKlXkyTcYfyYyZuU/s400/whompem048.png" alt="Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" label="Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329478024750466" border="0" /><br />Haven't I seen you somewhere before?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0su-3mg7tpbAH08IWPf6Cc_dOyA7gDd0QH-rG87r2GRMD8CKOve12U6YoSteFlL2jcSJoU_BqPsvGopi1aBiCtZwQuTqoHXlScZzR9zcxH1zLkjzgUIeTiq7vc_-7abVAh80-B-0xacM/s400/whompem049.png" alt="I think I made him mad." label="I think I made him mad." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329477715440866" border="0" /><br />I think I made him mad.</div></div><br />I returned to the Fire Test to see if I'd fare any better the second time through. I did not, so I then tried the Sacred Woods again, and was again defeated by the boss. He's pretty quick, and those bamboo spikes that fall from the ceiling keep catching me off-guard. I was getting frustrated at this point, but I fought on, this time back at the Water Test. I survived the manikins, blobfish and flaming birds, and made it to the boss with two magic potions at the ready.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Water Test Boss: Water Guardian</span><br /><br />The Water Guardian is pretty tough, since he moves quickly and gives you no place to flee to. He begins the fight as a trail of water orbs that move along the floor, walls and ceiling. He then stops and shows his true form, that of a giant dancing pink frog in a cape. Evidence follows. He attacks by rushing at Soaring Eagle, spitting water like a cannon, and then returns to his other form to start the cycle again. I took a lot of damage, but thanks to the magic potions, I was able to just keep stabbing back until he dropped.<br /><br />My victory over the Water Guardian earned me the Ice Crystal totem, which apparently lets me freeze enemies, perhaps to use them as platforms.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltZCp1j9Uk75ULbAQ0UZByTD3l4P6hNIhy1SjXrClerclRcCO_sJjl0g_ol8Af-HxUAVn2tyXxcSZnV-_do-g-UlbPTOZvjnGzD_OH60RQmuCdzKVzOI1_IYsfTegDzTPsOgH6btAiBE/s400/whompem050.png" alt="Oh no, he's gonna get me wet!" label="Oh no, he's gonna get me wet!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329474545204354" border="0" /><br />Oh no, he's gonna get me wet!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecR99AXhcyMEy0NfW61zv6yZZq-TZsYjEe7GvC2AEYJAWVYOfeQ_xjqnfyScGCry55yvUEP-G7H1PxgIvxNZeGWAxay1wdaTR1MaQzCF9EZ-vr0Sg0zbM-m92asX0bqcMYKlAua7CGh4/s400/whompem051.png" alt="Uhh... care to dance?" label="Uhh... care to dance?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329334608248930" border="0" /><br />Uhh... care to dance?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl55_5A6F8HsBnZhVCdf865wNV5y5venFC1DlJAEsO2SmnazGMrb_6VIXcoYOlJ_RxbZxua0UOksfpDZdalW0LgdaFLvhXJFIlfui5BmLvtHuTf_QiBL75Y07FUOR-5ksK7YaGHy3VC14/s400/whompem052.png" alt="I find your dancing inappropriate!" label="I find your dancing inappropriate!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329331144153922" border="0" /><br />I find your dancing inappropriate!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpeRpxD8f3eaNfES4ljJ_CCZS8XMzYK-KRgzbFGOlAj4P7YusmfQ4OtSSM_4Lbww7l9SibGqJK7O8yQo6hKMCNvz2pxuL4dbFGnAyojUKw-4GaC40kTwDR1jAP35EPoqsV9MCk05bvxs/s400/whompem053.png" alt="So I'm taking your totem and leaving!" label="So I'm taking your totem and leaving!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329330121541330" border="0" /><br />So I'm taking your totem and leaving!</div></div><br />This victory makes me feel like I'm finally making a bit of headway here, but I'm not going to let it get to my head. I fully expect to keep dying along the way, but I'm up to six hearts now, so it's just a matter of perseverence and patience. Once I've got a full set of hearts, everyone'd better watch out!<br /><br />Heh, who am I kidding? This game is hard. I'll still be dying left and right, even with all twelve hearts.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-65287952946127138802010-02-15T18:07:00.002-05:002010-02-16T19:38:24.448-05:00RGR Game #019: Whomp 'Em<div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNw_YQQA12uKyNGbGJe0cuVdlmyphDHt6QvhGMnUKnkRJtqJLxkSnExH91cirl4GahYaKwU46RCJIjxJXoYe6sFt5yFCYaYHiTlmf6R4pNEL25wjOSk7doU74EHSR2UA_1-hHOPOzuK0/s400/whompem001.png" alt="This isn't offensive, right?" label="This isn't offensive, right?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258630500251890" border="0" /><br />This isn't offensive, right?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGHDppuhvo_X04UZmYh3W_19Vz-LYVm2KjhiiQeWqPA_7F1rgX7AoQPP7kIlLhsWWUdOeHtfsqqd2NQEzUoWCpNezVALUhxaYI5kctXNhE_OLK7wxazcq6ZYAMEDXrvHTriA-p1yxOrs/s400/whompem002.png" alt="The mushrooms never saw him coming." label="The mushrooms never saw him coming." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258625542967106" border="0" /><br />The mushrooms never saw him coming.</div></div><br />It's that time again, folks: time for another dose of retro gaming goodness! This time, the name of the game is <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Whomp 'Em</span> for the NES. The game stars a young Native American gentleman (the manual calls him an "Indian Brave") named Soaring Eagle as he undergoes various trials and rituals, collecting totems for his bag. This premise doesn't explain the mysterious evil being in the background as the game begins, but there's a good reason for that: in Japan, the game was known as <span style="font-style: italic;">Saiyuuki World 2: Tenjoukai no Majin</span>. That version starred Son Goku, who had to obtain a number of special powers in order to do battle with the titular majin, or demon, or whatever you want to call him.<br /><br />The game begins with an unnamed introduction trial, where we learn how to control Soaring Eagle and his trusty spear. The B button makes him stab high or low, depending on whether or not he's ducking at the time. The A button makes him jump, and pressing up or down in mid-jump causes him to point his spear upward or downward. I've ready many people refer to <span style="font-style: italic;">Whomp 'Em</span> as a <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man</span> clone, but the noticeable lack of projectile weapons (for now, at least), coupled with the relative uselessness of the special weapons makes the comparison moot.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5ZsbS2uYxOzyA7fdV4WR_ckl2bSGviapE2bSKjuZVek5B01fTeIfi-RwmmQEeLOYmWY66zrUp-jNuKESuV_LWfePSdbZr_jG2Jg5jhBQnh3ge3zj8_0YRvpHJn1Wp16eMCYcQFciOOA/s400/whompem003.png" alt="What an angry-looking silhouette!" label="What an angry-looking silhouette!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258619506584210" border="0" /><br />What an angry-looking silhouette!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYclIUzfXFxD5JJJe6oWbAxEqleUrFGWVOWkkPRf-ug__yvHbSQtJbkrWSf6AAE-sF0MziqqRZSkaTFU73nIJPrCbVsSEhQGIT5E2TkOgtbogn-JdABnfQZpeRL2P4saSh2AtfNr_ww0/s400/whompem004.png" alt="Yeah, I don't know either." label="Yeah, I don't know either." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258612249892850" border="0" /><br />Yeah, I don't know either.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xbdBCWodntpd8CJ2lVvlVVMpDiIw95p-HMnv2PtUQR13RzGtlGt-ovGOpq6VNjT39YVZHt-PmpTcvYYedk2NwY8YLIv-uS1N9Mh-vXWtiNARxyQdWtrDu0AStHlabl42I33U99jzycM/s400/whompem005.png" alt="Caution: Falling Mushrooms!" label="Caution: Falling Mushrooms!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258609949626290" border="0" /><br />Caution: Falling Mushrooms!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISu7S0y_XNrCbxVrm8hgCnN4ES35-ZF1Zjy9-18Xj94ziZ-GQhhhfOW7Og2-LTXbuT8Wja8huKcnbgoq3i3_FdxS2zS0qwHBGaV-ay1uta7YGFhEfSdhZlYLw6bO7ZDcbx2PVRR7mmYo/s400/whompem006.png" alt="Eww, disembodied grabby hands!" label="Eww, disembodied grabby hands!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258511965189650" border="0" /><br />Eww, disembodied grabby hands!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qBsv7urDg9MpYDnEgdzWTg8SYyiyauLcR9Nhbw21xe8Qc4o3HS3PLCVm2WPyNTamReTTlUuGDl4kN8dMW7zYdSl91ZTZPGDRZB0RWQV_XtEqb8fnGeVPwAgDKGLwAp3pm9tjfLRB54I/s400/whompem007.png" alt="It's gonna be one of those days..." label="It's gonna be one of those days..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258506355004162" border="0" /><br />It's gonna be one of those days...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOBBdK86hECYfaw1syCIlNJUfFvGG9MhfdqnIl_T-w-oeLfqsEtOjdHWJsKp8Fz_Wko3CQgrL_SPZerGNKkkoOG4yofgm7OcU6yczrfZrdGOuqB6AAYW-oscO2r8UrqJa4HQ33CtiPRc/s400/whompem008.png" alt="Fear the tiny blue oni!" label="Fear the tiny blue oni!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258492060994434" border="0" /><br />Fear the tiny blue oni!</div></div><br />After completing the introductory test, which has no boss, we're brought to the stage select screen, where we can choose from six stages: The Sacred Woods, Magic Forest, Water Test, Fire Test, Ice Ritual, and Secret Cliff. Since the screen opens with the Sacred Woods selected, I decided to try that stage out first.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Sacred Woods</span><br /><br />The stage opens with some trees, as ought to be expected of woods, sacred or not. There are a number of seemingly one-legged, one-eyed, one-armed hopping green guys, but they're easily destroyed or avoided. After scaling a small cliff by hopping from branch to branch, pits of bamboo spikes try to slow Soaring Eagle down and distract him from the threat of other bamboo spikes falling from the trees. Beyond the spike pits (and a single bear), a tunnel leads downward into a deeper part of the woods, where crawling bugs and jumping snakes add to the challenge. Soaring Eagle then enters the hollowed-out trunk of a giant tree, conveniently decorated with inward-pointing branches that support his weight and allow him to climb almost to the top. Near the exit, some sort of mysterious energy causes small logs to float up and down, forcing Soaring Eagle to time his jumps carefully as he makes his way out onto a huge branch leading to the boss.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sacred Woods Boss: Forest Guardian</span><br /><br />Looking back, this guy is embarrassingly easy; he floats around a bit, drops some bamboo spikes, and uses a spinning leaf attack. I didn't realize at first that holding Soaring Eagle's spear above his head protected him from the falling spikes, and that would have been quite welcome knowledge. Unfortunately, without it, I was no match for the guardian's obvious pattern and easily blockable attacks. Instead of continuing with the Sacred Woods, I figured I'd try a different stage, this time choosing the Fire Test.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHqI3fUroo-EUAoSI0Ro2cJh8hOpapByr9yoKUYQdpa4S5OcBo1VQLXXjB-GrXuQ9JU1nQqkCJbQUUoGF7gTzq4LCUk5Kksq5al91QiJakpm-yl-50OE3F_vgyflmWAwKUUadZMT0xpY/s400/whompem009.png" alt="Do we really need two tree areas?" label="Do we really need two tree areas?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258488290060114" border="0" /><br />Do we really need two tree areas?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6FE1WV6dAaAp-X8IDTew57uqj2XeDXlLl2GBz6VnOwG956TILxXJW6b-eozGSSrXYeFirV69L_8dryDcY_CnPVKMe2Fy4F_NYDpQFDszMktWiTcQqcMYNFUkg7O6w__38lHt2ut2xMk/s400/whompem010.png" alt="How do you like my pogo stick?" label="How do you like my pogo stick?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258484486860514" border="0" /><br />How do you like my pogo stick?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oQOqGfI-PdukQC25Tqt30uevmkIP-csRkWmUHYXHjDgegVTcgQgV67ILnzFOoQKSX2i2bk-AY6qq_o8L_h1a3rDlnvPC88Abwxa1RgRl_GxXSGxlT_g0YEhpiYsvxjdPMC513azL4xA/s400/whompem011.png" alt="I don't think we're in America anymore." label="I don't think we're in America anymore." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258379314440898" border="0" /><br />I don't think we're in America anymore.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKKjalGzB5UuHdUmfvLLgSiBJhfwH6fATYrDaQgg3yt-56VA-bFt96fzIBib7L7rVtQQPiV8hQTl4CrTQVVMwyYsRDJjeVTS0wi8rNhynp_exbrlirSq6jbW3WBnNPGze9hZDILGkAXs/s400/whompem012.png" alt="Everybody do the Ferocious Bear!" label="Everybody do the Ferocious Bear!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258373690493106" border="0" /><br />Everybody do the Ferocious Bear!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZx8GELoNXYzl4j3yf-v2N8mUoi1OM1lr-RCoV-Tvcf5Oz5QTSS-4stetVp2adkw4xJ_xgigIJT4zP-K-7w3TWbCBe57FNFQVANA_f9xeT8I5ZSG2OEOkn8BEAWeRts4H3PrZbP0OfsYI/s400/whompem013.png" alt="Is this considered animal cruelty?" label="Is this considered animal cruelty?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258369513110786" border="0" /><br />Is this considered animal cruelty?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvm56OtfM1zrF_5-nTtVGv5e6Qf12V5SGGclTkl5-6o-27tM6vLC_NH_2Kk2Yv2teoUE4TbH1ogG4ckcod_H8hFzsoI-3KLhAGV2vC8Zr7wKCHs-DJJzN8NwWXTrIaJMloe4HqimNy6c/s400/whompem014.png" alt="Jumping snakes? No fair!" label="Jumping snakes? No fair!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258363818076242" border="0" /><br />Jumping snakes? No fair!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL98NpjFldB-9YtxQ8Ux55gX3TLuXKa6QRsIC5HLQFqE2y-rJ7xUAjw9k2DKilJ6Z5FM27IgJ3qgONtYTSH4VHVsL2iDAYb8V27IgyhWsPi7zfU1P3n89QoB6PZ08M8DZxL-XwiNgksAA/s400/whompem015.png" alt="This is not how trees work." label="This is not how trees work." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258364047694034" border="0" /><br />This is not how trees work.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6rJLH74qRClhE1ewju4-QV64JgfTkoKO4RiI-vy74xPHjGjwfgc_CaYBcRIRADwaGdgCcINDGtHwPqoSqMfyeZp2mAsssDUQlO4Yn8BFH8rE9Swr2z6IsrF7Gvbg61zvvThlGIJ-ZRY/s400/whompem016.png" alt="Nope, still not right." label="Nope, still not right." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258243580514450" border="0" /><br />Nope, still not right.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQf9A-DDvnQ4qkHkziP9vnK_C80u9X1yhXIYEys5yJm9W7mMtBh5XUbvknd9XgVp4NbU2A0flcNgr87DxXDxrpuM4sC1_aI2PHvaq9d8ZzDur1GiUf6YAQ6bITssmrCJ2E_MyVFOlSAg/s400/whompem017.png" alt="He's a little teapot, apparently." label="He's a little teapot, apparently." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258246777304978" border="0" /><br />He's a little teapot, apparently.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GNk_ixHoCIsDNFHE_Lcco1lQmFtMLoB3ltTuxxp5e5PMe8Sm4yUqOtI8SCEVQBkv7kYgTTseGWKi6j-KutjwGf6ydZZqdcf0JmvatSt-ZdAtSXcH7qaU2mBnuY2aLHW5h9HOhZJ-NoM/s400/whompem018.png" alt="Not quite as painful as it looks." label="Not quite as painful as it looks." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258239705060242" border="0" /><br />Not quite as painful as it looks.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrutJFa_PzKlmlsqlvA723F234Flhv8_4YYRmBNuBskHdUetTgaT5HcjgW3-YHlugTJNqVuIs21eorc7quxt-c-SH_XPlBtwu2L5BPDMySe4vz5i9w1t0kU7nuAD2CoO2zIkQKb3Sinw/s400/whompem019.png" alt="Hadouken?" label="Hadouken?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258234547227026" border="0" /><br />Hadouken?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRmqGbpK_UBmglS7yhs9veH3Z6KTYghFu6KG_CUtb4dpYvqvU7AmpvINeRDjjGxVl7AGOD-oWVhmBo0OkdpA47T3nslN201o3Jl2RB5EsGIC70ZtY9DTU9HMbeWHxUhyphenhyphen0MCW0kqSwOSM/s400/whompem020.png" alt="Why would I choose to start over?" label="Why would I choose to start over?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258236969416610" border="0" /><br />Why would I choose to start over?</div></div><br />As expected, everything is fiery there, even the sky. Hot volcanic rocks rain down as Soaring Eagle attempts to jump over lava pit after lava pit. Flaming birds dive-bomb him as he enters a cave, and spew little fireballs when killed. Needless to say, it's a tricky stage. A series of ladders leads up to higher levels, but jets of fire and more hot rocks make passage dangerous.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qXY085tmk7mQJXKYhM5SG958yV8NwCiv_0FoWwz9eC24vWtljw5hChiJ__0LyZ-XrW-dhY5Md0aZb4cEVLPYABgny7mSyXh4Xufb44Xzlo4R0z5j8ypinhwggFD_q4BB0C2OKD5pOdc/s400/whompem021.png" alt="Have at you, unicorn goblin!" label="Have at you, unicorn goblin!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258088358285522" border="0" /><br />Have at you, unicorn goblin!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjx4lDLtxZo0ogKqNJHc2CYrxdFQzmHVo8B4Fp_7FfJ8m0vK5_fiC3tc7NVuFxeIHIUhA2XkufqrWtR0taPXjQmoQSO7qrs0BnLby-NonBXL-Hsgr-Pj5ITI0r6cCjWq029de-on0Yt8/s400/whompem022.png" alt="Would you believe it's a fire level?" label="Would you believe it's a fire level?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258086266459874" border="0" /><br />Would you believe it's a fire level?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCeKZeAxCBhIDaYVjiVkr5b5rHeYMHz5EmBVJ3qGf8z30FRUg5rnwRAFNvuBC6yjqY2dqkM9oMB1ugLeC9-FcQeT2l09KEQB7UHw7TcD6F4lW7P9t3G-ObgSLaEKU7lgtJIgyiwMdFQA/s400/whompem023.png" alt="WHY ARE THE BIRDIES MADE OF FIRE?" label="WHY ARE THE BIRDIES MADE OF FIRE?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258080888835058" border="0" /><br />WHY ARE THE BIRDIES MADE OF FIRE?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tdXvuoR00i00udc5MB1CQ4V5x1X2nuUwb5eMhDEWTF6gswzu63W96a162rq_TYNsrl0yn3Hjmd4lq-fmZv1fXagjldO0idgth1u5jr3SM8HwyCQ0qXoEbCtBocO481Sui56kDm-jz6E/s400/whompem024.png" alt="Mmm... popcorn." label="Mmm... popcorn." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258078347882722" border="0" /><br />Mmm... popcorn.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g87mbn6CRWqZIAN0Hr8FpG7Ymbz54C2RrcYuG4nDadWDrn_HCvXdDQY90Pp0uywrEPG-AaC4kSs9_P_vkkAbyY-6q5WlrKBU8a9VR-lUFUcM8NoveRjcou3D1M42pMX0ybkKLTEzEb0/s400/whompem025.png" alt="Self-destruct initiated." label="Self-destruct initiated." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438258072660217330" border="0" /><br />Self-destruct initiated.</div><br />A little too dangerous, actually. I probably only made it halfway through the stage. Luckily, I'll slowly be gaining hit points, since the little gourds Soaring Eagle collects throughout his adventure boost his maximum HP little by little. Maybe next time I try this stage, I'll have twice the HP!<br /><br />Then again, if four hearts got me halfway to the boss, eight should only get me far enough to be killed by the boss.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-38885980529251709552010-01-17T15:55:00.002-05:002010-01-17T15:59:44.833-05:00RGR018 - Tying Up Loose Ends<div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><img style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUsvkv9h42UuXbMCtQi4ImzwlW30GYIGDDXI6kum59lpfvdB8cPsMUMNvxBAr1iW1ncsP_xnfuUt2Slb8dq-19ZfXOmAccHEl3pV5QGi7Kaoc35vPuGwoZteXWqc0-sSBGInjn5KrVlU/s800/megaryan.png" alt="Super Fighting Robot... Mega Ryan!" label="Super Fighting Robot... Mega Ryan!" border="0" /></div><br />The last password <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man</span> ever gives you leads to the beginning of the castle, so you're forced to go back and fight through Wave Man and Toad Man's stages again. Wave Man and his stage get easier each time, and I think the same can be said of Toad Man. Having finally mastered the timing of his jumps, I was able to hit him with the Water Wave as he landed from every other jump. Hitting him prevents him from using his Rain Flush power, but since he jumped too far away on the odd-numbered jumps, he did have an opening to use it. Still, most of the damage I took was from him jumping right at me and landing on me. By beating Toad Man, I was able to complete my set of powers with the Rain Flush, as usual renamed the "Rain Weapon" by the Game Gear version of the game.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHs0rE8spEUGBTNR3OhynSpureGWiFwYfcgeIVcTdfeSGoH9DmL4gIDIkZbY0csWxgP2401GY903pgN3YXibDCogqyUM5WZJhdjnGW8maEdDIUbeVys9hKvfouigvRelH-bvbVUF4sQU/s400/megaman067.png" alt="The last password you'll ever need... or get." label="The last password you'll ever need... or get." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427587098949220418" border="0" /><br />The last password you'll ever need... or get.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM70yqDKucxga5ZfIfyDMMTBokbY89kWfCnXO4nvgVgd4s-OM4KJ06yLY7kDuUQIpY0RVsnyJ5arQ-38ypx0s4x3BrFvhSI_IDxyNvTSZKD3sI60S0fG-uSaVr3g-AjTl6ZoQ3FPQFq8/s400/megaman068.png" alt="This picture is artificially naughty." label="This picture is artificially naughty." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427587091505881810" border="0" /><br />This picture is artificially naughty.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw93Fy9lg-Ced6i81GuKnsJd730v_W04wbhRfug033TV1D_aL-vub_i8uqZARQXLXnWkY3QfeSyPMXkg9opqnM37Br4G8kj4mLvgmWChxuLNrZkptGTVSym332W6k0PeSF-vkVkYMosc/s400/megaman069.png" alt="See? Water is super effective." label="See? Water is super effective." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427587087345634450" border="0" /><br />See? Water is super effective.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH0UKeHCGoGKOEqbq2z8lqkL4xkpsyPDEeVZybQwDW7X-ctufWSpb2LDuX8kYTeQbWvi_4F_MwfI9OgMJd8rtHyLciPWQ4hNaDp1eogNbPuuuzN9VnlbVXFVeumowTD2P30jbt_Kqg0o/s400/megaman070.png" alt="I can make it rain... I hate that song." label="I can make it rain... I hate that song." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427587083207357634" border="0" /><br />I can make it rain... I hate that song.</div></div><br />Instead of moving on to fight Dr. Cossack, as would have been the case with this castle in <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man 4</span>, we're instead brought immediately to Dr. Wily's castle for the final stage, an exact replica of Quick Man's stage from <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man 2</span>. With the exception of fewer enemies (most stages in this game have had fewer enemies than their counterparts in the original NES games), the final stage was just as nerve-wracking as the original, which you may remember was infamous for its deadly, screen-filling lasers. The lasers are here in full force, but I noticed something odd about them: getting hit initially by one of these lasers only does one point of damage, but hanging around in the beam for too long can still cause instant death. At least this gives you a chance to get out of each room alive even if you do get hit.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LgM1tnP1eQ81ZaFemqzMt1ByXnrtxGFYaJn7EvQsQ7mFixz1IVbDKIVWwVp-fZWL628k_03Uyl2rydnV19TDcWf5IfjPpJXdjfdZhgABZyr2wei2iaMIwyue71HnNtB-Q4SU3fnGbN0/s800/megaman071.gif" alt="The lightning knocked out the castle's power." label="The lightning knocked out the castle's power." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427587085485709554" border="0" /><br />The lightning knocked out the castle's power.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ra4XHYl-tPAPYWR2g-jTgJaumOuLTQlHGlG-s2lJJlaKVJtXTD3mkGkBphcYAKS8lW5cTUAtmmtxvJiy6eUXRVOa66MG3bUE6mpe6XPMiab0tRhE73vjmEUmAErDcudmETF62I7tgXo/s400/megaman072.png" alt="I've got a bad feeling about this place..." label="I've got a bad feeling about this place..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586937564626898" border="0" /><br />I've got a bad feeling about this place...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF6SmBYuRYgjJJ9OtghNKyW2gHA7lC2Da-2kevvC0ghI1khn3nHWSGmfMS2nkhNG_s7Mw16g_D16wrJQ2-J4TP4KOK_2K82bBmPw5ZUPdLskmERizIILapLe2LT8aX1ZVQesuCqHGE-4/s400/megaman073.png" alt="And now I remember why!" label="And now I remember why!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586935857160082" border="0" /><br />And now I remember why!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA_KEGM6FRYIC5QQxJFIAhJ8vQN8wsuunlsqF9Ndge24KWZbLqMMTEG5EqmOLgEJnqZkqkTOrvzc1mWBZMi32izNEpXMbnkIbL2F49mPA_Lt4IPGhsYVy_-Cote9m6K7WtIu2gSGINqo/s400/megaman074.png" alt="Ooh, I like the place in red!" label="Ooh, I like the place in red!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586936160120290" border="0" /><br />Ooh, I like the place in red!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7agykgHRS0KXlQVWrneiXWwlqFJqpwF6GkF2Lm4K9BZBSlE6VkEUousGmtH-ffQH8UlEKpakLix0ElWsvknUx-gusqpdl9V5vGdu9HL6sCHiyTS6LkWplvVz9CnzvTnczZzHUbEFyBX8/s400/megaman075.png" alt="Pshaw! Your giant lasers don't scare me!" label="Pshaw! Your giant lasers don't scare me!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586929473796866" border="0" /><br />Pshaw! Your giant lasers don't scare me!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_v0MoMSYcG-qa19NpP1qRB9OHA9E7BjerQwcp1IufUUQAZgvNEir_zf9lKp-CAfThyphenhyphenqkeafdoXwdvYWt2_TkYvVAwB8AIAMzFi-bEmONQ4hyphenhyphenz4EKyDIXwCVKf5w2Z4nqVxUGTQWR5lQ/s400/megaman076.png" alt="So I guess it's time to fight Quick Man, then." label="So I guess it's time to fight Quick Man, then." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586924543482098" border="0" /><br />So I guess it's time to fight Quick Man, then.</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Boss: Dr. Wily</span><br /><br />Just before reaching the boss room, Mega Man zips away to a new mini-stage, a quick walk to a teleporter guarded by a single cannon. On the other side, Dr. Wily was waiting for a fight in his little one-man pod. That's right, no giant screen-filling robot to fight, no fighting all the previous bosses over again, just Dr. Wily. His pattern had him warping around the room, dropping two energy pulses that move in opposite directions upon reaching the floor, and then warping away, leaving four pulses in his wake that spin outward and back in. The toughest part about the battle is that he tends to appear just above Mega Man, not giving much of an opportunity to get away before the pulses hit. I tried several weapons against him, with little luck, so I wound up relying on the charged Mega Buster to beat him. I've since read that the Rain Flush is his weakness, and that's one I didn't try. I was forced to use my one and only E-Tank to refill my energy, but I managed to defeat him on my first attempt.<br /><br />After blowing up Wily's pod, the scene changed to a view of Dr. Cossack's castle, strangely enough, as it was engulfed in explosions that caused the screen to fade to white, at which point I was informed that the mission was, in some way, perfect. I would have to disagree, with all the bugs and deaths and all, but Mega Man did save the day in the end, and that's what's important.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_-172Mo_7WzM-apk6fQ-qlTYHCJ-Ylyq1ECteoL_QRfjrndsxp40bSqo-rBlX6e7d6VOVN3-a-OLRSISDke_1goqrIjSOvkXkJKrJvCCSGKGspRJzxk1lHgbAFXqa_friCbIbmrK-FA/s400/megaman077.png" alt="AGH! What just happened?" label="AGH! What just happened?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586766534689554" border="0" /><br />AGH! What just happened?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAZm2Bsn1DnRtvEB1D0xMqXQ4ZyRrQt7VudfTOU628435hG_m7xHmz4zenroaMjMZyxriAqkHOtHUfm6ztp7HQ1y71LAT10eXeqCCqmpjZR0XQYxltZG6hQjAsDbWW3Dmua0iCpshafk/s400/megaman078.png" alt="Where could this possibly lead?" label="Where could this possibly lead?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586764463792834" border="0" /><br />Where could this possibly lead?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNludyUeUx7nURuTgV2W-y7l3KbqSxnrW0ZD7yVt04G2uE1mnO8S6eu29gt0_gWZC4xDhkm_VvhUpVg58FimRo-iE9LhTLXhTShQnh8giB_EcDoF_unm5mZiR359TLwrqOTTLkO2CgPU/s400/megaman079.png" alt="Wait, no giant skull machine form?" label="Wait, no giant skull machine form?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586758069272946" border="0" /><br />Wait, no giant skull machine form?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28iVzY8MivQXQLgBquiG-Z2P2OPwSJ15d7emjPLjqAKJEm_gN2gwsvpMa91S_nzRTArQhGBkh1cczt6ikMQ1yVnDcrKDHx1AGPqjRM2wQpYYyCv-KEql35XWXWaUR9l1-XTgxIsANm08/s400/megaman080.png" alt="Ow! Watch it with those things!" label="Ow! Watch it with those things!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586755567417730" border="0" /><br />Ow! Watch it with those things!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHg4-NMgEidjy2kBlS9FfihItwzqdGwHoK2UZ68mgRwP4Q4iqTz6DaTgimsUoyojshgK0GGAvOSF0m8lJei-5gp92RTdhj9IiT2TnYE5StxUOP-_o_L_p7s9nRyx-fs-K3YwE0WeOVH8/s400/megaman081.png" alt="How dare you make me use my E-Tank!" label="How dare you make me use my E-Tank!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427586756137144178" border="0" /><br />How dare you make me use my E-Tank!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKUx0_Bcuy1RMmukDO4nqHoCEYMvJ5WJTzmty0RifC9QZ_VTtLLpWQj6Q_IMi-lzaP8KU5KFhOL3zi7JlXbazpSOk5i6bFK8tYMkW2vVIToQWZO8C0B7AGmtBAKyemT2iyoAG5yPIK2M/s400/megaman082.png" alt="One more shot, and..." label="One more shot, and..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427585913049113442" border="0" /><br />One more shot, and...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOe0tk2sTJYOaxhg1YvT56P2N-iUdJjHvYriUz6E6aK6XB0TbCr7hcWPuRqAaqomR5BdoEkFY2XD8nbemObGrRtUEX4_hPodsgI_mKGiYRCzWvV0jklbzY_YkE58DHQ9c-8s8P70HZcs/s400/megaman083.png" alt="Whoa, I think I killed him!" label="Whoa, I think I killed him!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427585907455909698" border="0" /><br />Whoa, I think I killed him!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUghfqNjR0Ea20NybAQT9wmoEuIix7Ev4WllFelXNozxQM93XP3wJKj20s3ili4MO6WewqhPVu_D32k_oeuRLWP3f0eboFY5sq1ru-THHsy9DmdtqAMwAfmtgDv3ucWJj131UIictE7U/s800/megaman084.gif" alt="Oh, we're blowing up the first castle?" label="Oh, we're blowing up the first castle?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427585908976927170" border="0" /><br />Oh, we're blowing up the first castle?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIhbxW9GrPzmvhpJtr4LMXwtFp7y3S4KmBRVRaLAPOWyG4e_dSYZ9nav1pYex3D5S9S2FTmpXLYhroDibGvr2X8jpmETdQ0kjnNOu8kvaJiFjpahm3uXC3A6isyPI2L6p1sKZ1QSZzKQ/s400/megaman085.gif" alt="Well, I'd hardly call it perfect, but..." label="Well, I'd hardly call it perfect, but..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427585905136946322" border="0" /><br />Well, I'd hardly call it perfect, but...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnarV4JezVMbrxm-7QWAWSXqu3wKm-QED9b6Zm0gpWtu3t9OfJxsgHH3xUSNwGa0PalqpIexkTRI4AsS34TSviKPU0qcnk4jWVeQt5hwQP3UkXQ2UqmvgaCAfzgt384tTULW-SLleqHU/s400/megaman086.gif" alt="SHOOT HIM, MEGA MAN! DO IT!" label="SHOOT HIM, MEGA MAN! DO IT!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427585900327277442" border="0" /><br />SHOOT HIM, MEGA MAN! DO IT!</div></div><br />So, after much unnecessary frustration, <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man</span> for the Game Gear comes to a close. The game was plenty fun; if it hadn't been for the Bright Man bug, things would have gone totally smoothly.<br /><br />I'm still not sure what I'm going to play next; Dragon Warrior IV is fast approaching, but there are a couple of things I want to take care of first.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-23691427483747981782010-01-16T00:23:00.000-05:002010-01-16T00:23:24.566-05:00RGR018 - Back on TrackAfter countless failed attempts to manually duplicate the timing of the fated reset during playback, I gave up and started manually editing the recording to try to strip out everything just after the reset. Finally, I was able to get playback to synchronize again from the beginning, and can now move on with the rest of the game.<br /><br />The second time around, Bright Man was kind of a pushover. I already knew he was weak against the Star Crash, so I just had to be careful about getting hit as he jumped around the room. He's much less prone to using his time stop attack in this version, preferring to use himself primarily as a weapon. I got hit a few times, but had no trouble starring him to death. By defeating Bright Man, I gained the Flash Stopper, which this game calls "Bright Weapon".<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8zNvePl6-w1mXAZ_zgkDDUtxo5QA89BUvAJnRjCv_Jsh5Me6GQWnNKhjxJ7OPAjvgCjOyRf4kESxAtm2bB_ki6WRqTpoRFYX3kCyNhOSe9VJt1nRnvNsLGQwSKZjbYUVMfit3F-NE6k/s400/megaman033.png" alt="Now let's get it right this time..." label="Now let's get it right this time..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146594023098674" border="0" /><br />Now let's get it right this time...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepnb0vbS0yTIh9vm0U9GiSsJEGnpGm2464QgSi__sTX_cXWHO_FmuJGLr6k-WcS2xYnnq5nTo4_twegQ9SeoEDSZWzX9FWP7j5vOcYvqQgOSgZqTORt9vGM-atjfe2_iAGW1c2j0xaSw/s400/megaman034.png" alt="No more of that buggy cheaty stuff, 'kay?" label="No more of that buggy cheaty stuff, 'kay?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146595015293586" border="0" /><br />No more of that buggy cheaty stuff, 'kay?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWAWRkuvrrTrod9bgbOljyxirM_xMELS-UlseLLiRv_KZWfuKsRA3h4ywBNYXGRi5xCRl-pBxop6L7oXSOQ6czirNRhRa9mZPZ17mBKp-DzN1wKUBZWo5MyQ4AEpiPcqgVmVAICLy_DE/s400/megaman035.png" alt="I'll destroy you with my... little star thingies!" label="I'll destroy you with my... little star thingies!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146589367976674" border="0" /><br />I'll destroy you with my... little star thingies!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYIkjal7O6oRtIKqLZFGoKQV3L-jeKYfvWbxehZESN8q9bkU8UNMQJAdfy5BD7x1D2pmwcU-kI_Gj1aUafvwkhEjIIfm96aZt1892V426i9a1XqZ_EUwJLs-7kAUbKXVPTHBTYWfUbek/s400/megaman036.png" alt="That's not a helpful description." label="That's not a helpful description." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146582502399282" border="0" /><br />That's not a helpful description.</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arbitrarily Chosen Fourth Boss: Napalm Man</span><br /><br />Napalm Man's stage takes place in a jungle-type area, which may or may not be quite culturally insensitive. Robotic tigers try to pounce on you, and are surprisingly adept at jumping over your shots, though I'm pretty sure that's a coincidence based on my bad shot timing. The path then descends into a deep cavern lined with Metool-operated cannons that fire shots that look like bubble gum, along with shrapnel-filled missiles and a few different large humanoid robots. The final stretch is a series of pits with narrow footholds (some of which have become blind jumps, thanks again to the Game Gear's small screen), with vertical rocket enemies poised to knock you out of the air.<br /><br />Napalm Man attacks with small bombs that explode on contact, and appear to contain no napalm whatsoever (napalm would stick to Mega Man, and keep on burning) as he jumps around the room trying to be as difficult a target as possible. Luckily, he's weak against the Flash Stopper, making most of his movements a waste. Beating him grants the Napalm Bomb, known here as "Bomb Weapon".<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bz-1-ivWsLqpou-h6Qrrp48B6B321_o5EWNJJfWPoUz5iuR8rvTW4-tXLAS3pIt_BoqVSdzPhuIZD5bwMITqXw54X4yX5_fjuXF5pzmZLVHBZGmS8-YQTttx2xmSc0MKyhKs0wpdSgk/s400/megaman037.png" alt="Finally, a boss with actual weapons!" label="Finally, a boss with actual weapons!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146583389170594" border="0" /><br />Finally, a boss with actual weapons!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1VVFbfcI2yEEbzbbrK2BLH3sT_8QwRWyApgPld6M24ydIbPZztA-b-6Q21T7I-CRDLmhv3RhGt6PcwBsqkeLAESJwSDdNjbKzDTvGNx2nr68425Z0rx9GlfHGb90vRTl-dZOxA5Od9Q/s400/megaman038.png" alt="Well played, robo-tiger. Well played." label="Well played, robo-tiger. Well played." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146440419051026" border="0" /><br />Well played, robo-tiger. Well played.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAzV1DB7I7LKu-XSOXRy1PObPsONITKn9bPr8xQzj-FTOX5QUAyH2MdciP3jlQNjPe96DiUTFSIhXaVyWghHcfPj9tlvYjMBEcb1gGbkr5gcenrcAW0Sm-NfC5-3ijHy7s_9e2RmTAQU/s400/megaman039.png" alt="Fear the bubble gum cannon!" label="Fear the bubble gum cannon!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146435463784242" border="0" /><br />Fear the bubble gum cannon!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHrVGC77cRc_ZgkOXKhPikFr7qtZClEd5ylgf-pBq6DvFLsuR5w4odBJY9xCyQG_Bu-hr6HKvaqC45g-M1McM1bpC89iZZUFRRONIhnDkyTVh6EAAXEx1d97NoqRdVMpFncPjw2kjhEk/s400/megaman040.png" alt="Who put this giant meat tenderizer here?" label="Who put this giant meat tenderizer here?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146433340022338" border="0" /><br />Who put this giant meat tenderizer here?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktxwwlTreb18Lw0E3q0UbXZZ5pFAldvWyN-gVye-qd3U6hfVAHoCBAnEbI9YnuUN6AlWLDi1qrRMSZq8WbaUnKU8X0Im2XTKDobHmHDVzQKond0wPniKKIEwmdWYGvDfzYv2qjYhD5vg/s400/megaman041.png" alt="Look! A cleverly-hidden energy tank!" label="Look! A cleverly-hidden energy tank!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146430546927090" border="0" /><br />Look! A cleverly-hidden energy tank!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEeDt6Kvpm3KXlR3N0reI2cot8ii1ANc5zRhVQEKJTvUK3TQ-LRZKf3PYXAh8hRldXETQdxoOugMZIHhXkxQdRNDXfa-2knKQZQGuZbvB9fOfuAD0fxcG0_0yJLKG1zpGDpEIcq9q_jw/s400/megaman042.png" alt="I want a tiny copter like Sniper Joe's!" label="I want a tiny copter like Sniper Joe's!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146426677996210" border="0" /><br />I want a tiny copter like Sniper Joe's!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiZ5MrQJvxWtviFkByilU7WpX5v5-bvKdIXjTp1ZPSXZzvuJIWcc0UQJSLlrds6rQ4JJwQe_Y_v22-7ksD0bCLba6HpaxBwTa-cBujoxeFsKupPCR6Afis0yB14y03BqMtsdZqCcdutg/s400/megaman043.png" alt="I should probably do something about the missile." label="I should probably do something about the missile." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146299307152338" border="0" /><br />I should probably do something about the missile.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH7jqc3Tr8YmfSOsJhDPLFFQNPeBZsBPkcf3Tq-gU5MwdNNCHdhZqJEIFm1Y-cXCh1ok2oYYpSJOczrG_xNOCfXoaaNWnLD96oYmo0iiX_k2iMjDIhMahM4F9rGdeznWrcWJQHGvpLLc/s400/megaman044.png" alt="How do his tiny thighs support his weight?" label="How do his tiny thighs support his weight?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146299729381698" border="0" /><br />How do his tiny thighs support his weight?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshp4j4iZ7PJU3fEHp_OCvSneEyUrwR1fOq1SLpt_YDMuu17UfEPu-7LZyJ43RSdt33RFiB4MM0oJbPsJW5x9-Knn5OKoUfwaGxNuxeKFiZ_6XAVLGrgffRF6xywYVKFc7D984U5EfC1c/s400/megaman045.png" alt="Watch out for spikes, even if you can't see them." label="Watch out for spikes, even if you can't see them." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146295211059698" border="0" /><br />Watch out for spikes, even if you can't see them.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVFzcFfTBIMGWE0DoqwL8qB_QwacXzLAal2uek3Q1So89xkvBxK5xSbPXTQRjvNNsJDYCMGXbi_h-k0UvMY5YMXLvzuf2UtMeN9bhxoXEc5iDM1ae1CnNNQlXeCSWI-YJmosZQHoh3do/s400/megaman046.png" alt="Hmm... I hope there's something between these." label="Hmm... I hope there's something between these." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146290977433138" border="0" /><br />Hmm... I hope there's something between these.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8zXYh52tWxBW0YY2MjCrbKUoxn5hTSxPNdi4EfpiMdHHI1Ztyd_8a7g0REDAzNI5HovEA7E5TxcTX1sZweejbof_kqBYHrxbtgn4rjIvtNvIwARbqhIuc6UGBm2luHMK3X8C2O_uMOM/s400/megaman047.png" alt="Just hand over the bombs like a good boy." label="Just hand over the bombs like a good boy." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146283296959858" border="0" /><br />Just hand over the bombs like a good boy.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT5KFrKT4LgnaovHZq7zKdYoh9BEjNL3kB9S1ASmcQWQomxbDxSvtx4fP3aKbLs6Le1YHtruwaXyWO8GouIIDDnTAU_M54ff6si9bO-hGG_z2LOY7bObCqGAxaeQ4sOe4UgQoWmbXto0/s400/megaman048.png" alt="See, that was easy." label="See, that was easy." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146148976742914" border="0" /><br />See, that was easy.</div></div><br />With the four Robot Masters out of the way, it's time for Mega Man to stage the final assault on Dr. Wily as usual. However, as the image of the castle (Dr. Cossack's castle from <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man 4</span>) fades into view, we see that the path first leads to Wave Man, another Robot Master from <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man 5</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fifth Boss: Wave Man</span><br /><br />Wave Man's stage is unique and actually very fun, at least as you get closer to the end. The beginning is a gauntlet of big swinging spiked balls and broken pipes venting steam, leading to an area where Mega Man is forced to ride bubbles to reach a platform two full screens up (that's two full original NES screens, so a little over three Game Gear screens). Only large bubbles can support his weight for more than a second, but the small bubbles have to be used as stepping stones in order to cross from one side of the screen to the other, to avoid spiked ceilings. The fun begins after Mega Man reaches the top: an autoscrolling jet ski shoot-em-up! Buoys, jumping fish and other jet skiers attack from both sides, and a giant octopus mini-boss stands in the way of Mega Man's progress.<br /><br />Wave Man waits on the other side of the jet ski course, brandishing his harpoon gun and tiny waterspouts. His pattern is simple, as he just creates a waterspout where Mega Man is standing, fires a harpoon, and then jumps over and over again. But timing jumps to avoid the waterspouts is trickier than you might expect. He has no weaknesses, though the charged Mega Buster does plenty of damage. Mega Man wins the Water Wave by beating Wave Man.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviYbqTFAqvb8JtGoXAUFOTafq-8_bgQbuhuEzZUaEx6qcTROn8BRQ5fo6_yEgAIeRdvyQndpT1wX4Z9TfytRpjBOMw3DKL0W7Ar92sgKsrb_MNVcFFHYG8CTUCzbsncB97uWAmkDfty8/s800/megaman049.gif" alt="This doesn't seem quite right..." label="This doesn't seem quite right..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146145958918146" border="0" /><br />This doesn't seem quite right...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXFvQeC5WLuaaCZkgHC7UQPUK9BXkpsGkff5a5uDit7ZFzXIJKC3LD8mLdzSIUEWz58oYnFDh5yagVy34HxFbbx3OMzFWX6Pyv8YSciTBrCYqDPBvwAkfXEfgYQNpVfV3Np5bfScxZqU/s400/megaman050.png" alt="I guess I'm still hunting bad robots." label="I guess I'm still hunting bad robots." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146142986190082" border="0" /><br />I guess I'm still hunting bad robots.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLDQe5hwA2xYWSHDsKSs3ygyA7x5SmURE9U4NRnJc_ECWOwllIMiSVi487vbQ1cBGkjU0sj40cWpRc2Zg1sufzRAI72h32x43fMxejXf0_lzFjmTtBYhFQgC6_EeW52VP0treqMH9F0Q/s400/megaman051.png" alt="Steam or spiky steel ball: which is more dangerous?" label="Steam or spiky steel ball: which is more dangerous?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146138979277938" border="0" /><br />Steam or spiky steel ball:<br />which is more dangerous?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3hkIJiKEXbYM67goMiLzmhZXPywyiXEl9KwFZGS0BU5cJu_WLAaSnTGxo-norYv1HvuH2Z_WM5iSZswjIyBxUhise4XCK8bnXI-bHR0uiao_L6bxCKjM4TmaEY-e6I5Eb17I-BwiB6M/s400/megaman052.png" alt="Ceiling spikes? I'm not falling for that again." label="Ceiling spikes? I'm not falling for that again." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427146134026541026" border="0" /><br />Ceiling spikes? I'm not falling for that again.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPqnsqVWmdsG6szhb9vn57DFEKI5Z0C7BzL1iDEyLn1Llkgj43B1rvn1o7Nti65hTl__vO89tWw_BeGAEZIXmPH4hOVVQkxj0MzX4Y4YXHjarQDfhZNTktMwsaIsze_diF35e3hqGID8/s400/megaman053.png" alt="Jet ski duel!" label="Jet ski duel!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145978251026546" border="0" /><br />Jet ski duel!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4Mg3Yw4O0BaRnH54y7rj6Sqj7eYQfuacNLvQcfjm6bjDhfcdIKCYMDmfIxu77Tx9sRIOZkXBLxlqdy-oLssdnAv42URTdBeiHH1DOsW-pmlzIqGV2bfZZNbR7Ab5X7u-RaEru_HWzKc/s400/megaman054.png" alt="Eight tentacles and you just shoot rocks?" label="Eight tentacles and you just shoot rocks?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145977323885730" border="0" /><br />Eight tentacles and you just shoot rocks?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY3hq27gj5XMgRq1NG0ulYMf1loXbvglBob6dB96PWfnVYGLkgx5g1cqKOfyumTIMAX9bKdl-QCSNJFEtprl1mNUUQTpJqbOHER5KFC3hgnJ6OyeX2VFsnX7T_2bCpPZoFqXPGPsjShc/s400/megaman055.png" alt="Your harpoon... will be MINE!" label="Your harpoon... will be MINE!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145973072726402" border="0" /><br />Your harpoon... will be MINE!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AzWxUhX-CQTFYuFwAzEf1bK3VKXPBVYtAh1zjFdxAsLIcxjjYM1C_HbpJEYQDohGVnEczEgmaT3o3hTrfHKLDKoExMha2RZa0Qd3qGS211JveJ2fBn9Mn1KjlyDV2l1uv1rWtkx2rSI/s400/megaman056.png" alt="That's not what I meant!" label="That's not what I meant!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145970869660850" border="0" /><br />That's not what I meant!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwPlpjPqQi2BRz__nF8yrh37LrDc6jHpyD220jYgFckBQsazmM1O2ok1EWMh05soO11X7HIfTZkbUNcodMFwe_34b_8stGhzwVcGFZq9arDfu01HVW3g2nF2sEf_8rmbXnd0-RSq3nLE/s400/megaman057.png" alt="Fact: water is super effective against robots." label="Fact: water is super effective against robots." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145965158309506" border="0" /><br />Fact: water is super effective against robots.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzXnIIFGojPmgRHjRgJuXQELVXDIcONxdcgKK5rXtTx7k8Evpa39jzhEqUM2Nv6wHSXL4orDlVqiw1iN1_uEu2C5QQ18iEXgfyJ_JbueoUu4WQvHi0siIAvEcMM53VPmun8t3AH5BnGs/s400/megaman058.png" alt="But I wanted harpoon weapon!" label="But I wanted harpoon weapon!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145845605814162" border="0" /><br />But I wanted harpoon weapon!</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sixth Boss: Toad Man</span><br /><br />The path through the castle appears to be halfway done, as the second part leads to Toad Man, from <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man 4</span>. The beginning of the stage takes place in a storm with strong winds that push Mega Man back when he jumps. Groups of birds that look an awful lot like flying penguins make dive bomb attempts while other little robots float down on umbrellas to attack. Inside, where it's drier, Mega Man encounters giant snails, waterfalls that interfere with his jumping, and cute little two-legged rat-raccoon hybrid bots.<br /><br />Toad Man, as expected, spends most of his time jumping, but his special attack is the Rain Flush, a sudden downpour of acid rain that covers the screen and can't be avoided. He's weak against the Water Wave, but hard to hit since the Water Wave moves along the ground, and Toad Man spends most of his time in the air. I was on my last life when I reached this stage, and found one extra life along the way, but it wasn't quite enough, and I found myself staring at my first Game Over screen.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AhBlhiEVnrp948ZuMONqMySZdBPgZgKPD-s9H4r7AbjixQR8NCSu77KqT8ob9-Oe6O9Q4ztoqXKtxOur9V1AXuzld28CS2S4uCvfGDeTD6AmPIVyBJ4v9GeaI9u2-4DfwihqfrIBfEc/s400/megaman059.png" alt="So the castle is just two more stages?" label="So the castle is just two more stages?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145839491539698" border="0" /><br />So the castle is just two more stages?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe0NiEZy9upZLa0S3iNg9mUCzWx55jDSgHttwb2IjIKmPKIAdiKeSIJZZUbUi1AU5Z5bvyx8HR9oSCuW-zoWedixyG2r7bJnoWEj1eXUnblHq2EUBgWVo_JhuhN8rG4I2QdmrHnp0m-g/s400/megaman060.png" alt="Yeah, keep bringing out the winners." label="Yeah, keep bringing out the winners." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145837593977202" border="0" /><br />Yeah, keep bringing out the winners.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ddq4IReZxCI-0siqGsXujqbuyJN4hZf_fXS1A7B4Pjss7js42SUPiy7sTaV_AaGhMnINXW7S1-HUvdzLvnCWqZoJi1BhsjMUcVEzb6IQ99zlgPJrF2F6lDkSy0V_wDuMLOw7VR_hlek/s400/megaman061.png" alt="Caution: Low-Flying Penguins." label="Caution: Low-Flying Penguins." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145829443247250" border="0" /><br />Caution: Low-Flying Penguins.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMO6wxPbtu-QiVlwsf8y5smWTCPFwwB0w98y5iRotJI3QFhyphenhyphenG8cidXfikAFFmY0WVq9ROxeeRZ3Onct0g1TM4ukpm1oTNcsjqyvs5BEsDEpAbnRsxLzgyZovh8RWlDpSEbvI62P27Lps/s400/megaman062.png" alt="It's cute, but what is it?" label="It's cute, but what is it?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145824500469650" border="0" /><br />It's cute, but what is it?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYlfxm9eRwBt9abBQV8rwUI5DwFa9ryj5oNLU5jYTOM5DJnFNHgLUUKL06hvDLXb4cm-NZaM9PIExJYyVjaIItyoxtcyETHePwQdJ-eroESNPsdQOLtkibV9dYwQUZOTAVdaAyFQe8Ns/s400/megaman063.png" alt="I didn't know snails could do angry." label="I didn't know snails could do angry." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145694400268786" border="0" /><br />I didn't know snails could do angry.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw4WomRRmdlhQn9sg8ZbxPwBpmXNXdeSipIpw2QUtOo7NIqOem6AQuag1tbpV23AA85x8DGEQ51GvjCtlnlGYozMKnrTzMPCBnA-VjyWjyc_Pc7GGBItq9eKuhBJJTAZZzWEq0lwlneo/s400/megaman064.png" alt="Eek! Killer jumpy-fish!" label="Eek! Killer jumpy-fish!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145691967871090" border="0" /><br />Eek! Killer jumpy-fish!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD69E0bCXtreNoSSESu_wXWAt8RTPxO5biM-14PTcmNNLvbP9VB2xWQNKwHUtTXdSZksk7StYuBpax7kyb9eF2oUE5_Ir5WJx4HBGt_zBKgaHbf3eW-7w6CaIu0Ni92w2V05th3vqoXY/s400/megaman065.png" alt="Prepare to croak... yeah, that was pretty lame." label="Prepare to croak... yeah, that was pretty lame." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145685242077410" border="0" /><br />Prepare to croak... yeah, that was pretty lame.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc02ftv0xCR3gNJq_Ys7AyPD5LF2BnoUVcJ0732zq1FmfHOh1t-pgT-kHj9uvKP-yrVAYhGl-lF-pP8w926bSlkL_vwtjLNDBxIJdJEx0rf5gjOM-xmKupXDFCOUh7Zh7K6yK393geG8/s400/megaman066.png" alt="And at the hands of a toad, no less." label="And at the hands of a toad, no less." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427145678843570498" border="0" /><br />And at the hands of a toad, no less.</div></div><br />I've got my password ready to go, but I think that's enough for tonight. Tune in tomorrow for an extra special episode of <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man</span>!<br /><br />Okay, so there's nothing extra special about it, but tune in anyway.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-21822898973767677262010-01-15T00:46:00.001-05:002010-01-15T00:54:50.214-05:00RGR Game #018: Mega Man<div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOma13A5jDMCewN9Z06D6_5ZLyehxrABtv5LADu48tL_gjmD3tpa_CNDmnL_docP80RaKfzEfyEvbCixGLKqo2yQfUlPCf2iXUwzShurVq2T9T1Sk9IFOu4Jo5gR_d6230Kyuql71g3o/s400/megaman001.png" alt="The power of Mega Man in the PALM OF YOUR HAND!" label="The power of Mega Man in the PALM OF YOUR HAND!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786723178459410" border="0" /><br />The power of Mega Man in the<br />PALM OF YOUR HAND!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7NoZ7knaauzvE-VyesV8VbalZQE1DwfLKv1rf1tOY_s5pM_mH_HueAQF3mcejdGguJNYfll24aDj5yM-gMSXoDVVeUKn_KRI54oDhmAuK4l9yNjLG8ElQaFJW7tk2XR2xXghwSn3j0Q/s400/megaman002.png" alt="Aww... look at his cute little dangly feets!" label="Aww... look at his cute little dangly feets!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786715939239794" border="0" /><br />Aww... look at his cute little dangly feets!</div></div><br /><br />Sorry for the many delays, but it's finally time to move on to the next game, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Mega Man</span> for the Game Gear. Though Mega Man built a reputation as a third-party mascot of sorts for Nintendo, that doesn't mean he never tried out any other systems. I mean, he's got a remake of the first three games on the Genesis in Europe and Japan (which is called the Mega Drive in both regions, so it's all so fitting). So here we have the Blue Bomber's one and only Game Gear outing, an awkward mix of elements from the 4th and 5th games in the series. The game was developed by a company called Freestyle, but it's definitely got the Mega Man feel down pat.<br /><br />Thanks to the superior graphical capabilities of the Game Gear, the backgrounds and sprites benefit from increased color palettes, though Mega Man himself looks a bit strange with the extra shading and that little belly button dot he's rocking. Everything is the exact same size it was in the NES games, but due to the Game Gear's small screen, vertical scrolling was added to keep Mega Man in the center of the screen. This can actually make things tricky at times, since a pit of spikes might not quite be visible until you've already fallen into it. The music is all a little off as well, mostly due to differences in the audio hardware. All of Mega Man's abilities survived the port, so sliding and the chargeable Mega Buster are in, as is Rush the Dog in his Rush Coil form. But I found the Rush Coil to be essentially useless, so the one image of him you see below is the only one you're going to see. I just never needed him again.<br /><br />The game's intro mimics that of <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man 4</span>, with a few scenes removed to simplify the story and make it all less sequel-y. After starting the game, we're presented with a selection of four bosses, rather than the usual eight. And they're not much of a selection, with Bright Man from <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man 4</span>, and Stone Man, Napalm Man and Star Man from <span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Man 5</span>. But bad robots are bad robots, so we'll take all comers.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1KsSb7LoBkR2Z0GPu4rbzI_3gaRnp-j7LhAn9GYGifLc0wcLd7rq69f6A8dy9GLJGCr317SiZwSUS1JEtq6rOVYWfcx4EWx19Ap6srJN3YdEHp2yp2FIi-8VHANltfKdlyckV237G-Y/s400/megaman003.gif" alt="AD 200X? So this takes place in the past?" label="AD 200X? So this takes place in the past?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786712128297634" border="0" /><br />AD 200X? So this takes place in the past?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcd7WM058Ttw3uYftUsTqVF9sKaibg-pr3jn1NkVeb9UUPEKOjC4KMwWOIZjzxoIm_d2t3R1O5p8KmEyI7uh21DAP07jwU4n6jdlGKQnfRkiSfDTTlu3CEgw_i66Dcg2CSVBnHEFY3fk/s400/megaman004.png" alt="Yep, those are some... uh... bosses." label="Yep, those are some... uh... bosses." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786710090636418" border="0" /><br />Yep, those are some... uh... bosses.</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arbitrarily-Chosen First Boss: Star Man</span><br /><br />Star Man's stage takes place on a space station with limited gravity, so Mega Man jumps unusually high here. Of course, that means that the ceilings are often lined with spikes, as are the floors in several places. The aforementioned vertical scrolling only makes things tougher, but it's easy enough to learn where the spikes are and avoid them next time. There's a good variety of enemies, including gun turrets, robot walkers, and adorable little rocket Metools.<br /><br />Star Man himself is easy enough, though understanding his patterns and being able to avoid them are two different things. He usually generates a star shield, jumps toward the ceiling, and throws the shield at you, but he'll occasionally stay low and hop directly at you. And he's quick, so you have to be on your toes. Several charged shots from the Mega Buster will take him down, as long as you wait until he's thrown away his current star shield. Defeating him yields the "Crash Weapon", formerly known as the Star Crash.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYtgPOFgEX1w_1AhFNryeV-F0Ku9TccOfB7RllNxPjD9g4A6M9aDXj0d7wpnEegJyaB8kfavDGQctG0v9D7h5qL5Id7bWguKUJDSOBkTeN5Mb7WyVZcxakVXfH7QogG4Pa1BF4alxrhI/s400/megaman005.png" alt="Pro Wrestling did Star Man better." label="Pro Wrestling did Star Man better." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786704349786946" border="0" /><br />Pro Wrestling did Star Man better.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikghVWO3HeHCCyAEukz-pfUJTAIFMHXobZfD8cM19cPCDhdTm8n_ZVInpDHtxGXXKWa6CJ3g66iM38_ObpWVJHJhTYkzEOwyqoy_wN_wAL8vsUj3G5hnO48IZMoAAf5immKCBwRqrNc4/s400/megaman006.png" alt="The spikes were off-screen until I fell." label="The spikes were off-screen until I fell." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786584365441602" border="0" /><br />The spikes were off-screen until I fell.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNKhWXxh11Pi6aYzN5sg_2aVPLb0tunpyf6Csp2veimE50B_E-TLZ2U9ioE5KMJJWu0oX72JYwHnTsE-GKoNtKNGZQkXomAPUh-axsPmW29810n-Rw0SfN0IzQ40NBmL46viv78w2Tls/s400/megaman007.png" alt="Surprise!" label="Surprise!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786581479205570" border="0" /><br />Surprise!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-IyhkiSSM9HWgn73JA1R0rHSYb7JxN9aH0xZljOOf-w2Eu17Pq8IY5GVJpNgAi0EARxuIa-3RS5CFLdVgOm-BvAHtm-CgQMQJeFy3Iro72Mx2LLnbUbZoUqUqW-BiiDrw6g0eLzjqMA/s400/megaman008.png" alt="Would you just die already?" label="Would you just die already?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786575324186322" border="0" /><br />Would you just die already?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit7vTaCD0yws8RNp992NvOUI0bVqH8gL3Eh4hlWi1PXhp5idpR_MDDNsObenCP06HEMojXuAPnbJD1UR1trM92hUxfgz59LzAsTriVs2P_1K4LBUbyP534foc1Mrd93a44K_XFXyT0cQ/s400/megaman009.png" alt="High five?" label="High five?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786570573123234" border="0" /><br />High five?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82_jjQLsLGc-_qbTDYD7pohPXjthk0QG1OdHik-CL0Gta2os0tqUUW2H_itAarQ6WWWwv9Zc4hzPQL7Yl0XXBOfG-1YtB13YlGNYKWKw2zParPR3gdz6627e3Cw7mLbxI2wLDvO5dG-A/s400/megaman010.png" alt="Where's your shield now, huh? HUH?" label="Where's your shield now, huh? HUH?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786569466549090" border="0" /><br />Where's your shield now, huh? HUH?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3masZjR88aKb_Cv8Lxy-829EoaSa3zRkAlMKY33S-v_HPAEiS7w5CEKWCpYylTUT7Z-sSGFIyfb7ICTp2zoB7Vyv1b-xdXTjfWSucEO5euMl5z7GM0p7sZU3r04Y_qFws_1uPVGR1qRw/s400/megaman011.png" alt="Yes... come to me, power... NOM NOM NOM" label="Yes... come to me, power... NOM NOM NOM" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786471880857282" border="0" /><br />Yes... come to me, power... NOM NOM NOM</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozEoWExmmIokWwJjCzPjTskdXXFpxDqxFVUIX8by2Pi2Q8tGOBLPLLPZQoA9sxnp4s3okvhiYYJ9jeOHnTsjR8Y_HbzqhB6jm8lhaq1IUbRIpbqvW5sCbarftEFPO33rmWdy5gnKhNjM/s400/megaman012.png" alt="It's not really a crash. Or a weapon." label="It's not really a crash. Or a weapon." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786467088817010" border="0" /><br />It's not really a crash. Or a weapon.</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arbitrarily-Chosen Second Boss: Stone Man</span><br /><br />Stone Man's stage looks an awful lot like Guts Man's stage from the first game, with its metal-on-rock construction. But there doesn't seem to be any construction going on here. The stage has several hidden passages which can be opened by shooting certain portions of walls that look a little different. A few areas also contain false walls you can just walk through.<br /><br />Stone Man's strategy is simpler than Star Man's; he just keeps trying to jump on you. After a high jump, his body will collapse into a heap of rubble, only to reform a second later. He's only vulnerable when he's intact, so his greatest offense is also his greatest defense. The Star Crash only does one point of damage, so at this point, the charged Mega Buster is the way to go. Just wait until he picks himself up after a collapse, and let him have it. Defeating him earns you the Power Stone, or in this case, the "Stone Weapon".<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyD1l1E1wuvHIDatYCEcZsCnd9c3y9XvcU7997hA4Xy5hKZgeOI96Iy5CdRuwKXgsWL_BjqbVNafR_f5YfjJYaGnAmkQLY5IdyoLIPu5U-c3sAUwVTcojH0OFuaT2JDX1vAxycDYND90/s400/megaman013.png" alt="I should've brought my Paper Weapon." label="I should've brought my Paper Weapon." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786465396530578" border="0" /><br />I should've brought my Paper Weapon.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WUWhQk4qvM0VYQEXJW7-6MEOf0QJ08ZfrNt095rK1HFHywJe7WLx2VakDQJdaz2eNjyLOV3-tDmcvL-WakcTCkRdoplA9oca54lWTse7Eco81an9rr7mxlKgABk_g_IRo1Ec05UND9U/s400/megaman014.png" alt="Kids today..." label="Kids today..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786458476620914" border="0" /><br />Kids today...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGQ8PAB2MFCscuaQaXFXLu5hblzPYWjMl4r71VXUsAb08cgWOeesxPaaRFjOBSXMYs1V9wrACOpQuWi05Vl2f9kRrrjSigz0g1gDZTXOOYu7cpJTeO67xJUoPR5yEQWd6ObM9i99AK2Y/s400/megaman015.png" alt="Why all the robot bugs?" label="Why all the robot bugs?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786457917441090" border="0" /><br />Why all the robot bugs?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxhiIli1mnxRrXJ5l62ZfOhoedMtykmvpK3W7iR_uiL3WkwUfnNHfxN26UgXAQfJfuoqY-jja6Z_IY1wI-nsJU50mutnhjvIFHwFOij-ZXcpsAcFjv_P24c5Ac8T8NGYdlBfA9KHkqLc/s400/megaman016.png" alt="Ooh, a secret passage!" label="Ooh, a secret passage!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786365356423474" border="0" /><br />Ooh, a secret passage!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-rfGOCTVn8cBJMUuWN1Y9Fsvswm14UoTOxPE7kaOC6dtx63-2dkbVMWIJDdoalHmPGzXwe7qzEQwl9YGbWiquiAYbiXwBPfolBlHjB-_PsdpEr_jRkOXYWmN88dxZrd3U3hi4Reft58/s400/megaman017.png" alt="Um..." label="Um..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786362144460594" border="0" /><br />Um...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje6d4ANq3_FVduL210JqxdsVA6qMzVCMnmMvyWA7drDH65UBHT9Qjva1CIZSKdILJ_uCj1xfQLfdh2uTnit5iikXEbvV0kezXQqUYp58ombnZnnPcV3oLF_kvo0pD0M3u34EspVGA21M/s400/megaman018.png" alt="Too bad I'll never get a chance to use this." label="Too bad I'll never get a chance to use this." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786362710784530" border="0" /><br />Too bad I'll never get a chance to use this.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBgejsdtiNZKt9Nq_e_v2vlwnwnDRP5TGfI9PuvLpO_zrBfOIOimh99Ng28eWgC8mqxOorUNUWuEgc-sbK28VLH_aMAcB6vVyfdZc5WJuqcMZOSzCF0rA-9Lf6r6A080QT5_zyobIeuA/s400/megaman019.png" alt="I don't like where this is headed." label="I don't like where this is headed." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786358366929330" border="0" /><br />I don't like where this is headed.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSuwYT8_j09MuxO42mT9gcB8_HG-5Vmt-Jzj2xE2XLVPZKv61wTulmcrGSWiDbwRHd4rtuVfHRNeVpC_DPjmfYLqSk-SpZpHYHY6l0jELMwHWxi5GSzBF9CpbnvRLk_aUpC94_nm-PPQ/s400/megaman020.png" alt="Platform-jumping robot... Mega Man!" label="Platform-jumping robot... Mega Man!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786350694655074" border="0" /><br />Platform-jumping robot... Mega Man!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KOCqEBq0tLULI3lkxSEP_8xk1ixtZh3Bo7Q6p8ucEYTqYjMWT-3qd-FwVoS-_56NTrtT6knioDSk5cM6595cptydtNmhngiyvs7VzDeU7Xaju1ku2OuVFazF77L64yLrmXK49S8O4so/s400/megaman021.png" alt="He's good at throwing temper tantrums." label="He's good at throwing temper tantrums." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786232148740418" border="0" /><br />He's good at throwing temper tantrums.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rU4pBKpsbrI9hRJ_D9l5WW6t7eWR4dhWDmkqFcmWonYGWlE4EXihU0f5vmntXRZtUc2gixQC3-Rpp3ZA6qZW6S2wC7RZnEc7c7ihO2VeL-LsXjbaGTLaxzx0J6Ca3H05v-KBYD6OZYU/s400/megaman022.png" alt="That is to say, you get a stone." label="That is to say, you get a stone." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786227990072610" border="0" /><br />That is to say, you get a stone.</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arbitrarily-Chosen Third Boss: Bright Man</span><br /><br />Oh boy. This is where it all went downhill. Bright Man's stage is fairly interesting, with a couple of areas full of light and dark enemies. Destroying a floating bulb enemy causes the screen to go dark, while destroying a little walking enemy causes a small fireworks display that lights the screen back up. Other areas feature long tracks of spikes that can only be traversed by the robot grasshoppers that stand around waiting for you to hop on their backs.<br /><br />Bright Man would be a simple enough boss, if it weren't for a silly little bug that can ruin things completely. His special power is the ability to stop time, causing Mega Man to freeze in place while Bright Man opens fire on him. Normally, getting hit would cause you to break out of the frozen state, but an unchecked situation can arise if time is stopped as Mega Man is reeling from damage. In this state, Mega Man is frozen in his damage position, and since there's an invulnerability period that lasts until a second or so after Mega Man regains his bearings, it becomes impossible for Bright Man to do any more damage, and you're stuck with no way to fight back.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPakqpY8I0F31FfICHjV9Ju5n51ldtUz_kE1IO00JJJPKlkqJ9Mz1IBvl2KWrjVXLVg8C0LUW6A8dViY5mhHjFg9_fbFGhwj_tKdUDmXaVfbjOe5YQmyIpDnK8-ZhyVzOp42sMekGDgc/s400/megaman023.png" alt="Somehow, I doubt it." label="Somehow, I doubt it." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786222872468850" border="0" /><br />Somehow, I doubt it.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiihTYc176OMDX51c-X8ucP7l0vCrHUHWX1uSSSmrRALmHZg4vbGQpOv9NhnNIq9Z9_EIp-WpuhdLHmg4ZlT-01WSEYGTCiRxqOmEuJ4tIfUvheMEfQXpnkoZb_B-dlrwAvFr6_y_73i0/s400/megaman024.png" alt="I could use a Rush Flashlight right about now." label="I could use a Rush Flashlight right about now." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786219525165394" border="0" /><br />I could use a Rush Flashlight right about now.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6hTorDTPGa52n3GeQ4W5PGX7Tsu2BrhLAU-VuTm7csQnGP2qgTjooGP6bvaRp26uqCzESYNKgADe_bj0CYeRh-n7MJH8Uh4hL-6RRXNZ3QiaLgQYNTBX3p3zUA3xrD185cSRqE9vP38/s400/megaman025.png" alt="This kind of makes no sense." label="This kind of makes no sense." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786219658960498" border="0" /><br />This kind of makes no sense.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiga5IubgyLlC5uoB7yDScc5PbAzADiV42PxlS0Xu6tIc3yOJlJkpX0fhe1NpCHRhc7VZlOZcez-TciHpie5fTDel6paGauBet2S2uei-NT-sqPgc90SG8tIHc3nUj6zfrSuE_RAxvOqII/s400/megaman026.png" alt="Ooh, it'd be nice to have their spike-surviving power." label="Ooh, it'd be nice to have their spike-surviving power." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786096082362578" border="0" /><br />Ooh, it'd be nice to have their spike-surviving power.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkLuNRErtKp9Jtc4Vw2DjsyQA3PpH6GcZMSMyPVzcH64JI_KgZ-9CrtsZ5KRR5mjG3nGz9PuRDP_tNN7oJKSS8jUdGBu5ZnYgonKfZvzWZ7lu89psx9U2YgFfl56z2Xv0g87yEez0YMg/s400/megaman027.png" alt="Here's the first and last picture of Rush. Enjoy!" label="Here's the first and last picture of Rush. Enjoy!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786090659879970" border="0" /><br />Here's the first and last picture of Rush. Enjoy!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-sTnUCgq9XFRTA-OsaVVnO21Qyx7n3oisSDE6q8GcoqhGUdEeLPcubuy_p_qnFvHTtR6-xjWbhoGsoepknykP2WhKd72qURNWmEb9lZBI9sziLxcLeUMv_2A4urtacBvOx8kGiQ6_q0/s400/megaman028.png" alt="Super sliding robot? Mega Man!" label="Super sliding robot? Mega Man!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786089428350898" border="0" /><br />Super sliding robot? Mega Man!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmTFykFks08V62b28WijQierdpaiTq7HpvNq1NPpg9ffYRZsmmfPUh3Kbe0vO2O-JNLZBpPvYacTyY20wxD7I_PDM4ySfVMWf-yseXllz-OzE7U6Hg48aSTndG5lqBriCzOmEJNggmnM/s400/megaman029.png" alt="Mega Man has no time for fireworks." label="Mega Man has no time for fireworks." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786083010515458" border="0" /><br />Mega Man has no time for fireworks.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj7qJr62BR2KH6rlgPqhFCL7tddII2x9sQyT4CcEPBBMq_UMogPuPKOEuBVQCQO4lIZJ8cqkzHYG96huSlwVlW5ZzvJw4lDlyztmZu2uVz5Zs1v4ybJRoZ07HbPxH0L0SGpcNnYa57Aw/s400/megaman030.png" alt="Ack, some of my pixels fell off!" label="Ack, some of my pixels fell off!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426786081143868514" border="0" /><br />Ack, some of my pixels fell off!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAu7M3iM0E622XL5tINkyOLOXF8gcovQYBZHidKTQOHY2fbn2-weDpuq1PlyHScmWJoXnuOqeuKYvIfh86UMo36dqhfvmeNO0cIE4fVB7obwveE_6dYy_ATY3x-6cz-vhCLs3U_pwQ4V4/s400/megaman031.png" alt="Is that your threatening pose?" label="Is that your threatening pose?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426785947941055538" border="0" /><br />Is that your threatening pose?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzhr04Lt3X7YPg5CiCkGajnnH1SLCA4lwF0EVkoicwOVIHkKrG0wWcN0ZapM6OsLepdWA7Xm6rW3hUuW6WrOJBDNL2V0YWXFj8-R_Lv4WqIDyLBz_KSnBeyKuu5YdOfBC4xS068Dd0tQ/s400/megaman032.png" alt="OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW" label="OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426785944806889410" border="0" /><br />OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW</div></div><br />Fortunately, I wrote down my passwords along the way, since the game doesn't allow you to continue when you run out of lives, so I was able to reset and try again immediately. Unfortunately, the emulator I was using didn't keep track of the reset. See, I've recently started recording my playthroughs so that I can concentrate on the game, and worry about taking screenshots later. But since the reset wasn't included in the recording, this caused a desync that has taken me entirely too long to fix. I've just about got it, so rest assured I'll be back soon to finish this thing up.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-14030301585758810482010-01-03T22:26:00.001-05:002010-01-03T22:27:36.265-05:00RGR017 - Running the GauntletAfter many, many deaths in the various elevators of stage four, I finally managed to make it to the end in one piece, only to find out that I was SO CLOSE to the end each time. The diagonal elevator path littered with green orbs and attack ships was the last leg of stage 4-2. But it gave me plenty of practice, which I'd quickly find out I needed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fourth Boss: Kridon & Zoniar</span><br /><br />On the surface, Kridon & Zoniar aren't really a complicated set of bosses: the heart-like mech inside the elevator (probably Kridon) simply bounces around at 45-degree angles, while the ships that stick to the top and bottom (most likely Zoniar) fire an armor-piercing laser every so often. The difficulty of the battle stems from the fact that Zoniar's lasers are very long, and can be fired as Zoniar moves, effectively pushing you back and cornering you. This then allows Kridon to get uncomfortably close, and one of them ends up making contact. Luckily, the powered-up plasma gun can fire through the elevator frame, so Zoniar can be destroyed. With both parts gone, Kridon is a sitting (or rather, bouncing) duck. Still, I lost many, many lives in this battle, and continuing means dealing with stage 4-2 all over again.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnppcJ6xG3D-PIhvKETHcDimna0HtleVhcvdV0WqcRQKwQywMb4wH65hy_9BAXWr3xS7g2cNy4ubvOV6MamchuBdOsYezivhOSUtNfPa-uE6CWcsTDzpD9TtIcUH73_-YJ7D_pjYnQq4/s400/mstorm027.png" alt="Eww, I bet it's all squishy." label="Eww, I bet it's all squishy." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699454044319074" border="0" /><br />Eww, I bet it's all squishy.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERAef4qpsTOiQsExuQQbukrtId8DHhE_ORPypxXEQ5-ecjhlE0EeJ4Cu2-DXoFOTeCzratV6gMX-VqeyWq5H8ULxwhPTBLK6tqNzgNZVvhwxZ3GJ-Rg2WKTxuh-nupazfmnmW2Xk96No/s400/mstorm028.png" alt="Can't say I'm a fan of that." label="Can't say I'm a fan of that." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699452943575298" border="0" /><br />Can't say I'm a fan of that.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jej278xNe15LSD9w_foNBXvGRnq8_3gIaRq8TjnvNdqhnLEAWH0tZXFDmnbL1hvZSykYlUelLIxq9d-x91uW7KlT_EQjSHKxGcDlOqtmQ-Eg2s5TzvNR7SU7xsZtrsGYR7yAUuYvqL8/s400/mstorm029.png" alt="Now this is more like it." label="Now this is more like it." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699445790335810" border="0" /><br />Now this is more like it.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSISQTJLJf58Cycvf3pngL8Fj2-IszwluzBVA_0nJrjRTaA3LQ5nt7piC3cOafPrviHCxtwVrRxU92NWtkmA4W8DzxTWs1zpEbNuO6CbECwLECCly0MoO6AJSDm1on36Gt8hLoSyEVv0s/s400/mstorm030.png" alt="This battle seemed so tough the first time." label="This battle seemed so tough the first time." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699447256654098" border="0" /><br />This battle seemed so tough the first time.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0taDATPCHU38ik5raYzgPgkwe5JsoHAs0xRzokyx-ifApOoF3ncNIGsFbQE9EYKg4lIZmkOj0qeVQH7e78cEPshAXHOLlN1wynOLALHOE6PzXaOynggK_CT-Y7spANbSKxnIiwD4q-4/s400/mstorm031.png" alt="It's like the eyes follow you..." label="It's like the eyes follow you..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699440918090898" border="0" /><br />It's like the eyes follow you...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXabYm9370c_iS01rjfDcsVYJYRaFl2vQUt094mLVs5mGqKehGTHRcZVD3O7N9J1n8x0wMmbvuTyjMMLDWxzVFICA-4LPBzWRCizVstARXC_w1fBG95LO8fUBBhuC_WCxxfIG-ORHdl4/s400/mstorm032.png" alt="and shoot lasers at you!" label="and shoot lasers at you!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699313833254674" border="0" /><br />and shoot lasers at you!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-DmxGHxoCJqlHDUuoxQWbD4hKyzb26Piq6pyHwLYhPzh5oHp3xVlYXsV2uOQnsTTc1R2Sob3M0vKXIOO91Ssgc10v3VeC66J_ZEJoLBfCLz_LTjXxjlVwxT8PJmOdrLwWCkuLKoqLdE/s400/mstorm033.png" alt="The little guy up there seems harmless..." label="The little guy up there seems harmless..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699311814676610" border="0" /><br />The little guy up there seems harmless...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEd3e8Uez2QmAtUVztLhMzA2nf8nMqojXZ_zooibtYosEipYoVmD7uWIyvURNgpo_cjHF0iBMcpMMNQfhHJ7UGvtb-T0LKjwyZaHwZrGvn2xoDH1Z3MTjWHkOamQCK9a4rcK8hpHcebY/s400/mstorm034.png" alt="The screen is actually full of enemy lasers." label="The screen is actually full of enemy lasers." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699310467702354" border="0" /><br />The screen is actually full of enemy lasers.</div></div><br />Stage five returns to the traditional corridor layout, but introduces a new enemy: a pivoting dual-barreled laser cannon that can be positioned horizontally or vertically. It fires in spurts, so there are plenty of openings to take it out, but the horizontal ones can start firing before you realize they're there, so they often act as traps. The second part of the stage brings in yet another new enemy, this time a little tiny drone with a big surprise. Killing one of these drones causes it to launch a wide plasma wave directly forward, which can be difficult to dodge. And if a drone reaches the edge of the screen, it self-destructs, sending the same plasma wave backwards. So you have to watch out for the waves no matter what.<br /><br />The first four bosses were explicitly named in the instruction manual, but from here on out, I'm basing names on a FAQ; they may not be official, but then again, they may.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fifth Boss: Multatron</span><br /><br />As obnoxiously difficult as it is cleverly designed, Multatron is a transforming defense mech with three separate forms. It first takes its blue form, firing lasers diagonally which bounce off the walls. After taking enough damage, Multatron switches to its red form, where it fires lasers horizontally that suddenly turn 90 degrees when they reach you. They alternate between moving upward and downward, just as the blue form's lasers were fired from alternate top and bottom positions. Again, after taking enough damage, Multatron switches to its third form, the green form, where it begins firing plasma waves. Once the green form takes enough damage, things get trickier, as Multatron starts rapidly switching from form to form, now firing two shots at once in each form, more quickly and much tougher to dodge. This one takes a lot of patience and quick reflexes to win.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTSTaPLn9YJSVc3KGLK0Cak0hNgxLye1n2naAJEretBBlvjrv_bg6phIFqM_MBDlg0hyphenhyphen4EPN4IEn-H4CZGeYm81suTFvMnCmB7CI9pXToa9oK7QxfipuLQyibJ2vdpcXWvEa878by-r4/s400/mstorm035.png" alt="Blue mode..." label="Blue mode..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699305683614274" border="0" /><br />Blue mode...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPPgp86nD5fj5dtm8rvghSs1xTdpapEYym9QcducBaC0oP0TrfX4Jnoe2zCIoy8f6LsrrMQhCsC2dSZ5ZdLlgUmtOW2mVBXaC-93QPoHDkhenpQUeSjF3ULEe1OkL_DgWmZOJE2Ynplo/s400/mstorm036.png" alt="red mode..." label="red mode..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699298014745314" border="0" /><br />red mode...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gj6jDPYzN9sLqfdDRZbgngfSfzxLuuXhThgn5vs3XGwxyAyOI3dhMiHhRlP9sKAzNFzfJDcpLpdnLDIYGTxc4XMCS3QjjUXNH-dgPYMA32n_2H0FFtp_Umb4gJd-JvpUKEKOMYFpJU4/s400/mstorm037.png" alt="green mode..." label="green mode..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699210853626626" border="0" /><br />green mode...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb3C8jCmgcB6f-k4ezmbjVvRk-gWZ9yNRemIuH4ldJqCVlACvualoJ0NvNN1d69jTZByoqnDMKfj2r7-MdJfPbhTXGLMTXn7brjHLNqqlJZLjOR3LKZFWIvzsmFBJftuqXiIUPX1i1dY/s400/mstorm038.png" alt="DEAD MODE!" label="DEAD MODE!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699204584985714" border="0" /><br />DEAD MODE!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXelAiflQI0Rv1eGmykWxxA43DY_eRHa_cCaCND0ocWZpJy53EiBM0lWNjGtJV4RRdDMZExPuHW08x5V45_3lirVozo8X9DIwnc8M_OoINcgZ_ylKQ5xlsmoaYcY7R7FICSaKFN549jFM/s400/mstorm039.png" alt="I dare you to try to run through." label="I dare you to try to run through." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699203041637170" border="0" /><br />I dare you to try to run through.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoIRHOYo_omNxhRaq9HCLwdvB9mVs9Ia4UHICDQ-MlzKnmABE2NHfEBXJ-eopAAI0fGPTZxFBKoaQm8UKtvDM3q9uO19UMTVTnJdXljUG6U70u50Z_AiWs1Ry5gmMACzvp1bG8YxcGT4/s400/mstorm040.png" alt="This stage sure has some ugly platforms." label="This stage sure has some ugly platforms." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699198878904882" border="0" /><br />This stage sure has some ugly platforms.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGGEhA9sGWtntnE1Ogw0X9eYxfLAgWDpFkfqN3OBwX1OeJAN_JJrQLW2pRADagU34n4bMF_lvm6D9snn-WlvhYUcEJrJhix8qtgcFTEo2iop9rTA8_neGiM9l4rgMee79gNL5a1pXjcY/s400/mstorm041.png" alt="WHEE!!!" label="WHEE!!!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699196120635698" border="0" /><br />WHEE!!!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1psMYn-IWNQBPfh74Psb70eznczkwmsGzF68B_Jq8YHfF_KJ4in7bUvikeFm5C2wbrQNqQJe6b-NLsLffLxGYB73BwW1Mtwp64-6QOZCQEphu_zFks9cJM6AkQZ4TFLkFruLdaAl9FQ4/s400/mstorm042.png" alt="Gravity's messing with my head now." label="Gravity's messing with my head now." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699067034678178" border="0" /><br />Gravity's messing with my head now.</div></div><br />Stage six gets complicated; a series of smaller platforms slowly rises upward from the bottom of the screen, and though the screen doesn't scroll vertically, the stage still loops in both directions. Falling through the bottom of the screen causes you to reappear at the top, and vice versa, depending on the gravity. There are plenty of gun turrets and other enemies to keep you on your toes as you try to not only deal with the jumps (which sometimes include spikes), but also the necessary gravity switches (which also sometimes include spikes). As you can see above, there are several gravity-controlled fire wave cannons in tricky places. And there are no gun upgrades in 6-2; I'd have killed for a plasma gun power-up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sixth Boss: Triad Voltars</span><br /><br />The Voltars are three large green block-like machines that slowly orbit the perimeter of the room. They don't attack, but both the floor and ceiling of the room contain conduits that will destroy you on contact, so moving around is just as good as attacking. Most of the Voltars' bodies are protected with armor, but each has a small hatch that opens after a certain amount of time; when this hatch is open, a Voltar is susceptible to a single shot, at which point the hatch closes. So it's a waiting game, but also a quickly moving around and adjusting gravity to avoid dying game. When a Voltar is one shot away from destruction, it turns red, making it somewhat easier to plan the order of attack.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J8jTPuQ0fimPnNChFuvQMJLBQU6HLSI7xwqFqcXmSLJmP5bWNeCJQThllCEc8JgOvhLqyAOuGPnTzFI99lam04_ix45TMLaxtRS_dA-P-c5Eg_XkipZ1jSA3ubxk_xrgLIv0pgVEgeU/s400/mstorm043.png" alt="They kind of look like crazy turtle heads." label="They kind of look like crazy turtle heads." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699063814814290" border="0" /><br />They kind of look like crazy turtle heads.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Mq_dlWQpNN7dcqHJKisoo2zoes8wCGl-rYsaaZYVVvfuko2h7OZJjlx_F2z9rrdVnH-YhTXkcBWdg3Lm4bHcAnbnU7mxdAKgnlNdCUQ8d7ksoirzaBvws-e0-JKFWlSQVrpeRuOwWnA/s400/mstorm044.png" alt="There can be only one." label="There can be only one." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699056336571842" border="0" /><br />There can be only one.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvSNjnjbiO9gcmOvGQjLOTW6poPHwSj2XTB7fps5fUuimSKuyN4VUT65hGsX4PyODGtuprSIBZ1tw-C1Ymtt6wMfikbgfg5UxBbD_HhjR21LojFAIHJetQmy6O_w80a9dYnKedGgW8rI/s400/mstorm045.png" alt="And eventually, there will be." label="And eventually, there will be." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699055194733938" border="0" /><br />And eventually, there will be.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovaDkGzE5nRRIbK-C52Kqm9Rj9ujrtcarXZSCQTJYNW2e81g9ChyuJX2Igr87vMzrN8hqZweDv6N-rfmZaz098xvNppAIADniyOz-jC33kOWMV3OIeC_-RTDLW8flAbZGxdGJ4cZ4GIc/s400/mstorm046.png" alt="Right, there we go." label="Right, there we go." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422699052087539394" border="0" /><br />Right, there we go.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHZz8755NXGasUzBxagzr2MNdRYZBRVHXZmE_EB1vuxolIRB7oIyrSKqhWuFhfRxuzawkzBz8lfqv7uZglbVYxCXRgQjgiNNTWzQm53Ssu2fAt8PtQ4UaHfePg3gz8HIZ8TvlmINX5nY/s400/mstorm047.png" alt="They left these here for me? How nice!" label="They left these here for me? How nice!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698889810285682" border="0" /><br />They left these here for me? How nice!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxQYEPTrmr7u1brEF3MGf7mB2C8wZBIfjhKomU70oaISphRM5W2Z-mkckWVz7k6PGctQmmthJQaLV-mlIpE4QfSX-vJunYlDJwiwsVxI2qIs6Q0qFM4yV9s7CcOXyJ8843JHJG5BuBSg/s400/mstorm048.png" alt="I get to continue partway through!" label="I get to continue partway through!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698879879846370" border="0" /><br />I get to continue partway through!</div></div><br />Stage seven, like many other final stages before it, is a nonstop series of battles against all the previous bosses. I won't go into much detail, since every fight is just as it was before, but at least Cyberg was kind enough to supply one of each weapon power-up, allowing you to choose how you want to fight. Continuing also brings you back to the weapon selection corridor, but doesn't force you to fight any of the bosses you've already beaten. This actually makes the final stage a bit disappointing in its simplicity.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Boss: Self-Destruct Device</span><br /><br />The self-destruct device is sort of a lock and key mechanism, but there seem to be some pulsing wiry things of some sort holding it back. They're easy to destroy, and they don't fight back, so it's not much of a battle. Destroying each one causes the key to move closer to the lock, until all four have been defeated, at which point the device activates. The resulting explosion is impressive, and though it doesn't look like the M-308 Gunner made it out alive, the following ending text clearly states you've been granted immortality, so I think survival is pretty much in the bag.<br /><br />The proper ending requires the game be completed in Expert mode, which I tried a little, and decided I had neither the skill nor the patience to make any progress. So if you really want to see the extra little bit of ending, look it up on YouTube.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Chvgu3W-gKX_fBgjn7JdwlmlRwdvihlsH3nKSNMbSfm4QsaUerEQP028OzvphUl3wsxmv7DOjc2klVndpWCEPBo1oKyxcuWDZd_MR0V7SlCMacyx-0nwIwx-qlYUEtjdXeUt8cIrkIM/s400/mstorm049.png" alt="All right, I think I see the problem..." label="All right, I think I see the problem..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698876869095234" border="0" /><br />All right, I think I see the problem...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1PklS7y5K3QdJ-k5s30ovJ_xMjKOSMy0DBgnSGmUdCrqzrhmp5nr6YBY9OBe_6G5rky1YTvQwSVTLcHaSxCvNlnNwADEMfWEFA82Y-D5sbCfsd7iA4BY8bB-L9Jtl5Ug0BDmQAGQiOw/s400/mstorm050.png" alt="Let's just get these wire things cleaned up." label="Let's just get these wire things cleaned up." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698870222718018" border="0" /><br />Let's just get these wire things cleaned up.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMANQvAXhv-LQBcRpf_idSOAGmgB5zXI7gaLCEKvrKHzOaRmWUv-n9DPm-nImKbZFucsi7PsM279c0x_wCQnCjZH4j5df5Ilg1ogNrAWMKke4st9P4vS6mD-W7LBsqqBZpvGrlax3mHY/s400/mstorm051.png" alt="Just a couple more..." label="Just a couple more..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698868564112834" border="0" /><br />Just a couple more...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERya4X9xYdx13i5erXGyIUzm8AFSdog6PkdqwBmLN7OxKTj-qADzrvgIJ7pP1m4BHkAUDw2dzMQaTe2FCq0LcalLMnKJ9q8i7afzuFzmH8gATAXa_bVpla3djKxiq7k1Oh3WNNE4Tktk/s400/mstorm052.png" alt="I should probably run now." label="I should probably run now." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698698407506034" border="0" /><br />I should probably run now.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlORnqlzbLEKcOebpdDfLeRxPjfWBNwtTnFGlcCdcqTSPrwSSvGET3MZ1Eb5Ss2tnvGF0SfvfP5oU0bnUsecDWA8nxwFPKthG9-CLbhAxzkvPrgYcqmK7Y6bkJMwkZtnQ-81VaqxxzDo/s400/mstorm053.gif" alt="Now that's what I call an epic explosion!" label="Now that's what I call an epic explosion!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698689487299330" border="0" /><br />Now that's what I call an epic explosion!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSLlgepdqtZtJXYpMkI23K_eXNkW3wLkcVLIKrR7zxpK8xej8okBarmXcLiYj_UDnPS-nSreq6oriuZt2y3sk3Nwgdr_NiZF_Zlpvfby7rACZVXtP_4uKx3nXiLz7Qoyt1VUiU90y-q0/s400/mstorm054.gif" alt="Hang tough? An NKOTB reference?" label="Hang tough? An NKOTB reference?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698688231871842" border="0" /><br />Hang tough? An NKOTB reference?</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPNW2NvYnSTo8HPAwGc4CalYoChP2yNPnuMbt9AV-hRaazVCBCENJV3CqnziG2lldta7bLu6CrTcOT05rSyfL5YoAoi26AkzTm71CSqx4X1mW_9Cx6PWigjJ8bkGmWytIqmcVN9ch8IA/s400/mstorm055.png" alt="Yeah, no, thanks." label="Yeah, no, thanks." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422698682322874978" border="0" /><br />Yeah, no, thanks.</div><br />And with that, the world, and possibly the universe, is once again saved. We've really got to start keeping a closer eye on these AI-driven planet-destroying "defensive" battle stations from now on.<br /><br />The next game will feature a certain super fighting robot, a bomber of the blue variety, but not on the system you'd expect. See you there!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-6860312880579489512010-01-02T21:29:00.002-05:002010-01-03T22:29:22.422-05:00RGR Game #017: Metal Storm<div style="width: 100%; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt;"><img style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxW4ezYGKZAsM0YTXylXlGD8i1vSkXjfSKhZkBCCETCB9b688iUWnDOzyF52yHz4qLXmhQVp5IMuAqPBGbaE7zJDmi5iyVP7WEQLbyKVc8Kh7_H_KUDsNHjGWaGyKqbIwpe-5DkvTTcs/s800/ryan-metalstorm.png" alt="M-308 Gunner loves the Power Glove. It's so bad." label="M-308 Gunner loves the Power Glove. It's so bad." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422304061447438754" border="0" /><br />M-308 Gunner loves the Power Glove. It's so bad.<br /><span style="font-size:10pt;">(Many thanks to <a href="http://www.karifry.com/" target="_blank">Kari</a> as always for this awesomeness!)</span></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjpbaAZ_H1DOtksULISE-LiPU_LlJcG3UqZP-3sszvRMDcwnaEnHv1FJWRBOmK-bZecZeKo6Qy6hOnI1A4t6tQU-B0N53EH3EP5YIXThRzJ1pmCnl806dlmBklYST6GT5vXpw0bgpKlg/s400/mstorm001.png" alt="Don't forget your metal umbrella!" label="Don't forget your metal umbrella!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251877715053506" border="0" /><br />Don't forget your metal umbrella!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_T9MMNUAqfrk_53oulrdzd1-YiOv2y1BCyBnD_tsYTpogVBjR9C8DzralQP9wIs2e2nDkA7hntBw1IR6Pzk63KuxAXhtXxsyqYcLGoX-pyz3S6NG6YixMzzkrvkS9EBo5XrE0r_JY904/s400/mstorm002.png" alt="He should've looked up." label="He should've looked up." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251872983811522" border="0" /><br />He should've looked up.</div></div><br />Happy New Year, and welcome to game #017: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Metal Storm</span>. This underrated little gem for the NES follows an unknown soldier on a mission to save Earth from a malfunctioning space battle station using a gravity-controlling suit of combat armor called the M-308 Storm Gunner. As a kid, I remember being blown away by the quality of the animation and the fluidity of the controls. Of course, being able to reverse gravity with a button press was pretty sweet too.<br /><br />The story, according to the US manual for the game, is set in the year 2501, where mankind is at the mercy of Pluto's battle station Cyberg, which was originally built to protect humanity from hostile alien invasion. The station's powerful laser cannon ("LaserGun", according to the manual) has begun destroying entire planets in our solar system, most recently Neptune. Normally, it would be simple enough to activate Cyberg's self-destruct mechanism, but said mechanism has mysteriously jammed, and the station has selected Earth as its next target. So humanity's last hope lies with the M-308 Gunner and pilot as it fights through Cyberg's defenses, reaches the core, and activates the self-destruct mechanism manually.<br /><br />The Japanese version differs in two ways: the year is 3521, and the battle station was actually constructed from Pluto itself (and was christened "Gigadeath" by its creators). If you want to nitpick, Gigadeath has become self-aware, and has decided the human race must be destroyed. Otherwise, though, the story is essentially the same, with the M-308 Gunner headed there to manually activate the self-destruct mechanism and all that.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1cZrdcrotJOv-3ojyM6iaaS_4A87jT5CUju0LAUJUWhhfcgVkp5zZPYhUeXrsSWrNbw7Nv6OJ0t08q7deXo089801QGGA8LczHt7Kyk9qFf3gzs-22lVglgr4xZfVy3yY4WpglH8_pA/s400/mstorm003.png" alt="Oh, what a feeling?" label="Oh, what a feeling?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251866743273858" border="0" /><br />Oh, what a feeling?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q7Vh149rGdyJv5BhJvQzr9DLaM4r2QecwEAB4rXDC2PgW8PqYTUM8-cIml-wbbLZTtZQPEkSGHCf8GrQBF4v3dFrsfIbKvJAmei8Q_lB9gmcK5YahSgO6BcGFcmhTiqc863IBfbb8C4/s400/mstorm004.png" alt="I've got this burning sensation..." label="I've got this burning sensation..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251867161973042" border="0" /><br />I've got this burning sensation...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YJd7TrsH971YljJRzj3RPNIYcdtfrwy2whtb7cexL5m7tV4VU7qtPROKuB7_r0WFs3K0TKsEjqem8kv7YsrmCJF5ldatlH2_hTFYMIt_h_8rHYjN2wAmq2p_zqyuBYtWUONCVrWVIDw/s400/mstorm005.png" alt="This guy has no respect for personal space." label="This guy has no respect for personal space." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251862131999410" border="0" /><br />This guy has no respect<br />for personal space.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVQEKYxWNv4AVPDsO-LiF2Bo1pJOMHASeJ9II86zVy5Aer8Yw5GvS61a2jF7BnMUoR9oB2eJkv8FigI2mnQd_BR8BBfUjJ4iLBTX8NWL4Uznmi3s7EPj0S8DDbXWi7GmFS54VeJAWXcg/s400/mstorm006.png" alt="That's a bit overdramatic." label="That's a bit overdramatic." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251739045941218" border="0" /><br />That's a bit overdramatic.</div></div><br /><br />As I mentioned before, the big draw of <span style="font-style: italic;">Metal Storm</span> is its gravity control system, which allows the pilot to reverse gravity at the touch of a button. Specifically, pressing Up+A reverses gravity, and then Down+A reverts it to normal. This allows for some spectacular jumps, and also very creative level design. Stage one acts as a practice stage to let you get the hang of the controls, and the gravity. There are relatively few enemies, and they move slowly, though the walkers can be tricky if you forget that your gravity control affects them as well. Anything that isn't bolted down or already flying will rise or fall with you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss: Gorgoth</span><br /><br />Gorgoth continues the gravity training exercises by having a single weak point in the form of a glowing purple dome that can appear in one of three places, only one of which is accessible from the floor. It periodically launches three purple rings at roughly 30-degree angles (I think), making them easy to avoid. It's entirely possible to destroy Gorgoth without reversing gravity, but it's not nearly as fun as standing on the ceiling to fire at the dome when it's protruding from one of the sides.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUThqDpltWhyphenhyphendN0YFOtqj8EHCGdCjioFUhpoezDTj-LOZBpRUh86BLxEzB0xD-xwt0LoKmq32tFyVlMyEuAhMIAT4RKCCOm7FqgxVNJTSpBgnNYeQsQrLD7Urz602ZWwQL-w86nsU7F4/s400/mstorm007.png" alt="Cleans in hard-to-reach places!" label="Cleans in hard-to-reach places!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251734976440274" border="0" /><br />Cleans in hard-to-reach places!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pkFMHX0kj9m1SwXalL88PHlRQhqWkQ8WJ0FnJ1cFN95S9b5zAO6AKsp3Q8QqWwQvh-TA4MO0LpB_5VU4ZMdMG6UWA22HDKAt6YM9xP6V6r3Ig6Or9IgpfK4N7oRgHi1vIT1ooNY4FrI/s400/mstorm008.png" alt="Huh? I was there a frame ago..." label="Huh? I was there a frame ago..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251732689581986" border="0" /><br />Huh? I was there a frame ago...</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGfrIPw4Ys5icIaS2cAii_o2d4vJgo2CNDMGRkXdOgw9b6CvcSecV5wXhTRdm-oxHYigQSI75sA6SjaODsOVy1UVyyTn1O8_KH5dWUIZFrmPNNtA6OV_GBNKqcEfiJRx4PaHwxpgKy8g/s400/mstorm009.png" alt="Ooh, which path should I choose?" label="Ooh, which path should I choose?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251726087697330" border="0" /><br />Ooh, which path should I choose?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFusnD431GeJzWOPGr2m059IjH27piMd5XXx_LqFY65qGBroeSrtNLDN1s1rX-G2fs66jTETmWwvpt_zl7lPqdNdFnxemE2PUAP0cn74CN4bH6SYw41DvRmxBHANQMgw8vbV7vs1Pqutw/s400/mstorm010.png" alt="I sense danger." label="I sense danger." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251722117479074" border="0" /><br />I sense danger.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUJjstjJk5-AawITr1pc0krJv6iIsDZPcQ8MGeoGp-VtNfO6scWDhrF5t7sgYfmnqyPDJ7IwE9tYdGWULSB2_eMr7Usn_w78NcNcWbAroodNyVFqHv4C7s4merI1LXjsZw6pDWwzRfBs/s400/mstorm011.png" alt="You know what? I'm going for it." label="You know what? I'm going for it." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251582666052066" border="0" /><br />You know what? I'm going for it.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BqQF0KIJoRj82NPH7Q9DTs8RP98U8p1P68mV5Zy-qHIAKPWUWIvViRWQMa5Cq3ENqOIvzs8nCx944sEEdNndI7BC6rR9lqYiuv9HFy4yPqpLA9NkXT-Pd3ytxW6xeyPPbT40Wj6BJfI/s400/mstorm012.png" alt="Heh, no problem." label="Heh, no problem." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251580191572258" border="0" /><br />Heh, no problem.</div></div><br />Ah, stage two. This is where things start getting interesting. The entire stage isn't very tall, but the whole thing loops vertically, giving the sensation of infinite depth. There are a few spike-lined platforms that you can only land on from above or below, depending on which side the spikes line. One section of the stage features gravity-controlled doors that you have to manipulate to progress, but the doors can kill you when they're in motion.<br /><br />I should mention that the entire game features a neat little graphical trick that creates the illusion of multiple background layers. Each stage has a far background that is made of a simple tiled pattern, and that pattern is automatically redrawn every frame to make it look like a separate scrolling layer. It's really very impressive, especially when you consider the graphics hardware in the NES doesn't support multiple background layers at all.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second Boss: Energizers</span><br /><br />The Energizers are an array of five laser cannons, each of which fires a powerful beam at random. Their room, like the stage before it, loops vertically, making it difficult at first to understand how many cannons there actually are. Once one is destroyed, though, it becomes simple. The cannons fire quickly, but must open their armor shells to expose their cannon barrels before firing, giving you a chance to jump out of the way.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTCa3GMGdqv1ub6MMlYuuTAABT-q1o66bit4K2pIIkx7x9nrySeepT9aQSATyl0qs4I7wsS-a5fZAOHLn5yliawCqVVSi4PVnNhLnEDaJ0MRXzaLDUyMa87NEmkJKWtkxLfKxjDuVuhQ/s400/mstorm013.png" alt="Jeez! A little more warning next time, okay?" label="Jeez! A little more warning next time, okay?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251574206558114" border="0" /><br />Jeez! A little more warning<br />next time, okay?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF8hNigMUnOeSBOut0zLEDEzf7Fa31o43-WLEURiyo38uotjWO1xOicnALKEntFgeGMgphbwt-34EAL4vofgy1PB16ImYnRXY2FfeaGhb2ioVbBR2axcwTwpXLgKOWEnlfEu97BoHxq8/s400/mstorm014.png" alt="Looks like it doesn't keep going." label="Looks like it doesn't keep going." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251570461575442" border="0" /><br />Looks like it doesn't keep going.</div></div><br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj582to_rQmdvG4NDwNKFMuRCslOrWrF56ogHrsz7XWvVAgh5vOKDtY3BlrOq3PGbEwQBUvwyoFoehFfeUSLi8RKYvVVtjMiQSl7-FS2XDcdrhh0t3cvQ4eL2kJkXY11itnWo3yVhWz3VE/s400/mstorm015.png" alt="The background's much awesomer in motion." label="The background's much awesomer in motion." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251568294527058" border="0" /><br />The background's much<br />awesomer in motion.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYJIhbiE9ZH-kcXGTKU1QYpRJQn_KYbwE0_mOA1D5k29V3DBeR1yPto8oCGK6e71i7o0doTBBLbb0Fi1CsI1RUO9DN2igeZHblfBLDcG9twamhMJ8oMouhaehkZs9IZR1XCWnZRO-Kss/s400/mstorm016.png" alt="I'm a sniper-sniper." label="I'm a sniper-sniper." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251460011604642" border="0" /><br />I'm a sniper-sniper.</div></div><br /><br />Stage three is a supply line of some sort, with a track running through its entirety that is used by carts that appear every so often and make jumps a little trickier. There are more spikes in this stage than in the previous stage, so careful mastery of gravity is a must.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Third Boss: Gultzen</span><br /><br />Gultzen's heavy armor protects it from all harm as it moves from panel to panel, trying to crush you. And if that weren't bad enough, slow-moving lasers make maneuvering difficult, giving you small windows in which to cross from one quadrant of the room to another. The only time Gultzen can be damaged is when it connects to a panel and opens its armor to look for you. So the battle turns into a chase, with Gultzen forcing you to quickly and carefully move through the room, taking potshots whenever you get a chance. One mistimed move spells doom, since the pods revolving around Gultzen are just as deadly as Gultzen itself.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXCjD0QgHo-iXUxSvg_3j0FFhccywbQgxUhQ-RZxwAUSsEmG7RN24qxpXrVDVqd6MJKwHNa94LRB7kAE30NaFCzFdj7A_lKfTam3k6pYiS6u6ko7W4GCXJBe3G3WIg7F9XvMItUIoXDI/s400/mstorm017.png" alt="This is more dangerous than it looks." label="This is more dangerous than it looks." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251455078250530" border="0" /><br />This is more dangerous than it looks.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A1Jv2_5BLTN7xNbhESv7LBpBYd5A6gwUoFMxMMNnPEslpEGuGXfWKrnRPQC2vmRep_jmZP5CY751_bdxhyP74xiEc813WJLA-FYnOVqNFgtW8Yk-AXxvoyF4O2t0JBb_5mH7PKBIHuI/s400/mstorm018.png" alt="Well, it was." label="Well, it was." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251453512040146" border="0" /><br />Well, it was.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwhaGsWb70zD8MraqJVXo3R7eFynDVctnhbXkGFXKGCxt_uENzvC8MHfDz5aDGf2Y2rWWfjMYEzCGVPyAqdfbtrT7kY2Dv97da1JHI9Qr_E0ecKRwWh7g1LlyBgN9ysVEfAOPxTRHtUA/s400/mstorm019.png" alt="Hey, watch it with those things!" label="Hey, watch it with those things!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251453276176994" border="0" /><br />Hey, watch it with those things!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa1RHteHGQx34U18iFF5m15hruQk9ex4fUBI9d_hVt6VOzNCBm3y_O1FRggGxpnA_KLssudQEnD483PXNqHw6dQomZ1F0pvnxUTfDcu0Zqwmk7nVa5XFrXimvXpyfJVr7jYdokP_7gIA/s400/mstorm020.png" alt="Ow. Seriously." label="Ow. Seriously." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251448705687650" border="0" /><br />Ow. Seriously.</div></div><br />Stage four... I hate stage four. The M-308 Gunner is forced to ride a series of cargo elevators to reach the inner core area of Cyberg, and the elevators' path is riddled with security drones and other threats. Some, like the green orbs above, do nothing but get in the way, but there are plenty of mounted guns and attack ships to make the trip a nightmare. With movement restricted by the relatively small elevator frame, survival is elusive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sub-Boss: The Galons</span><br /><br />Compared to the stage before them, the Galons are refreshingly easy to deal with. The four machines cling to the walls of the elevator frame, circling you several times before stopping to fire one shot each, and then circling again in the opposite direction. They're easy to jump over, and fairly weak. I've read that this isn't the case in the game's expert mode, where they move so fast that they're essentially impossible to avoid.<br /><br />The real trouble begins in stage 4-2, where a whole new slew of enemies appears to make things as difficult as possible. Ships appear that form entire walls, and must be destroyed in order to break down those walls. The elevator starts moving diagonally, with lots of green orbs to dance around. Everything just gets tougher. And when the going gets tough... apparently, I run out of lives. Good thing there are infinite continues.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjzO8hjQIZDnN8dX2kn9IMA7yRbELZBSwvpUalBoYCvytFfMlX_NKdLtESx9FvQDlOhPDBj_LLEJRfAmQx2zdWjLnno7OJrI6p_S5O5LuWCjvMCcmV3H7BxURXOVZIPDLNkNaYQCw3vY/s400/mstorm021.png" alt="The one on the left was flickering." label="The one on the left was flickering." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251315681438146" border="0" /><br />The one on the left was flickering.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4CbIb9FJgFPS3WGk0NTdHYAsmlLnKqNuCyBVmDEa3RfnyW-adwwtemdBzwJtgE5l0RGHgeDx35ZVKybZwU5kgWmC5qxXZR65CgBXJOuWNnKQFw-Uyz9EYeeNqcQDctQ2N5xtHSp2Z9U/s400/mstorm022.png" alt="And now they all are." label="And now they all are." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251304251411218" border="0" /><br />And now they all are.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwlFqFOYPNdgFNXoinasnGCkmMv1_zYv52WnIK9KeMOnMxI3AkhP90G2nsioLMq0Zv1yUh24Jngva8Wtf88aooAkC6Pg-zy4SwHLHifp0SrOHs-xYeXJ4HP8-0blr5L1-IFFtL7INe6k/s400/mstorm023.png" alt="You weren't so tough." label="You weren't so tough." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251299519063202" border="0" /><br />You weren't so tough.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFbw3S4NHYbn5aAkMDK8zRY7VMx6RrxMiSKDlIC5RW9-rJ7aKnsbW8IVGXfLN5K6tQbJpK4T2OEuIflSGUz6_FPiK206UTAZAoZkDv6U8RiVuKe35dCdNQg8byiMwI8HoIxlA64xuV7w/s400/mstorm024.png" alt="ACK! HELP!" label="ACK! HELP!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251302689349458" border="0" /><br />ACK! HELP!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2QR6vRv7GOUQg2TcXmUQo6__XNwWpM2AkdK99gMnRWGvs0bCsbtoqKTLtpe-2e7G21UVh4WbwriOx1w8uXwr3v2tUDS75PjEGImVpNFrKn59SFtxeMFaEj7X2Y3KLa6JB54fyQa0qeI/s400/mstorm025.png" alt="What? It's a hard level." label="What? It's a hard level." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251297294115922" border="0" /><br />What? It's a hard level.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUA984_v0eNM19K8hFsrSqwN9nLiTn602Rxmi2uHRJKEOZXmgIHB9EGjs7kT-Eh8Jrlcwcu5BxTlrBS-PX1tVG22jI5WrI5qihcO3PBNXlGzlfssc9rDcfBTZxERnEGQW5hcttlzPymE/s400/mstorm026.png" alt="Maybe tomorrow." label="Maybe tomorrow." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422251156849136770" border="0" /><br />Maybe tomorrow.</div></div><br />So I think I'll leave it at that for now while I take a little breather. Keep your eyes peeled for the next episode, coming very soon.<br /><br />After all, Earth still needs saving, and there's not much time left!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-6851434133920350472009-12-22T01:29:00.002-05:002009-12-22T01:31:42.544-05:00RGR016 - Inclement WeatherOnce finished with his latest round of present-delivering, Santa begins the final leg of his journey, leading to more factory locations, deep underground ice caverns, and finally back to his house where yet another conspirator lies in waiting. After a visit to the gift-wrapping plant, Santa treads flying carpets and fights off toy helicopters to free more elves and gather more stolen gifts before reaching the North Pole once again. Inside his house, he follows the trail of evil RC cars (the first normal enemies of the game to take more than one hit to destroy) into his basement, only to run into the third mastermind behind this rotten plan to destroy Christmas.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkK2qGyy2vGwDbzo5H2OTzS0DPAT82mDg7gBQmybkpiSbdflnQSFsgMT5Dj8rdWiIKlZH-LO-1UTez6kYY-GlVha9ZYoezVGO1o4-llSclz72FbKeeLLbSb3OF7utycvuh1ty306AqwMQ/s400/dazexmas025.png" alt="Don't let him wake up, don't let him wake up..." label="Don't let him wake up, don't let him wake up..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925361983963762" border="0" /><br />Don't let him wake up, don't let him wake up...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKjx-NtP2qJkhFcMsK7Lwqif5bFZ6Ik14R_DkWBkNFULu-ZAI2mTIHPWbCsJh3vkFNaOrRzH-SkovuFGu9YiVvnrjXQ_rjPf-JU_PVjC_zUTuWr8KqZ0Cn01MwBnBOq1pczGKpB6ZsC0/s400/dazexmas026.png" alt="It'd be funnier if the chain came from his nostril." label="It'd be funnier if the chain came from his nostril." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925363000299682" border="0" /><br />It'd be funnier if the chain came from his nostril.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbyH2kAyV5VmwtiwIcnnNXazcsO9EAGWsEbjEmBCVUGjpvqonyleeMJssjfrCrcokltV95kTkEMDYiv6fssBTG50mUJ1JDdSXgimiVDIBukjgmBVvyapropfT2vv-PNunGG-yX5vQfeo/s400/dazexmas027.png" alt="Santa goes in..." label="Santa goes in..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925357476436994" border="0" /><br />Santa goes in...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzRu8rGmGigkz_Lb0A6PCw_sBCXebNYS_IKA3DocT2T43AbEcOwghE8CvVNSr7kNEYP27CDTfPBKEnKfD-oeV2SMhkbsdAate-AJBpqxm9b6pUfxnBW3kwgVrUB7gd-yKW6K1ODQdBdc/s400/dazexmas028.png" alt="Neatly wrapped Santa comes out." label="Neatly wrapped Santa comes out." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925349222460402" border="0" /><br />Neatly wrapped Santa comes out.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqIQzuu42YImSgYaytd2t5eimpuZhGUNx175U_Gm4IwTsOxLakCg6S6TJ2MF618yjE_AtlGok-ODQ0IB6TPK_UbadpEO3w-EQazj7Ox43wVjuI7uvjd6vcMyDvan3mMHdjbZcqil9WWA/s400/dazexmas029.png" alt="Found any good lamps recently?" label="Found any good lamps recently?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925344770477970" border="0" /><br />Found any good lamps recently?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbMF7Ap394td7gMjn226bbAkmkDF5PS-_NrdXtJeZmuXX4-Az5I5XNFs48AL3CoFmSsU3S11ZfMdB7YhPKtki8DXxknU1H49cFOaacs_zP2AnW35UovQQYDbLtA8AAFKob-yKPoRFsIw/s400/dazexmas030.png" alt="See, THAT'S how he climbs down the chimney." label="See, THAT'S how he climbs down the chimney." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925211337066834" border="0" /><br />See, THAT'S how he climbs down the chimney.</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Third Boss: Louse the Mouse</span><br /><br />Louse the Mouse is the most complicated boss thus far, requiring more than just brute force to defeat. As Santa approaches Louse, he begins chasing Santa, apparently intent to beat him with the bat-like object in his hand. The floor in the center of the room is a conveyor belt, and a 10-ton weight moves back and forth overhead. A switch has been kindly provided to release the weight, which reappears quickly after falling off the bottom of the screen.<br /><br />Louse is initially immune to Santa's magic, possibly because his thug-like ways prevent him from believing in magic, but that's nothing ten tons of iron to the head won't cure. Once Louse begins his chase, Santa must quickly reach the switch to release the weight on top of Louse, stunning him and making him vulnerable to a single dose of Santa's magic. Several repetitions of this pattern bring Louse the Mouse down, returning safety to Santa's home and giving him just enough time to bring presents to all the kids in Japan and the US.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSksgbOHPSw1Qefe2L9jJRKb2gaP3BztHa-ZPqMcP99J6sCdrX275Prn74hu7aZ5vW6tOruivsbrd72bCXmQvp24EyiYHZl27lauE01cImxiM7E3N30l8OjrHcQh9Zi84hjHFHiY_1KuM/s400/dazexmas031.png" alt="Man, the rats are big around here." label="Man, the rats are big around here." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925214423764098" border="0" /><br />Man, the rats are big around here.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MwhTO31QWMJLspHdVoYrfo7Ie5msOD79QwwDtNbF5Z6KMXWnoGga7EJY9He94myPNWteZmbAI6mloAdNCgLjBhp4VuL7ZkQgfkCLXDrYfnBmn-eVH7v5NzwDgwnHCcbXXwslDCqoy2E/s400/dazexmas032.png" alt="And the 10-ton weight only stuns him." label="And the 10-ton weight only stuns him." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925208555784370" border="0" /><br />And the 10-ton weight only stuns him.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjL9tNlBwcy_SHekyiK-mWga_Vh95ThScRCQQNDK8RmJp_sDi0ps6xs4FsVDgLDfYOW6As1oKsTzEAlDE0dLT8QqSOQn-se4qpdNNdkW1gt3sjcJZUoBpyeG-AXWz9yvN-K8kOcYAhx4/s400/dazexmas033.png" alt="With a sleighful of giant robots, no doubt!" label="With a sleighful of giant robots, no doubt!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925204467485858" border="0" /><br />With a sleighful of giant robots, no doubt!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pQXhWik-QAuT_b0OxAuxhZGdrzbctylkZp91XI2Y8pRfsDep0NC2DnjcTk98pk33WUhCSWBLb2Dp4XqAYx9FV_gcKAkNwqH1lWe84QN_OpAz80ZAaY8D0Gqx6v7AAwj_s6hJ4ZQleTc/s400/dazexmas034.png" alt="Every Christmas Eve, it's the same thing." label="Every Christmas Eve, it's the same thing." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925205203530994" border="0" /><br />Every Christmas Eve, it's the same thing.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2Gc_KkT9jnck9LtYmUkaRv-kdaJcp8kdiibdcgjTSIhcVbxs4EDlCdGsFy_V5RhY0EQ2vbPnaqq7Gy-V3JTZFLwPfKUBks-ZRgA8mSqS2DQ_VsLsQenJ52eb1BIREo7lRlBif3tF52g/s400/dazexmas035.png" alt="Look, a convenient landmark!" label="Look, a convenient landmark!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925037103472786" border="0" /><br />Look, a convenient landmark!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP1GtaZ64NBsPkVjyTYdwNLqbnGppMnYo7ppJi5ancwZwWk4BpjskQT-yCOx8ohyphenhyphendQUDHVyCGSgnH6iKq1fmQtNPW4mQG1LAerA0HLfRmHipXxqd-Z3a-1mL8YLq39s6RpHvu4rOSQ-Q/s400/dazexmas036.png" alt="Take that, symbol of freedom!" label="Take that, symbol of freedom!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925030752539266" border="0" /><br />Take that, symbol of freedom!</div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Boss: Mr. Weather</span><br /><br />In a last-ditch effort to ruin things for Santa, Mr. Weather himself appears to try and knock Santa out of the sky. But the epic intro screen portrayal of Mr. Weather is quickly discarded in favor of the ridiculous-looking little cloud guy you see below. The battle is actually pretty clever, though. See, the cloud Santa rides on can only move vertically, and Santa's magic can't reach Mr. Weather. But as Mr. Weather attacks with his lightning bolts, those bolts will sometimes pass through the wisps of clouds in the center of the screen, giving them a charge. Santa can then use that charge against Mr. Weather by adding his magic to the cloud itself, causing a lightning bolt to fire back at Mr. Weather. After absorbing enough lightning, Mr. Weather evaporates into the night air, leaving clear skies and smooth flying for the rest of Santa's flight.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCHdI3_4fT3w2OcS9ESgn5B666nubUlqTeQiSQhG_d2q77lF3BRPy_xcCenT2QnhW3FCER9Tt9QRfbxuW_hge4Yav_tp4BGWdDijjbqznTKSQ1lpYYsLxTG6IKRRq_Xmb8RNwVORIgsE/s400/dazexmas037.png" alt="I think he means business." label="I think he means business." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925027175868610" border="0" /><br />I think he means business.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ76guTCP0VIfgFsYGkI3v9CuXDaTJ9w2EJ07VaRpukm9_Y8eDp-2CVHtAUGQj5_emN3CDuhk6vRiTJVEDKd9-HUiXE7WBblHsJGgt6v1xnW-6bfaxYr93m1YLK_IaoU-GE1i3B7aCkE/s400/dazexmas038.png" alt="But he's much less impressive up close." label="But he's much less impressive up close." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925022512501330" border="0" /><br />But he's much less impressive up close.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLStmjhN5zfU32zFBE2BIvj68xGvfkZzMJHWOGhlj7tENkquU4JNzdVz-M2m9uuZOWLfFsbUmcbXyJXIJStvBLhn6ZGpP9-T-J6QKCXqBgrpH-8tUM9l_3umWmClpKTlHAROKvz63Csc/s400/dazexmas039.png" alt="He dies like Pac-Man!" label="He dies like Pac-Man!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417925017904113058" border="0" /><br />He dies like Pac-Man!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7v87xSTIXG7JC_I4W6uV_pbHi8kfyxgUy0kRzpr-0w7TRf2UIiyd6jSNu7zA2rcVl1h9NwvMHmNhnaBbWXwySsO8UFdzDiyZoMxOz5fX95Q0UHHsHCq6nFP9Z-BI3uHzIGTGotQL1oA/s400/dazexmas040.png" alt="Santa should hire some guards... just in case." label="Santa should hire some guards... just in case." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417924866421898514" border="0" /><br />Santa should hire some guards... just in case.</div></div><br />So not only is Santa able to rescue his elves and reindeer, recover all the stolen presents and annihilate his enemies, but also still manages to get all the presents delivered on time. How's that for dedication?<br /><br />Well, that concludes the latest chapter in the ongoing story of Retro Gamer Ryan. I know I had a lot of fun playing <span style="font-style: italic;">Daze Before Christmas</span>, and I hope you had a good time reading about it. And I know not everyone out there celebrates Christmas or believes in Santa Claus, but remember... it's just a game.<br /><br />If you've got a holiday to celebrate right around now, I wish you the best. If not, I still wish you the best.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354320371974285794.post-78637238981431576722009-12-20T22:24:00.002-05:002009-12-20T22:32:49.886-05:00RGR Game #016: Daze Before Christmas<div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHvIAq473s1hTzQqApl1n4YagiKF7nUcSdr4JnNyZf6wjtpnsdU7StnR4AOJLXEa44OvZekiboIVzaiuHeSOFYHzqyYC1bDwl5BBUuGb2NHD-dbvsD60f80C60hYrMco-iyzjtW0zZCs/s400/dazexmas001.png" alt="Santa wins with DISCO POWER!" label="Santa wins with DISCO POWER!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385331251629666" border="0" /><br />Santa wins with DISCO POWER!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx20U-SoZeGIGZwQL6YHyNEhrylQ8Tc1po38eVkjXP_pVjRgVgUV09WMvq_4ojQ0DnLwEv4mZhJNtrFUAOnjmQI65RYbMfc9C6q4IAUmthoDU0KVGPWiMcUMw5rZ0kqk-JOJN8tb_UBCE/s400/dazexmas002.png" alt="I fear no soulless rat." label="I fear no soulless rat." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385325631547842" border="0" /><br />I fear no soulless rat.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DNpHj3phdGgk59kOf3zlj2ZANCqWnHiLiYyUd-Jt0TiGH4Kh5_yRHxQ8vWEZ75SjHwfSrGETDBbIPrTwEvSY7wDhqc8k58wWam1ZY7EcVmO209Hxbz_uPFnzqFlKbK2NVWb7zAk5gbM/s400/dazexmas003.gif" alt="Are you following this? Me neither." label="Are you following this? Me neither." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385322318643826" border="0" /><br />Are you following this? Me neither.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptY2jlB_oC78CQBjT6EfOdxp2xba1XLfR6DDL_0Jr6x8KveCLJFtAfhkZ-lzrMGHiRkTdhFou7gft0F7hHbBPf_fD9Uc05Bx1arYcjmbkDggZ1ZcG2eUyYg5uS-Ot4KY7Ga2fUlycMHw/s400/dazexmas004.png" alt="Bow down before the mighty Anti-Claus!" label="Bow down before the mighty Anti-Claus!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385315685901746" border="0" /><br />Bow down before the mighty Anti-Claus!</div></div><br />In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, the next game here at Retro Gamer Ryan is <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Daze Before Christmas</span> for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, a surprisingly fun little platformer starring everyone's favorite jolly gift-delivering magic man, Santa Claus. Though Santa has a couple of momentum issues that can make for an occasional difficult jump, the controls are nice and responsive. The game's a bit on the easy side, but it throws tricky obstacles at you here and there to keep you on your toes.<br /><br />Before I get to the story and gameplay, I wanted to note that this game marks two firsts for Retro Gamer Ryan. First (yeah, the first first, first first of the firsts), it's the first game for a Sega system here on the blog; second, it's the first game to be released exclusively in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL">PAL</a> regions. From what I've been able to gather, the game only made it to market in Australia, and in limited numbers. A Super NES port followed shortly thereafter, but also never made it to retail outside the PAL regions. Sunsoft apparently planned to release the game in the US, but the game fell victim to Sunsoft's financial problems and subsequent bankruptcy restructuring in 1994, and was never heard from again.<br /><br />The story is simple enough, so I'll paraphrase the "poem" above: one day, sometime shortly before Christmas Eve, some of Santa's enemies banded together to hatch a plot to ruin Christmas for kids all over the world, most likely to make Santa look bad. They kidnapped the elves, stole some plans of some sort, and did away with all of Santa's presents. When Santa woke up, he found everything in shambles, and immediately set out to fix everything and save Christmas.<br /><br />An interesting aspect of the game is the concept of "Anti-Claus", an evil, demon-like version of Santa who takes over Santa's body whenever he drinks one of the cups of coffee that appear in strange places in some levels. Anti-Claus lacks Santa's magic, instead using his sack of presents to inflict blunt force trauma on his enemies. Anti is also unable to open presents, as that requires magic for some reason. However, Anti is invincible, and only he can defeat the golem-like creatures that appear in two or three stages. The transformation lasts 10-30 seconds, depending on the settings you've chosen on the options menu, with a default of 20 seconds. Unfortunately, I found myself standing around just waiting for it to wear off, and eventually just started avoiding the coffee. Which is ironic, since I'm a pretty big fan of coffee.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx_j3DAX_i7xPssBGkqQ9YG8JLNv_nHduDwl89RA_oOhED4hTscO6Wpxa2SQTSMedHAcaxliR4ldxvxetZGcT526m3W8FE5kd5t-gEUfS4KtsgtzYzfTT9Htdplw8MkVFUWJwWuSUlZQ/s400/dazexmas005.png" alt="Don't ask me why the levels are mixed up." label="Don't ask me why the levels are mixed up." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385307902717618" border="0" /><br />Don't ask me why the levels are mixed up.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNQ4BZ1wmsPEN8rAV2vtCcpczRtCuJAnnG4mThhgqne9pMBky7WeuE2P_HYqXkxXUXXpYup4pYJWNV4NiFXm3bKbnuqfhKNYkrQwPqDlDXABz5cVXwg-DKPm4oL9FDQh2Bac2geN-HGY/s400/dazexmas006.png" alt="He's getting too old for this." label="He's getting too old for this." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385169949021474" border="0" /><br />He's getting too old for this.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk3MFbuNN_S-owatvQv71ghqwV0PhlUpwySay4PuB0GZkOaGPQL7cma8mnHRgWMCCsZ7f6Q9vR4wlo-wliEnCPPBf7RgiMvcDtstdOWXoOSquPohKlZLqBN4VOb_aK2Vkz6dwJnd5CJE/s400/dazexmas007.png" alt="He's following me again, isn't he?" label="He's following me again, isn't he?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385171436458802" border="0" /><br />He's following me again, isn't he?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB5WD2JOrJnKPp8lcGaZ54ELVtcZTDdvqyCKF2KT8UNqw7xGWZMHy_xV6w3AsXWptBBzAQ8ieKypQ_kre0aL-PvuM01jOVBzY78m1qQPZ3lqVAQxhiApa_24Ff6KOCSEdZY_D7tScD1c/s400/dazexmas008.png" alt="ALL OF TREASURES" label="ALL OF TREASURES" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385165681989634" border="0" /><br />ALL OF TREASURES</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtterAv3QkyTtnewQ5IxM2P-RdNrZZGZj9N9JmmbogOiyBqVUBa3_RhYAZqMfCPof7xMgGwdNyejcmRuAla2BvB6x7ZLERjPr7g8pdNFlkVpmcsrXVuPdsfPFTJMqxUuH-pO8-pppb3jo/s400/dazexmas009.png" alt="HADOUKEN!!!" label="HADOUKEN!!!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385164042456226" border="0" /><br />HADOUKEN!!!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9TjQZvxALXbKhm2LCqa9ssV_80dgSLg-jcjewVS_oEMyeM2ixqHq6VnWbAnhHuS1V_Ul2RtywjzJRmPMNe47oWBnxMnzIfJiiAdR3k6q6CUVr1DvunMiDhDpvcY-Kh9fg7h_sn6mY1U/s400/dazexmas010.png" alt="Santa Smash!" label="Santa Smash!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385163339146610" border="0" /><br />Santa Smash!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQHtjsEYsInuGG-YiHWPrKPvFnbz3y7f86KG2ZmAZyJuNRmOWbKgkFP5IP2J5XrFej7y0KQZMi_asmZ24qOMO4rSS5ddDQQcKWNock0E7bDnkEA9eHOv6fG3z7lZHLken3TKlSMCPO98/s400/dazexmas011.png" alt="It's like the eyes follow you..." label="It's like the eyes follow you..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385030512697330" border="0" /><br />It's like the eyes follow you...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi8w3-cHKR7BWd4HHchTtKbIuVf-tTvxshCeghadikKb6rW3AUCZXRiVCVtPQl4TRtDw9SxHcidfQogB3XJ5J4gGXHaqnTI-57JFYiQ7ddhiZUyGBYib0xp4qQg9CXQaN4Ptl6w1b9E0/s400/dazexmas012.png" alt="Is it safe to come out now?" label="Is it safe to come out now?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385031273894722" border="0" /><br />Is it safe to come out now?</div></div><br />All right, on to the game. Santa's adventure starts in his own house, where he's forced to do battle with possessed toys and zombie-like rats that pace back and forth staring soullessly. After navigating the convoluted structure of the house, it's time to brave the cold of the North Pole on foot, to continue rounding up presents and liberating elves. After rescuing a reindeer deep within a frozen cave, Santa continues on to a magical area with flying carpets and inexplicable wavy fabric-like backgrounds, only to emerge in the lair of the first boss, the Evil Snowman.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First Boss: The Evil Snowman</span><br /><br />Contrary to his stage intro screen, the Evil Snowman actually isn't very large at all, and equally non-threatening. He attempts to batter Santa with snowballs, but the fire magic Santa picked up along the way makes short work of him. The Evil Snowman can't even move from his spot, since whoever built him didn't have the sense to give him legs. Then again, legs made of snow probably wouldn't support the weight of a body made of snow, so he was doomed from the start.<br /><br />After defeating the Evil Snowman, Santa immediately takes to the skies, choosing England as the starting point for his present-delivery route. This results in something of a bonus stage, where presents have to be dropped into as many active chimneys as possible. I just hope the wrapping paper is fire-retardant.<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuo576ZVUA6CLjzvHuVr4bErnJeRE09p4jkBHmD36864jm5zhwyZ26ciZiEQP0BzRef5MwmLybTyPyVsmen-ZO6_u0w_3Mp1M3fZ2RYpdJxU2PEGK8Pc3K4NmNZKkcuqkInbyOFcAi-vw/s400/dazexmas013.png" alt="Frosty would never pull this stuff." label="Frosty would never pull this stuff." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385020494805714" border="0" /><br />Frosty would never pull this stuff.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDwnhAloQpbGVh1FyojNUNoKqHY33lEmcQQY8cZzPIPMQjHFiRvPsZkcmfyaq-jIRBxWL5sxPiiqInDuaNfwFO-Y7ZlW0LFNqbEa94UnQMnbzb9yhz8KZGaR_7CooNAhUTsFUoPaq4uE/s400/dazexmas014.png" alt="Heh, you're not so big." label="Heh, you're not so big." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385015801870338" border="0" /><br />Heh, you're not so big.</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHH35iCdaEfQgT0Tzut5IJx2wuSSwu2CynQRj-PgXAXssAdCDxLAHlvpgsk1ASu3TKINlcPfbIlgpsAer0xT50j007XDldUfF5gDfdn081FnDIVyvtKRFKOJTfhXP5u-lLtUJSRMbaa08/s400/dazexmas015.png" alt="Shouldn't they have put out the fire first?" label="Shouldn't they have put out the fire first?" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385018101900786" border="0" /><br />Shouldn't they have put out the fire first?</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaBVVZZ2XPA9cCMz69-fcCWTV_rVeYAEo6e15nMCZg-0BDO05A3aAwUKxFPebcDhyeeE2__TcUbGmPcXIzMqV4fEo64va7SAnXLH7ts37IZyB4vV4UtqR7TVidNYEscWaScTQpguf10c/s400/dazexmas016.png" alt="Hey, lights out!" label="Hey, lights out!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384616174828674" border="0" /><br />Hey, lights out!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbX1nj4WHJ0_MJ1VPeiHhqNBdUo1RwXOpcf7FZoyCjyPYtZozeIiNBb0PdGUGsvBqqgDRaMMwy6CbbB5jmdfBMDTeNBujpVzD1Pf4ynQ4ezRrPQwys1jana50Oxp88-8qWAXBcT7jovE/s400/dazexmas017.png" alt="Ho ho *glug*!" label="Ho ho *glug*!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384613296005458" border="0" /><br />Ho ho *glug*!</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBxv5cERnYQBS8_A1Qci0YQPgSlKhTncWXL_bSxmcTZSZ0MqGwfXgWBc-XdHWb9zTjnkVeRamHggzcfsN24yebgo-HG02HIpANILCe9vPjuv63X1xP8G7LZLDE45vCzrG_27gfTvBZHQ/s400/dazexmas018.png" alt="They killed Santa!" label="They killed Santa!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384609884332722" border="0" /><br />They killed Santa!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaRq2mda5urAsLtXWbJ0x3vHhJgVrISSGUfzRzn1zXZ7JSRs7pGXSvwEd4r-9cx_mWkPcdat6NYASNiX7n14v3G6A0lbgKnRuV24y53kwY5Oz7O8GQziAy086vDKuRQ4C6M8Ng43_7Iw/s400/dazexmas019'.png" alt="This factory makes no sense." label="This factory makes no sense." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384602853721442" border="0" /><br />This factory makes no sense.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSabWbwFoC0heP6NeV7YvOyuPjvPnKdYECYN_nN_D_mMqWou6yhA57momlrO-9eYJYLcu-uruM_dWyiF5xj6VPTBdvJaATOBOKYgBScT_2HNa9xXTl-DotFk_G7AItvgB7VbQeNwpHKg/s400/dazexmas020.png" alt="You shall not pass! Ow!" label="You shall not pass! Ow!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384603921933234" border="0" /><br />You shall not pass! Ow!</div></div><br />Santa's quest next takes him to a series of factories, probably the ones where all his toys are made. The wood factory and steel factory are of course now overrun with enemies, and part of the path has begun to flood. This is probably the toughest area of the game, since it's necessary to quickly jump between platforms that sometimes recede into the walls, sometimes move back and forth or up and down, and are very narrow. And Santa can't swim in that heavy winter suit, so one wrong move means Santa drowns. This single stage swallowed more lives than the rest of the game, and resulted in my only game over. Finally, though, I made it across safely and took on the next boss.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second Boss: The Timekeeper</span><br /><br />You can tell right away that the Timekeeper is a tougher boss than the Evil Snowman. See, he has legs. But he only uses them to stand while he attacks from a distance. Once Santa gets close enough, the Timekeeper shows off his real talent, the half-pipe. His arms, legs, and little winding dial disappear into his body, and he rolls right into the half-pipe, trying to crush Santa in the process. Luckily, Santa can jump right over him, hitting him with magic as he passes. After a few passes, the Timekeeper is history. Get it? History? Ahem... nevermind.<br /><br />With the Timekeeper amply punished, it's time to head out and deliver more presents, this time to all the little children in Russia. This is a little confusing, though, since the first stop was England. Santa really should be moving from east to west, to keep up with the time zones. But who am I to argue with Santa Claus, right?<br /><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEBMjDmjZnrmc9xU37gtgdAQbPTl9SN-Ew0h0G3zDRvTbJIbn_dFVYLLzCjSZd65uifthucTjpw9bD1t5fgV5DPdrTj9G6O8rvkzl9Hmm1dv1jk_bm3PRDq8BQcwXmQhyphenhyphenzNJkrZy3ao0/s400/dazexmas021.png" alt="The Timekeeper..." label="The Timekeeper..." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384205198328402" border="0" /><br />The Timekeeper...</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH33C4JOKgV3ixaYCIM2AGqCuvxsCcICGrj-9ChTpC4lhlGVcaJUeHaCzwshBaa2s1hCppcv8QLtATRJe0ZofKDsDwiB_ffIFy_iDu4wFxb5opiSD2CPBKfRSsHfW_oGjgkCxQukXlW4/s400/dazexmas022.png" alt="master of the half-pipe!" label="master of the half-pipe!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384200010604578" border="0" /><br />master of the half-pipe!</div></div><br /><div style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="float: left; font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjawRjUIu4X_1jcF3Wxmq7UvPASCOQG9KbgRdIAAeO3mECKe-PgEw7xrN0gCQqCfkbeR9_3iIVQPwwvxd7X_kB-VcvbD00_on_KnZNrLbitCxp3xNHZjVtfPW67ZksmqYrZfz4vnZD0o/s400/dazexmas023.png" alt="Santa makes stops out of order." label="Santa makes stops out of order." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384198995267234" border="0" /><br />Santa makes stops out of order.</div><div style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1i0gZVqmr9pJyl2myIspR-ho4BR2FC8aClaionolTm8s6zUQY6WlXeNh4XjcbQY-_k8syx4_KX_qrcC_oJLuefwFZzSyrajOPELw27GiXp9mXj-apTTWmaMTiIoH4oCUbXR5zr31P5U/s400/dazexmas024.png" alt="In Soviet Russia, satellite shoots YOU down!" label="In Soviet Russia, satellite shoots YOU down!" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417384196232401954" border="0" /><br />In Soviet Russia, satellite shoots YOU down!</div></div><br />Will Santa be able to overcome adversity and prevail over his nemeses? Will he save Christmas for the rest of the children of the world?<br /><br />Will Anti-Claus finally step up and serve a real purpose? Probably not, but for these answers and more, stay tuned for the conclusion of <span style="font-style: italic;">Daze Before Christmas</span>!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054265081161493887noreply@blogger.com0