Ahh, finally I found time to post in Livejournal again. It has been 1 long week and I guess you know what has been occupying my free time. ^_^ Also the reason of this post is to reserve space when I have time to do so again.

Edit:

Today is the 29th of July 2006. Haven't been able to update my Livejournal lately because I'm busy playing aRO. My brother is currently staying over at my house in Sunway. Plus, my final project's animation has started. I will find time to continue to update next month. Btw, my birthday is on the 3rd next month!

It has been thirteen days since I last posted on my LJ. Mainly because I'm balancing my time for work and play. So far, my final project is under control, rigging is near completion and animation of the 3D models will commence soon.


As for aRO, I now have 3 characters. A gunslinger (Nautilus), a dexterity based wizard (Aurelius), and a Teakwondo Boy (Baldric). I am thinking of making one more special character just to party with my friend, moririn. I was happy when she told me that she might give aRO a try, although she couldn't play much.

We'll be waiting for you~

aRO? It stands for 'Angelic Ragnarok Online' private server. I have been playing this for 6 days now and guess what? I'm now a level 57 Gunslinger (Grenadier). It was haro_kun that recommended this server to me in the first place. Also what draws me towards aRO is their friendly and well mannered community. Although the 2x experience and drop rates are low compared to other private servers, aRO guarentees a genuine MMORPG playing experience like a P2P (pay to play) Ragnarok Online because your rare items are worth your effort.


I was lucky to meet Sara-chan, the administrator of aRO to discuss about the in-game implementations of skill balancing and new profession issues, mainly the Gunslinger and the Ninja classes. Who would have thought that eventually she turned me into a 'poring'. -_- 

I saw "Ouran High School Host Club" last Saturday and I burst out laughing non-stop when Haruhi's dad finally revealed himself to be an Okama, a transvestite. Well, luckily he's pretty albeit the thick lipsticks. Also, I'm relieved that Haruhi led a normal life and not overly poor like in Tamaki's dream nightmare. Its a pretty good episode too counting on how they manage to cramp so much into a single episode.

  

Well, thats all for updates today. I really hope I can post more soon. Until then, I hope both good and bad things keep happening! You can't really have only one scenario over the other right?

I've manage to grab a copy of PSM's (Independant Playstation Magazine) July 2006 issue 112. What's so special about this magazine is that they cover (well, Big Boss is featured on their cover) an extensive field of games for Sony's Playstation console and handheld series. Here are some of the summarized highlights from PSM's latest.

Apparently, Hideo Kojima of Konami is going to release another Metal Gear Solid game entitled Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops for the PSP. This game picks up where MGS3 left off, in other words, a full sequel for Sony's handheld. This time, players get to control Snake (Big Boss) and Raiden in full Metal Gear Solid playing style. No more cards!

As for Metal Gear Solid 4, Hideo Kojima promised Raiden would be cool. He's downright awesome and so it appears that they have a new nickname for Raiden. PSM said that they are now inclined to call him "Awesome Raiden" because he's just plain awesome. Sadly, in an interview with Kojima, he stated that we cannot play "Awesome Raiden" in the game like how we play Snake, Kojima designed the character in a way we couldn't play him. At least he's not a "girl" now. 

Some news on the upcoming PS3. In my previous post, we know that the new controller supports Blue Tooth technology and features motion sensors to enhance gameplay. Now the full specs of the PS3 controller are revealed. The new controller now features broader analog sticks, new L2 and R2 buttons, USB charge cable plug, player indicator lights, motion sensors, preasure sensitive buttons and no more vibration ala Dual Shock. Yes, no more Dual Shock vibrations as this will interupt the 6 degrees motion sensor feature. And as for those who didn't know, the Playstation and PS2 Dual Shock controllers are the best in gaming history. So for those who still want design and diversity, mainly prefer the wacky boomerang controller, try the XBox 360 instead.

We should also be aware that Sony will launch its PS3 in two versions. One with 20GB hard disk and the other, 60GB. The price for the 20GB and 60GB HDD PS3 will be priced aproximately $500 USD and $600 USD (that's about RM2300+) respectively with lots of changes in its hardware and looks. The cheaper version will only get you a bare-bones version of the console while the real deal will get you a 60GB HDD instead of the 20GB one, Wi-Fi, an HDMI port, a slick chrome PS3 logo and faceplate and slots for Memory Stick, SD, and compactFlash cards. That's a lot to give up if you can't afford the extra hundred. (I'll get the later version if I were you!).

 Last but not least, we all know that Sony will be more likely to win the console war with Microsoft and Nintendo but as this war comes to an end, a new war has risen from the ashes. Now it will be Blue Ray versus HD-DVD (High-Definition DVD). I personally hope that the Blue Ray will triumph, as with that win over HD-DVD, Sony will secure a winning streak of the next-gen gaming warfare. ^_^

For full coverage of stories and latest news on PS gaming, pick up a copy of PSM (independant Playstation Magazine) from your nearest local book store or newspaper outlets.

Lo and behold! The dreadful day 06-06-06 is coming to an end in about 5 minutes time! Today was very dreadful indeed. What happened? Well, I was supposed to watch 'The Omen' today with haro_kun not including my roommate. By the time we reached Sunway Pyramid's TGV cineplex, tickets for 4.20pm has sold out. I have the option to catch the movie later but I refused because I really don't want my roommate to follow. Ok, how in the first place he came to tag along? Because we don't know how to turn him down. So we went for A&W instead yadayadayada.


Just this morning, before the movie (well, we failed to catch the movie) but I managed to download and watch 'Ouran High School Host Club' episode 9. It was interesting and hillarious because you get to see the hosts as 'onesama(s)'. I had a really good laugh! ^_^

Nikorasu's note to anti-christ: If you dare to destroy all creation upon my beloved planet, you'll have to face me first! (uh-well... in the online world that is!)

I'm currently listening and watching Tommy February6's PV, ♥Lonely in Gorgeous♥ for the anime Paradise Kiss. I got to admit, it looks weird with her dancing drunk with cheerleaders behind. Nonetheless, the music and the 80s tone is raunchy!


By the way, Paris Hilton released her first fragrance line, 'Just Me For Men' a few months back which, to my surprise was very successful. Now, a second line of fragrance 'Just Me For Women' was released. What makes me highlight this in my LJ was the tagline that most ads refer as "Smell like Paris Hilton". WTF, who would want to smell like her? Well, despite my claims, I bet many girls and gays guys would love to smell like her, that is why her fragrance line was a success! - adapted from June's issue of Galaxie.

I think I'm struck with minor insomnia for not going to bed early because I'm typing this entry and worried of a few things but I guess its alright as long as the problems doesn't get out of hand. Like my star sign Leo the 3rd reveals, I have a tendency to move very fast in life and be extremely lucky (you have no idea about this) and able to rise from the ashes to come back stronger than ever. Lets just say I have a reliable source on these kind of things. ^_^

Hey, look and behold! I've created several looks for my avatar in Audition Dance Battle Online. Below are some from my arsenal of favourite outfits. These are the Nikorasu look set 2! For Nikorasu look set 1, please refer to my previous post about entitled 'Audition'. I'll post set 3 tomorrow. ^_^ There are currently thousands of possibilities in making different looks for my avatar. Suggestions are most welcome.

Kiss, kiss, fall in love! That was the first sentence sung by Kawabe Chieko that made me fell in love with her single, Sakura Kiss. Luckily for her, Sakura Kiss was chosen as the opening song for Japan's latest hit anime, 'Ouran High School Host Club'. Recently, I found Kawabe Chieko's PV for Sakura Kiss in Google Videos. Here are a few screenshots of her cutsy PV.

Something funny happened today when I was playing Audition. It was during a dance battle mode where couples versus each other in unity to gain fame and fortune. So I met this girl named 'Wolfcub' who wanted to try out this new dance mode. To my surprise, she danced and syncs very well with my moves. Therefore we earned hearts for every perfect synchronization. At the end of the dance routine, there was an option for me to propose to her to be my so-called in-game girlfriend. We were awarded 3000 dens after the initiation. ^_^


I got hooked to the couple dance battle and continued to battle countless couples with different partners. I did so-so on just about every battle until I met another player by the name 'Activegirl'. She danced and syncs so well to the point that I got 7 hearts, it even beats my record with 'Wolfcub' so far! At the end of the dance, we hugged each other as a job well done! Cute huh?

*There is one part where 'Activegirl' performed a finishing move where she spins and twirls upside down on the ground, an opponent girl on the other side yelled, "Oh my God, don't look!" She was refering to my dance partner's miniskirt! LOL*

I've finally finished downloading Audition Dance Battle Online, an MMO that features directional button mashing and synchronization with space bar (kinda like Dance Dance Revolution a.k.a. DDR). The game wasn't that great compared to Ragnarok Online, but the point is, I can play it anytime when I'm bored to earn in game cash called "dens". Besides, the music is great! These dens will later accumulate to enable you to purchase nifty gears and accesories to customize your avatar looks. Below are my Nikorasu look set 1!

Yesterday I went to KLCC to meet up with an old friend of mine. Went for lunch at Manhattan Fish Market and then chatted for what it seems like eternity (he's quite boring to chat with). Later we decided to go watch a movie, X-Men: The Last Stand was chosen despite the fact that I saw it a day before yesterday with moririn, her sister and haro_kun. Another reason for watching it again was the final clip at the end of the credits where they show Dr. Moira and her brain dead patient. Apparently, Prof. Charles Xavier (my favourite character in the movie) has transfered his entire conciousness into the patient. He called out to Dr. Moira in a faint voice and she replied by calling his name, Charles?

More about the movie and its summary can be read at Wikipedia. Also be sure to play the official movie game of X-Men: The Last Stand because it holds a crucial plot before the events that occur in the movie and explains Nightcrawler's absence. Spoiler: Yuriko a.k.a. Lady Deathstrike was alive in the game. The adamantium liquid that Wolverine forced upon her in the previous movie seemed to make her stronger than ever. However, in the game you'll defeat her and pursue her teacher, Silver Samurai.

I found that X-Men: The Last Stand to be the final installment of the trilogy as said by Brett Ratner himself. But an interview with Patrick Steward and Halle Berry said that the ending where Erik Lansher nudged his metal chess piece without touching it indicates that the so called permanent cure was actually a temporary suppresant to disable mutant activties and the clip after the credits shows us how Charles Xavier survived, leaves the franchise open. That means, if the 3rd movie was successful, there is a chance that a fourth will complete the series as a quadrilogy. Before that happens, I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Despite the ups and downs, pros and cons of the debate between fans about Bryan Singer and Brett Ratner. I guess that the 3rd movie did pretty well overall. It is what that matters in the end.

Here is part two of my potion update! A few days ago, after I came back from Penang, we went over to moririn's house to pass her FFXII's potion! Before that, we went for a scrumtious lunch at One Utama's Shogun Buffet Restaurant. Wow, despite the cost (RM 48 per person), I find that the buffet was worth every ringgit spent. They have a huge variety of appetizers, foods and deserts. My favourite was the array of soups they offer at the buffet.


Now, back to potion. Like me, moririn took out her bottle of potion from the box with mixed feelings. Heads downstairs to get cups filled with ice for herself and her sister, hammi1311and pours the contents into it. "Smells like 'Thit Tha Zhao' (Chinese herbal medicinal wine)", said her sister. I fell backwards laughing at it because it was so true! Moments later, they took their first sip and finished their serving of potion in a couple of gulps. "Tasted weird but its okay, its bearable!", moririn said.


Well, I do hope one day we can still get together more often to do something silly like this. Nonetheless, it is safe to announce that they too healed rejuvenated 200 hit points even if they didn't know it! Ha! ha! ha! ^_^

I mentioned briefly in my previous post about Final Fantasy XII's Potion from Suntory. Here lies the rest of the report. Note: I'm updating on part one of my potion update. Next post will feature moririn and her sister, hammi1311's potion quest!


The moment I got the potion out of the box (Yeah, I bought the premium edition!), I felt excited but in the same time, worried. It was those incoherent commercials and fan recorded movies in the United States that made the potion felt comparable to a rancid milk flavoured mouth wash a.k.a. yogurt flavoured Listerine health drink.


After I tried the first sip from the cup, it tasted not bad at all. I was surprised that it felt flowery and fruity. "Damn those Americans! They can't even take a bite from a durian, who are they to judge a health drink meant for asians!" Finally, haro_kun, Justin and I came to a verdict. FFXII's potion really does heals rejuvenates you for 200 hit points.

2 weeks ago, I was back in Penang for 2 days to attend my cousin's wedding dinner at Equatorial Oriental Hotel. Well, I couldn't update my journal then because my photo transfer from my phone to computer took longer than expected but anyway, that was past tensed.

Before that, on Saturday, the minute I reached Penang, I gave haro_kun a quick call to tell him that I can make it to his Dad's birthday bash X house warming party. My brother and I were excited because we're also getting our potion that we ordered a month ago via his sister's ebay account (more on that later).

The moment when we reached his house, it was already packed with his relatives and family members. We did recieved a warm welcome though. Justin played with Bobby, the family cat, I collected my potion which cost me quite a lot of gil, we all tried out everything the caterers had to offer and explored the house inside out including haro_kun private sanctum. The dinner was okay at first until swarms of flying termites invaded the whole vacinity because it rained. Despite the irritating termites, we manage to find peace in the dining room next to the kitchen inside the house.

I'm back in Sunway now but the notebook computer is no where to be seen. Without it, I can't upload my cellphone pictures via the infrared port. I guess I have to post something today just to break the emptiness while waiting for the notebook.

My friend Sam, is organizing an event in his college entitled "KDU Anime X Cosplay Omatsuri" which is likely to be held on the 11th of June this year. At this point, the venue will be held in KDU college's hall while the date and time is uncertain.
As I went to help out, I was enroled as a judge for the manga/anime drawing competition (one of the few perks burden of being a student of The One Academy). As I continued to help out with designing the logo, mascot and overall mood of the event, I nearly faint died due to the goofiness and the uglyness of their design.

2005, last year was the first time I lay my eyes upon a book by Dan Brown entitled "The Da Vinci Code". After flipping through its pages, I came to a halt at a chapter simply named Mary Magdalene. Having fascinated by ancient lore and stories behind each religion, empire and dynasty since I was a kid, this book holds one of the very few controversial yet interesting facts behind Christianity. There is something about her name that made me felt sorry for her in a way and yet got attracted towards her. Words simply can't explain this.

Mary Magdalene was known by many names and was widely known as a prostitude by the Christians mainly because she was mistaken, confused with another two women in the Gospels. She was also known as one of the apostle, a person that witnessed Jesus's crucifixion and so on. This later led me to create one female priest in Ragnarok Online named after her.

As I watched 'The Da Vinci Code' premiere today with haro_kun, I'm captivated and was ever fascinated by her and pleased to know that her story will be known by those who haven't compared to books and scriptures published before the movie. I was also surprised that many people clapped their hands after the movie because you can hardly see anyone do so these days. "It might be the best movie of the year 2006", I said.

"Mary Magdalene of Magdala... you will always have a place in my heart!"

haro_kun was getting aquainted with RO again after so many years, stating that he felt nostalgic. Oh, what an excuse! RO, was in fact, fun. After showing me his new character, both male and female in Angelic RO, a private server that boast twice (only two times the drop rate, duh!) the experience and drop rates, I felt driven to it but in the same time, I don't feel like playing at all.

"I'm going to stick to aRO until RO2 comes out! Two times drop rate is a lot! At least its FREE and lag FREE! I have all the time in the world to play, so relax! yadayadayada..."

It sounded as if he still has dignity in playing RO. It was admirable that he didn't 'bot', but what difference does that make? "You are becoming the very thing you swore to hate!" But I rather say: "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!" For GOD's sake, you don't need to torture yourself through leveling like you did in mRO, I said to him. I tried talking him out of it but to no avail. Alas, you can't teach an old dog new tricks, or so they say. "At least his intentions were pure."

There was a reason for moririn to play in a private server that offers 20 level ups per poring. Her reason was simple, after experiencing tedious leveling in the normal mRO (which you don't really want to go through again), it was okay for to "cheat" in leveling and have fun spamming skills that she could only dream of having in normal RO. And if spamming skills and playing a certain class gets boring after short while, there are still plenty private servers you can hop on. And also other MMORPGS as well (minus the lousy ones). FlyFF was a good example of a free MMORPG.

Well, having said so much and did so little, I prefer to stop ranting about RO and focus more on my daily updates.

The so-called holy video gaming pilgrimage, E3 was over! From what I've found out from gametrailers.com, there are tons of new video games releases for next-gen consoles such as the PS3 and the XBox 360. We all know games such as the new Final Fantasy XIII and MGS4 will be coming out soon, but do you know what Sony has in store for us in E3?

Sony announced that the PS3's controller will contain many of the same functions as Nintendo's Wii controller. What pleases me the most was the design of the final product itself. It, in many ways resembled the PS2 Dual-Shock controller.