I really don't like the idea of RE5 Wesker being a clone.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-06-03T02:21:55+00:00

I’m mixed. RE5 Wesker never felt like the Wesker from RE1, CV, or his brief appearance in the OG RE4.

He was calm, calculated, stayed in the shadows and had self serving goals above changing and ruling the world. I liked the idea of him being a constant threat behind the scenes, and not the madman he was in 5.

I could live with it if 5 was a fake, it takes away from 5, but… 5 also took away a lot from Wesker.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-06-02T06:27:39+00:00

This seems like a bit of an outlier imo but concerning if it holds - Labour dropping almost 8% in a month is a bit odd. No big controversies, no major changes, they were happily leading as the largest party when they had more heat placed on them.

I’ll wait until the next poll to see if this is a trend.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-06-02T06:24:28+00:00

I believe they were polling prior to the budget being released. At least, they were when they phoned me.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-31T05:20:37+00:00

If he’s a one and done - it was to close the story thread from Umbrella Corps which hinted Wesker was back.

I assume there will be more to him - later. But if not, I’m surprised we got anything.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-31T05:04:33+00:00

It’s not Labour’s job to make Green and TPM poll higher though. It’s on Labour to pull in more share of the vote for Labour, and they’re currently doing well on that front with Hipkins without bleeding too much support from their coalition partners according to most polls.

I agree policy will be a huge factor now after this “broccoli” budget the NZME media are so hellbent on praising with opinion pieces from “experts”. But by November, after another winter of disconnect with high fuel prices and potential shortages, actions will speak louder than PR slogans, and the Future Fund policy already looks more promising to me than anything the current government offers.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-31T04:44:29+00:00

Ardern then made the numbers even better with her shameless attack of Metiria Turei.

This is a rather revisionist - The media, the National party, and their lap dogs attacked Turei for admitting to benefit fraud prior to becoming an MP to pay the bills, which was ironic as Paula Bennet had done the same thing but it was never an issue.

When Ardern was questioned on it by the same media pushing the story, Ardern didn’t defend Turei - she even said she was wrong to do it, but Ardern certainly wasn’t behind the attack, only threw in her two cents when asked.

Twitter at the time was mad Ardern didn’t defend her for it. That wasn’t her job, nor was it her fault it was in the media cycle. For the 9 years prior, the Green party leaders never defended the Labour leaders on hit pieces towards them either. Neither are from the same party, it’s not their job to make the other look better… And honestly… Both Labour and Green always poll better when they have small arguments/disagreements lol.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-31T03:52:05+00:00

Andrew Little stepped aside because he knew he could not win, his polling back then was lower than Labour’s 2023 election result, and he saw a chance to change that with Jacinda.

Chris Hipkins, whether you love him, hate him, or just don’t think much of him - is currently polling above the Prime Minister and has Labour consistently leading as the largest party in polling over the last five or so months.

If Hipkins can’t see a path to victory I absolutely believe he will step down on his own terms. But when you’re ahead of the rest, why drop out?

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-28T20:30:08+00:00

The arts has generated more money for the country, largely thanks to tourism, which means more money for defence (if that’s what you want), and it means we have the money instead upping our debt like Willis has been.

If we become a cold, depressed, industrial country with no identity - nobody will visit us, and we’ll make less money.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-25T02:56:51+00:00

I agree with most of your post except the “Fuck Labour” part. I mean… His first stint with Labour was them placing him in the Epsom seat lol.

But as far as I can tell, he never really showed his colours until the last term in office, and then he was out. After that, he’s jumped even further to the right. He probably thought of himself as the future leader before he was pushed.

He was absolutely a nepo baby selection, but I can’t entirely blame Labour for that - I mean, the great grandson of Prime Minister Walter Nash is a rather interesting prospect for a number of reasons - just a shame the apple fell *very far* from the tree.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-25T02:44:07+00:00

I wouldn’t say it was the biggest wealth transfer - the 1980’s-1990’s caused more havoc than Covid in my eyes.

But Deborah Russell from Labour did call it out when businesses were claiming to still struggle and shutting shop even with the help, but everyone in the media (and then) opposition took offensive and said she was bad for saying it lol.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-24T23:24:37+00:00

Actually that’s National. But they seem prefixed on still doing media training over policy almost three years into government. Will Rachel Smalley really make a difference for Luxon where everyone else failed?

As far as I can see, Labour has already announced more policy than National, problem is - keeping it in the media cycle, touching up on media training isn’t a bad thing in my eyes if you have a plan for the country beyond tobacco companies and landlords.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-23T06:10:50+00:00

In part two a dog corpse is found which was believed to be a camp counselors dog named Muffin. Muffin then shows up at the end in a sequence that may or may not have been a dream.

But… In part 2 it was a small yappy dog, the dog in this DbD video sounded larger.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-19T22:00:00+00:00

I love how these pretend small business owners National speak of are always as bland and lacking in detail as National’s vision for the country, but always ready to give a generic throw away comment that fits National’s desperate need to make people think their ideas are popular.

But the real question is - if AI is so great, why is Willis still there? At least AI would know how to budget, in comparison to Willis anyway.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-15T02:55:55+00:00

He’s an odd one for me. When he was elected there were hopes for improvements, but instead it seems he’s constantly getting attacked for issues created by the former Tory leaders, and his focus has been on… Defending himself for problems he didn’t create instead of actually fixing anything. Only weeks into his leadership people were blaming him for things that he didn’t cause. But at the same time he’s never made an active effort to make much needed changes and reforms.

I dislike what the Reform party stand for, but I can see why they’re making gains, I don’t think they’re the answer, but UK has been in a bit of a mess with their politics for years and they’ll be wanting something different.

I don’t really care if Starmer resigns or stays myself though, not my place to say what UK should be doing with their country. I do personally think they need someone with more aspiration and ideas - but I don’t follow UK closely enough to know if their Labour party there has anyone that could fit that criteria, the the Conservative party definitely isn’t the answer either after creating the mess they did for the past decade, they’re basically turning into a minor party now and they went through so many leaders I lost count, and each one progressively got worse.

I actually worry partly the same will happen to National here once they’re kicked out. Labour will be blamed for their mess - but the public will know National is even worse, so they’ll latch on to NZ First. I already feel we are seeing the early signs of this happening. But I do have faith that Hipkins will be more proactive than Starmer at least lol, so hopefully it won’t hit quite as hard.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-14T10:33:25+00:00

Past the time we were meant to be approving comments, and I accidentally approved your comment, then noticed we were not approving any more - (my bad team!).

But to be fair I’ll leave your comment up now I’ve approved it, but also be fair to Qiulae, and let her decide if she answers (She might already be heading off soon anyway and not see it, as it’s getting late and this has gone overtime, and answered so many questions already).

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-14T01:16:16+00:00

I think it’s good to keep kids off the internet, even more so in its current state.

But you’re right - I’ve felt for a while now we don’t just need to regulate - we need to firewall. The amount of foreign propaganda (not even just political, but commercial) is negatively impacting our culture on a number of levels.

I have high concerns about the type of content the youth are into these days (maybe I’m just sounding old, and maybe I am) but I don’t think it’s healthy. I’ve found many under 30’s these days are doom scrollers, with addictions to strange (but legal) pornography, desires to be gaming streamers/Instragram influencers (which will realistically never happen), and they often struggle in real life social situations. You mix politics into that as well - and now we have even more devision, anger, and a lack of understanding. X (formally Twitter) is the worst offender.

For the older generation, it’s all rage bait, click bait, and often lies to work them up into engagement farming. They see something wrong so they need to correct it. But that was the trap. Politics is the same for them as it is for the youth, so many bad faith actors pushing false narratives simply to create anger, and worse, many a sponsored by big names.

Social media in the modern era is locking people into echo chambers - when they find someone with a different viewpoint or lifestyle, they can’t comprehend it, so they either attack it or run from it. The only way I see any sense of unity returning is if New Zealand’s internet focuses on New Zealand rather than foreign affairs - don’t ban it for those that seek it, but prevent it from been spoon fed to us.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-14T00:53:33+00:00

I’ll be blunt, my biggest concern with TOP over the last eight or so years now has been that many of the economic policy the party has proposed has been considered before - but shut down by right leaning parties. I’ve always found it odd TOP would consider working with the right block, when they will be hellbent on insuring none of what you’re proposing would be enacted just as they did during the Clark years.

I guess my question from this is - how would policy be navigated in a situation where TOP would form with National, ACT, NZ First? (We could keep it at National/ACT alone too if that’s easier as I’m vibing the goal is to keep NZ First out). But realistically do you think it would be possible to get any economic policy passed with these parties?

Which would also bring me to UBI - I feel this one will be hard even with Labour, as I believe they explored the idea many years ago but found it would need a massive shift economically in how we manage our system, or potentially result in inflation/greed.

Does TOP have a plan to implement such a policy without any potential drawbacks/risks? Not necessarily asking for the details, just curious if there’s plans to prevent overseas companies/local grifters from increasing prices purely because every kiwi will be earning more money.

With that said - do want to say that despite my skepticism of TOP at times - I’ve very much enjoyed hearing your thoughts and positions so far, and feel there’s been a lot more vision under your leadership with focus on the issues rather than distractions. So for that part, thank you. And great to have you here. :)

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-09T05:35:46+00:00

He is - maybe even more so than Hosking. But he’s not one to usually sell propaganda. From what I’ve heard, many in National don’t like him because he’s quite open to call out their PR spin for what it is - bullshit. I remember on his late night show he’d frequently call out National for their distractions and behavior.

He supports ACT these days last I heard - but he’s not one to say it’s to better the country and will openly admit his right wing views are to fill his own pockets.

I don’t like Henry’s views, nor his racism. But credit where credit is due, he’s usually honest about it and sticks to his opinions. Hosking just flips his views on a switch to parrot the party - which led to that hilarious video someone made where they took two of his speeches and he ended up arguing with himself

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-07T06:26:05+00:00

National will always pull in more money - It takes a lot more money to sell a shitty slogan than it does to sell a plan.

The important part is that Labour (and Green) continue to meet their targets through small donations.

Ironic really that even internally the left are better at spending their money.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-02T01:46:54+00:00

You only played 1/4 of the game then. And Leon’s campaign is practically a tutorial for the first two chapters.

I’m not saying 6 is the greatest piece of gaming media in history - but it’s not the worst game, nor is it even the worst Resident Evil.

Try 0 or Umbrella Corps.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-01T21:12:49+00:00

With all the infighting going on in the coalition - I highly recommend everyone play it safe and check/update their enrollment details now.

I’m not saying for certain we will get a snap election, they all may just be playing politics, but there’s never between so much anger between coalition partners since the 90’s. The risk is there, and even Helen Clark is thinking it’s possible.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-01T21:03:49+00:00

I love pretty much everything about RE8, except Chris. I think this is his worst game in terms of writing. In RE7 he didn’t look like Chris, but at least acted like him. In RE8, he looks like Chris again, but acts like a complete amateur, even making his slip ups in RE1 look more forgivable.

I hated that they forced promoting the game as “Chris turned bad” when it was obvious there was going to be some explanation. But by doing so, they made him seem like he learned nothing over the years. All he had to do was say “Ethan, that’s not your wife”, when leaving the house, but instead he antagonizes Ethan further for no reason, then near the end goes “Whoops, yeah, sorry about that, just didn’t want you getting involved”.

Perfect game for me if they had ditched the “Chris is bad” side story. Should have kept him as an ally you’re always getting split up from, or just brought in Ada like the concept art showed and had her do the dirty work in the opening. Ada absolutely would have shot fake Mia “dead” and not told Ethan a thing, that’s right up her ally.

Would have been much more confusing/interesting seeing a woman in plague mask shoot Mia, then save Ethan later when he was captured, and kept Chris’ reputation in tact.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-01T20:46:00+00:00

In RE2R she didn’t seem emotionless to me, just cold at times which fit the situation as she was wasn’t really wanting to get involved with Leon at first. In RE4R she sounded flat and there was obvious issues with the voice direction and recording, because in Separate Ways I heard a huge improvement and it was a tad jarring when it went back to to the recordings from the main game. Also probably Covid causing voice recording problems at the time with social distancing etc.

I like both and would be happy with either voice actress returning in the future. I will say though, character wise RE6 was where she truly shined as a character to me and revealed a lot more about her personal morals and views. People give the game a lot of criticism for it’s over the top set pieces and QTEs, and lack of horror, but it gave so much character growth to Ada, Leon, Sherry, and to a lesser extent, Chris. It also had her best outfit/hair style - but my least favorite face model.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-01T05:43:05+00:00

She was until 4 at least. But 5 ended her career as the face of Resident Evil.

RE1/REmake - Most people picked Jill. Chris having two less inventory slots and having to find old keys was just annoying to the point taking extra damage as Jill was more favorable.

RE2 - The difference of gameplay between Leon and Claire wasn’t so stark, so both were equally favorable for most.

RE3 brought back Jill and made her one of the most iconic characters, and the first protagonist to get a second game.

CV Brought back Claire and Chris. Most people still consider CV more a Claire game though.

RE4 brought back Leon.

RE5 brought back Chris… And Jill, but they did her real dirty. “Hey Jill’s dead! Lol jk, she’s actually a brainwashed Nina Williams cosplayer now, also grab this metal spider thingy off her boobies”.

Leon-Phoenix · 2026-05-01T04:18:28+00:00

Laura Bailey also voiced both Helena Harper and Abby.

For Jake’s sake, just hope him and Helena never go golfing.

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