Author: Mandy
Published: 09-06-2003

Cute animals. With their cute, fuzziness, and, stuff. Yeah. Those. So now that we have all of that situated, on what are cute and fuzzy, let's get straight to the point. Why is it that some people are against these lovable creatures? Or to lower it down to a specific few – A lot of Nintendo haters, bashers, etc.

We all know that Nintendo has a habit of pulling out these cute creatures, and making them quite the badass characters. So why do some hate them so much? My opinion – Jealousy. Maybe not. But it does seem sort of logical. Or perhaps they have never played the game they're bashing, therefore feel the need to become offensive to protect whatever they're all for. Maybe, though… It's just, they don't want to admit that they are truly in love with the animals, however, they fear their inner child ripping them apart wanting to cuddle these creatures that could swallow you hole and rip your limbs off at the mere touch of an 'A' or 'B' button on that cute little gamepad.

Example number 1 – Animal Crossing. The game that most people either love or hate. Animal sims, how can it get any better? Some have tempers, they get moody, they at times have PMS, they even bitch you out. Some say it's only for 'kids', but kids I've seen hate it with a passion, that or they love it, but give up because it's too difficult for them to grasp. Funny, eh? I thought so. But you have to admit, it is quite understandable if you see it from their point of view. Having to face real life issues, with those cute little animals, then getting bitched at by the sexy elephant that's in block E, 2 houses down from the store.

So why is it that some find it annoyingly irritating, and usually just mention that it's because of the animals? Or because it's too "kiddie" for their taste? Maybe it's because they're afraid of having their friends see them as cute and fuzzy, too. I'm sure all of you have some stuffed animals, that are too sentimental for you to give up, that you look at and say "aww" at every sight. Really, though… If anyone has any further opinions as to why you hate it – I would like to know. Some have said they just don't like sims, understandable. But then you have those saying it's too cute, and really have never played the game. Or that it's too "kiddie". And as I've said – Most of the kids I know, find it too difficult.

Onto example 2 – Kirby. You know he's sexy. That big ball of pink fluff that's just dying to swallow you hole in a single bite, then take your power. Now, I really haven't heard too many complaints about him. I have heard some issues about him being too "kiddie",again, I'm sick of hearing that from Nintendo bashers – It seems as if that's the only good thing they can come up with when bashing them. Pathetic. Well, on with Kirby… Some say he's too, I've said that haven't I? Alright well, get over it. He isn't kiddie. He's cute, he's pink, and he kicks ass. I would like you to do what he does, and be pink at the same time. Be intimidating while being pink. That takes some major big fluffy pink balls.

I like pink.

So let’s get off of focusing simply on Nintendo for a moment… Final Fantasy has a tendency of leaving around those cute little animals, that some may know as Chocobos. Though, in all actuality, those things can also look mean as hell. Then there’s other ‘cute’ animals in the Final Fantasy series as well, only the Chocobos have really stuck. Oh, I did forget those adorable Moogles, who have been in the game since the very start, along with Chocobos. In each game Moogles can pretty much do different things, unfortunately they were removed in Final Fantasy 7, and Final Fantasy 8. However, you can’t expect such a wretched game as 8 to have something so cute, now can you? The moogles would have made it that much better, but it was too mature for their taste.

Fortunately enough, I have yet to really hear many complaints about Moogles or Chocobos being too cute. But I wonder… If it were Nintendo, would they be complaining? I just can’t wait for the FFCC to be released and see how many people start crying about the cuteness of it all, when in fact it’s been in all the games.

In conclusion – I really like those cute, fuzzy animals. To me, it really adds to the atmosphere of games, and gives it a sense and feeling that's beyond normal reality. Now, I know that some people prefer games that feel more 'real', but for those of you who do degrade those animals… Remember: Everyone has their own opinion, despite what yours is. Leave them to it, because there's no way that someone will change their minds on the matter.

Ah, for now, that’s all folks. I’ll probably add to this as time goes by and I think of anything else to say.

“With the PC version of Halo, Gearbox Software is once again doing what they do best – taking a really cool game and making it even cooler. Taking full advantage of all the benefits offered by the PC platform, Gearbox is creating a game that will be a must-have for both existing Halo fans and PC action-game fans alike.” Well, where to start. I know many people who own this game on the x-box and they all believe it is a truly amazing game! But now, after a very, very long wait, I will soon be able to own this game. The game will ship with full multiplayer supported over the Internet, with all the modes that were included with Halo on the Xbox, as well as a few new options (and 2 new weapons, the fuel rod gun a Covenant weapon from the single-player campaign, and the brand-new flamethrower ). Gearbox has also created six new multiplayer maps, including a few that take advantage of another new feature: the Banshee fighter can now be used in multiplayer, as can a new plasma weapon and a modified Warthog with a missile launcher on the rear. Halo PC will ship with all 26 multiplayer modes from the original Xbox version, dubbed "Classic," which are exact recreations of its Xbox counterparts, all the way down to vehicle placement. In addition, there should be 12 or 13 "Standard" modes, which have been added for the PC, as well as the ability to mix and match your own "Custom" modes, where you can get as detailed as giving different teams completely different sets of vehicles. The only thing that would make this game complete would be a co-op mode, like on the Xbox, but there has been no sign of it yet, but Gearbox says it’s top of their list. Well all I can say is that thank God there’s not long left to wait!

After being begged by Nintendo, Konami agreed to doing a remake of PSones hit ‘Metal Gear Solid’. Well now Konami with the help of Silicon Knights (Eternal Darkness creators) dished out Metal Gear Solid to the Cubes library. As you can see from a lot of changes from screen shots, to the controls it has given, but one thing that most metal gears fans noticed is the name it being ‘Twin Snakes’ suffix — would look and play on Nintendo's more powerful system.

From looking at various clips and images, Silicon Knights did an awesome job remaking the graphics; they put so much detail that it looks like a completely different game. Snakes model has become smoother, the environment has been revamped, and it looks much better than the ps2’s hit ‘Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty’. This being amazing since the counting the people at there’s about 72.

Obviously the game play will feature the same storyline as the original MGS, but there will be some different stuff in it. It will feature revamped cinematics, cool ideas taken from MGS2 (PS2). The things will feature, hanging off rails, hiding enemies in closets when you’ve taken em’ out, the A.I. is totally changed. Looking at these changes I think its safe to say this game is MGS 2½ now.

A big debate now is the realease date, in past interviews Konami has said November 4th, but now its been changed to winter, but various sites have the Nov.

Now I know that some of you may see this as an “older” game. But, that doesn’t stop me from thinking it to be the best Gameboy Advance game released to date. Pure Metroid fun, this is a game that definitely shows how great the GBA is and can be.

Moving along… In the beginning, you have your normal Metroid sequences, where you’re more powerful than you are in the continuing sectors; then you go against your first boss. Pretty simple since you’re really strong. Then you move on to find that it’s much different than the first sector that you encountered. Ah, pure Metroid goodness. This is where new gamers get a taste of just how beautiful the previous Metroid games were, with all the side-scrolling glory and I couldn’t have asked for any other way of presenting it.

The gameplay in Fusion is very person friendly; it almost literally has no problems about it at all, none at least that are noticeable and none that I could pick out precisely while playing this masterpiece title. Metroid Fusion is perfect for kids and adults of any age; as long as they know how to read then they’re set for a couple hours of pure fun. However, I can see where some young kids may get confused, giving it a more adult feel.

Fusion is also very story-oriented, set right after Super Metroid for SNES and at first seeming pretty empty and uneventful, you’re taken back to Planet SR388, only later to introduce you to the X Parasite, who then attacks. At this point it becomes quite frustrating, making you think that Samus is done for good, until a Metroid DNA vaccine is given. After that you continue to go on your platformer side-scrolling adventure with Samus, exploring the Research Station to destroy the parasite that’s out to get her.

One of my favorite attributes of Metroid Fusion though is the music. Playing Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion side by side is always interesting, because you hear the same music most of time with different remixes, which sounds in my opinion, awesome together. If you have played some of the older Metroids as well, you’ll notice the same thing… The music does sound the same, yet with different tunes, and in every Metroid game I’ve picked up and played, the music has always been great.

Graphics in this game resemble that of any other old school Metroid with 2d side-scrolling, who can go wrong with that? Many things throughout the game are highly detailed, and the small movies that are displayed are very intriguing to watch, as well as appealing to the eye. What I have noticed with some 2d side-scrollers is that the pixilation becomes irritating, causing some headaches; luckily this game does not. Everything dealing with graphics and eye-catchers are great in Fusion, and I really doubt anyone could ever have a problem with it.

More that makes this game completely worth the mere $30.00 is that it has a very high replay value. You just can’t get enough of it, and I continually play this masterpiece over and over again, each time finding and seeing new things. Really – There’s not much more I can say about it other than this game is a definite must for any GBA owner. And to be quite honest; I wouldn’t be surprised if some said it belonged in the $50.00 range with the bigger consoles, either way… It would be worth it.

In conclusion, if you don’t already own it – buy it. While I may see some having issues with difficulty at some spots, I’m sure that the majority will get over it and have continuous fun for hours on end with Metroid Fusion.