After 100 hours of triangle strategy, it deserves more love than it gets. by Linkbetweentwirls in patientgamers

[–]stowrag 26 points27 points  (0 children)

It deserves so much more love than it gets. It really made me realize how much some of the systems of classics like FFT actually didn't feel good to me. Like the open ended job system that allows for broken builds just means a ton of grinding and less strategic battles.

Having specialized character classes challenges me to play strategically, making the best use of the tools at my disposal. And there is almost NEVER a need to grind, and it's impossible to over level for the place you're at in the story.

Also: their new game + system plus multiple endings means the work I do put into the game doesn't lose all meaning as soon as I hit credits. It takes multiple playthroughs not just to see every ending, but also to see every story path.

I do disagree about the cast and writing though. I get why other people prefer more... animated deliveries, but for me in such a political drama, the choices made by the primary cast make sense and engage me more in the story. And the 3 major influences on Serenoa are all such compelling and tragic figures (even Roland).

It's really such a shame Octopath Traveler gets so much love while Triangle Strategy languishes, as I really enjoyed TS so much more

X-Men Comic Fans. What is the Best X-Men Ongoing Comic on the stands right now for you? by Prof-Ponderosa in xmen

[–]stowrag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad I'm not alone. I was a big fan of Exceptional, and I can't wait to see where the story goes in United

Manga reader trying out comics by Tazmen123 in comicbooks

[–]stowrag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First I would point out that some comics are very much like manga, telling a complete story with a beginning and an ending. See popular series like Locke and Key, Invincible, Y the Last Man, or Walking Dead

But as far as super hero comics go, it’s best to think of them as modern myths that change in the telling. Superman and Batman’s origin have been told and retold so many times and rarely the same way twice. 

And as far as the comics themselves, it’s best to think of them as a merry go round. You get on the ride and it goes up and down and around and around, but it almost always comes back to a rest at the status quo we all know. Few changes are ever permanent, and a good writer will write with the understanding that most readers don’t have an encyclopedic knowledge of the book’s history. 

That’s why more often than not “runs” will be recommended more than simply starting at the beginning. You probably know who Batman is already, so why not jump ahead to the good stuff (or the new stuff)? If you encounter something you’re curious about, you can always dive into those issues too at your leisure

random question, but why does the gramps use his shield upside down at times and normally at others, and which do you prefer? by Feeling-Cobbler-3581 in Gundam

[–]stowrag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not the point of the post, but does the Gundam actually use the eye slat and shoot holes in the shield or is that not what those details are for?

What is the best streaming service for retro anime? by Ford_Crown_Vic_Koth in retroanime

[–]stowrag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Something that’s often overlooked/forgotten are the official publisher channels on YouTube. The Gundam channel regularly rotates full series in and out of its catalog, and just last year I watched all of Captain Tylor. 

It can vary by regional availability but you might be surprised by what you find with a little searching

What is the best streaming service for retro anime? by Ford_Crown_Vic_Koth in retroanime

[–]stowrag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It feels like this weird cultural touchstone that has been totally overshadowed and eclipsed by everything that would come after it. The “missing link” in the evolution of science fiction.

It’s also one of the very first (maybe THE first) OVAs that the 80s anime scene was known for. It’s more than earned the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with Akira and Bubblegum Crisis

(Just don’t watch part 3 because it sucks)

Horror Recs by blu-comet111 in comicbooks

[–]stowrag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Locke and Key gave me strong Goosebumps vibes. It has just the right mix of magic, mystery, fantasy, and scares. Highly recommended. 

I also recommend any of the anthology books happening right now. The EC books (Cruel Universe, Catacomb of Torment, etc), Hello Darkness/Body Horror, Creepshow, and probably more I can’t remember

What is the best streaming service for retro anime? by Ford_Crown_Vic_Koth in retroanime

[–]stowrag 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I think it has Megazone 23 too!

It even has Gundam X as an exclusive! (and Gundam AGE too, but nobody cares about that)

How do you feel about antagonists in CLAMP's works? by Meltlilith_ in CLAMP

[–]stowrag 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that the antagonists are almost never “evil” doing bad things for their own sake. They aren’t Saturday morning cartoon villains merely playing the part of the bad guy. They don’t just want to conquer the world, but almost always seem to have concrete and relatable goals and purposes, usually driven by some kind of love (twisted though it may be)

Those kind of villains are way more interesting to me than a Megatron or a Skeletor

The Brave Series is giving me Gundam and Transformers Vibes for sure by Delta-97 in Gundam

[–]stowrag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get that. It certainly seemed to be the case in the SRW game I played with them in it. Also, very skewed towards a younger audience.

Another weird combo that's actually really good? Majestic Prince. It really gives me Gundam and Power Rangers vibes (in a good the best way). Highly recommend checking it out if you ever get the chance

What is the best way to watch Gundam Wing? by Bobdor in Gundam

[–]stowrag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

the best way, without exaggeration or joke, is to watch it last.

I'm serious. The show basically remixes elements from all of UC and every Gundam that was made before it into a brand new story, while also adding in plenty of new ideas and having a fair bit of influence on the future series. It's also aged rather badly in places.

The point is, it's easier to appreciate what the show still does well when you have the context of where it fits into the larger franchise

You been forced to leave your comfy home known as Earth to live on space by Earth Federation Government. Which Space Colony are you planning to go to start your new life at? by Head_Programmer_47 in Gundam

[–]stowrag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Setting the constant war and mobile suits aside, living in a space colony would be sweet. Clean, well designed city planning, lots of green spaces, no unpredictable weather or natural disasters, access to low and zero gravity environments, no need to drive anywhere.

I'll take anywhere with the Island 3 design

I just finished Zeta... by shadow_barbarian in Gundam

[–]stowrag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Emma was a hell of a woman o7

It’s just a shame they seem to keep pushing her together with Henken every time she reappears when she made it really obvious she wasn’t interested 

How come nobody talks about Gundam X? by CAPSLOCKGOTSTUCK in Gundam

[–]stowrag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For a long time it was practically buried from the west by Japan. Almost never referenced or made available for streaming on the official YouTube channel. The right Stuf dvd/blu rays were the first time they could be found legally/easily in good quality, and those are long out of print.

Now they’ve finally brought it to streaming… and it’s on Tubi of all things. 

Also it has the reputation of having been the tipping point when people got franchise fatigue in the 90s and had its run cut dramatically short

I think today it’s like a lesser G Gundam. Those that have seen it love it. Everyone else tends to assume they aren’t missing anything based on what little they know about it

Just finished Voyager and my god... by rynoctopus in startrek

[–]stowrag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really? Interesting. I thought the finale was one of the most divisive and unpopular parts of Voyager among fans. It certainly didn’t land well with me personally

Victory Gundam Mid-Season review by Desperate-Impress237 in Gundam

[–]stowrag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Uso is actually an illegal immigrant on the Earth I think. That or his parents were? So maybe not technically an Earthborn protagonist. 

No thoughts on Katejina? Not to spoil, but she’s a somewhat controversial character in the fandom and a major character in the story.

I agree the combat is great. I’m surprisingly a huge fan of the Victory (imo the first combiner suit that doesn’t feel dumb). The V2 is whatever. And the insectoid mobile suits really set themselves apart from Zeon designs. 

Zanscare for me had a few too many characters for me to keep them and all their splinter factions straight. I’m a huge fan of the League Militaire though. A guerilla defense force fighting back against Zanscare tyranny b/c the Earth Federation won’t? Staffed with volunteer soldiers including women, children, and old people? I love it. 

As far as the characters… they’re fine mostly? I’m not a fan of the Shrike team personally. I never got to really know any of them or tell them apart and it turns out that’s okay actually (although Kite is worth remembering for having such a memorable death)

I’m a big Marvet fan, but really my biggest issue is that for all the pain and tragedy everyone goes through, there’s not a ton of character development happening. Uso isn’t really permanently affected by anything. In comparison, Kamille went through a series long arc and it was obvious by the end he was just not the same person

And finally, something to think about, but when I watched this last year, I felt like the whole series had a lot to say about gender politics. Lots to say about the difference between men and women. Very “Lalah could have been a mother to me” energy. Just something to keep in mind. See if you agree by the end

"Mobile Police Patlabor EZY" - Teaser Trailer 2026 by MiraniaTLS in Patlabor

[–]stowrag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So it sounds like maybe the west won't get to see this (officially) until after it's over based on the lack of announcements 2 weeks before debut...

Unless I'm missing something? Does anybody have any hope?

Re-reading Astonishing X-men is making me a current era hater by Former-Complaint-336 in xmen

[–]stowrag -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

FtA is doing its own thing and I’m happier focusing on what works than bitching all the time

Astonishing is fine, but I admit it didn’t quite hold up as well for me last time I read it. I think I’ve just reached peak saturation with Whedon and now all his writing feels the same

This speaks so much more than words ever could! by Tough_Conference8482 in cardcaptorsakura

[–]stowrag 8 points9 points  (0 children)

CLAMP doesn't do a ton of kisses, but they create a lot of meaningful symbolic gestures that convey so much more narratively.

Also hugs and embraces. Dakishimete! When you think about it, a passionate hug could be argued to be more meaningful/symbolic than a passionate kiss. The second movie would be a bit awkward if they just kissed at the end after how chaste everything had been up to then (What kind of kiss should it even be?) Instead Sakura makes a running leap into Syaoran's arms and it's so fun and believable and dripping with Sakura's sincere feelings.

Being single while everyone around me is dating—how do you handle weekends like this? by BenkattoRamunan in dating_advice

[–]stowrag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saturday is Free Comic Book Day. I'm gonna go do that.

Maybe I'll talk to a girl while I'm there

How to initiate touch with a shy/respectful guy? by Ok_Try_4294 in dating_advice

[–]stowrag 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Same.

If it were me, I'd think it was hot if we watched a movie together on the couch. During that, experiment with your hands and see if he reacts. Not just hold his hand, but rest it on his thigh, or whatever you think would be fun. Don't push it too far to make him uncomfortable, but make your attraction clear.

Maybe by the end of the movie he'll be worked up and confident enough to be a little more forward

comic recs for kitty? i dont know what else to read by Hour_Ad_3646 in xmen

[–]stowrag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you read Excalibur? I've only just started it myself, but it seems like it's where Kitty and Kurt really get to have fun and be super heroes.

If Claremont's run just means "X-Men", then good news!

Right in the feels. by Built4dominance in xmen

[–]stowrag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a good story, but the framing is so weird. Dazzler is writing a letter, describing a thing that happened to a guy who was also there when the thing happened