Sly Botts

Correction: After playing some more I figured out how to change the lead character.

I'm going to do a brief review of the recently released remake of Square's (now Square-Enix) 1993 game, Secret of Mana. I purchased the PC port of the game on Steam. First off, I have not played the game all the way through (it was only released 2 days ago). So this will be based on just a few hours worth of game play. Some Personal History: When I was a kid, I rented the original Secret of Mana cartridge from one of the local video stores on more than one occasion. Since I grew up in a rural Northern Ontario town, there was only one copy available to rent. Buying games like this wasn't exactly an option for a kid like me, so needless to say, playing this game was a treat. I can remember being a 10 year old kid and marvelling at its beautiful musical score. Unfortunately, the circumstances also made it difficult to play it through to completion. At the time, I wasn't really into JRPG's anyway, and I didn't really take the time to fully understand the mechanics of this game. One nice thing about renting the game, was that there was always a save file stored on the cartridge from someone else. I had a lot of fun flying around and checking out all the different areas of the game and listening to the music. I was a teenager when I came back to this title through snes emulation, and it wasn't until then, that I really knew what I was doing, and was able to take a good crack at it. The Original Secret of Mana was a 16-bit SNES JRPG. It was different than other JRPG's at the time which primarily used "turn based combat" systems. (See Final Fantasy IV). This game was unique in that it was based on more free flowing combat, however it still followed some basic principles to keep it balanced. There was a stamina meter which had to charge after each attack and the Mana consumption for magic spells was easily and quickly depleted. It required expensive magic walnuts to recharge during combat. Item space was also limited to 4 of each item. (In the remake you have the option to increase this limitation to 12). Game play: Game play is smooth and sprite movements/actions are fluid. The 60fps is nice too. However some of the movements are buggy, (such as throwing enemies) and on one occasion after walking over a floor switch, my protagonist's legs stopped moving, giving off the appearance he was hovering instead of running. This resolved itself after I moved out of the screen into the next room. Overall though, the game play is not much different from the original 16 bit game, other than the 3D upgrade, voice acting, cut-scenes and combat animations. You level up your characters in the same manner as the original through combat experience. Your weapons level up when you use them (to a max of 8 levels) which also require orbs won from bosses or found in treasure boxes. The same goes with your magic. (Prepare to spend hours grinding and spamming your spells). One thing I disliked about the magic in the original game was that no matter how far you progressed, if you learned a new spell, it started at level 0. So the farther you were in the game, the longer it took to get your new spells up to speed. Nothing changed here. Controls are pretty much the same, however the option as been added to remap buttons and to to link spells, weapons and items to some of the controller buttons (ie; L1 and R1). The PC port interface is designed for use with an x-box controller (ie; a, b, x, y, LB, RB etc;) however keyboard and mouse controls are the default, and a controller is not required. The option to save is unchanged. It would have been nice for the PC port to add the option of saving anywhere, however there is an auto-save function that runs at specific times so it's not really a big deal. One thing I am wondering, is why they removed the option of changing the party leader. I distinctly remember being able to switch control of the party between the 3 main characters. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I can't seem to do that here. Graphics: So as mentioned earlier, there has been a major graphic overhaul from 2D to 3D sprites and environments. Realism isn't an issue here since the original game had a cartoonish look. The remake continues with this tradition. I am disappointed however that the graphics are not up to today's standards and are more on par with the PS2 or early PS3 era. There are also no facial animations. The menu's have had significant updates and are easier to navigate than the original. As far as options go, the PC port did not come with any graphic options other than screen resolution and screen type (ie; windowed or full-screen). An issue for me here, is that the full-screen is just a borderless window and not true full-screen mode. The game also crashed on me the first time I loaded it, when I tried to change the resolution after switching between full-screen and windowed modes. I also found it odd that in full-screen mode, it will not let you change the resolution. One neat thing though, The original 16-bit area map is displayed on the top Right of the screen when you're walking around, which I thought was a nice touch. Music: The music score has been updated in this port using what sounds like synthesized high quality music. Definitely electronic in origin. The main theme however sounds like it was performed by an orchestra with that unmistakable Japanese orchestra sound common with JRPG's and other Japanese made video games/anime which feature an orchestra. The in game music definitely sounds out of place when compared to the reverberating fantastical and haunting melody's of the original 16-bit game. The instruments used don't seem to fit what is happening and fall short overall. It's a good thing Square-Enix included the option to switch between the remixed and original musical scores. I found myself returning to the original score after playing only a short time. I turn on the remixed music when entering new areas to hear the new versions of songs, but once I've done that, I switch back. Voice Acting: Voice acting has been included in this remake. It sounds like English voice acting typical of low end JRPG ports and anime's. Nothing special, nothing great, pretty bland and over-exaggerated. One of the voices sounds similar to kid trunks from DBZ, who knows though, I didn't bother checking this out. The option to turn on Japanese voice acting is included. I'm guessing the quality of the Japanese voice acting is probably better since it is a Japanese game, however I don't speak Japanese, so I can only guess. The audio quality of the voices themselves is good and clear. Conclusion: This game is a great game with a great story. Some aspects of this game appear rushed, and there are issues with the game crashing. (It has crashed on me more than once, on random occasions and apparently, this is not just a PC issue but a PS4 issue as well). I honestly expected more from a company like Square-Enix in this regard, which has a reputation of making good quality games. If they had spent more time testing, perhaps these random crashes could have been avoided. This game is a good nostalgia trip and a pretty nice update. It's fun, which is what matters. I would say it's worth the price, and I discourage people from waiting for a steam sale to purchase this title. I give this game a score of 3.8/5. If the random crashing wasn't happening, the graphic options were better, and the musical remix score was more appropriate to the setting, this game would easily be a 4.5/5. Pro's: New music Updated 3D graphics Smooth game play Balanced Combat New Voice Acting Good story Cons: New music is lacking New voice acting is lacking Multiple Crashes Graphic Settings Inability to change party leader Score 3.8/5

There were so many problems with this movie. All I will comment on is the sea cow milking scene... that was it. OVER. Horrible SJW infested film which ruined the SW universe.

I regret not taking the time to try and see an MGB show in the late 90's. I was 17 in 2000 living in Edson Alberta. I had a job and money, however I was not very knowledgeable when it came to going to shows. I could have seen them in Edmonton or Jasper, but I don't know why I didn't. I was a huge fan... if I could go back, I would have made the effort. I think though unless you lived in those bigger cities it was harder back then for a 17 year old to find out where they were going to play and when.

Hey guys, I finally made the switch from a standard HDD to a Solid State Drive. I can tell you, its worth it. I describe the experience now as my computer running like a hot knife through butter with regards to posting/booting into windows. What used to take literally 2-5 minutes of start-up routine and loading background tasks has turned into less than 30 seconds from post to desktop which includes entering a login password. No slowing down or chugging post login. Instant speed and significant improvement with load times all around. I went from 500Gig to 250Gig drive but it was worth it. 119.99 on Amazon. I could never go back. Also.. didn't have to re-install my OS. Just used software to clone my HDD to my SDD. It took less than 30 minutes, swapped the boot priority in the BIOS and it was done. Simple.

I took the personality test from his website https://www.understandmyself.com. My results: Agreeableness: Very High 92nd Percentile Compassion: Very High 95th Percentile Politeness: Moderately High 76th Percentile Conscientiousness: Exceptionally High 96th Percentile Industriousness: High 82nd Percentile Orderliness: Exceptionally High 98th Percentile Extraversion: Exceptionally High 98th Percentile Enthusiasm: Exceptionally High 97th Percentile Assertiveness: Very High 90th Percentile Neuroticism: Moderately High 72nd Percentile Withdrawal: Typical or Average 47th Percentile Volatility: High 86th Percentile Openness to Experience: Typical or Average 53rd Percentile Intellect (Not to be confused with IQ): Typical or Average 41st Percentile Openness: Moderately High 63rd Percentile

I strongly agree with you on this. Its created a huge problem with the kids now in University. Helicopter parenting is reprehensible. I'm being very blunt and simple here, but I don't want to go down the rabbit hole either.

I don't mean to be rude, but what was the point of that? I'm genuinely curious, not being a jerk here. I understand *what* he was saying, but the point of it eludes me. Was he trying to say North Korea is just puffing themselves up to look intimidating and that they would never really launch a Nuke because the US could annihilate them with just one sub?

After almost a year sitting installed on my computer, barely touched, I finally Finished Fallout 4 last month. Honestly... I was disappointed. I pretty much had to force myself to finish it. Glad I waited until it was on sale to get it in the first place. One thing that really disappointed me, was that no matter what dialogue choice you picked when interacting with NPC's, the result was pretty much always the same. You end up at the same ending and the only solution to most problems was to shoot my way out. The overuse of Radiant Quests was rather dull and the dialogue had lost most of the wit and nuance that the previous games had too. I guess it's got its strengths, it just could have been better RPG wise IMO. (Why make an open ended sandbox type game but not allow for creativity when completing quests?) I don't think I'll bother with the DLC unless someone can make a convincing argument.

PC Games I've played-thru or intended to play thru, but only played part way thru since Last fall: The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (Played thru) Life is Strange (Played Thru) Hydrophobia Prophecy (Played Thru) Outlast (Started) Mass Effect (Played thru) - Beat many times Mass Effect 2 (Played Part way, changed games) - Beat many times Mass Effect Andromeda (Played thru) Black Mesa (Played Thru) Half-Life: Blue Shift (Played Thru) Half-Life: Opposing Force (Played Thru) Half-Life 2 (Played Part way, changed games) - Beat many times Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (Played Part way, changed games) - Beat a few times 10-12 years ago. Ryse: Son of Rome (Played part way, changed games) - Beat over a year ago. Firewatch (Played Thru) - Beat a few times already Fallout 4 (Finally played thru) The Evil Within (Started) Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Played Thru) - Beat 2 years ago Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Started but Just can't get into it) Day of Infamy (Ongoing once and a while) Left 4 Dead 2 (Once or twice with friends) Have never uninstalled it since 2010. The Walking Dead Telltale game. (Played Thru) - Beat a few times over the last few years Currently Playing The Walking Dead Season 2, and moving on to the third game after that, A new Frontier. (Finished Season 2 when it came out) Just purchased RAGE, Alien Isolation (on Sale games) got a free copy of Rise of the Tomb Raider. I have so many games I want to try but not much time which is why I often abandon games these days. I have usually 2 hours after 8 pm to play if I want to be a hermit and not have sex. It's a trade off.

Agreed!

I don't see any of that stuff because I use uBlock Origin. I also browse with Opera, (which is amazing btw.)

You can try to look through his member profile and check out his posts. There should also be a way to pull up the thousands of posts he made on this site to develop some kind of profile of him for your essay. Maybe the admin of the site can help you with that.

If you're going to play more obscure tracks that's a great marketing tool. It makes sense anyways since many people who regularly see your shows probably wouldn't miss staples like Load Me Up if they were being replaced with something like... The Inescapable Us or Primetime Deliverance (old tracks), 99% of us if failure or Shallows Low (newer tracks). It would give people more reason to see your show, almost like a marketing plan for the fans who regularly attend your shows.

Im downloading this now. Looking forward to listening while I do my daily chores.

I would still be really interested to see what Matt thinks of Dr. Peterson. I am assuming he would do some research on the guy first (which really is a must in this case) because aside from the pronoun issue, he is doing a lot of great things for people.

As far as albums as a whole go, I've only really liked 2-3 (at most) songs from any of his albums since WLR&RR. Starting with Hospital Music. Mind you the 2-3 songs I listen too on those albums are mindblowingly awesome. I used to love listening to his entire albums but I often skip songs now or choose to only listen to certain songs. I really love Guns of Carolina, it really is a beautiful song. When I listen to his older albums though, I still listen to them in their entirety. This is not a criticism of his work, he will always be my favourite artist. I'll be an old man in the nursing home with dementia and I'll still hear his music in my head.

I like everything you said (I just didn't want to quote your whole response). Though I would have to say I wasn't trying to be rhetorical or use rhetoric. I was saying how I feel personally. I can see how I came across that way though. I really like what you said though man. Nice stuff.

I really truly get what you're saying here, especially if its in a situation such as teacher/student, but at some point it becomes ludicrous. How far does this go? At some point, people need to accept the fact that not everyone is going to like them, be nice to them or respect them. That's being an adult and living in the world. It sucks when people don't like you, offend you, or insult you. Hey we've all been there. But in a free society you don't really have a right to demand that people accept you socially. You can't force people to like or accept you, it's an individual choice. (I'm speaking socially here). Obviously you do have the right to be free from discrimination, but that's not the same thing. I'm speaking on a 1x1 personal level. If someone offends you in some way, you can ignore them, Insult them, be violent with them, try to talk it out, or walk away. I don't expect to be accepted everywhere I go. It's not realistic and it's an impossible standard to hold. Would it be nice? Sure it would. Should people try to at least do some good in the world and avoid offending people? Sure that would be nice too, and I get that you're basically saying "how hard is it to be nice? Spare them some grief, they already have it bad enough". But if you want to live in a free society, you have to accept the fact that people can't and shouldn't be forced to accept people they don't want too. Just to be clear, I'm not justifying hate or discrimination. I am simply saying you can't go around expecting never to be offended by people. I personally harbour no ill will towards any individuals. (Though I do know people I don't really like and would not socialize with).

This is true. The polarization of American politics and identity politics is bleeding over into Canada. Identity politics is PATHOLOGICAL. "If you want to beat the radicals on both sides, don't play their game. Don't play identity politics, it's *pathological*. Instead of playing the collectivist game (and that would include alt-right identity politics), play the individualist game by getting your act together. Live a stalwart, meaningful and high quality individual life. That's also the pathway that requires the most responsibility and sacrifice. It's the most honourable and least self deceptive." -JP

My SIL used youtube and toured. She's being doing well for herself. "2016 Sirus XM coffee house best new artist and best song!" Woot! It's taken approx 8 years of hard work though.

He has said on multiple occasions that he has no issues with trans students or even calling a trans male a she or trans female a he. He's against the government forcing him to use the language they think he should use, because of how the bill was worded and its implications. He is very anti-marxist and anti-post modernist and he see's this as an ideological issue. Most of his work and significant following, has nothing to do with the trans issue. He's been uploading his lectures and series on youtube since 2013, he has over 500 hours worth of content. I don't see anything unprofessional about what he did other than speaking his mind in a youtube video about the HR department in the U of T forcing their employee's to take unconscious biased training and his opposition to bill c-16 and the human rights tribunal. Have you watched the videos that caused the controversy? Bottom line: He is very highly cited and considered an expert in his field of study. He is no slouch. He knows what he's talking about and has years of clinical experience as well of 30-40 years worth of experience researching the topics he discusses. He's not one to exploit the issue. I've watched many of his videos (particularly his biblical lectures). He gives good advice to people about how to be better people and do good in the world. Many people have actually changed their lives for the better after using his self authoring programs. I think the issue here is that there is an underlying mental health issue which leads to these suicides. (Not talking about Gender dysphoria) but depression, or some other mental health issue which contributes. Studies indicate (and its widely accepted) that 90% of suicide victims have a diagnosable psychiatric illness. This (IMO) would explain the causal factors. The difficulties and personal struggles of being LGBT would only add to this. Why is it so high in the Trans population though? This is also accurate for those despite receiving gender reassignment therapy. I don't think we really know that yet.

I really love how he promotes responsibility. He really knows his stuff. He is an amazing speaker and so much of what he says resonates with me. People are actually making their lives better because of him. I can go on and on about the guy but people really need to listen to his stuff. His lectures on Christianity are actually changing atheists views on religion and it's place in society. The man is gifted.

I find since they passed the books, the instant death sentence for "honourable" characters has suddenly disappeared and good things are actually happening to them. LOL

I'm curious if Matt is aware of this man and what he thinks about him. If Matt hasn't researched any of his work (ie; maps of meaning, or his views on post modernism) or listened to his interviews with Joe Rogan and Dave Rubin, I think he would find it interesting and I would love to hear his opinion on this professors views. I personally think Dr. Peterson is brilliant. His self Authoring tool has helped many people get themselves "sorted out" and improve their lives. Here is a random interview done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC1pvjyKYr4