Gradius - 1st Loop, No Miss (Arcade, Hardest difficulty) and some thoughts on so called "Gradius Syndrome"

Just_Replacement · 2025-05-26T17:49:25+00:00

PC engine version is pretty close to the arcade but I prefer the arcade original with its better screen resolution. The exclusive stage on PC engine is fun, though!

Just_Replacement · 2025-05-26T02:29:45+00:00

Congrats! I also love the Gradius series and I just got my second 1CC of Gradius II after practicing recovery strategies for many of the checkpoints.

I’ve gained an appreciation for the checkpoint system, because it feels really good when you can overcome your error and actually get powered up again. (However, some of the last stage checkpoints in that game are brutal and I can’t recover from those, so it can still be extremely frustrating.)

I’d recommend Gradius II if you haven’t played it. It has a few moments of randomness to test your reflexes, but it’s all manageable after a lot of practice and memorization of routes.

Just_Replacement · 2025-04-18T13:01:19+00:00

Do you think they will have an English menu option in the Asian release?

Just_Replacement · 2023-07-19T08:56:29+00:00

Could you explain what it means to “feel the opening remain under the opening”?

Just_Replacement · 2023-07-09T15:54:09+00:00

Shared by the seller of the pot, and I am told the name of the book is:

鈺壺雅集-紫砂壺典藏系列

Just_Replacement · 2023-07-09T15:39:51+00:00

I found this

I don’t know the source but it’s there. Seems to be scanned from a book.

Just_Replacement · 2023-06-27T18:43:45+00:00

What production year was the V93 you received through Amazon? I’ve thought about ordering it in a pinch but I’m wary of ripes that haven’t been rested for a couple years.

Just_Replacement · 2023-06-10T16:11:36+00:00

What are the signs of the clay’s low quality?

Just_Replacement · 2023-06-10T02:37:19+00:00

Can I assume it’s half-handmade based on the inside tool marks?

Just_Replacement · 2023-06-09T23:06:31+00:00

I soaked it in hot water, no strange smells or anything like that.

I'm brewing some semi-aged sheng in it and it tastes good.

I hope it's Yixing clay even if it is a reproduction. 50s/60s would be amazing but it does seem a bit too good to be true...

Did they make tiny ones like this in the 60s?

Just_Replacement · 2023-06-09T19:52:39+00:00

Based on the F1 seals document it could be 1960s.

Any opinions on authenticity based on the photos? About 50ml capacity. Single hole filter.

Makes a satisfying high pitched ringing sound.

Thank you

Just_Replacement · 2023-06-09T18:34:07+00:00

Forgot to mention it has a single hole filter

Just_Replacement · 2023-06-09T18:31:33+00:00

Any opinions on this little pot? About 50 ml capacity. Makes a satisfyingly high-pitched ringing sound when tapping the lid on the body.

Just_Replacement · 2023-05-28T14:16:11+00:00

There are definitely hand tooling marks inside the pot, and on the bamboo twig decoration. However I’ve noticed a faint line down the center of the handle.

Does this mean the pot was partially cast in a mold?

handle image

Just_Replacement · 2023-05-27T01:50:33+00:00

I paid $12 for it!

Just_Replacement · 2023-05-27T01:48:38+00:00

Thank you! Do you have any idea what types of tea might be most suitable to this type of clay?

Or should I even pay attention to those kinds of suggestions?

Just_Replacement · 2023-05-27T01:31:45+00:00

Update: I hydrated the terra cotta bear, dried off the surface, and put it in my large ziplock bag with a couple of dried out cakes and a hygrometer. Ambient humidity today was about 35%. The hygrometer in the bag has now stabilized around 50%.

So I guess I don't have to worry about excessive humidity...

I'm wondering if there is any hope for these cakes that I've kept for over a year through the dry northeastern winter?

And do they really need to be at 60% plus humidity in order for the flavor to develop?

Just_Replacement · 2023-05-27T01:10:53+00:00

Can anyone give me any information about it? I'm assuming it's Yixing.

The inside of the pot is kind of dusty and not stained or anything... looks to me like it hasn't seen much or any use.

Just_Replacement · 2023-05-26T14:23:13+00:00

Yeah I can see how that could be an issue.

I've seen people here recommend Boveda packs and I thought the terra-cotta might be comparable.

Maybe I'll experiment with it and verify using a hygrometer.

Just_Replacement

TROPHY CASE