January: A month of non-stop gaming

My favourite photo from P5!

Heya. I can't believe it is already the end of the month of January! Ever since graduation, I have been embracing the NEET life and going full-on gaming mode while handling other adult errands like a  responsible adult that I am.

January started fairly slow for me as I did not have anything exciting planned out for the new year. I was only excited to finish all the games I've been wanting to play since I got a PS4 console. I've never had a console that I can call my own but now that I do, I want to use it to its full potential! I am fulfilling that promise very well this month. I have completed 2 games so far and I'm onto my third game.

This is my short review/comment of the two PS4 games I've proudly completed in January. I know I know, I'm a year late with the games but I can't help it. School and real life responsibilities are just more important. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to the game releases this year since no more homework from uni! I just hope work responsibilities don't get in the way.

Persona 5
The first game that I've completed this month is Persona 5. This game is by far the most time consuming one so far. I've spent close to 100 hours trying to completed it. I would say that the game is very well done. I really liked the gameplay in Persona 5, the story and the character designs. They aced the protagonist design because he is cute af! I also really liked that the whole game was set in Tokyo. Especially because I'm living in Tokyo, it was fairly easy to relate to the game. Now, I don't think I can ever walk around Shibuya and look at it the same way as before. However, I don't think this story was my favourite out of Persona series. I'm still a P3 fan but that's probably because it was my first Persona series I laid my hands.

My favourite character in P5 besides the Protagonist? Morgana.
My least favourite character? Ryuuji. Hands down. I don't think I'll ever like him. lol.
Rating: 9/10

I can't give it a full ten points like I hoped to because I wasn't able to relate that much with the characters this time for some reason. Maybe my approach to the game was different or that I've grown out of the high school fantasy or that because I'm actually living here the spark of 'Oh Japan!' and died down quite a lot.

Hoever, for any first timers, this is still an awesome game because I managed to get B to get hooked onto it. He loves this game so much that he is playing it everyday after work and during the weekends. I've never seen him so dedicated to something until I introduced this game to him. lol.

NieR: Automata
This by far is the BEST game I've ever played so far. I went on to youtube/google to search on more things about this game because this game has taken over my life. I just didn't know what to do anymore if I didn't understand the world of the series thoroughly. The game doesn't simply explain everything. It requires fairly bit of analysing and theorising. (Thank goodness of fan theories.) I think partly why I didn't understand a lot of things in story was because I have never played the NieR series at all so trying to piece everything together was a little difficult. But thanks to the loyal fans to the series, I managed to learn about the previous series and piece it all together. From my research, this game is an indirect sequel from the previous game, NieR RepliCant. It is an extension from one of the endings in the game so technically, you don't have to play previous series to enjoy this one but of course to understand the world of the NieR/Darkengard, it is recommended(?).

This game is fairly short if compared to Persona5. This game took about 50 hours of game play including trying to finish all the side quests. But I thoroughly enjoyed myself and still think about this game once in a while. Yes, I'm  still having withdrawals from this game. What made this game so good is the story and the awesome soundtrack. Just when I thought "Kingdom Hearts and FF has the best soundtrack", I was so wrong. I'm not even sure how to put it in words. The creator of this game made the story and music so well together that just listening to the music itself brings back so much memories and scenes of the game.

As I was making my way through the game and finding out so much of the NieR: Automata world, it broke me. When I was near the ending, I know I felt this ache in my heart. The same feeling I get when I am heartbroken. I swear, it was so difficult to finish the game because of the emotions I was feeling at that point. I've never been so attached to a character in game before and neither had I been so immersed in a game until now. So when I finished the game, I just didn't know how to live any more. It left me depress and empty. Most would say, 'Aren't most games like that?" Well, yeah, I don't deny that but this time though it was another level. I'd say I wasn't mentally or emotionally prepared for what was coming.

This game is highly and without a doubt recommended for the awesome story and soundtrack. i never regretted playing and would play it again once my emotions are more stable. The only regret is probably not playing it sooner and that I didn't join this cryptic NieR cult.

Favourite character: 9S
Rating: 10/10
Awesome story and soundtrack. A game created by a genius!


******

This month is a lot of gaming be it on console or on PC so I don't really have a lot of exciting things I could really write down besides me expressing my love for games. But, I do have good news that totally don't deserve a post on its own. Ha!

Firstly, I managed to get my work visa; a rather lengthy one too. Secondly, I'll be heading back to Singapore in February for Chinese New Year. I am excited for all the local goodies I get to have. My dad started cooking again and my mom has officially retired so that means more stay-in and more family time. So, if I happen to not do as much meet up, please try to understand that this time round is more about family and pet dog, BB, time for me. Also, since I have become more introverted than before, I really value my time indoors oh so very much. My best friends understand that side of me and I am thankful.

May February be kind to us.

Will write again.
C.

Simple indulgence

Nutcracker
18th December 2014

Hello. I haven't done a follow up since the last post ranting about not receiving my results from school. Nonetheless, I received my results the in evening on the day after I ranted. And, good news because I made it into the dean's list again which means I received good grades! Yahhhh.

I've been having outings with friends and I made a new vlog yesterday! Even though I don't have much clips to put together, I still want to make it because I want to be able to look back at all the silly/awkward dances I did with my friends. I think I'm on weird dance craze recently.

We decided to bake brownies but we ended up making a cake instead. While trying to bake, we did a series of silly and awkward dances while making the mix. I think it was because we were high on tacos. We had so much food from taco bell, we had to burn them off somehow. If you're interested, click the video below!



Today, I went on a solo trip to town to catch a movie and bought a small luggage! For a Monday, it was unexpectedly crowded. Am I missing out on something today? Is today some sort of public holiday that I do not know of? Is winter solstice a legit public holiday here in Japan?

Anyways, all the cafes I want to hide in was packed with people. So, I've decided to hang out at a bookstore and the manga shop longer to kill some time while waiting for my movie to start. I bought an evening ticket, thinking that I might oversleep and miss the movie time but I was just in time for the 3pm movie! I should have bought an earlier timing if I knew today was going to be so packed throughout the day.

I caught the live action movie of the manga/anime adaptation 'Parasyte'. IT WAS SO GOOD! The CG was really impressive. I jumped at a few scenes because of the sudden swiping of the blades. I felt so embarrassed though because no one jumped but me! *face palm*

I can't wait to watch the second part of the film. I'm not going to compare the anime and the film but I have to say that 'migi' is much cuter in the film though. Even though I don't really like the attitude of the movie version, Izumi, because he sounded so rude all the time. But, I have to admit, the actor is pretty awesome! Maybe they are following the original adaptation of the manga or that I'm missing out on something again. lol.

Speaking about movies and animes, I ran out of animes to watch for this season. There aren't many that caught my eye though. Last season's animes were SO GOOD though. Tokyo Ghoul broke me. :(

OH! I almost forgot... I just happen to spot the otome winter market event at Shinjuku. I just HAD to go and pay a visit so I ended up getting two cushion from the shop - Hakuouki designed and Shinobi Koi Utsutsu designed. How can I resist them since they are the few otome games I liked? I mean, both of the series had to do with samurais and ninjas. Anything that has ninjas and samurais win hands down! Two additional cushions added to my collections. Japan really spoils me. Or, at least Tokyo spoils me. haha.

Anyways, peace out! xoxo

Indulging in different cultures

It has been a long while since I went travelling around Tokyo, enjoying Japanese culture. This is what I've promised myself a week ago: Travel around Tokyo every weekend.

Knowing my own habits of procrastinating, I reckoned it'd be better if I went travelling around Tokyo. At least I'll be doing something productive instead of staying indoors refreshing facebook, twitter and tumblr. lol.

Last weekend, I went to two events TGS and a festival at Nezu Shrine. Also, at the same time meet up with my friend, Kai, who was here for a while for work. I haven't been going to conventions in a long while so I thought I'd go to the Tokyo Game Show 2014. Also because there was a few booths that I'm interested in. Though, I must admit my knowledge on games is almost zero since I only play games leisurely. What caught my attention the most was the 「壁ドン」(kabe-don)  section from the otome game company, Voltage.

I wanted to try it SO MUCH! I went to the booth twice and I missed the sessions for the experience zone! According to my friend, Sam, she said there was another BL game and for their experience zone, they have this ikemen pinning the visitors down. One time, the visitor actually pinned the ikemen butler down. I thought that was hilariously courageous of that girl to do that! I would love to witness that. It's not something anyone get to see everyday right? It was my first ever game convention and I'm already enjoying it and bringing back so many memories. lol.

Yesterday, I went to watch 「るろうに剣心　伝説の最期編」(Rurouni Kenshin - The Legend Ends/Densetsu no Saigohen). Kai told me I looked agitated throughout the movie. Well, I am really engrossed in the movie that I could feel their emotions and everything! That's usually how I watch any films or anime. I let myself seep into the film. I put myself in the position of the characters so I can truly feel everything. I don't just watch a film for fun. I want to get the best out of everything. Not many people understand my 'involvement' and reactions towards the films I watch. Not that I expect anyone to do so, really.

Also, I still cannot believe I actually heard the studio version of One Ok Rock's song, "Heartache", during the credits. Though, I knew what was coming but the song was just too beautiful that I teared. I already teared quite a bit in the movie so crying a little more wouldn't make much of a difference now, would it? lol. It is a beautiful song. I found on youtube that someone recorded the one played from the movie theatres. I ripped it and now it's on replay while I type this post. I can't wait for it to be out in a single or an album because I am going to get it!! I really love One Ok Rock. I love them so much. Never regret a single thing after knowing them and hearing their music. So inspirational!

Anyways, after the movie, Kai and I set out to a festival at Nezu Shrine. My anthropology teacher was telling me about this festival last friday. After moving to Japan for about half a year, I still have not gone to an actual summer/autumn festival event. I'm really glad I got a chance to do so now!

21st September 2014
金魚すくい
Goldfish scooping

One of the main reasons why I wanted to go to a festival was because they have goldfish scooping! I've always wanted to try this! I remember always seeing this in animes and stuff. Sometimes, the boyfriend will scoop the goldfish for his girlfriend and blah blah blah....You know the typical story plot. haha. I thought it was really sweet. (in a way. lol)

This was my first time goldfish scooping and I must admit, I am quite talented in this. lol. With one scoop, I managed to scoop five cute goldfishes! I am finally better than Kai at something. lol. Though, I feel half glad and regretful that I didn't bring those goldfish back. I want a pet but I don't have time to take care of it so I can't keep them.

Nonetheless, it was an exciting weekend! I enjoyed both the main culture and the subculture of Japan. For a moment, I even contemplated on wanting to stay in Japan longer or forever. Culture in Japan is so rich! I love Japan so much!

x

PS: I love Tokyo Ghoul, at the same time I hate it so much. (T^T)

Productive Week!!

2th June 2014

Hello. TGIF!!

I haven't been going around taking selfies or any photos in particular so I'm going to use a photo I took earlier this month. This was taken when I went to enjoy a lovely performance by the Tokyo Symphonic Orchestra.  This photo was taken before the performance start because as usual, no photography was allowed. It was really a brilliant performance but sadly, I was a little too tired and I fell asleep during the last 15 minutes of the performance. It was a good powernap. lol.

This week ended pretty well. It was a lot better than I expected. I was bracing myself for the worst but I guess I managed to tide over this week. This past week had been cloudy and drizzling from time to time.

I am finally making some progress on my research papers. I'm planning to finish all of the research proposals and outlines during the weekends so I won't have to worry about them during the weekdays. Deadline is in a month's time and I'm not freaking out yet because I think I'll be able to pull through.

I've been diligently using my handy-dandy notebook and it is really an accomplishment to see it almost used up. Also, about an hour ago, I used up my favourite erasable pen when I was jotting down stuff on my notebook. How disappointed I was!! I had to switch to using a pencil. I don't like using pencil because my handwriting changes depending on what sort of pen/pencil I use. Most of the time, I'd have ugly and messy handwriting but using that pen, I am able to imitate my mom's handwriting. lol. I can't say I hate it because I've always liked my mother's handwriting. It's small, neat and I personally think looks a little like comic sans font. LOL.

The reason as to why I've been loving the weekends because it is the time where I can really laze at home and try to finish my assignments. I don't think I have to try this weekend because I've finally gotten hold of the "working hard" momentum. I guess because I've sort of found a goal and planned out what I am going to be taking for my final 3 semesters in my college. Now with everything laid out in front of me, all I have to do is work hard and tackle all of them! Easier said than done, but it is still better than not having anything planned out in front. It is always good to plan for the future! Be ambitious!

Besides trying to be all "hardworking", I've managed to catch a dothack anime movie earlier in the week. The movie is called, .hack//sekai no mukou e (ドットハック・セカイの向こうへ). I must say this movie was a pretty good one. The animations were done in 3D instead of the usual 2D. I really really want to play this game in real life. I'm not even talking about the PSP or PS2 but the real MMORPG while wearing those glasses and feeling like I'm in "The World". I want to go on an adventure knowing I won't die because I can respawn at the town center or something and fight wild animals!!

This is the trailer and movie poster.

ドットハック・セカイの向こうに
.hack//seikai no mukou ni (Beyond the world)

Maybe I'm being bias about this series but dothack was the first ever anime series about people being trapped in the MMORPG, that I liked. It was wayyyy before SAO or Log Horizon. I'll always be loyal to dothack series! Though, comparing SAO and Log Horizon, I prefer Log Horizon because I think Shiroe is cooler than Kirito. I'm actually choosing Intellect over looks! lol. But hey, Shiroe don't look too bad himself.

Speaking about animes, i'm really sad the few series that I've been following this season has and is coming to an end.

I've watched:

• Kamigami no Asobi (神々の悪戯)
• No Game No Life
• Kin'iro no Corda: Blue Sky (金色のコルダ: BlueSky)

I'm currently watching these few and they are going to be ending soon. I am so so so sad about it. :(

• Mekakucity Actors (メカクシティアクターズ)
• M3: Sono Kuro Hagane (M3〜ソノ黒キ鋼〜)
• Black Bullet
• Sore demo Sekai wa Utsukushii (それでも世界は美しい)

I am in love with the Sore demo sekai wa utsukushii's story!! It's not the typical shoujo manga love story setting so it makes it even better. I'm a sucker for shoujo genre animes. Which goes to show, I am still a young girl at heart! lol. I am still young. Uh huh!!

Anyways, I've also manage to update my itunes just for a little bit. I haven't been going around finding new songs to listen but I am addicted to this song "Chippoke na Ai no Uta" (ちっぽけな愛の歌) by Ohara Sakurako, the new singer/actress who acted in the live-action adaptation movie of the manga, "Kanojo wa uso wo Aishisugiteru". This song was also the OST of the movie. This song always reminds me of the story in the movie and allows me to imagine that this song was produced by Sato Takeru for me. Such touching lyrics. It's all fictional but a fan can dream anytime righttttt?! lol. Also, Sakurako has a nice voice. I can forsee her bright future in the entertainment industry! Looking forward to her future appearances in other films and her future singles/albums.

Alright, I'll stop writing now because  I have a field trip to the Tokyo Metropolitan Archaeology Center field trip tomorrow for my Anthropology class.

Good Night.

xoxo,
C