Lurker > voltch

Was it 2017 the year where they had Wolfenstein be their game with the most good moments?
I didn't play it so, so I can't judge, but where the big moments in that game really that much better than what Automata/Persona 5/Yakuza 0 offered?

Incidentally I thought all 3 games killed it for JP VA, but those never get credit wooooooops

Last year felt very competitive with Arcane and Edgerunners.

Not sure what big hitters we get next year besides Arcane S2, when is the Genshin anime?

At this point they need to split performance between dub and sub.

Oh and if you only count the Global Release, then Lostbelt 6 should put FGO in the narrative category.

Worlds isn't even done and it got nominated. It could flop at the end.

Adaptation seems to be The Last of Us vs Super Mario Bros

Wait...ironmouse got nominated over Pekora?
I'd even take a HololiveEN talent like Mumei or Fauna for this year over a vshojo talent.

Looking at best performance.

Japan may make good video games, but seems like they can't voice act for shit. Maybe next year they'll have one of their voice actors do a decent job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjamOu91BlU

All I know about vallhalla is that last 30 second reaction from Korone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AnXsBKT90Q

Yeah this is the kind of super melodramatic story trailer that had me wanting to play these before even really knowing what the gameplay was about. Y3 was the one I really wanted to play, but it was so apparent that story mattered a lot that the game ended up being like a carrot on a stick for me.

Had to play Y1&2 before getting to the PS3 game. Worth it in the end, though Y1 was a very very rough experience to play and listen to. There was enough there to make it worth going through 2 and by 3 you're happy to just be able to cross the street and fight people without all the extra loading.

That period when we didn't even know if Y5 would get a localisation and then it was digital only, dark times.
The risk of Yakuza games not coming out in the west was real enough that I was that guy telling everyone to check this series out.

For those of you who got into Yakuza before Y0 which is one of the more popular entry points, what actually made you check out the series?

Those trailers back in the day for Y3 always made the series look like a Japanese TV drama which did feel unique at the time. Also loved the setting they were showcasing.

Love playing LAD, it's also the only game where I fell asleep during the story cutscenes.

3 was a culture shock...coming off the original Yakuza 1 and 2.

Really liked how developed the mini game aspects of 5 were.

So uh, Miami standing mostly pat, does this Jimmy/Bam/Herro team make the playoffs?
No idea how good they are without Lillard.

Are we obsessed enough with celebrities that this has a chance of carving out its own space against ChatGPT/Bard AI?

Maybe it was just the trailer, but I didn't get much of an impression for functionality beyond talking with an AI that speaks in the style of a celebrity. What is this product supposed to do?

Oh and next time make sure this pair's in

https://animethemes.moe/anime/clannad_after_story/OP-NCBD1080
https://animethemes.moe/anime/higurashi_no_naku_koro_ni/OP-NCBD1080

After my overall favourite only my railgun was knocked out, I was all aboard Idol winning.
Glad to see it had one of the strongest showings.
I don't see it as a FOTM type of OP.
I also fully expect it to be one of the few anime songs performed at the NYE show.

But CCBB, I don't think too many people have even seen Ya Boy Kongming, so maybe the OP will help with that.
Good to see that other OPs in the field have led to people checking out new shows.

Though it was a little funny seeing a few ask about DomeKano after showcasing an impressive OP and then being told to avoid it at all cost.

Final:

A Cruel Angel's Thesis - 13
Chiki Chiki Ban Ban - 22

Congratulations to Chiki Chiki Ban Ban as our first champion!

A dominant run early on beating Talking, NO,Thank You! and Shikisai without trouble.
Touch and go in a close affair with another recent OP in Idol.
It was back to business as usual in the final with a comfortable win over the classic A Cruel Angel's Thesis.

A bit early to say if this OP will stand the test of time, but in 2023 it's B8's favourite.

Thanks to all for taking part, hope it was a fun thing. I normally only run SMFAS but did like doing something new for a change.
If another contest is run next year, the field will be entirely different and the bracket will most likely be randomised.
Bravket would be kept at 64 entries only though.

A Cruel Angel's Thesis

Bracket: https://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=477583
Discussion Topic: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/80541790

Rules:

Watch both OPs or EDs and vote for whichever one you like best.
We're judging the OPs and EDs as a whole, combining the song with the animation.
You don't have to vote in both matches
Make sure the vote is clear.
Matches will last 24 hours from when the topic is posted.
Results will be posted in the discussion topic

Today's match:

Final:

A Cruel Angel's Thesis
Yoko Takahashi - Neon Genesis Evangelion OP 1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/neon_genesis_evangelion/OP-NCBD1080

vs

Chiki Chiki Ban Ban
Queendom - Ya Boy Kongming OP 1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/paripi_koumei/OP

Semi Final 1
gravityWall -12
A Cruel Angel's Thesis -23

Semi Final 2
Chiki Chiki Ban Ban - 18
Idol -17

Final in a bit

You never know, PG might go from strength to strength now.
Kamiya might have been an old school head holding them back with some dated ideals.

5's gameplay is the most fun, but counting everything else XV

Match 59
Kawaki wo Ameku - 11
Chiki Chiki Ban Ban - 20

Match 60
Idol - 21
Flyers -10

Bracket: https://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=477583
Discussion Topic: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/80541790

Rules:

Watch both OPs or EDs and vote for whichever one you like best.
We're judging the OPs and EDs as a whole, combining the song with the animation.
You don't have to vote in both matches
Make sure the vote is clear.
Matches will last 24 hours from when the topic is posted.
Results will be posted in the discussion topic

Tiebreaker Match rules:
The match is replayed with the same rules as a regular match
In the event that we get another tie, whichever of the entrants reached the tie score first goes through.

Today's matches:

Match 61:

gravityWall
SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Tielle & Gemie - Re:CREATORS OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/recreators/OP1-NCBD1080

vs

A Cruel Angel's Thesis
Yoko Takahashi - Neon Genesis Evangelion OP 1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/neon_genesis_evangelion/OP-NCBD1080

Match 62:

Chiki Chiki Ban Ban
Queendom - Ya Boy Kongming OP 1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/paripi_koumei/OP

vs

Idol
YOASOBI - Oshi No Ko OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/oshi_no_ko/OP

The lyrics give it away with Idol

Can't remember what else Yuzu have done for anime songs, but they are a very good duo.
Always enjoy seeing them perform on the NYE show. At this point they are Jpop royalty.

I thought Ranbu no Melody, Hikaru Nara, Magia and Wild Side would have been stronger.

Still would rather have seen Change for Bleach OPs, Silhouette or Blue bird for Naruto and a Lia song.
Not sure if Melissa or Again would have been stronger entries on the FMA/FMA:B side of things.

Match 57
Motteke! Sailor Fuku - 15
gravityWall - 16

Match 58
Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari -14
A Cruel Angel's Thesis - 17

Bracket: https://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=477583
Discussion Topic: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/80541790

Rules:

Watch both OPs or EDs and vote for whichever one you like best.
We're judging the OPs and EDs as a whole, combining the song with the animation.
You don't have to vote in both matches
Make sure the vote is clear.
Matches will last 24 hours from when the topic is posted.
Results will be posted in the discussion topic

Tiebreaker Match rules:
The match is replayed with the same rules as a regular match
In the event that we get another tie, whichever of the entrants reached the tie score first goes through.

Today's matches:

Match 59:

Kawaki wo Ameku
Minami - Domestic Girlfriend OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/domestic_na_kanojo/OP-NCBD1080

vs

Chiki Chiki Ban Ban
Queendom - Ya Boy Kongming OP 1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/paripi_koumei/OP

Match 60:

Idol
YOASOBI - Oshi No Ko OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/oshi_no_ko/OP

vs

Flyers
BRADIO - Death Parade OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/death_parade/OP-NCBD1080

gravityWall
Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari

Match 55
Idol - 21
Shinzou wo Sasageyo - 11

Match 56
Flyers - 18
ETERNAL BLAZE - 11

Bracket: https://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=477583
Discussion Topic: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/80541790

Rules:

Watch both OPs or EDs and vote for whichever one you like best.
We're judging the OPs and EDs as a whole, combining the song with the animation.
You don't have to vote in both matches
Make sure the vote is clear.
Matches will last 24 hours from when the topic is posted.
Results will be posted in the discussion topic

Tiebreaker Match rules:
The match is replayed with the same rules as a regular match
In the event that we get another tie, whichever of the entrants reached the tie score first goes through.

Today's matches:

Match 57:

Motteke! Sailor Fuku
Aya Hirano, Aya Endou, Emiri Katou, Kaori Fukuhara - Lucky Star - OP1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUw7R1gBWR4

vs

gravityWall
SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Tielle & Gemie - Re:CREATORS OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/recreators/OP1-NCBD1080

Match 58:

Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari
supercell - Bakemonogatari ED 1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/bakemonogatari/ED-NCBD1080

vs

A Cruel Angel's Thesis
Yoko Takahashi - Neon Genesis Evangelion OP 1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/neon_genesis_evangelion/OP-NCBD1080

Stick Red Swan as the ED and it's fine.

But AoT's whole shtick is about getting you pumped up ready to see people swinging around slicing necks, breaking shit and getting clobbered.

https://animethemes.moe/anime/shingeki_no_kyojin_season_3/OP-NCBD1080

What do you mean Red Swan didn't make it in, it's X-Japan's Yoshiki and L'arc-en-ciel's Hyde.
Star power through the roof for one of the biggest shows going!

Idol
ETERNAL BLAZE

Match 53
Kawaki wo Ameku - 14
Gun's & Roses - 13

Match 54
Shikisai - 9
Chiki Chiki Ban Ban - 18

Wow, CCBB is looking really good lately.

The Umineko anime's OP isn't even better than the VN OPs.
I think people would recommend the Umineko fighting game over the anime.

Bracket: https://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=477583
Discussion Topic: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/80541790

Rules:

Watch both OPs or EDs and vote for whichever one you like best.
We're judging the OPs and EDs as a whole, combining the song with the animation.
You don't have to vote in both matches
Make sure the vote is clear.
Matches will last 24 hours from when the topic is posted.
Results will be posted in the discussion topic

Tiebreaker Match rules:
The match is replayed with the same rules as a regular match
In the event that we get another tie, whichever of the entrants reached the tie score first goes through.

Today's matches:

Match 55:

Idol
YOASOBI - Oshi No Ko OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/oshi_no_ko/OP

vs

Shinzou wo Sasageyo
Linked Horizon - Attack on Titan Season 2 OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/shingeki_no_kyojin_season_2/OP-NCBD1080

Match 56:

Flyers
BRADIO - Death Parade OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/death_parade/OP-NCBD1080

vs

ETERNAL BLAZE
Nana Mizuki - Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/mahou_shoujo_lyrical_nanoha_as/OP-NCBD

I loved the game on PC after buying it about a year after release.
It must be an absolutely incredible experience now.

My only gripe is that I wish there was a 3rd person option.

and now we're dealing with the saberface, castoria being a berserker

Bracket: https://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=477583
Discussion Topic: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/80541790

Rules:

Watch both OPs or EDs and vote for whichever one you like best.
We're judging the OPs and EDs as a whole, combining the song with the animation.
You don't have to vote in both matches
Make sure the vote is clear.
Matches will last 24 hours from when the topic is posted.
Results will be posted in the discussion topic

Tiebreaker Match rules:
The match is replayed with the same rules as a regular match
In the event that we get another tie, whichever of the entrants reached the tie score first goes through.

Today's matches:

Match 53:

Kawaki wo Ameku
Minami - Domestic Girlfriend OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/domestic_na_kanojo/OP-NCBD1080

vs

Gun's & Roses
Paradise Lunch - Baccano OP1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/baccano/OP-NCBD1080

Match 54:

Shikisai
yama - Spy x Family ED2
https://animethemes.moe/anime/spy_x_family_part_2/ED

vs

Chiki Chiki Ban Ban
Queendom - Ya Boy Kongming OP 1
https://animethemes.moe/anime/paripi_koumei/OP

Match 51
Nana Hitsuji - 13
Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari -18

Match 52
Tabi no Tochuu - 10
A Cruel Angel's Thesis - 21

Oof, sets up a hell of a heavyweight matchup.

Looking at the yahoo ticker price history.
He was appointed EA CEO when the price was in the 50s and left with share value at around 17.
EA is currently at 120. Heck at at one point it was 11 under him.

Looking at other big publishers over the same period, they either went up or down by a lot less.

While I don't think it's fair to accuse him of insider trading, I do think it's very fair to question why they put him in charge in the first place.

Right, but then you still have the people who appointed him and then you still have to find someone who can actually turn the ship around.

Who thinks it goes to 0 and when?
Lot of $$ to be made there.

https://www.eurogamer.net/unity-reportedly-considering-cap-on-hugely-controversial-per-install-fees

Seems likely, it's coming from Shreier's Bloomberg report, but that's paywalled.
Still find it weird how in an era of tech companies laying off people and trimming the fat, Unity's still got 7700 employees. Surely that number can be reduced.

Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari
A Cruel Angel's Thesis

Sounds like there's money to be made shorting it.

Thanks for the reminder, 2.99 for a definitive edition.
I assume it's a competent enough experience in current state.

What's Crystal Dynamics up to in a Post-Square world anyway?