tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49296244899188441052024-02-02T00:03:29.922-08:00The NintendetteWelcome to The Nintendette gaming blog! I'm Rachel, A.K.A. The Nintendette, an avid Nintendo fan, journalism & creative writing student, & overall video game enthusiast. Check here every day to see game reviews & other video game goodies. Feel free to comment or send suggestions/sweet nothings to thenintendette@gmail.com; I'd love to hear from you! Also, follow me on twitter @thenintendette! My 3DS friend code: 1736-2044-7039Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-47672657236494051232015-04-10T22:48:00.000-07:002015-04-10T22:50:01.079-07:00Video Games Brought My Brother and I Closer Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhHHghGPSGTvhET7ngjSVG1QGRUej7TIoePj-hIghyPOE_Z2GsjVHbe8o-SehR-5TekQuBJ91FjOJqJQfJ0RixEdSwIUMOMvu3dn2yEzB-Rptr4u6rH0aYzVqSbalIcZBvcbJnWGuTC0/s1600/Mario_and_Luigi_22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhHHghGPSGTvhET7ngjSVG1QGRUej7TIoePj-hIghyPOE_Z2GsjVHbe8o-SehR-5TekQuBJ91FjOJqJQfJ0RixEdSwIUMOMvu3dn2yEzB-Rptr4u6rH0aYzVqSbalIcZBvcbJnWGuTC0/s1600/Mario_and_Luigi_22.png" height="640" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like Mario and Luigi are video game partners (and sometimes rivals), my brother and I are too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since yesterday was apparently "National Siblings Day" here in U.S. (or maybe it's just one of those crappy made-up Hallmark card holidays; I honestly don't know), and it got me thinking about siblings and video games and how the two relate.<br />
<br />
The way I got introduced to video games was though my older brother. He got an original PlayStation when we were about six or seven years old. Like any annoying little sibling, I wanted to do everything my brother did, so <i>of course</i> I played video games too. From then on out, he and I would spend countless hours cooped up in his room playing games together, which I imagine caused my parents to stare at each other in disbelief and lament, <i>"Oh god, what have we done?!" </i><br />
The first game I remember playing with my brother (and the first game I had ever played period) was <i>007 Racing</i> for the original Playstation. Yes that's right. A self proclaimed Nintendo fan's first video game experience was in fact not a Nintendo game at all, but a crappy movie-spinoff racer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdceoLhDHmzREZSa-JzDk5uksU57h77FRKzqYoLNruD41a-K72PrDoclXQwo66oqlgC3dlAtOeXnhDAb-G0IVM2hqHBteWaJDBf4E2w0QEOxhpgCjZpyYXVQwWJQ9mA7Pg4XnTHc4tYb0/s1600/007_racing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdceoLhDHmzREZSa-JzDk5uksU57h77FRKzqYoLNruD41a-K72PrDoclXQwo66oqlgC3dlAtOeXnhDAb-G0IVM2hqHBteWaJDBf4E2w0QEOxhpgCjZpyYXVQwWJQ9mA7Pg4XnTHc4tYb0/s1600/007_racing.jpg" height="390" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going back and researching this game, it's apparently shittier than I remembered....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Being the blissfully ignorant children we were, this game was the most amazing thing ever made. I remember the elation I felt as I would shoot heat-seeking missiles at my brother's car, blowing it to smithereens, laughing maniacally at the carnage that I caused. Of course, he later tried to make up fake rules saying that I couldn't use the heat-seeking missiles, but being the smartass little sibling I was (and still am), I called bullshit right away, or something like what a six year old child would say. I'd like to think I said bullshit in a high pitched, pre-pubescent, yet eloquent manner, but my memory from my early years can be a bit subjective sometimes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGX_x7aDul9p0ykUFgJwO0ygQTTSeQ-9CozF7EvRkyvqRvwNGyEUfB6y7jMi-JNC0r9cJXj8cYHSFG9SMByrZlKsiIWmpIJ0ivrQeEBYUdUVDAvbAD2bGWaVD-mvOWcaP857Ri_kXtzM/s1600/2353335-007racing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGX_x7aDul9p0ykUFgJwO0ygQTTSeQ-9CozF7EvRkyvqRvwNGyEUfB6y7jMi-JNC0r9cJXj8cYHSFG9SMByrZlKsiIWmpIJ0ivrQeEBYUdUVDAvbAD2bGWaVD-mvOWcaP857Ri_kXtzM/s1600/2353335-007racing1.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My six year old self felt no remorse for causing large explosions, and subsequently death. Was I a psychopath? Maybe. A badass? Definitely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Being the younger sibling, I had to really savor my victories. I don't know what it is about being the youngest, but it always seemed like my brother managed to beat me no matter what. I was always better than my friends who played games, but my brother was always two steps ahead of me. Kind of like Luigi is always in his older brother's shadow no matter what, I'm always in my brother's shadow as well. But, I'm okay with that because playing video games brought us closer together.<br />
<br />
I'd like to think that the reason why my brother and I are so close is because we bonded so much in our early years through playing video games together. He and I are really close in age as well (19 months apart), so we were always each other's playmates no matter what. Video games allowed us to solve problems together<i>. </i>For example, when I eventually got my Gamecube (my very first console), he would help me when I would get stuck in <i>Super Mario Sunshine. </i>We bonded through playing games together and helping each other out.<br />
<br />
Even if my brother got a new game and it wasn't multiplayer, I would still sit and watch him play it. We would talk about what we liked and didn't like about the game, so I think that helped us understand each other more in one way or another.We just spent a lot of time together, and video games were really the catalyst in making our relationship so strong. I will always treasure the memories of staying up late into the night watching my brother play <i>Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness, 007: Agent Under Fire </i>and <i>Nightfire </i>(he and I played <i>a lot </i>of James Bond games for some reason, mostly because Pierce Brosnan starred in the games that were released back then and he's the perfect Bond IMO and a certified badass). I still watch my brother play video games to this day. It's something that I love to do because I get to spend time with him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTjhVk4JJYDav_aKNjfzikWEjZ624ki6Y1xJ5HxajXBFd_B4uOuqBlVABHntqNPcgNOlrGKEitOg_b34gGdzp8QVicKeKD61v41QCdTdu1P9v9ZTdoTR7badiG7woAcbtinzqBABJYx8/s1600/Koopalings_(NSMB2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTjhVk4JJYDav_aKNjfzikWEjZ624ki6Y1xJ5HxajXBFd_B4uOuqBlVABHntqNPcgNOlrGKEitOg_b34gGdzp8QVicKeKD61v41QCdTdu1P9v9ZTdoTR7badiG7woAcbtinzqBABJYx8/s1600/Koopalings_(NSMB2).png" height="640" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may not have as many siblings as the Koopalings do, but I wouldn't trade my brother for anything; quality over quantity!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Nowadays, my brother and I don't have as much time to play video games as we used to (growing up sucks! How do I adult again?). So, when we do get the chance to play together, it makes it all the more special. No matter how old we get, or how much things change in our lives, playing video games with my brother will always be my favorite pastime. Those memories and feelings never age. I know that when we're 80 years old and barely alive by medical definition, he will still demand to be player one, and he will still beat me no matter how hard I try.<br />
<br />
Some things never change, and I'm okay with that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmLNXBlTuq44bgjlADDzmpI6A-ByMynxiK6AEudGfTWKob_6jaBDmFKv3ikFxZkzRF5sstA5AGODVVtCJwiKo6tel2s4e2HOdUXMZ5ehzjFGQ_Y4k2kD1G1DK93jYDqgXssqGxm4eVXs/s1600/faa6c47124f4f1455cdb1b1eaaab1636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmLNXBlTuq44bgjlADDzmpI6A-ByMynxiK6AEudGfTWKob_6jaBDmFKv3ikFxZkzRF5sstA5AGODVVtCJwiKo6tel2s4e2HOdUXMZ5ehzjFGQ_Y4k2kD1G1DK93jYDqgXssqGxm4eVXs/s1600/faa6c47124f4f1455cdb1b1eaaab1636.jpg" height="400" width="353" /></a></div>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading my blog about my dearest childhood memories with my brother! What's your experience with playing games with your siblings? What are some of your earliest experiences with games? I'd love to hear!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-LQvZET_xjbU%252FVSilbTFLVfI%252FAAAAAAAAAvU%252F13PMxPHATyI%252Fs1600%252F2353335-007racing1.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1284px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-LQvZET_xjbU%252FVSilbTFLVfI%252FAAAAAAAAAvU%252F13PMxPHATyI%252Fs1600%252F2353335-007racing1.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1284px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-22097588097046731772015-04-03T13:03:00.000-07:002015-04-03T15:32:29.370-07:00Could Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS be the last Smash games?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1WDnO6D3PIKOQGP_Dh5ASCjvwa6QlXzadb4urJAeSnNxA3OUKvOww7TYPs9awCVip5WuI8KsiUwp-sErA0V7BEclh_QT8YHRnJ6XTVE4mheFxDJdAPs_D6X3839LfTrVnwiomfME5_k/s1600/smash-bros.-wii-u-release-date.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1WDnO6D3PIKOQGP_Dh5ASCjvwa6QlXzadb4urJAeSnNxA3OUKvOww7TYPs9awCVip5WuI8KsiUwp-sErA0V7BEclh_QT8YHRnJ6XTVE4mheFxDJdAPs_D6X3839LfTrVnwiomfME5_k/s1600/smash-bros.-wii-u-release-date.png" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the latest Nintendo Direct, it was announced that the developers of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS are now taking suggestions for new characters to add to the already packed roster. Two new characters that are already slated to be added are the fan-favorite Pokémon, Mewtwo, and Lucas from Earthbound. Both these characters (and the new ones to be added, most likely) are going to be available to purchase as DLC. The reasoning behind the developers wanting to add new characters could be a myriad of things ranging from a shameless cash grab, to fan service (or a combination of both), but I can't help but think that there might be an alternative reason for wanting to add fan-requested characters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5Ayg_GDdd8EF8HL2FRKHWMiSJqlpV2nDlXeznqmlKOktx80si28W6ZDdRCmo0q5h3gPj3tWSlNmbJNaPQtUon0Cbp9K7O6rVIrXtiZF4moTOCPESSv0qpSnEwDil2vQqwYGbet8RZUk/s1600/mewtwo-720x404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5Ayg_GDdd8EF8HL2FRKHWMiSJqlpV2nDlXeznqmlKOktx80si28W6ZDdRCmo0q5h3gPj3tWSlNmbJNaPQtUon0Cbp9K7O6rVIrXtiZF4moTOCPESSv0qpSnEwDil2vQqwYGbet8RZUk/s1600/mewtwo-720x404.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mewtwo makes his return to Smash Bros. for the first time since Melee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFUVdzhxRYJs9tyxoHeLbpCYkKIA0xf7ctN4KEHJbw0PkSUlLCI_nictZR8tE83wVuf84Hy2kPli5n2RI57JowSvzLI-Y0jnqgVkHMstFoGz122397MTPsEeXQxPLcYtvsWIXy_VQveM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-03+at+12.35.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFUVdzhxRYJs9tyxoHeLbpCYkKIA0xf7ctN4KEHJbw0PkSUlLCI_nictZR8tE83wVuf84Hy2kPli5n2RI57JowSvzLI-Y0jnqgVkHMstFoGz122397MTPsEeXQxPLcYtvsWIXy_VQveM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-03+at+12.35.43+PM.png" height="356" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally. Lucas came out of nowhere, but why? Do we really need a Ness clone? *takes shelter*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's back up for a second. I'm sure the majority of you have heard about the theory that the Super Smash Bros. franchise being modeled after series creator Masahiro Sakurai's life. I have always had a hunch that maybe some of the game's themes and characters were pertinent to the creator's life.<br />
In the first Smash game for the Nintendo 64, the opening cutscene depicts a child bringing his toys to life in his bedroom to make them fight. Therefore, we can assume that the Smash franchise takes place in a child's imagination. With each entry in the series, the child gets older and becomes more mature. For instance, the characters were depicted as being plush toys in the first game, and became action figure-like statues in the later entires, giving the player the sense that the child was growing up. Fittingly, Sakurai grew up with Nintendo, so this child <i>could </i>represent him and his progression through his childhood.<br />
And then we have the series' main antagonist, Master Hand. He is the final boss if the player runs through Classic Mode. It seems rather strange that in a world full of Nintendo baddies, that a disembodied hand is the main villain. Well, in the Smash Bros. universe, Master Hand represents creation and ultimate power. He can be interpreted as representing Sakurai's desire to create. It makes even more sense if you look at the N64 opening cutscene, considering that a hand is the one making all the toys come to life and fight, much like Sakurai did when he created the series.<br />
But, then we have Master Hand's alter ego, Crazy Hand. He's the complete opposite of Master Hand; he's sporadic, unpredictable, and erratic. Crazy Hand made his first appearance in Melee, which isn't a coincidence. The development of Melee was a difficult one for Sakurai. He reflected on the experience in a column he wrote for Famitsu magazine:<br />
<br />
<i>"On a personal level, Melee had an extremely grueling development cycle. Some of my other games did, too, but Melee sticks out far ahead of the pack in my mind. I worked on that game for 13 months straight, after all, without a single Sunday or holiday off that whole time. During parts of it, I was living a really destructive lifestyle -- I'd work for over 40 hours in a row, then go back home to sleep for four."</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Sakurai has been quoted saying on multiple occasions that he dislikes making sequels, so Crazy Hand could represent that feeling. Crazy Hand's trophy info in Melee even mentions his desire to "destroy one's own creations". Since Melee was the first Smash sequel he made, this interpretation of Crazy Hand makes sense.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTkLJxxZq5E-aPb__RP8TDeYdVpcu611w7lC1Fr5TouVGS2Rz8g7raxqwQ02ebjwMENLem2WDBVAbJiAeUk7RJxkuaKPuy890pnHMPt_4RBmzbeXaB_RtLADPQ6Gc2ppwkRaVWGuGDWI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-03+at+12.50.01+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTkLJxxZq5E-aPb__RP8TDeYdVpcu611w7lC1Fr5TouVGS2Rz8g7raxqwQ02ebjwMENLem2WDBVAbJiAeUk7RJxkuaKPuy890pnHMPt_4RBmzbeXaB_RtLADPQ6Gc2ppwkRaVWGuGDWI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-03+at+12.50.01+PM.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Hand could represent Sakurai's desire to break free of making Smash sequels and move on to other projects</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Moving onto Brawl, we see Master Hand be under the control of a strange character called Tabuu in the Subspace Emissary story mode of the game. By definition, something that is "taboo" is not of the norm for society, such as playing with toys. By this time, the child is now in young adulthood, so playing with toys is seen as unacceptable. Tabuu represents adulthood and the judgement of society, and that's reflected in his appearance. He often has his arms crossed, almost judgmentally, closed off to the world. Not to mention that the fight against him is grueling, much like the fight against society and adulthood is in real life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzQPaT8rn2cWv5AGa0x0465aaxprTRGB0-QpPjR6pmYRDGryqLgb6KSUdIuXQZVk9ylhIYfBkHXrK7H8eZjXAwiWn1pfn9OGwh_Ym8PbefkEGEXQe6X081GLo66INQEGtWmPEAhmlaOI/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzQPaT8rn2cWv5AGa0x0465aaxprTRGB0-QpPjR6pmYRDGryqLgb6KSUdIuXQZVk9ylhIYfBkHXrK7H8eZjXAwiWn1pfn9OGwh_Ym8PbefkEGEXQe6X081GLo66INQEGtWmPEAhmlaOI/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tabuu cold represent adulthood and society's judgement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In the latest installment of the franchise, Master and Crazy Hand make appearances again. However, if you face off against them on a high difficulty, they become Master Core, an insanely hard final boss that can take multiple forms. If you manage to defeat Master Core, he becomes a defenseless ball, emblazoned with the Smash Bros. logo. In this state, Master Core can't attack or hurt you, unless you take too long to defeat him, in which he will self destruct and kill himself anyways. This could represent Sakurai giving us one last hard fight, and once defeated, allowing the player to end him. He's willingly surrendering himself to the player, and to defeat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumo1Hle2wK2OHEO75uGQJUV8vnHZk4LR_SelKXSX9kQXhRGaIJPIcMVphk70z44u6dU0QsyBk9EY4Aj_oa44nAN4Rz2dC5cK93xBEEXfXI_pNH72748DTbCtheDV-9GTxDTVxYlZzsRk/s1600/tumblr_nbvf3rOjSc1rfcry9o1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumo1Hle2wK2OHEO75uGQJUV8vnHZk4LR_SelKXSX9kQXhRGaIJPIcMVphk70z44u6dU0QsyBk9EY4Aj_oa44nAN4Rz2dC5cK93xBEEXfXI_pNH72748DTbCtheDV-9GTxDTVxYlZzsRk/s1600/tumblr_nbvf3rOjSc1rfcry9o1_400.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fierce Deity Link faces off against Master Core in the 3DS version</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sakurai has said that the two Smash Bros games he developed for Wii U and 3DS may be the last games he develops for the franchise. In an interview done with Game Informer he discussed his difficult position with developing another Smash game:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>"I can't positively declare there won't be [another Smash Bros. game]. With both Melee and Brawl, I made those games with the thought that there wouldn't be any more sequels. Thus, I really can't deny the chance for another. However, as for myself, I don't think there will be. And yet, despite that, I also have trouble picturing someone else taking my place."</i><br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
It's no secret that Sakurai is probably one of the most dedicated game developers out there. He works impossibly hard to produce the very best games possible. As a result of that dedication, he sets a higher and higher standard for himself, which he compares to a noose tightening around his neck. Creating the Smash Bros. games has taken a very big toll on him, but it's still very understandable that he would have trouble leaving a franchise that he himself created and has worked so hard on. But, as was evident in the inclusion of Master Core, it really does seem that he intends on leaving the franchise, despite being stuck between a rock and a hard place.</div>
<div>
Perhaps relating Master and Crazy Hand and Master Core to Sakurai can seem like a bit of stretch, but the franchise really is his baby, and they say that you write about what you know, and I think the same goes for him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what does this have to do with the inclusion of fan-requested characters?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, this is the first time the developers have done something like this. It seems to me that they're possibly trying to prolong the life of the Wii U and 3DS versions by adding more and more content. Could it be possible that they're doing this because these games might be the last? With the series' creator possibly leaving, it seems plausible to me.</div>
<div>
Sakurai himself said that he couldn't see the series continuing without him. He's set a pretty high bar for anyone who comes after him, so it remains to be seen if anyone could live up to the legacy he's already created. All good things must come to an end, after all.</div>
</div>
<div>
On the other hand, Smash Bros. is one of Nintendo's most successful and well-loved franchises. If Sakurai were to leave, they'd probably find someone else to take his place. Not to mention that in today's day and age, it's very common for developers to add content in the form of DLC to their existing games. Perhaps Nintendo is just keeping up with the times.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSlJ8ReaFojk8G-UHI5DyJcjRBJwBSi7U-KmkX2yGtKXRaSUW1a5kX6ieUkrulPqk5lWXKPeOPIMMxfHyGDCWkaRCdMnNIHoH6pkrCueJOUwYSi0uFpb8jiGX3-fI05PoF5lM-B7x9Nc/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSlJ8ReaFojk8G-UHI5DyJcjRBJwBSi7U-KmkX2yGtKXRaSUW1a5kX6ieUkrulPqk5lWXKPeOPIMMxfHyGDCWkaRCdMnNIHoH6pkrCueJOUwYSi0uFpb8jiGX3-fI05PoF5lM-B7x9Nc/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take a break, Sakurai, You deserve it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, when I was playing the Wii U version, I couldn't help but see the signs of Sakurai's decision to leave and pay homage to the other games. The different menu themes of previous games play, and the credits theme is a mashup of all the previous Smash Bros. theme songs. I can't help but feel like that's a nostalgic goodbye of some sort. Whether it's a goodbye to the creator of the series, or to the series itself, that remains to be seen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Be it the end of the series or not, I think Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U will be the Smash games that we will play for a very long time. After all, there was a 6 year gap between Melee and Brawl, and an 8 year gap between Brawl and the current versions. And with Nintendo's new console on the horizon, who knows what the future has in store for the Smash Bros. franchise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
_________________________________________________________________</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for reading! I love to pick apart my favorite games (as does Game Theory), so everything I talked about is how I (and many others) interpret the game. What do you guys think? Is the Smash franchise coming to end if Sakurai leaves? Why or why not? What are some characters you'd like to see be added to Smash?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-69917037391926249132015-01-17T11:30:00.000-08:002015-01-17T11:34:19.335-08:00Majora's Mask truly embodies the spirit of the Zelda series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebU4NIE0Yb_0-pa5V54IejYkK93EWpL4MjHkDrKoUP1ukuQYKWQwbVC_VfHEsayoz-stMcHzPZWd8FTHHxVLKVkxGw1X6MPLyHcEaZhwy30TJ2ukvMK8wqfi9RlrsaL9S7wO4mzKRtKM/s1600/majoras-mask-the-legends-of-zelda-game-hd-wallpaper-1920x1080-4003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebU4NIE0Yb_0-pa5V54IejYkK93EWpL4MjHkDrKoUP1ukuQYKWQwbVC_VfHEsayoz-stMcHzPZWd8FTHHxVLKVkxGw1X6MPLyHcEaZhwy30TJ2ukvMK8wqfi9RlrsaL9S7wO4mzKRtKM/s1600/majoras-mask-the-legends-of-zelda-game-hd-wallpaper-1920x1080-4003.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So much has been said about <i>Majora's Mask</i> that it's easy to overlook what makes this game so great when it comes down to bare bones. One of this game's claims to fame is the "Ben Drowned" Creepypasta that plays off of the macabre and dark environment of the game. This game has such a large cult following (it's become even more apparent with the recent collector's editions of the game being sold out in 15 minutes or less) that the premise of the game almost gets drowned out (no puns intended) by all the hype. So, what is it about <i>Majora's Mask</i> that that makes it so popular?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAz4ho0wCcJJV7057V8NmMWMe6a4Ws1RRB7TiYkOmPbMS1yp12J2nS4VwOhtHdQz93-jOlivj-suuIoGJ3aHCOKfTqirk20wpdN_P497XuEzwm2KMFTv1NFwdPnIYIs4E3y6nKKGnTKM/s1600/WindwakerCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAz4ho0wCcJJV7057V8NmMWMe6a4Ws1RRB7TiYkOmPbMS1yp12J2nS4VwOhtHdQz93-jOlivj-suuIoGJ3aHCOKfTqirk20wpdN_P497XuEzwm2KMFTv1NFwdPnIYIs4E3y6nKKGnTKM/s1600/WindwakerCover.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like Majora's Mask, the Wind Waker wasn't a fan favorite at first</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you think about it, <i>Majora's Mask</i> and <i>The Wind Waker</i> have a lot in common. They both were games that resulted in an upgrade in hardware (MM with the ExpansionPak and WW with the GameCube), and they both weren't well received by the Zelda fanbase at first. You can really tell that the developers were attempting to try something new with these titles. In Majora's Mask, they were able to add more detail and complexity to the overworld that was absent from <i>Ocarina of Time</i>. With <i>Ocarina</i>, the developers introduced the concept of the 3D Zelda game, but with <i>Majora's Mask</i> they perfected it. With <i>The Wind Waker,</i> I think the developers wanted to play with the idea of a more expressive Link and more dynamic overworld, hence the cell-shaded graphics. Both titles were hailed as being too different, and therefore fans steered away from them at first. However, they both eventually became huge hits and received/are receiving remakes. In my eyes, these games (<i>Majora's Mask</i> more specifically) embody the spirit of the series that was introduced in the original game.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiH5VG5w96yuoAkMbnSyOgO88KEU8W5sKqM-sdbkrXRWyDycM1g3glmLCyvQhgegg_AuwQzmo_qCrhuVSzkrbRMWiI81dkx2FN28fuPXZZXAMeA92lWQMikMoyLA1s8G3LKCkTpL97-k/s1600/ZeldaGraph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiH5VG5w96yuoAkMbnSyOgO88KEU8W5sKqM-sdbkrXRWyDycM1g3glmLCyvQhgegg_AuwQzmo_qCrhuVSzkrbRMWiI81dkx2FN28fuPXZZXAMeA92lWQMikMoyLA1s8G3LKCkTpL97-k/s1600/ZeldaGraph.png" height="481" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The least popular Zelda titles are often the most different (excluding the original of course)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh-bM4F70IWiHNbuDVpn7B5X64NPwjX9teomDTgTDFq-eL6ZIMqJRV-_AroV0XysmYSTa6ZoyvPZIhwkkkF0ATmYsdJyaL1qntbrdK6rAo2PKvSIzB83s2uv0a__OOLPLjcC_Fet9di0/s1600/zelda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh-bM4F70IWiHNbuDVpn7B5X64NPwjX9teomDTgTDFq-eL6ZIMqJRV-_AroV0XysmYSTa6ZoyvPZIhwkkkF0ATmYsdJyaL1qntbrdK6rAo2PKvSIzB83s2uv0a__OOLPLjcC_Fet9di0/s1600/zelda.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the original <i>Legend of Zelda</i> game, there was very little direction, leaving the player to explore the world as they pleased. Granted, the Zelda games of today are <i>way </i>more linear than the original <i>Legend of Zelda,</i> but I think <i>Majora's Mask</i> is a more modern version of the original game without being being a direct sequel.<br />
There are so many secrets to be discovered in<i> Majora's Mask</i>. The game itself is like one big puzzle, and it's up to the player to figure out where all the pieces go. That's much like how the original <i>Legend of Zelda </i>game is. In both games, the player acts as a detective trying to solve a mystery with very few clues along the way. Granted, many other Zelda games feature these elements, but in <i>Majora's Mask</i> and <i>The Legend of Zelda</i>, I feel like the exploration element is the most prominent.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI04BVsazbKSKLJWzUi61M_3Cg6UH4THumkbHo-s-ExY6361_Rx8JY7CHF5g30YILFYbzGftRSiWKlgaS5Yx8m7Dd4L_8-jJW2g2Lr-B3YgAZdz_31Dj-S6RgC8e90ouOSH7-Z5LdtNBc/s1600/masks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI04BVsazbKSKLJWzUi61M_3Cg6UH4THumkbHo-s-ExY6361_Rx8JY7CHF5g30YILFYbzGftRSiWKlgaS5Yx8m7Dd4L_8-jJW2g2Lr-B3YgAZdz_31Dj-S6RgC8e90ouOSH7-Z5LdtNBc/s1600/masks.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are 24 masks to collect in Majora's Mask, and 20 unique quests to get them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The developers of the upcoming Zelda game for Wii U claim that they're going back to basics. However, I think they already have in the form of <i>Majora's Mask. </i>The game is such a good example of what makes Zelda times great, both new and old. The time where that game was seen as taboo and too different is now gone. I think it's arguably one of the most popular Zelda games to date. Hopefully the upcoming remake will do it justice, but only time will tell. I'll be playing that game as soon as it comes out, so expect a post about by thoughts of the game! With this post thus ends my series of <i>Majora's Mask</i> posts.<br />
<br />
If you're intertested in other things I've written about <i>Majora's Mask</i>, be sure to check out <a href="http://thenintendette.blogspot.com/2015/01/3-days-of-majoras-mask-love-day-1-dawn.html">my top 5 hopes for Majora's Mask 3D</a>, <a href="http://thenintendette.blogspot.com/2015/01/3-days-of-majoras-mask-love-day-2-link.html">my theory about the story of Majora's Mask and what it means</a>, the <a href="http://thenintendette.blogspot.com/2014/07/daily-easter-egg-1-majoras-mask-in.html">Majora's Mask easter egg in A Link Between Worlds</a>, <a href="http://thenintendette.blogspot.com/2015/01/easter-egg-spotlight-classic-zelda.html" target="_blank">the classic dungeon theme easter egg in Majora's Mask</a> and <a href="http://thenintendette.blogspot.com/2014/08/daily-easter-egg-18-are-some-of-masks.html">the Star Fox easter egg in Majora's Mask</a>. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-22600604292933106012015-01-07T13:34:00.001-08:002015-01-10T12:02:46.842-08:00Easter Egg Spotlight: Classic Zelda Dungeon Themes Make an Appearance in Majora's Mask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_q5VQTQxzdTJav-GO6azKOMTr_jZKAZO16nFZOp0msCnlYtKhcPy27KoM8jUzGxctrVjT0zNj6e9zg9NIyVHXBvoVOykYSk8fMup86mCoqwRpSZjQvT9FLm727KFKYH9Ivw1mmWCV60/s1600/indigo-go.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_q5VQTQxzdTJav-GO6azKOMTr_jZKAZO16nFZOp0msCnlYtKhcPy27KoM8jUzGxctrVjT0zNj6e9zg9NIyVHXBvoVOykYSk8fMup86mCoqwRpSZjQvT9FLm727KFKYH9Ivw1mmWCV60/s1600/indigo-go.png" height="316" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hit Zora band of Termina, the Indigo-Go's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Instead of doing a daily easter egg like I used to, I'd like to do more of an easter egg spotlight, highlighting my favorite easter eggs. Since I'm doing a few posts about Majora's Mask, I thought I'd do a quick little post about my favorite easter egg that I found in the game.<br />
There's a band in Majora's Mask named the Indigo-Go's. They're a popular band in Termina that's made up of Zoras, the aquatic race of the Zelda universe. When you go to Zora's Cape, you can listen in on their rehearsals. Three members of the band play classic Zelda songs when they rehearse. The first time I listened to them playing, I thought what they were playing sounded familiar, but it wasn't until I did a little research that I found out exactly what they were playing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBR5Yuhlq6bhCHJVJ5Lm4mYayTha8mygyRjop1lbbZ0pz0pB6GPoVmAvvOif88Ociz-7cpQDBWrDjg_RaoP1bSp0MPNZHb6Ci4ZlaHg4129GsOyPS0Gj1bqR3hpwby476TEB4r0m5CQBI/s1600/Tijo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBR5Yuhlq6bhCHJVJ5Lm4mYayTha8mygyRjop1lbbZ0pz0pB6GPoVmAvvOif88Ociz-7cpQDBWrDjg_RaoP1bSp0MPNZHb6Ci4ZlaHg4129GsOyPS0Gj1bqR3hpwby476TEB4r0m5CQBI/s1600/Tijo.png" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tito the drummer plays the cave theme from A Link to the Past.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66-f21pR22qHWbe-r4r_l1K4C_NxqlBE4z0WehnJKqpfSjJEoujnZkGdb2SqSOtgrkT112FSn43D4eeo_9gz-DV-sawxS0hnEcK_MZbpCvcreboSFijUCJi8b9Fjqj7v7jTC6ql2eqdM/s1600/267px-Japas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66-f21pR22qHWbe-r4r_l1K4C_NxqlBE4z0WehnJKqpfSjJEoujnZkGdb2SqSOtgrkT112FSn43D4eeo_9gz-DV-sawxS0hnEcK_MZbpCvcreboSFijUCJi8b9Fjqj7v7jTC6ql2eqdM/s1600/267px-Japas.png" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
Japas the bass player plays the dungeon theme from the original Legend of Zelda.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0XsYcf5ANsK-OH-4jpkJfF86-g7C2BRbf5yw-RtSaOGJXtsBPQ09JKmCZuW_diyhHXuCOcctA2_3L9ZtQEAhvLDCyyuzd4Qy9tww2QyrZ6mpgM8ZjPDV_zQy5uithTrBXL5RUzrf2zU/s1600/Evan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0XsYcf5ANsK-OH-4jpkJfF86-g7C2BRbf5yw-RtSaOGJXtsBPQ09JKmCZuW_diyhHXuCOcctA2_3L9ZtQEAhvLDCyyuzd4Qy9tww2QyrZ6mpgM8ZjPDV_zQy5uithTrBXL5RUzrf2zU/s1600/Evan.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Evan the keyboard/piano player plays the "Game Over" theme from the original Legend of Zelda.<br />
<br />
I tried to find individual in-game examples of this easter egg, but the closest thing I found was a Let's Play episode by Dekinosai on YouTube. He collects a few Heart Pieces, but eventually shows all of the Zora band members playing their easter egg tunes. I recommend you watch the video because this is a very fascinating easter egg, as well as a good example of the atmosphere of Majora's Mask. You can watch the video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqqFlrlsg_U" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
(<a href="http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/The_Indigo-Go's" target="_blank">Source</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-72440215998345169442015-01-05T20:30:00.000-08:002015-01-07T12:32:01.649-08:003 Days of Majora's Mask Love Day #2: Is Link in Purgatory in Majora's Mask?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMQPyfvyBFIqITx5G9Ke9r3gzwjXn7XX6SFIDFDD_yHBtgV8baGc79pDATZCQYQFni5FkNmoKHherGSjCIQ-9lzz_XgP2zeoiDyEnRz_8Fx8Zla4IIqI-qcsi5jAnzjk_2sg36FixIvE/s1600/250292zelda_majoras_mask_wall_242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMQPyfvyBFIqITx5G9Ke9r3gzwjXn7XX6SFIDFDD_yHBtgV8baGc79pDATZCQYQFni5FkNmoKHherGSjCIQ-9lzz_XgP2zeoiDyEnRz_8Fx8Zla4IIqI-qcsi5jAnzjk_2sg36FixIvE/s1600/250292zelda_majoras_mask_wall_242.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is widely regarded as being the black sheep of the Zelda franchise. It doesn't make much sense when compared to the other entries in the series, and it's nothing like the other Zelda games, or even like any other Nintendo game up to that point. Instead of saving a princess and going on a (mostly) lighthearted adventure, Link gets transported to a completely different land that isn't Hyrule and has to save it from impending doom. Seems pretty straightforward, right?<br />
<br />
Wrong.<br />
<br />
Majora's Mask is easily the most emotionally mature title in the Legend of Zelda series. It revolves around death, loss, hopelessness, and grief. More specifically, it highlights and mirrors the five stages of grief. There is a widespread theory that claims that Link himself is going through the five stages of grief in the game in order to overcome his own death. There aren't any overt occurrences in the game that prove this theory, but it can be gathered from many of the in game events that maybe Nintendo developed this game to represent something deeper than what can be gathered on the surface...<br />
<br />
(Of course, I will be delving <i>very </i>deep into this game so if you want to avoid spoilers, you better not read this!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDV8Uz6guPC06tIraVOvqcd8b4z6T3G9PdPLsm0cVcsO59aOLhtQ_6i4iqwfQa6DSgLV5shF_3YJOUb8MRu8iij7kUKkeKmnNdG3Ndv40RxQMz5qXo0MeHTDc6VZP_FzPpRRZX5yriW6E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-02+at+11.27.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDV8Uz6guPC06tIraVOvqcd8b4z6T3G9PdPLsm0cVcsO59aOLhtQ_6i4iqwfQa6DSgLV5shF_3YJOUb8MRu8iij7kUKkeKmnNdG3Ndv40RxQMz5qXo0MeHTDc6VZP_FzPpRRZX5yriW6E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-02+at+11.27.46+PM.png" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like any other great piece of art, there can be many different ways to analyze Majora's Mask beyond what you see on the surface...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, I realize that this is a really popular theory that has been talked about a lot, but when I played through the game, there were a lot of things I noticed that haven't been talked about as much. I'm an English major, so analyzing symbolism and dialogue is something I love to do, so there were many instances in Majora's Mask where I thought that there was something more being said than what was actually being said, if that makes any sense. Also, Majora's Mask is my favorite video game of all time, so it's fun to pick it apart. So, without further ado, let's start from the beginning, shall we?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFW0-WTh5mGNGFWOjvgg1dS_L6yndmOg3Wm8aPrqtVMIIXql1px3vHRHEJg1v75bgThhh03pUxr8AUu5AYeruiIxEu60uriOY-EjPNWQ1jY1LDTtvjOWEC8GMhm83xmuH6fXTVPcYA9Y/s1600/622193eacf1994dd91f40c7f04101c6d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFW0-WTh5mGNGFWOjvgg1dS_L6yndmOg3Wm8aPrqtVMIIXql1px3vHRHEJg1v75bgThhh03pUxr8AUu5AYeruiIxEu60uriOY-EjPNWQ1jY1LDTtvjOWEC8GMhm83xmuH6fXTVPcYA9Y/s1600/622193eacf1994dd91f40c7f04101c6d.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Kübler-Ross stages of grief model</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Kübler-Ross stages of grief model outlines what the average person goes through when faced with a loss of a loved one. It may look like theory on the surface, but having gone through the loss of my father 3 years ago, I can personally attest that I did indeed follow the model when grieving over the loss I experienced. The five different areas in Majora's Mask perfectly mirror the five stages of grief in order.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFm68H0qnhvKV-6cf16jKcUS_5X5d1gMD-ekL-ifxVVYDeGth03WC0eck3D57Pxumg3jZpvvvStp2m2Zrngj3y10s8a6KcJYMa_1WPNwxzRPej9KT2BJUV8llEVt-nFAUUNOPoZWAIQI/s1600/majora_s_mask__clocktown_by_uniquelegend-d6x7ovd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFm68H0qnhvKV-6cf16jKcUS_5X5d1gMD-ekL-ifxVVYDeGth03WC0eck3D57Pxumg3jZpvvvStp2m2Zrngj3y10s8a6KcJYMa_1WPNwxzRPej9KT2BJUV8llEVt-nFAUUNOPoZWAIQI/s1600/majora_s_mask__clocktown_by_uniquelegend-d6x7ovd.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somehow, the people of Clock Town don't seem to notice the ever-present and ever-terrifying moon looming over their heads, coming to bring certain doom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first stage of grief is <i>Denial. </i>Consequently, the first area of the game the player is introduced to is Clock Town, where all of the residents are in denial about the astronomically apocalyptic moon that's hanging over their heads. Even the town's resident astronomer doesn't seem to be phased by it, which is completely baffling when the moon looks the way it does. When an expert on cosmic bodies doesn't seem concerned about the danger, you know that they must be in denial. To me, the moon represents the certainty of death since it is such an apparent entity, foreboding and prominent. The moon stares you right in the face, just as death stares you in the face for all of your life. The people of Clock Town decide to ignore and deny their deaths by denying the presence of the moon.<br />
<div>
The townspeople are so much in denial that they are planning a carnival, completely ignoring the problem at hand. And when someone shows some sanity and suggests that <i>maybe </i>they should evacuate the town, they get ridiculed and accused of fear mongering.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv6UrgYybtYlTy3ACC87lyqR8tyoXJx9x2mkEYJkdeGDGiWtCv3l76zVXbZObBLp8PrzX4APLVPCLwQoib5pybuEG3jAcp1jIO5Tcxa6KBtu5xEg2REy1cXQOC4dm_5LRsAZXYcTgVc4/s1600/denial+carpenters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv6UrgYybtYlTy3ACC87lyqR8tyoXJx9x2mkEYJkdeGDGiWtCv3l76zVXbZObBLp8PrzX4APLVPCLwQoib5pybuEG3jAcp1jIO5Tcxa6KBtu5xEg2REy1cXQOC4dm_5LRsAZXYcTgVc4/s1600/denial+carpenters.png" height="260" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah the theory is certainly groundless. I mean, a moon with a face on it being unnaturally close to the ground is completely normal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The townspeople are certainly going through denial, but what are the consequences of this denial? As each of the three days that they have left to live passes, some of them come to their senses and leave, but some decide to stay. To me, this symbolizes how some people only realize they're dying when it's too late to do anything about it. The head carpenter in town stays in town for all three days, refusing to leave his work even though he faced certain doom, much like the people of Pompeii refused to leave when it was apparent that Vesuvius was going to erupt.<br />
Another example of denial in Clock Town is the longest side quest in the game which revolves around two characters who decide to stay in town and die together in order to be together. Their relationship was doomed from the start, but they waited to be together at the very last second possible. I am of course referring to Anju and Kafei, who are separated and spend the last few days of their lives trying to reunite. You could say that they are in denial about the danger around them because they are so much in love. It's touching and sweet, but also a little maddening as well. You see, Kafei was turned into a child by the Skull Kid (the little annoying imp that stole Majora's Mask), and disappeared. It's then up to Link to track Kafei down and reunite him with Anju.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQ7UIsWxxkUZNS9msJWbwuI1AUX8Rr5sjuPPXWcTwgCgu1TiGBeacvvNbUWBMw9dus9tgpo_dwIpPHcZwT7OnJ4GiVH0EUxkNFd63jvkmkHg5uIgEs5MEBKgKinGKVJcEsa4_2_-8BfM/s1600/AnjuandKafei.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQ7UIsWxxkUZNS9msJWbwuI1AUX8Rr5sjuPPXWcTwgCgu1TiGBeacvvNbUWBMw9dus9tgpo_dwIpPHcZwT7OnJ4GiVH0EUxkNFd63jvkmkHg5uIgEs5MEBKgKinGKVJcEsa4_2_-8BfM/s1600/AnjuandKafei.jpeg" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, Anju, I get that you love Kafei, but he looks like he could be your little brother.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Anju's mother tries to reason with her to get her to evacuate the town, but she won't listen to her. You must be in the deepest and most ultimate form of denial to ignore your own mother to stay in town for a guy who may or not be missing. Anju seems to be in denial about her death because she doesn't seem to care about dying at all, or even realizing that she's going to die; all she cares about is Kafei. You could also infer that Anju may just be really stubborn, but isn't being stubborn almost equal to being in denial about the truth?<br />
Not only do the characters show how Clock Town symbolizes denial, the music that plays conveys a sense of denial as well. As each day progresses, the music in Clock Town changes from cheery and pleasant to ominous and eerie. Even on the very last day, mere seconds before impending doom, the cheery melody of Clock Town plays on over the desolate and desperate melody of the final day. To get a better sense of what I'm describing, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0kXVfqPrLs" target="_blank">here</a> to experience the music for yourself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o6Y3f0hyphenhyphenUVgbjLa-gmJIuet9I_c5nfijTmLU5wP9dE9q-UT7U3u9nLwWdgO2GebUdfjz2foHUv-Vnmdc59uzJVqXDvCnhccgio2A45TyE4lhZJGGchcXpoIjx0T_duLDWJMF69_ZuHo/s1600/2c+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o6Y3f0hyphenhyphenUVgbjLa-gmJIuet9I_c5nfijTmLU5wP9dE9q-UT7U3u9nLwWdgO2GebUdfjz2foHUv-Vnmdc59uzJVqXDvCnhccgio2A45TyE4lhZJGGchcXpoIjx0T_duLDWJMF69_ZuHo/s1600/2c+07.jpg" height="342" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoa there, Deku King, let's not make decisions when we're <i>angry...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Moving on to both the next stage of grief, <i>Anger, </i>and next area the game, the player ventures to Woodfall to find that there's trouble amok. There, the Deku King's daughter (the princess) has gone missing, and he gets very angry about it. Instead of trying to look for her, he decides to punish an innocent monkey for it instead. There's no evidence that the monkey did it, other than that the monkey is actually friends with the princess and tried to save her himself. The king is just lashing out over the loss of his daughter because he's angry. Okay, so I was mistaken. You do indeed save a princess in this game, but it's less Zelda and more Deku.<br />
To add insult to injury, Woodfall is tainted with poison, and to me that poison symbolizes how anger can get in you and kill you from the inside out, like any toxin does. Once you let anger in, it festers and can destroy things quickly, as shown by how rashly the Deku King lashed out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyUsiZ01HXXf_VxiJqrlHVkH4Lz4gC-aJh9vtiWGI749hBWnnMVC36W7gCRkOmjmbV2DPxmZpCaFufLu0pMVfQYSGSrvweZZpCQa8C69LjbMPWOkYAwy_8_A0ol8DVb5begKM_rEAfv4/s1600/350px-Woodfall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyUsiZ01HXXf_VxiJqrlHVkH4Lz4gC-aJh9vtiWGI749hBWnnMVC36W7gCRkOmjmbV2DPxmZpCaFufLu0pMVfQYSGSrvweZZpCQa8C69LjbMPWOkYAwy_8_A0ol8DVb5begKM_rEAfv4/s1600/350px-Woodfall.png" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poison, like anger, can spread to other areas of your life, affecting you beyond the loss you experienced</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Deku King isn't the only person who is angry in Woodfall. The Tour Guide in the Swamp Tourist Center is embarrassed because his son acts immature for his age. If you show him a picture of his son, he gets really angry, but will give you a Heart Piece in return. Who is his son, you ask?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlm1KDk87or-5bDZWhuEH1STbn-NIiwHXLA1XB99rai3pKBGFMTUQrNPeT9pg2f8s9ddGh642iLtrCJE4YpstmsYPNOy_AizINg-dm0Y1FriyAWoNS1E4bHDJErggkqWLndLTbuEKm_g/s1600/tumblr_mduy09l9ay1rjipc5o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlm1KDk87or-5bDZWhuEH1STbn-NIiwHXLA1XB99rai3pKBGFMTUQrNPeT9pg2f8s9ddGh642iLtrCJE4YpstmsYPNOy_AizINg-dm0Y1FriyAWoNS1E4bHDJErggkqWLndLTbuEKm_g/s1600/tumblr_mduy09l9ay1rjipc5o1_500.gif" height="272" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right. It's Tingle, the 35-year-old fairy wannabe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido-p8XFlLg3xCoh_A5yfeUMPllHasC3fNmGFqUudT7liFOd0fTfBVFonwNKgFSO4jQD_LIxqUelnes-jns9Gln41-nYjAAZ40BJKd0miqxLnaBgb_E2O-o7ksRheAeVZef8YJj3aks7w/s1600/MountainVillage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido-p8XFlLg3xCoh_A5yfeUMPllHasC3fNmGFqUudT7liFOd0fTfBVFonwNKgFSO4jQD_LIxqUelnes-jns9Gln41-nYjAAZ40BJKd0miqxLnaBgb_E2O-o7ksRheAeVZef8YJj3aks7w/s1600/MountainVillage.png" height="286" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next area in the game is Snowhead, where the next stage of grief, <i>Bargaining, </i>is represented </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The player comes in to contact with characters that are experiencing <i>Bargaining </i>in the next area of the game, Snowhead. The mountain-dweling race known as the Gorons have lost their hero and leader, Darmani. Link comes in to contact with the spirit of Darmani, and he begs Link to bring him back to life. Or, you could say that he's bargaining for his life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheetQJxUCyioKkD6pPP8RDwdjY9vGVwArki_dc76Nlznum0-oMaZah2bMwDemF6jF2UHNt9xH_CaI4GX0btiIeXfHxX9KjKGCKrHCHFazaO45lbS1BYLTXZUFIkDcmaDic18oaI6nkPsk/s1600/tumblr_m7smfnlPar1rsw35fo9_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheetQJxUCyioKkD6pPP8RDwdjY9vGVwArki_dc76Nlznum0-oMaZah2bMwDemF6jF2UHNt9xH_CaI4GX0btiIeXfHxX9KjKGCKrHCHFazaO45lbS1BYLTXZUFIkDcmaDic18oaI6nkPsk/s1600/tumblr_m7smfnlPar1rsw35fo9_1280.png" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After Link plays the Song of Healing, sealing Darmani's spirit into a mask, he encourages Link to read about his life story so he can better understand how to live life in Darmani's stead. As mentioned above, one of the aspects of bargaining is the desire to tell one's story. Also, Darmani seems to be really confused about what happens, and tries to bargain with the fact that he can't be dead, which is also a classic sign of bargaining.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv0xL2VIZ0sYzsReXxHIHndMnSGAKKu8UITUiDFrWKCWVKgUDkkgcFV9j0ZASVJRp6acdbiQx8BgA2gEvuPsCSSm5vzsOLC4TAbjrriz3-JwPm-Mox8Uy_2xNeTjhXV1U1uq7CBnu4qE/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv0xL2VIZ0sYzsReXxHIHndMnSGAKKu8UITUiDFrWKCWVKgUDkkgcFV9j0ZASVJRp6acdbiQx8BgA2gEvuPsCSSm5vzsOLC4TAbjrriz3-JwPm-Mox8Uy_2xNeTjhXV1U1uq7CBnu4qE/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lulu the Zora is <i>Depressed </i>over the loss of her eggs<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfj-oT_jNO5kxSaAdaxW_tYoLBTVWrkH4X9yeJL8vR5CvCX8Ff6dITRfxu9I3ZBUdcimFhCA-840MEmq6TeilIpc5shKSD4MAVkEhKBu9eIMjCFDkHOYmuDzizZWoLUVheCcFgIeM-0E/s1600/tumblr_ml05usyzru1rnmjr5o1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfj-oT_jNO5kxSaAdaxW_tYoLBTVWrkH4X9yeJL8vR5CvCX8Ff6dITRfxu9I3ZBUdcimFhCA-840MEmq6TeilIpc5shKSD4MAVkEhKBu9eIMjCFDkHOYmuDzizZWoLUVheCcFgIeM-0E/s1600/tumblr_ml05usyzru1rnmjr5o1_250.gif" height="417" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next stage of grief is <i>Depression</i>. After dealing with bargaining, the player heads to Great Bay to meet Lulu the Zora, who has lost her eggs. She is the singer of the Zora band, the Indigo-Go's, and Link has to take the form of Mikau, the slain Zora guitarist in order to find Lulu's eggs. Mikau went to recover the eggs himself, but was killed in the process. Lulu refuses to sing until her eggs are recovered. All she does is stand around, staring at the sea, silent. She's too sad to speak, let alone sing. Depression is also associated with detachment, which makes sense in Lulu's case because she refuses to let anyone help her, not to mention that she stands alone, not seeking the company of the rest of her race in the tough time she's going through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaq1M263gG07zW2Pqkf9s74PjJnl7bRKZIyQcRcGVS0IDYq_psuLsjBcZ0R6mrilII5YuOdQ3AVv4ta05q61PzeiG_UzFxVN1bOB27FZLiKulGF8UrRktOFuEA0ivlUOzUEP2EvNUmCA/s1600/891c116d0a0adf271ca1c92f55f6ae88-d49o66h.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaq1M263gG07zW2Pqkf9s74PjJnl7bRKZIyQcRcGVS0IDYq_psuLsjBcZ0R6mrilII5YuOdQ3AVv4ta05q61PzeiG_UzFxVN1bOB27FZLiKulGF8UrRktOFuEA0ivlUOzUEP2EvNUmCA/s1600/891c116d0a0adf271ca1c92f55f6ae88-d49o66h.png" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The last area of the game before the finale is Ikana Valley. The stage of grief modeled here is <i>Acceptance. </i>While Ikana Valley is a place of death, the undead beings that exist here are comfortable and accepting of their existence. The most prominent example of acceptance in Ikana Valley is the Stone Tower temple. The temple requires Link to ascend into the heavens to accept his death. To complete the temple, you must flip it around so you face the ground. To me, this symbolizes the ascent to heaven, or the descent to hell. Before the boss fight, Link acquires the Giant's Mask in order to fight the boss. To me, this symbolizes Link achieving comfort with his death, and becoming larger in life because of it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpxJkVT5OTLqbKM-bhEvn0O12n171YwDfjTM7DaKn8lYKLH7oP9T6ufah20y8cCWgiaTsJt5QbUk6u8OB7Bzo8LWJjbDrDwmLXgxGxM_VXdR68vGpHF2MR7UIJFg7oN0cQ2bV-Ws0fZU/s1600/Stone-Tower-Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpxJkVT5OTLqbKM-bhEvn0O12n171YwDfjTM7DaKn8lYKLH7oP9T6ufah20y8cCWgiaTsJt5QbUk6u8OB7Bzo8LWJjbDrDwmLXgxGxM_VXdR68vGpHF2MR7UIJFg7oN0cQ2bV-Ws0fZU/s1600/Stone-Tower-Temple.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Stone Tower Temple, you either ascend into the heavens, or descend into hell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqZhhqaHmGoUoOSpPrsFx5Y2RYu74cgFZ53GAifU-5EqLyPX0ANXRiWYF-ZNvz2qxrxJFmInC8Qem6wkKnsEkzujv5iB86njwn_vMokeh7O5A5IiWxE9grDnFg6PQtowMBzztzwq_JHI/s1600/elegystatues.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqZhhqaHmGoUoOSpPrsFx5Y2RYu74cgFZ53GAifU-5EqLyPX0ANXRiWYF-ZNvz2qxrxJFmInC8Qem6wkKnsEkzujv5iB86njwn_vMokeh7O5A5IiWxE9grDnFg6PQtowMBzztzwq_JHI/s1600/elegystatues.png" height="296" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Elegy of Emptiness creates funeral effigies for the deceased characters, including Link</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In order to ascend upwards, Link must make statues of the dead spirits he has healed. According to popular theory, these statues represent funeral effigies for those who have died. He's literally paying homage to the spirits that helped him along his journey by creating effigies of them. Link can create statues of the three spirits he has healed, along with a statue of himself. If he can create statues for the other characters because they're dead, that would mean that he is dead as well since he can make a statue for himself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94H1hnCYvWBD1rF_DFoGqahoklJJCv5jzDIHPkCB940ZlvO07IeqIYuKd9N_p9KwHEG7iSpKfi8aTLPAGYmrVvdsS3_mUPPr1is1n8PZAg1joUXBKEBLHbvYYcxjIE73jP08wj9649Bg/s1600/160px-MM_Pamela_and_Father.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94H1hnCYvWBD1rF_DFoGqahoklJJCv5jzDIHPkCB940ZlvO07IeqIYuKd9N_p9KwHEG7iSpKfi8aTLPAGYmrVvdsS3_mUPPr1is1n8PZAg1joUXBKEBLHbvYYcxjIE73jP08wj9649Bg/s1600/160px-MM_Pamela_and_Father.png" height="400" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another story of acceptance is that of Pamela and her dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
In order to proceed onwards with the plot, Link must get the Gibdo mask from Pamela's dad. Her dad has been turned into a Gibdo (think mummy mixed with zombie) and it's up to Link to save him. However, even though Pamela may be scared of her father the way he is, she accepts him and protects him. However, when Link turns him back to normal, they have a touching scene where they reunite. I can honestly say that seeing Pamela reunited with her father is the only time a video game has made me cry. That moment touched upon the feelings I felt during the time I lost my own father. Even though Pamela was able to be reunited with her father since he wasn't truly gone, I think the whole situation can symbolize that even when we lose someone, they're not truly gone; they can live on in our hearts and minds, and it's up to us to accept their death the way it is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs4LO5W8ZzECW3eIVVn7ASREniXEAfGN1qe4310dmL6i9eED69PSHf044ZJSQBnjpWJO8kJJENGly3H-EMilBZmpUgMqoEImbIj8ql9B2_ivUFtn_BOJo-CCKQJsdmFta6TK69tyGtQQ/s1600/Majoras-Mask-Moon-Field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs4LO5W8ZzECW3eIVVn7ASREniXEAfGN1qe4310dmL6i9eED69PSHf044ZJSQBnjpWJO8kJJENGly3H-EMilBZmpUgMqoEImbIj8ql9B2_ivUFtn_BOJo-CCKQJsdmFta6TK69tyGtQQ/s1600/Majoras-Mask-Moon-Field.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm: the very last stage before Link can fully accept his death.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Zi3Rr2SDabc%252FVKd6TkRlWXI%252FAAAAAAAAAgo%252FZHiWnoPVlXg%252Fs1600%252Fdenial%25252Bcarpenters.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2505px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Zi3Rr2SDabc%252FVKd6TkRlWXI%252FAAAAAAAAAgo%252FZHiWnoPVlXg%252Fs1600%252Fdenial%25252Bcarpenters.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2505px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Zi3Rr2SDabc%252FVKd6TkRlWXI%252FAAAAAAAAAgo%252FZHiWnoPVlXg%252Fs1600%252Fdenial%25252Bcarpenters.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2505px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Zi3Rr2SDabc%252FVKd6TkRlWXI%252FAAAAAAAAAgo%252FZHiWnoPVlXg%252Fs1600%252Fdenial%25252Bcarpenters.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2505px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-_J8HV3JLmDM%252FVKd1wlcsYaI%252FAAAAAAAAAgU%252FBgvJDH51xsI%252Fs1600%252Fmajora_s_mask__clocktown_by_uniquelegend-d6x7ovd.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1953px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-_J8HV3JLmDM%252FVKd1wlcsYaI%252FAAAAAAAAAgU%252FBgvJDH51xsI%252Fs1600%252Fmajora_s_mask__clocktown_by_uniquelegend-d6x7ovd.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1953px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>After Link conquers and goes through each stage of grief, he then can come face to face with the evil that has been plaguing his journey to acceptance: Skull Kid and Majora. To me, this last part of the game is the most symbolic. Link journeys inside the moon in order to confront Skull Kid. Inside the moon, he finds the scene pictured above. It seems so surreal that such a serene place would exist inside something that looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhSFlHKiby5zUsoX-ocgWrNB8G8upvuD9nCqRbbmtu4d_ogvrhEuZ79zHdynsgPLGd18Af3g4-56STiJ6kN9fbWn-l1CAW-IRinuYckq41D1xsX1ycbIxJNbRBpun4goKf12NM_HH1Rk/s1600/top10n644zeldamajorasmask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhSFlHKiby5zUsoX-ocgWrNB8G8upvuD9nCqRbbmtu4d_ogvrhEuZ79zHdynsgPLGd18Af3g4-56STiJ6kN9fbWn-l1CAW-IRinuYckq41D1xsX1ycbIxJNbRBpun4goKf12NM_HH1Rk/s1600/top10n644zeldamajorasmask.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Even though he has overcome every stage of grief, his journey to acceptance isn't over yet. Inside the moon, there exist the "moon children". There are five of them, one for each area of the game. Four wear the masks of the bosses you have defeated, while one wears Majora's Mask. Link must talk to each child and give them some of the masks he's collected. He then enters into a kind of mini-dungeon that represents each dungeon he has overcome so far. It's like he's re-living the experiences that brought him to acceptance. I see these moon children as the final gatekeepers before Link can get to heaven. By giving the children the masks he's earned through his experiences in Termina, he's proving that he is worthy of entering paradise. However, even after he's proven himself to the moon children, he must prove that he can defeat what I think symbolizes his death: Majora himself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFnsG-V2FHzc1I6g7vU12aDd588jxmGY0sAN3dBBDEg3FRAVhhmAmp7NxKrQy8DvD2v2LYS1RP9piES_hEkl5FRJHvaqw_FScORED-Qu5y_JerBl36lH_s0CMH3gdMRtv0SrI7NckCTA/s1600/Moonchildren.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFnsG-V2FHzc1I6g7vU12aDd588jxmGY0sAN3dBBDEg3FRAVhhmAmp7NxKrQy8DvD2v2LYS1RP9piES_hEkl5FRJHvaqw_FScORED-Qu5y_JerBl36lH_s0CMH3gdMRtv0SrI7NckCTA/s1600/Moonchildren.png" height="342" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moon children. Each mask represents a stage of grief and boss that Link has defeated except Majora. Majora represents Link's death itself. Link cannot fully overcome his death unless he defeats Majora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If Link collects all 24 masks, he gets access to the Fierce Deity's mask. By wearing this mask, Link transforms into his adult self, except he is super powerful. To me, this symbolizes that Link has fully come to terms with each stage of grief and now has the true power to fully overcome his death, Majora.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGaMGfycoJE9oEyLkxjJeBKdZ4ASUGxLMY84QxbJQETpg1vb6qNUqlzLUC-0B4w3OHWp2hecTnROcPGddoUq5V1H1DS89eP0CEcmuPqtZf8NBexguLToBjb8EW1Fu4TltPDN_jrNTopc/s1600/Fierce_Deity_Link.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGaMGfycoJE9oEyLkxjJeBKdZ4ASUGxLMY84QxbJQETpg1vb6qNUqlzLUC-0B4w3OHWp2hecTnROcPGddoUq5V1H1DS89eP0CEcmuPqtZf8NBexguLToBjb8EW1Fu4TltPDN_jrNTopc/s1600/Fierce_Deity_Link.png" height="640" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_De7rK25Tm9ami-F5ybzU3Dm9JfEAOpAty7OtVYeE_qBHOfQ8S-ciHlajQt_79T6oeGC_8N-Yvjz16jGs4FaJVZKHx_YkQJQqcB_pQdNHjTRqnxLtA93IkBqBS-zs-ZB7sSC-PUKfsE/s1600/FierceDeitysMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_De7rK25Tm9ami-F5ybzU3Dm9JfEAOpAty7OtVYeE_qBHOfQ8S-ciHlajQt_79T6oeGC_8N-Yvjz16jGs4FaJVZKHx_YkQJQqcB_pQdNHjTRqnxLtA93IkBqBS-zs-ZB7sSC-PUKfsE/s1600/FierceDeitysMask.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The question is posed whether or not the Fierce Deity is as evil as Majora. To me, the Fierce Deity represents what Link could have become if he had not died. Only after healing everyone's sorrows, Link has access to the ultimate weapon to use against Majora, fulfilling his true potential. After Link defeats Majora, Skull Kid and Link get closure. This is the ultimate symbol of Link overcoming and accepting his death since Skull Kid seems to be the one responsible for everything that has happened to Link. Everything goes back to normal and the evil leaves the mask, like nothing had ever happened. Finally, the three day cycle is over, symbolizing Link's acceptance of his death. A Dawn of a New Day arrives, and the journey that Link went through almost seems pointless.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3hyphenhyphenoyCt0b6IdmLZZLF7qPH5fWx647jXuSYjbFo8E_ky8X5MqKN-oF2WJjCHGj_wlzszNFqbBBkDzw8fRKsW-wQtgGjt0kcQL9A6nH0Cofjnsz1iBv1Cg93BNJks-1NignyNMSH5v_8M/s1600/tumblr_m6ui4cfsLm1rvz8hto1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3hyphenhyphenoyCt0b6IdmLZZLF7qPH5fWx647jXuSYjbFo8E_ky8X5MqKN-oF2WJjCHGj_wlzszNFqbBBkDzw8fRKsW-wQtgGjt0kcQL9A6nH0Cofjnsz1iBv1Cg93BNJks-1NignyNMSH5v_8M/s1600/tumblr_m6ui4cfsLm1rvz8hto1_500.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The evil possessed by the mask and the way it affected Skull Kid seems random and unfair. I think this random, unfair evil symbolizes how death can be random, or unfair. They say that only the good die young, and that's obviously what happened to Link (at least in my eyes).<br />
And so, the carnival does indeed take place, and Link (although not invited to it) rides off without even seeming to want to enjoy the place he saved by attending the carnival. Why? Well, because his work there is done. With the evil gone and his death overcome, he can finally move on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpUTwqcKt0Bva0DcZ3hduXnAQsJll_Gmk5V70OjOpCQsS0KZEoCHqIObG5B9TQlNk1Mi9rSg6ng9NFxXIrG6oQy394DyaRYI2CUbmUen3aLIBGZr3tvgg-ODPjXhrG9DjY9JC5RFn64c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-05+at+3.32.04+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpUTwqcKt0Bva0DcZ3hduXnAQsJll_Gmk5V70OjOpCQsS0KZEoCHqIObG5B9TQlNk1Mi9rSg6ng9NFxXIrG6oQy394DyaRYI2CUbmUen3aLIBGZr3tvgg-ODPjXhrG9DjY9JC5RFn64c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-05+at+3.32.04+AM.jpg" height="260" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Tatl knows that Link's work is done and that he should take his leave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv8hQU-DL_YkTmfHQnZJnr3RgXoStDZxpRd0nERijEgR_CyyQ9ON85WElnI9PpDk7WziRxug5ZsiwnUtZfSIbk3bUoXih0-2ajwuwqd-RmybDNM4Z6_MgNfEeh5Iw7hnhrMx_uRqiGic/s1600/267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv8hQU-DL_YkTmfHQnZJnr3RgXoStDZxpRd0nERijEgR_CyyQ9ON85WElnI9PpDk7WziRxug5ZsiwnUtZfSIbk3bUoXih0-2ajwuwqd-RmybDNM4Z6_MgNfEeh5Iw7hnhrMx_uRqiGic/s1600/267.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so he does, riding off into the light...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5oSfVWz31M7WdbEu7EZal68koZz-2r1rfsM6NtPiCHqM3TY1PtRx4Xm5l0g4qUncYOoSFVm7jvTRsbsxTFQizmdvA5bLpjULE1zkh69xN-I4Lw3kusTG33QVVMVj7xWjRTxrTIr-GSU/s1600/Majoras_Mask___The_End_by_ZelosWilder_Marvin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5oSfVWz31M7WdbEu7EZal68koZz-2r1rfsM6NtPiCHqM3TY1PtRx4Xm5l0g4qUncYOoSFVm7jvTRsbsxTFQizmdvA5bLpjULE1zkh69xN-I4Lw3kusTG33QVVMVj7xWjRTxrTIr-GSU/s1600/Majoras_Mask___The_End_by_ZelosWilder_Marvin.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end. Literally.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6DaZvCwHx2Q%252FVKnePQ3hkYI%252FAAAAAAAAAj4%252FVfZKr_jNHq8%252Fs1600%252Felegystatues.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 8516px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6DaZvCwHx2Q%252FVKnePQ3hkYI%252FAAAAAAAAAj4%252FVfZKr_jNHq8%252Fs1600%252Felegystatues.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 8516px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6DaZvCwHx2Q%252FVKnePQ3hkYI%252FAAAAAAAAAj4%252FVfZKr_jNHq8%252Fs1600%252Felegystatues.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 8516px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6DaZvCwHx2Q%252FVKnePQ3hkYI%252FAAAAAAAAAj4%252FVfZKr_jNHq8%252Fs1600%252Felegystatues.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 8516px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6DaZvCwHx2Q%252FVKnePQ3hkYI%252FAAAAAAAAAj4%252FVfZKr_jNHq8%252Fs1600%252Felegystatues.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 8516px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6DaZvCwHx2Q%252FVKnePQ3hkYI%252FAAAAAAAAAj4%252FVfZKr_jNHq8%252Fs1600%252Felegystatues.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 8516px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
Lastly (well, almost, I still have a bit more to say), I interpret the end screen of this game as being Link's grave. He's pictured with Skull Kid and the four giants on a tree stump as pictured above. This represents the journey he went on. There's the beginning and end of his problems, represented by Skull Kid, and the personification of his efforts in Termina with the giants representing 4 of the 5 stages of grief (Skull Kid being the 5th).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>So, in a nutshell, this is my theory of what happened:</u></b></span><br />
<br />
Okay, so in the beginning of the game, we have our hero Link riding into the woods to look for Navi, the fairy that aided him in his quest in the last game. I think by this point, Link had already passed away. The woods look different. They're misty and desolate, nothing like the woods we saw in Ocarina of Time.<br />
It is said in Ocarina of Time that anyone who wanders into the woods and gets lost who is not a child of the forest (a Kokiri) will be turned into a Stalfos, a skeleton-like monster. It is revealed in Ocarina of Time that Link is not a Kokiri, meaning that if he gets lost in the woods, he can become a Stalfos. So, I believe that Link got lost in the woods while looking for Navi and became a Stalfos.<br />
To back up my theory even more, let's fast forward to Twilight Princess, another installment in the Legend of Zelda franchise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpB_XLpfnSsnTowR1oLrzKJqtjn4xIqS3o57eUd-VI2ojDmrQSqsUzN3uMyn35jo_6Q08AygE6SBVPeqtBci3GciMU2a1HNxtW8vUe-4mjQ-CIT3NgFtqUeLSuNmGO0xtRTDH1NrvMz0/s1600/2mzac0k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpB_XLpfnSsnTowR1oLrzKJqtjn4xIqS3o57eUd-VI2ojDmrQSqsUzN3uMyn35jo_6Q08AygE6SBVPeqtBci3GciMU2a1HNxtW8vUe-4mjQ-CIT3NgFtqUeLSuNmGO0xtRTDH1NrvMz0/s1600/2mzac0k.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Hyrule Historia, A.K.A. The Bible of the Zelda Universe, says about The Hero's Shade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0t8EabMy7_5xzBy9L9ZPla83NhWDouyznkYudCP_0SOO8c0Un6PFDVl_b-jYlh6qOJs5zCCKny7qXQJ8u9-GuPSpvBbp7xYm7UecIGgOmX92rbNXejVvHqXK362V0iav8HK6zZgz4Us/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-05+at+4.15.11+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0t8EabMy7_5xzBy9L9ZPla83NhWDouyznkYudCP_0SOO8c0Un6PFDVl_b-jYlh6qOJs5zCCKny7qXQJ8u9-GuPSpvBbp7xYm7UecIGgOmX92rbNXejVvHqXK362V0iav8HK6zZgz4Us/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-05+at+4.15.11+AM.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In Twilight Princess, an entity known as the Hero's Shade teaches Link secret techniques. He desires to do this because he "could not convey the lessons of that lift those who came after". In Hyrule Historia, it is confirmed that the Hero's Shade is the spirit of the Hero of Time, A.K.A. Link in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. So, why wouldn't the Hero of Time be able to convey the lessons he learned? Something must have happened to him. He wasn't able to carry on the hero's legacy because he died in the forest, becoming a Stalfos. He even appears in Stalfos form in Twilight Princess, as pictured above. That's also why I think Link's grave is that stump in the woods; that's where he died.<br />
To further prove that the Hero's Shade is Link from OOT and MM, he's left handed like Link, and many of the songs he knows are from Ocarina and Majora. He also says the phrase "believe in your strengths", something also said by the Happy Mask Salesman, a pivotal character in Majora's Mask.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk77vmWCNGOsmyv62NzEw-ET7HKp_hwVAWg3RJncr0Log-tDSnA0oRKcZr6YHKZGEFg1bKaAFqbYCtGPVehwUgOtCxl_qjB31YCR2Akl6FTsDB76i_h8y8JnlGNi85tmORXFsoYCVABg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-05+at+8.34.54+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk77vmWCNGOsmyv62NzEw-ET7HKp_hwVAWg3RJncr0Log-tDSnA0oRKcZr6YHKZGEFg1bKaAFqbYCtGPVehwUgOtCxl_qjB31YCR2Akl6FTsDB76i_h8y8JnlGNi85tmORXFsoYCVABg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-05+at+8.34.54+PM.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwE3czedcQjgFESpnBKrDsU-w1DcnhBxosL7Bbl1vBJEc_xXtsOPrf11pzH7cEZqvYKn5wlvVvGUelMaPFYMr4CAcbjXW7ic1OFDPUYIyoZ2VyM3pvi2ZVqscZVOGXasAFf7mMQTTSzg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-05+at+9.22.41+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwE3czedcQjgFESpnBKrDsU-w1DcnhBxosL7Bbl1vBJEc_xXtsOPrf11pzH7cEZqvYKn5wlvVvGUelMaPFYMr4CAcbjXW7ic1OFDPUYIyoZ2VyM3pvi2ZVqscZVOGXasAFf7mMQTTSzg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-05+at+9.22.41+PM.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Hyrule Historia also says that he wasn't remembered as a hero. Having saved the kingdom from the ultimate evil, you think he would have been. To reiterate, <i>something </i>must have happened to him for him not to be remembered, such as him completely turning into a form that is so different from his own. To me, the evidence is overwhelming.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXooI7-Gf3yyoG7wJyRZLpwAmiku4RdFttEAxD_uNMwtop20bHO9-_eu0FV1rVVJRms1kFv0VzGgD0D2TROibjB_2MKbYGnbAWpJgGgfr7itK0-8ejWJZI5EOhnEfnM-q4Fzd8EX79WtQ/s1600/ztime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXooI7-Gf3yyoG7wJyRZLpwAmiku4RdFttEAxD_uNMwtop20bHO9-_eu0FV1rVVJRms1kFv0VzGgD0D2TROibjB_2MKbYGnbAWpJgGgfr7itK0-8ejWJZI5EOhnEfnM-q4Fzd8EX79WtQ/s1600/ztime.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zelda timeline as it appears in Hyrule Historia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This theory also makes sense with the official Zelda timeline. Majora's Mask is a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, and Twilight Princess (the game in which the Hero's Shade appears) comes after Majora's Mask. It is also said in The Wind Waker that the Hero of Time disappeared, resulting in Hyrule being flooded. While The Wind Waker takes place in a different timeline known as the Adult Era and Majora being in the Child Era, it still makes sense to me that the Hero of Time's disappearance would be him falling in the forest as a child, never becoming an adult, meaning that the Hero was gone from Hyrule, leaving it unprotected, resulting in the events that take place in The Wind Waker. The Hero's Shade and the timeline are in my opinion the strongest evidence supporting this theory, considering that this is all information that is confirmed to be canon by Nintendo.<br />
Going back to the game itself, Majora's Mask just has a really surreal feel to it. Everything in the game seems otherworldly, like it can't be real. I mean, there are aliens in this game. Aliens.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn6nhqRrWbKJWS7ySPmxM75QZAlAlRdhyphenhyphenW5awma63UVG3Ke6gnQIAxQ4w5XMINffD_LSmgYEXS13LrPColQCDV_w0OlhMZK-CdcvKFVuWqeAVGF-7fYOcgJZh5XPoZylDfi78AN8UdUg/s1600/RomaniRanchAbduction-450x243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn6nhqRrWbKJWS7ySPmxM75QZAlAlRdhyphenhyphenW5awma63UVG3Ke6gnQIAxQ4w5XMINffD_LSmgYEXS13LrPColQCDV_w0OlhMZK-CdcvKFVuWqeAVGF-7fYOcgJZh5XPoZylDfi78AN8UdUg/s1600/RomaniRanchAbduction-450x243.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup. That's a cow being abducted by aliens in a Zelda game. It seems too weird to be true, mostly because it probably is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I believe that the events Link goes through in Majora's Mask are his very own form of purgatory. I mean, why else would this game take place in any other place besides Hyrule? Majora's Mask takes place in a world known as Termina, which is one letter short from "Terminal" as in "the end". Termina seems like it's a completely different world apart from Hyrule. After all, it does have its own nightmare inducing moon. Link fell into Termina though a hole in a tree. How does one fall into another world, especially one with its own sky? It doesn't seem like something that could be a part of reality. Besides, all of the normal elements of a Zelda game are absent from Majora's Mask, including well, <i>Zelda.</i> Ganondorf isn't in this game, and neither is the Master Sword. In fact, Link barely seems to remember what happened to him before he arrived in Termina.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzqFS3GREcSGbTAU_Ty5XRiBf-lVE45-Kk_AQOEBn90yxiyIL3IyHq2F2VhCp2j42KV7okUP7NmIrkom6QHq-1bUdhPvOhZ4yZdsWwG3gfmT8vZSHmtStoF51UAF3cTbbsC0WBXstijM/s1600/Princess-Zelda-Majoras-Mask.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzqFS3GREcSGbTAU_Ty5XRiBf-lVE45-Kk_AQOEBn90yxiyIL3IyHq2F2VhCp2j42KV7okUP7NmIrkom6QHq-1bUdhPvOhZ4yZdsWwG3gfmT8vZSHmtStoF51UAF3cTbbsC0WBXstijM/s1600/Princess-Zelda-Majoras-Mask.png" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Link remembers Zelda giving him the Ocarina, but that's it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
His memories of what happened in Ocarina of Time seem very distant, as if they happened in a past life. There's another Zelda title that didn't take place in Hyrule, and Ganon, the Master Sword and Zelda were absent—Link's Awakening. Spoiler alert, but everything that happens in that game turns out to be a dream. So, that leads me to believe that when key Zelda elements are missing from a game, the events that take place may not be real. At least, that seems to be the case with Majora's Mask and Link's Awakening. Both games are also very...strange to say the least. I don't think it's a coincidence when probably the strangest Zelda titles of the bunch have so many similarities, causing me to believe that Majora's Mask also may be some sort of dream or purgatory.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadUBvd0ai2vxcH-v1XoOhhC7thJeBV_MTW8iF9wwFCnFw1v8OtLh6_QUOMRSJc1xlTnimsuC7WEC0ZEnKOcpdl5AiwNjyJkHmZYknEkhCU40l63mYPuV5N935tuEgD0znbqOJffGJNnc/s1600/Links_Awakening_box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadUBvd0ai2vxcH-v1XoOhhC7thJeBV_MTW8iF9wwFCnFw1v8OtLh6_QUOMRSJc1xlTnimsuC7WEC0ZEnKOcpdl5AiwNjyJkHmZYknEkhCU40l63mYPuV5N935tuEgD0znbqOJffGJNnc/s1600/Links_Awakening_box.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIPtBG99vkN2ByMpF8IT_Vn7QxuekfUZkL1yAfpPFnnVSOuNJ3Y54tJ1cVZ2VLPBdhHvRtv9WgLd70l0uoxRzg2QQko2cRiJFNg9-xMsjFl56gHV95sPWUnakjcfOn8Lg6887CbN63_Q/s1600/gbzeldafish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIPtBG99vkN2ByMpF8IT_Vn7QxuekfUZkL1yAfpPFnnVSOuNJ3Y54tJ1cVZ2VLPBdhHvRtv9WgLd70l0uoxRzg2QQko2cRiJFNg9-xMsjFl56gHV95sPWUnakjcfOn8Lg6887CbN63_Q/s1600/gbzeldafish.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything Link experiences in Link's Awakening is a product of the Wind Fish's dreamy imagination</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, Link dies in the forest, his body becomes a Stalfos, and his spirit moves on to the pergetory-like Termina where he must accept his death, represented by the Skull Kid and Majora's Mask. Once these two are defeated, he can finally move on. But, his regrets weren't fully eased, and he must pass down his teachings to Link in Twilight Princess to fully move on.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>My theory about the prevalence of time and grief in Majora's Mask:</u></b></span><br />
<br />
When I was in high school, one of the Biology classes did a big project about how humans deal with grief, which sparked my interest in the topic. They covered the Kübler-Ross stages of grief, but also talked about something called "The Loop".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8AO6yd9taq0Uc77MCw7E_XMjVZ7gsjvSNVA5OV9G6fN77QTvxwf9N5X1fm5F6LkP0qKOYK-cxf_ip_5K9TG9x9FAtB79h1Rcp9zBJcn06uqDkgzxb487gXBfRE8ZBQFERozMoD8rSJo/s1600/grief+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8AO6yd9taq0Uc77MCw7E_XMjVZ7gsjvSNVA5OV9G6fN77QTvxwf9N5X1fm5F6LkP0qKOYK-cxf_ip_5K9TG9x9FAtB79h1Rcp9zBJcn06uqDkgzxb487gXBfRE8ZBQFERozMoD8rSJo/s1600/grief+wheel.jpg" height="640" width="552" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"The Loop", besides being the neighborhood in Chicago I live in, is how people often deal with grief. You see, grief isn't a linear journey; we constantly cycle back though the different stages, sometimes ceaselessly. I think this is represented in the 3 day mechanic in Majora's Mask. People cycle through the stages of grief over ad over again until they come to terms with the death they experienced. Also, the "Grief Wheel" also bears an uncanny likeness to something else in Majora's Mask...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lRZMSsK0sxdZiF97QqSECClFkYpJ0OCaaXaMDLFkP87LPEpQSljvu1ZYDv952mu17ZRW1QHV_KiaV36A6FOvNyurfBk8HTn4PSqjlb9d-WQ6agzA42g5gDogiZG7mn8yzo4PS7QRBnI/s1600/Clock_Tower___Majora__s_Mask_by_Iori20XX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lRZMSsK0sxdZiF97QqSECClFkYpJ0OCaaXaMDLFkP87LPEpQSljvu1ZYDv952mu17ZRW1QHV_KiaV36A6FOvNyurfBk8HTn4PSqjlb9d-WQ6agzA42g5gDogiZG7mn8yzo4PS7QRBnI/s1600/Clock_Tower___Majora__s_Mask_by_Iori20XX.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clocks are an ever apparent symbol in Majora's Mask</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The themes of time and grief in Majora's Mask seem to compliment each other. It takes time to get over death, but also time is feared, due to the inevitability of death. Yet, clocks are <i>everywhere </i>in Majora's Mask, a constant reminder that time is always running out. The game revolves around themes of grief and time, so to me it makes sense for the game's lead protagonist to be involved in those themes as well. Not to mention that Majora's Mask can be extremely creepy and unsettling, and not even just to children; this game gave me the heebie-jeebies on more than one occasion. The apocalyptic setting and the macabre imagery make me believe that this game is trying to make a point; the main character is going though something truly terrifying and pivotal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAWWNvKVMkJm6FanKchTxP25mn6pC6rKordnmIbNe2qQFCXQAOfpbb6jtjBVuIFds09SHRFzqkMpXIBnErPf82GeI5jKh0aedB_1Q2MvXFfkB0yrJzf5yw8ufOJvSVQvQWZ15NWjv2L0/s1600/tumblr_mnh9hfWB3G1sps423o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAWWNvKVMkJm6FanKchTxP25mn6pC6rKordnmIbNe2qQFCXQAOfpbb6jtjBVuIFds09SHRFzqkMpXIBnErPf82GeI5jKh0aedB_1Q2MvXFfkB0yrJzf5yw8ufOJvSVQvQWZ15NWjv2L0/s1600/tumblr_mnh9hfWB3G1sps423o1_500.gif" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The transformation cutscenes are some of the most terrifying and unsettling elements in the game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A lot of the characters in Majora's Mask are quite creepy as well, and there's one in particular I'd like to talk about.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>My theory about the Happy Mask Salesman's character:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
Before I say anything else, let me say that the Happy Mask Salesman is probably one of my favorite video game characters of all time, if not my absolute favorite. He has this air of mystery and hilarity about him. He's quirky, serious, foreboding, and not to mention terrifying all at the same time. He's a pivotal character in the game, and the first character Link comes into contact with when he enters Termina.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeUGStQZAIrnFx8zpIUIPXKk41AfpxB4zsWEBSsU-54_EVac9q0TOZ88p492Fq2wg0sY4irVCkPoW53dZFoWPfNu0gfEkp5yVuIO5J1jspUxWAGF9uop6FcAXqwCuPB4snDrej6IkLpw/s1600/tumblr_lq6ta8OKYh1qgxqem.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeUGStQZAIrnFx8zpIUIPXKk41AfpxB4zsWEBSsU-54_EVac9q0TOZ88p492Fq2wg0sY4irVCkPoW53dZFoWPfNu0gfEkp5yVuIO5J1jspUxWAGF9uop6FcAXqwCuPB4snDrej6IkLpw/s1600/tumblr_lq6ta8OKYh1qgxqem.png" height="416" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very first thing the Happy Mask Salesman says to you, and probably the most famous line in the game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Happy Mask Salesman plays a very important role in the game. He turns Link back into a human and gives him the most important tool that he will use in his journey through Termina— the Song of Healing. He tasks Link with getting Majora's Mask back from Skull Kid, so you could say that he really pushes him to conquer his death, or so I theorize.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfFBSvcibanr3XgByxZIO8wP7fFNf4koqYaZ-g2ZQBW7nWlZqUGiv7DqjGmLYnmybI8zxn9oB4Z__R3er4rJYHSK8Z4uZVUCv6M_PRr2OIkdqvivhAMdzXZ5R_ANzoMJDkvMb6XnesvE/s1600/tumblr_m41sfpX3x41qhw0eio6_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfFBSvcibanr3XgByxZIO8wP7fFNf4koqYaZ-g2ZQBW7nWlZqUGiv7DqjGmLYnmybI8zxn9oB4Z__R3er4rJYHSK8Z4uZVUCv6M_PRr2OIkdqvivhAMdzXZ5R_ANzoMJDkvMb6XnesvE/s1600/tumblr_m41sfpX3x41qhw0eio6_400.gif" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He may be a bit spazzy, but the Happy Mask Salesman has a lot of power</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since the HMS pushes Link to defeat Skull Kid, I think that he represents a god-like figure, at least in Termina. Since I also theorize that Majora's Mask itself represents death, it would make sense for a god-like figure to want such power back—because only he as a deity should be able to give out death, so to speak. It's like he's trying to write the wrong that Majora's Mask (death) placed upon Link since his death in the woods was so untimely.<br />
The HMS doesn't behave like a normal character. His animations are purposely spazzy (for lack of a better word) and at the end of the game, after getting back Majora's Mask, he just disappears into thin air. He also talks in parables, much like you would expect of a god-like figure. He also makes a giant organ appear out of nowhere, which is strange to say the least.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2eRg4OF2MXMZyIX0lbNhia3FhcsHDqR4yh43sQdWZaMSaQv9Jqk67kuNQQ9mATQ2mOX-tnkpczbu9UC2YHfRgmITWWZSNJthtiOIZ2FehYyEFTpv2tQMn_zy1nfjeG4Ss_9p5C5RMsA/s1600/tumblr_m6zjskfmYT1raai3mo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2eRg4OF2MXMZyIX0lbNhia3FhcsHDqR4yh43sQdWZaMSaQv9Jqk67kuNQQ9mATQ2mOX-tnkpczbu9UC2YHfRgmITWWZSNJthtiOIZ2FehYyEFTpv2tQMn_zy1nfjeG4Ss_9p5C5RMsA/s1600/tumblr_m6zjskfmYT1raai3mo1_500.gif" height="330" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't Animal Crossing; you can't just pull pianos out of your pocket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_VMgWZfI6gzWl09oSpYPor-m81n3ZjVTQ7vviaPzKa3UGPOcMBERTtTgza3XmmrFzoIZE-yPIHblrvAKasOxQzjQpO-fass1oqiHx_GhfFJsyiDCUOn1zGBZe_WNqElq6ig3ZfvuK6o/s1600/398357-208_super.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_VMgWZfI6gzWl09oSpYPor-m81n3ZjVTQ7vviaPzKa3UGPOcMBERTtTgza3XmmrFzoIZE-yPIHblrvAKasOxQzjQpO-fass1oqiHx_GhfFJsyiDCUOn1zGBZe_WNqElq6ig3ZfvuK6o/s1600/398357-208_super.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He says before this "However, a parting need not last forever", which goes along with the fact that even though death separates us from our loved ones, they still exist in our hearts and minds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The HMS is so prevalent in the game that it leads me to believe that the developers wanted him to seem like he was larger than life, and maybe even god-like. He's in the opening cut scene for the game, and you hear his creepy laugher and his famous phrase, "You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?" every time Link fails to save Termina. He knows that Link failed, and he in turn wants Link to know that, much like gods want those who worship them to work towards being a better person and to realize their true potential.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD1uLS9h1865l3QykVwdxhpXAcEwI_u4GUrW-AZY6-6F4M5Lp-HScvGcs21R5VJwvppcyTbusx8xdkBE66gwhbAINCgL8t2HZxPsZ_WKenVOz-nF6FF_SwffniPrvC9f50blLLX-6DCU/s1600/tumblr_mglbi9KXBB1rg83ano1_r2_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD1uLS9h1865l3QykVwdxhpXAcEwI_u4GUrW-AZY6-6F4M5Lp-HScvGcs21R5VJwvppcyTbusx8xdkBE66gwhbAINCgL8t2HZxPsZ_WKenVOz-nF6FF_SwffniPrvC9f50blLLX-6DCU/s1600/tumblr_mglbi9KXBB1rg83ano1_r2_500.gif" height="338" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Happy Mask Salesman is he appears in the opening cutscene of Majora's Mask</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XBklW6dISljOHumIOaePcPSmtp59E1hP1ZMhFye439cc_AalahcsX5V7CKx9N5e6eqj0AA-b6V7WVo9AyXDo0ctORK5OMkphiS9x7_6OAJJrMwTAga3L0acu2iIk5DYjoAzrW9qd3pY/s1600/e4bba8f8a7e56d780453845a8bc08370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XBklW6dISljOHumIOaePcPSmtp59E1hP1ZMhFye439cc_AalahcsX5V7CKx9N5e6eqj0AA-b6V7WVo9AyXDo0ctORK5OMkphiS9x7_6OAJJrMwTAga3L0acu2iIk5DYjoAzrW9qd3pY/s1600/e4bba8f8a7e56d780453845a8bc08370.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
According to Didyouknowgamimg.com, the Happy Mask Salesman is based off of Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Legend of Zelda series. Miyamoto is highly regarded in the gaming community, god-like almost, so I think the same can be assumed about the HMS. Sure, it may be a bit of a stretch, but it's an interesting notion nonetheless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9j1a_7_PBw1fCKczR8klKzg64cN695oh_1v0S2olJJ57G6H8Fz6doCoK8mCcI2qSSp1hGIK91VhH2Be6OXuN1tpfWcecoZexHEFfKUW6TsEZlBjRaXn922S4gpMtXrycj8PkFR2m8Bw/s1600/110px-MM_LunarChild_Majora.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9j1a_7_PBw1fCKczR8klKzg64cN695oh_1v0S2olJJ57G6H8Fz6doCoK8mCcI2qSSp1hGIK91VhH2Be6OXuN1tpfWcecoZexHEFfKUW6TsEZlBjRaXn922S4gpMtXrycj8PkFR2m8Bw/s1600/110px-MM_LunarChild_Majora.png" height="400" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Remember the moon children we talked about earlier? They kind of look like the Happy Mask Salesman, don't they? It would make sense considering their interest in masks. Also, many theorize (including myself) that the Happy Mask Salesman and these children are a part of the tribe that sealed the evil of Majora's Mask away. They would have to be pretty powerful and god-like to be able to seal away such a great evil.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TWLYi0bIl9l_uo6ohWnVArQckD3L8MBnBX1aCZM99q17F93aQmIybSImIr1btIs5uz4gcksKYRCPM2xtC8wf8GLLq2HSqcrk5AZHDum2T10j6kMme6IB0yny5_kiq5uNsvEjNnRlQeg/s1600/mm_angrymasksalesman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TWLYi0bIl9l_uo6ohWnVArQckD3L8MBnBX1aCZM99q17F93aQmIybSImIr1btIs5uz4gcksKYRCPM2xtC8wf8GLLq2HSqcrk5AZHDum2T10j6kMme6IB0yny5_kiq5uNsvEjNnRlQeg/s1600/mm_angrymasksalesman.png" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Happy Mask Salesman: Wise, quirky, helpful, god-like, and terrifying.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>In closing:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
Majora's Mask is easily my favorite game of all time. So much of the game is left unexplained, leaving the player to make up their own explanations. The themes of loss and grief speak to those who have experienced those feelings in real life, such as myself. All of the things I have described in this post are how I in particular interpret the game. I have heard many other theories about how this game mirrors African mythology, and other mythological stories from around the world. So much of Majora's Mask is open to interpretation, much like many great novels and works of art are as well. To me, Majora's Mask is the perfect case for why video games should be considered art— they speak to us and help us cope with the harsh reality of daily life, just like many novels, films, or paintings can. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my theories about this masterpiece of a game! Believe it or not, I have one more post planned about Majora's Mask for you guys. In the meantime, what do you think the story in Majora's Mask means? Do you believe Link is dead? Why or why not? Like I said, this game is open to so much interpretation, so I'd love to hear your take on it!<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-QHM7uKCxKz0%252FVKo-HLg07hI%252FAAAAAAAAAlI%252FJvCvIUTfFMI%252Fs1600%252Ftumblr_m6ui4cfsLm1rvz8hto1_500.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 12627px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-QHM7uKCxKz0%252FVKo-HLg07hI%252FAAAAAAAAAlI%252FJvCvIUTfFMI%252Fs1600%252Ftumblr_m6ui4cfsLm1rvz8hto1_500.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 12627px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-QHM7uKCxKz0%252FVKo-HLg07hI%252FAAAAAAAAAlI%252FJvCvIUTfFMI%252Fs1600%252Ftumblr_m6ui4cfsLm1rvz8hto1_500.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 12627px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-QHM7uKCxKz0%252FVKo-HLg07hI%252FAAAAAAAAAlI%252FJvCvIUTfFMI%252Fs1600%252Ftumblr_m6ui4cfsLm1rvz8hto1_500.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 12627px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-QRlOQZOzSEc%252FVKpWbRhgRVI%252FAAAAAAAAAlw%252FUw0EY-YofQE%252Fs1600%252FScreen%25252BShot%25252B2015-01-05%25252Bat%25252B4.15.11%25252BAM.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 15420px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-QRlOQZOzSEc%252FVKpWbRhgRVI%252FAAAAAAAAAlw%252FUw0EY-YofQE%252Fs1600%252FScreen%25252BShot%25252B2015-01-05%25252Bat%25252B4.15.11%25252BAM.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 15420px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-1jd3hvrbFw8%252FVKtAuVBGIaI%252FAAAAAAAAAnY%252FLQPTqt7oWuc%252Fs1600%252FLinks_Awakening_box.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18805px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-1jd3hvrbFw8%252FVKtAuVBGIaI%252FAAAAAAAAAnY%252FLQPTqt7oWuc%252Fs1600%252FLinks_Awakening_box.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18805px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-7pRWuzKdbgQ%252FVKdkxsEDPJI%252FAAAAAAAAAfk%252F9wggzM6lS6E%252Fs1600%252F250292zelda_majoras_mask_wall_242.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7244021599834516944%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-7pRWuzKdbgQ%252FVKdkxsEDPJI%252FAAAAAAAAAfk%252F9wggzM6lS6E%252Fs1600%252F250292zelda_majoras_mask_wall_242.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-74011004471333715702015-01-01T12:57:00.001-08:002015-01-01T12:57:57.565-08:003 Days of Majora's Mask Love: Day #1 Dawn of a New Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-OkVOPhjHavgVbBJFaf3i92ktgYdI8ACSGpH-SLkBwGKzWtI9OER99IVsxIDXOp4PUSeGMknTesIKwTNGbK6KuMCOv5OtNgdc3Od0WvWMsr6ngq7pZ9EbTzmgHNZO6yezs1zxh1oQOE/s1600/N3DS_TheLegendofZeldaMajorasMask3D_illustration_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-OkVOPhjHavgVbBJFaf3i92ktgYdI8ACSGpH-SLkBwGKzWtI9OER99IVsxIDXOp4PUSeGMknTesIKwTNGbK6KuMCOv5OtNgdc3Od0WvWMsr6ngq7pZ9EbTzmgHNZO6yezs1zxh1oQOE/s1600/N3DS_TheLegendofZeldaMajorasMask3D_illustration_01.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Majora's Mask 3D is coming in 2015!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hello everyone! I thought I'd start out the new year with a blog post about a game that's all about new beginnings, and that game is The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. But first, I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who has helped make this blog grow; you know who you are! 2014 was a great year for me; I jumped back into the world of gaming by starting this blog, and I'm constantly overwhelmed and touched by the support and kindness I receive from the gaming community. It's because of you guys I decided to start this blog, and the reason I want to continue making content about games. I can't wait to see how this blog will grow in the coming years, and here's to a great 2014! Again, thank you so much; I can't say it enough.<br />
_________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
This post is the first of three posts I will be writing about the masterpiece that is The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. I'm overjoyed to say that we will indeed be getting a Majora's Mask remake in 2015. It's ironic to me that my first post of this year is about a game that was the topic of my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4929624489918844105#editor/target=post;postID=6273921451768864371;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=56;src=postname" target="_blank">very first post ever</a>, which was speculating about whether to not we'd see a remake on the 3DS. I always knew in my heart that we'd eventually see a remake of the well loved, black sheep of the Zelda franchise; we just had to have faith it would happen...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhHP6p71kRPsfw6Cc15JGbVnjp0Gs_yqNNvtoNEvqHs5NYKxLgM-0RBYLGOUyqKzBDTqg3wUbnCeNnC0PN1DDa0ZmXongCU4ezh_WDhYT4byKDNsqnHBjm8BDC7-1e6RtFzsPOP3r6Hc/s1600/Happy_Mask_Salesman_(Ocarina_of_Time).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhHP6p71kRPsfw6Cc15JGbVnjp0Gs_yqNNvtoNEvqHs5NYKxLgM-0RBYLGOUyqKzBDTqg3wUbnCeNnC0PN1DDa0ZmXongCU4ezh_WDhYT4byKDNsqnHBjm8BDC7-1e6RtFzsPOP3r6Hc/s1600/Happy_Mask_Salesman_(Ocarina_of_Time).png" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Just have faith..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, with every remake, there are changes to be made. We haven't gotten much word yet about how this remake will be different from the original game, so I thought I'd share my thoughts about what I hope to see in Majora's Mask 3D. Here are the 5 things I'd like to see implemented in the remake (beware of mild spoilers about the original game):<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1. Better controls/camera</b></span><br />
Honestly, the things I struggled the most with in Majora's Mask were the controls and the camera—not the three day cycle or the toughness of the temples. Controlling the camera with the c-stick was a pain, especially with aiming. The camera would fall as soon as you moved an inch, and you would end up aiming wrongly or just miss entirely. The most frustrating experience I had in the game was in the first temple. Towards the end, you have to shoot an arrow through fire in order to light a beacon in a dark corner on the other side of the room, all while you're rotating on a moving pillar. It was hell. Pure hell. You have to be so precise, and I feel like the controls barely allow you to do that. Swimming in the game is so tough because to swim up, you have to move the stick down, and vice versa. I often found myself flopping and bouncing against the bottom of the ocean because the Zora form was a nightmare to control. There's one articular boss fight where the swimming controls and the camera are detrimental; I'm pretty sure veteran Majora's Mask players know what I'm talking about. Luckily, it seems as if we will indeed get better controls in the remake, seeing as Ocarina of Time 3D got improved controls and camera movement.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2. More apparent objectives/straightforward temples</b></span><br />
It's a well known fact that Majora's Mask is a lot like piecing together a complex puzzle. Pieces and parts of different storylines intertwine, and it is not made entirely apparent why or how—that's up to you to figure out. That's all well and good, being as that is probably my favorite aspect of the game, but there's an area of the game where it's barely apparent as to what you're supposed to do next. In the last area of the game, Ikana Valley, you're supposed to acquire the Mirror Shield (probably my favorite item in the game) in order to tackle the last temple. In order to do that, you must do an obligatory Bottom-Of-The-Well dungeon, but you need the following items:<br />
<br />
* 5 Magic Beans<br />
* 10 Deku Nuts<br />
* 10 Bombs<br />
* Fish<br />
* Milk<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In no way is it apparent that you need these things. If you go into the well without these items, you can't get the shield. So, you have to waste time (a precious commodity in Majora's Mask) to backtrack to get everything you need. I don't want a game to hold my hand, but when you have to be subjected to useless backtracking, I'd prefer a little warning to avoid it. Not to mention that those items are completely random quantities that make hardly any sense</div>
<div>
Again, before you can complete the last temple, you need to learn a new song. In order to learn said song, you have to go through Ikana Castle, but you have to buy items in order to do so. You need a powder keg, which you have to do a side quest in order to buy, so you end up backtracking a lot. Also, the game doesn't let you know that you need to even go through the castle or even how to do so in the first place. There was hardly any direction during this last part of the game. Again, I don't need my hand held, but there needs to be direction in a game in order to move things forward. I don't usually use hints or walkthroughs when playing Zelda games because I prefer to figure things out myself. But with this particular area, I had to use a walkthrough. It was the only area in the game I couldn't figure out. So as a result, I'd like the remake to have more apparent (but not easier) objectives. </div>
<div>
On a slightly different note, I'd like it if the the temples were a bit more straightforward and forgiving. In almost every temple, if you make a small mistake, you lose progress. For example, in the cylindrical shaped Snowhead temple, if you fall, you have to backtrack and activate switches and pretty much jump though a bunch of hoops to get back to the top. In the Great Bay temple, the awful swimming controls can cause you to go in the wrong direction, which can cost you time since you have to turn around and go back. In the Ocarina of Time remake, Nintendo corrected a lot of the annoyances in the temples that were present in the original games, so I hope they'll do the same with Majora's Mask. I like how in Skyward Sword, once you reach a new part of an area or temple, you can open up a shortcut that can save you time if you need to leave and come back later. I think having shortcuts in the temples in Majora's Mask would make them a whole lot more enjoyable. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Vm973-tB6P8FWeIAzQBLiI7VH2K8WKrQj9ruY1ioMiObINwzJjo5BhJ6xk_p1nSxTozquoxHa59vVS4EN4OmnioxByh9iIeGv-cgwiWX65i3hNSoqR7VQF0MUwUYf4QCxdbY3UrDfzQ/s1600/MirrorShield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Vm973-tB6P8FWeIAzQBLiI7VH2K8WKrQj9ruY1ioMiObINwzJjo5BhJ6xk_p1nSxTozquoxHa59vVS4EN4OmnioxByh9iIeGv-cgwiWX65i3hNSoqR7VQF0MUwUYf4QCxdbY3UrDfzQ/s1600/MirrorShield.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Mirror shield, I love you, but you're such a major pain in the butt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3. Good use of the touch screen</b></span></div>
<div>
In both Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, scrolling through menus to change and equip items can be a major pain, and can waste a lot of time. In Ocarina of Time 3D, they made the bottom screen of the 3DS the items menu, making it super easy to switch items. I hope they do the same for Majora's Mask 3D. I can see it now—being able to put on different masks with just a simple tap of the stylus...*sigh* I can't wait. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4. Loyalty to the original game while still improving upon it</b></span></div>
<div>
Eiji Aonuma, the director of many of the Zelda games has <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/17/eiji-aonuma-chats-about-changes-for-the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-3d" target="_blank">said</a> that they are making Majora's Mask 3D easier while still retaining its difficulty. While that is in a nutshell everything I want for this remake, I really hope they keep the complexity of the game intact. To me, asking for such a complex game to be simplified is like a double edged sword. Let me put it this way: there are points in the game where the complexity really helps the overall experience (like the storytelling), and there's places where it hinders it (no clear direction about what to do next in the last area of the game). I hope they improve upon the shortcomings while not harming what was good about the complexity in the original game. </div>
<div>
I also hope they improve upon a lot of the graphical parts of the game as well. For an N64 game, Majora's Mask looks pretty darn good, but there are parts where it's too dark, and the graphics can get grainy, making it hard to see and make things out. I'm sure they will improve upon this, but I hope they keep a lot of the original charm of the game too. Thanks to the ExpansionPak, Majora's Mask featured greater detail than its older brother, Ocarina of Time. I hope in the remake, they will keep all those little details, but still improve upon them. I'm also looking forward to a fleshed out soundtrack, which I'm sure won't disappoint.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuWC7nHhfDb0ULYp6goTAfBAxKh7TB0vjSySSnIwFKwFV1QUxzP1FHreoNm1S3dIEyV2kfRzlbpE0oBV0zeKfm_Gh-vUxqVNoZE_gu1HmHo3gpSnUgHKrZ_2agTZ6KsPK-l_hSCTbyMM/s1600/r9iirs5txmxfo1aam100.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuWC7nHhfDb0ULYp6goTAfBAxKh7TB0vjSySSnIwFKwFV1QUxzP1FHreoNm1S3dIEyV2kfRzlbpE0oBV0zeKfm_Gh-vUxqVNoZE_gu1HmHo3gpSnUgHKrZ_2agTZ6KsPK-l_hSCTbyMM/s1600/r9iirs5txmxfo1aam100.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The graphics on the 3DS look clearer and sharper—a welcome change!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#6. The collector's edition to be released in the U.S.</b></span><br />
<div>
This is more of a personal preference, but it has been confirmed that Europe is getting a collector's edition of Majora's Mask 3D. Majora's Mask is my favorite Zelda game, if not my favorite game ever, so I'd like to have all of the goodies of the collectors edition. I'd also like to be able to purchase both Majora's Mask and Ocarina of Time 3D together in some sort of pack. I've played and completed OOT 3D, but I don't actually own it, so it'd be nice to have both. Two birds with one stone, if you will.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4anlsd2S9vMTL47PuCKBqfvD-W_DthFnovr8JVNshKv9qvYdXy2VChHbtgxOdV1UZZq3oMoGZob0iyVLgO_AKDLI4ZeexQvkeDxxYpzpt6SV2riRcE0fc496uiHteTCsaSAtfGxwI4r0/s1600/B1tcR9xCIAAoDYo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4anlsd2S9vMTL47PuCKBqfvD-W_DthFnovr8JVNshKv9qvYdXy2VChHbtgxOdV1UZZq3oMoGZob0iyVLgO_AKDLI4ZeexQvkeDxxYpzpt6SV2riRcE0fc496uiHteTCsaSAtfGxwI4r0/s1600/B1tcR9xCIAAoDYo.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugh, Nintendo, I want all the things!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So there you have it. There are all my hopes and dreams for the remake of one of my favorite games. Hopefully, 2015 will bring lots of gaming goodness besides Majora's Mask 3D, but I hope this remake will be as awesome as I think it'll be. I'd love to hear what you all think of the remake so far, so feel free to leave a comment. Also, be on the lookout for two more posts regarding this incredible game here in the coming weeks.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4duSHJUjXOlaL0ub0Y4Y4ffw7akhEL8JzKzdRS-A0ZbB9BV4KsvKW0OCKR-LT2_Mm-EgqV2fVPLrXtlag2njDGXX0akzmnvCqmEq1IW9jqYmcxuE1ODPEKVWwgiGUEy0Ovdo9h4Rs9Q/s1600/dawn+of+a+new+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4duSHJUjXOlaL0ub0Y4Y4ffw7akhEL8JzKzdRS-A0ZbB9BV4KsvKW0OCKR-LT2_Mm-EgqV2fVPLrXtlag2njDGXX0akzmnvCqmEq1IW9jqYmcxuE1ODPEKVWwgiGUEy0Ovdo9h4Rs9Q/s1600/dawn+of+a+new+year.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope you all have a very happy new year as well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7401100447133371570%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-cY0Fud8Cf8Y%252FVKSX4vGNXiI%252FAAAAAAAAAe8%252FNZMrDEp_E8M%252Fs1600%252Fr9iirs5txmxfo1aam100.gif%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; left: 35px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3380px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7401100447133371570%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-cY0Fud8Cf8Y%252FVKSX4vGNXiI%252FAAAAAAAAAe8%252FNZMrDEp_E8M%252Fs1600%252Fr9iirs5txmxfo1aam100.gif%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; left: 35px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3380px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-28880634286850639772014-12-22T19:33:00.000-08:002014-12-22T19:33:23.702-08:00Lucina is the Greatest Nintendo Princess Ever <div id="userblog_post_font" style="background-color: white; color: rgb(85, 85, 85) !important; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px !important; line-height: 21px !important;">
Recently, I did a guest post about why Gen 3 is my favorite generation of Pokémon for my cousin's blog, TheEmolgaEditorial. In return, he wrote a blog for me about why Lucina from Fire Emblem: Awakening is such a great character. I hope you guys enjoy his blog; he's a fantastic writer, and if you enjoyed this post, you should go check out his other stuff <a href="https://emolgaeditorial.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30tWKXnkxbpk3XYVL69xr3vsQLTqAk5w9w8s_Ix-Fdb6r1iD55jvAksHf5KJFepr8AyYZ9TLqjo5uhe_lKs3eKbKwc7pHLrv5Y_pyw4f4KE1ydXHoi8qa4CxBD_y_hGVwcEADmatIALY/s1600/e9d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30tWKXnkxbpk3XYVL69xr3vsQLTqAk5w9w8s_Ix-Fdb6r1iD55jvAksHf5KJFepr8AyYZ9TLqjo5uhe_lKs3eKbKwc7pHLrv5Y_pyw4f4KE1ydXHoi8qa4CxBD_y_hGVwcEADmatIALY/s1600/e9d.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're new to the Fire Emblem franchise (or perhaps never heard of it before Smash Bros), you probably were baffled when it was announced earlier in the year that Lucina, a major character in the newest installment to the series, Fire Emblem: Awakening, would be joining the chaos of the Nintendo battle royal on the 3DS and Wii U. Her overall reception by the community was reletively cold, and she hasn't been openly embraced as anything short of an outcast character to regulars. I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise that most players do not see her as much more than a clone of Marth and a cash in on a relative title Nintendo made. I've heard people say Lucina was too confusing of a character to understand and that she wasn't really appealing because of this. That view is rather ironic because all of the confusion around her complexity really make her one of the greatest crafted characters, if not the greatest, in gaming.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" height="285" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/imagefeed/screenshots/SuperSmashBros/SmashJuly14-Lucina03.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="513" /><br />
<em><strong>This article is filled with Fire Emblem: Awakening spoilers. If you haven't played this game yet, go do it right now. Don't let me ruin the amazement. You won't regret it.</strong></em><br />
<br />
One of the things that has to be stated early is that the extensive detail put into the characters in Awakening leaves a rather open forum for impressions to be made as every play through of the game will leave you with differently developed characters and people whom they value more than others. To decide on one tale would be missing the point of the game. What one may experience from the body of work might differ from another. The best way to describe it would be excitingly artistic in design.<br />
When you play every time, however, there will be one character who remains relatively the same. Lucina is so complex that her actual description in game defines her as enigmatic. To bring the full strength of her to light, it has to be seen in order of how it is experienced for the character. The very experiences she has in the game's story makes the other fighters in Smash pale in comparison.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" height="470" src="http://www.centralcosplay.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/20121219213149LucinaArtMaskless.png" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="527" /><br />
<br />
There is no hiding it; Lucina has been through a hellish life full of disaster, despair, and crushing odds. Long before her birth, her aunt and queen of the land she is raised, Emmeryn, was tragically assassinated. This resulted in creating the first domino to fall, birthing her into a world of war and eventual doom. Her parents are murdered and she is thrown into leading a crumbling humanity to defense from the horrors of Grima, a huge dragon of crippling strengths. The hand dealt is devastating to the young woman, and every moment she fights with the deaths of her family and people on her shoulders. The biggest shock of it all is this all happens to Lucina before the events of Fire Emblem: Awakening (or technically after. Or during?).<br />
The player isn't really introduced to Lucina in a traditional matter. Lissa, another one of her aunts, is about to be killed by a monster as woods are light aflame. In an epic fashion, a figure emerges and rescues her, claiming the name “Marth” (rather hilarious seeing as everyone calls her that in Smash anyways). For the first two acts of the game, Lucina isn't even known as Lucina. She's a tortured future teller who distances herself from everyone else and painfully wishes to spend time with her parents she loves dearly and lost awfully with the most convincing maturity. She even duels with her father at one point, which when you take a moment at the end of the journey, you realize just how daunting that must have been on her.<br />
Truth be told, everything that needs to be said with Lucina's character can be best described in the most emotional and powerful moments of the game. Accidentally slipping out the word “Father” while talking to Chrom, Lucina leads the king back in private to confess who she actually is. It is revealed that to increase morale of her people in the ruined future, she donned the identity of Marth and fought desperately. Attempting to open up to her father, she says she is his daughter, but it initially is fruitless as he denies it all. As he realizes she has the same indistinguishable brand on her eye, every bit of weight on her shoulders is released. It's so powerful you have to see it yourself:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z7-Qay-RYys?rel=0" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
When Lucina wins a match in Smash, one of the things she proclaims is “Father...I won.” in a heartbreaking fashion. All she wants in life is to fight in her family name and represent the love she was brought up with to the fullest ability. Her self-doubt is subtle, but the name she fights with before hints at her yearning to be strong enough to fight. A blurb from her talk with Chrom in this scene hits home incredibly hard (almost as hard as that cutscene did):<br />
<br />
“<em>I prayed t</em><em>o the </em><em>Hero-King</em><em> for a small part of the strength he used to save the world. But I need this subterfuge no longer. I choose to fight as Lucina now. The name that reminds me of the strength in the man and woman who chose it.”</em><br />
<br />
You just don't see character speech like that in most video games, especially not from Nintendo. If you choose the Avatar (AKA Robin) as her mother, Lucina tasks herself with the burden of ending her mother's life to save Chrom and the world as the Avatar turns on him and brings the end of the world in her future. It might be a pre-determined outcome, but the emotion is still high and the reactions by Lucina are gripping.<br />
<img alt="" height="332" src="http://static.tumblr.com/6ecae57ed247e9934a3d39fb46af12f2/bjbkjlr/L6rnee25t/tumblr_static_b4vsu6tfc14o8k84sskw0s84.png" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="553" /><br />
<br />
Nintendo has a way of crafting very appealing characters in their games to deliver the worlds. For example, the appeal of playing as Link in the Zelda franchise is that he is a silent protagonist and it is easiest used as a surrogate for the player to place themselves in the world of Hyrule. It's a safe way to ensure the player enjoys the narrative. In complete contrast, Fire Emblem: Awakening gambles high with doing fully realized characters and minute details. It isn't better projected than with the “Warrior From a Doomed Future” (I'd go as far as calling her the Princess From a Doomed Future).</div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-73308488300348685702014-12-18T20:44:00.000-08:002014-12-22T20:24:45.005-08:00Alpha Sapphire is the most epic Pokémon game I've ever played<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGecJawvplYO7GradqdsNLFodIHn9BN7miugr8luRjX62yUTe_tmmtFdzaLCv_ITnZj8cw211VaIpZ_KBXhYmUyfq0vWUMKb86IQ12mPV9XrrP8NOVuPhBKdImOWmVZ2qfO9LdiQXJgM/s1600/250px-Alpha_Sapphire_EN_boxart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGecJawvplYO7GradqdsNLFodIHn9BN7miugr8luRjX62yUTe_tmmtFdzaLCv_ITnZj8cw211VaIpZ_KBXhYmUyfq0vWUMKb86IQ12mPV9XrrP8NOVuPhBKdImOWmVZ2qfO9LdiQXJgM/s1600/250px-Alpha_Sapphire_EN_boxart.png" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, the time has finally come. We finally got the remakes we were wishing for in the form of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. But, do they do their job as being faithful remakes with enough new content to justify their existence? Of course, beware of spoilers if you haven't finished the game yet!<br />
<br />
Remakes often seem to include a lot of fan service, and boy, that still holds true in the case of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. It seems as if Game Freak knew how badly fans of the original Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald games wanted to revisit Hoenn in glorious 3D—so they added a lot of little nods to the original games that older fans of the series will recognize. For starters, the opening of the game is almost an exact replica of the opening of the original R/S/E games with the camera focusing on water droplets falling into a small pond with Latias or Latios (depending on your version) appearing to fly towards a mountain in the distance. You'll then see Brendan (the male character of the series, it's never May for some reason) ride his bike to chase after Latios or Latias, and thus begins your adventure into Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. I happened to purchase Alpha Sapphire because I played Sapphire back when I was a kid. Also, in my humble opinion, I think that Sapphire is the better version of the two because I think the focus on water makes more sense with how much water is present in Hoenn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86snRzXhFx_auMW5vSs4KkvH9pKR6j7pJzLcSGKu_VohEIftj5kdn2GVrt0vfs45D6AdnH4NAn8-EIAUAHhYEKsj_tRWl1cHvakRsMauaCIY_kKd50NpGrhBUcl02_8lDH8e4xxgi0eo/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86snRzXhFx_auMW5vSs4KkvH9pKR6j7pJzLcSGKu_VohEIftj5kdn2GVrt0vfs45D6AdnH4NAn8-EIAUAHhYEKsj_tRWl1cHvakRsMauaCIY_kKd50NpGrhBUcl02_8lDH8e4xxgi0eo/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_0OQyWWV8UAboFqrScpDDZADaxU4_rO13BsVFDAyp9_bStgL2QvRYYvYNsq3bqwBdh_BPVs2dSqIHihOfmkH0RPqImFIRdR9MXijAsUsV2uU4MS2SkzdFpvG7Xo07mqiXo6zGrZa-FY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-18+at+4.14.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_0OQyWWV8UAboFqrScpDDZADaxU4_rO13BsVFDAyp9_bStgL2QvRYYvYNsq3bqwBdh_BPVs2dSqIHihOfmkH0RPqImFIRdR9MXijAsUsV2uU4MS2SkzdFpvG7Xo07mqiXo6zGrZa-FY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-18+at+4.14.42+PM.png" height="221" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, just like old times...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-gKj9olKp2OknemlXehd7f5vTUu2F2SIYgQUVyDw1Er2puTbWeQ9XpdmWdRM6Y9WKkQIQzCfDkAYoY0kMGPr9rn69ak5980-LDZHdeJtS_ec-a7Erfcbp12lGTHGAveNA0tGlQZuUVE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-18+at+4.07.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-gKj9olKp2OknemlXehd7f5vTUu2F2SIYgQUVyDw1Er2puTbWeQ9XpdmWdRM6Y9WKkQIQzCfDkAYoY0kMGPr9rn69ak5980-LDZHdeJtS_ec-a7Erfcbp12lGTHGAveNA0tGlQZuUVE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-18+at+4.07.21+PM.png" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The game starts out with you being in a moving van like last time, playing what seems to be either Sapphire or Ruby, which is a really nice touch!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Alpha Sapphire starts out just like any other Pokémon game. You are either or boy or a girl starting out on their Pokémon journey for the fist time. In the case of Alpha Sapphire, however, your family just moved to Hoenn from the Johto region so your father could become the Petalburg Gym's new leader. Your "rival" is Professor Birch's kid (either Brendan or May), and the two of you set out on your Pokémon journey together, but not before you save Professor Birch from a ravenous Poochyena and receive your starter Pokémon.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGazNwTIjo52wRHZJkuyQQdhRHDNzwt-wLidy-UESXzxUs0SS9UUZgRB8DbQDqawll6FDj9DIsolvRqcPaZDE8sc1OPxGfW5B6InH9GhV7Lim_bI9_Aqz2njEcB0TPp4J5SMZIFSJmk0/s1600/Pokemon-Omega-Ruby-and-Alpha-Sapphire-screen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGazNwTIjo52wRHZJkuyQQdhRHDNzwt-wLidy-UESXzxUs0SS9UUZgRB8DbQDqawll6FDj9DIsolvRqcPaZDE8sc1OPxGfW5B6InH9GhV7Lim_bI9_Aqz2njEcB0TPp4J5SMZIFSJmk0/s1600/Pokemon-Omega-Ruby-and-Alpha-Sapphire-screen-1.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professor Birch is pretty irresponsible for a Pokémon Professor....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
From there, you continue on with your journey to become the Champion of Hoenn by collecting all eight gym badges, as per usual for every Pokémon game. But, at the same time, a criminal organization named Team Aqua is planning to expand the sea by awakening the ancient and power legendary Pokémon Kyogre. Except this time there's a twist. In Alpha Sapphire, Kyogre can take advantage of Primal Reversion which allows Kyogre to return to its Primal form, granting it more power. When it completes Primal Reversion, it gains access to the ability Primordial Sea, which renders Fire type moves useless, as well as all other effects of the weather. Also, can we talk about Kyogre and Groudon's theme song really quick? It's amazing. It has snippets of the original theme from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald in it which was really endearing to hear again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LuZvMjbRoJZL-A7kg7XnLAar7OMAOlMh0SaW1R3Ag6qieq3jey7QdVPJgCuQGcD2k3GrxxDmFYZmaWyGaMC3-JxgoNKxct9I1PGfFMo-yipUZ54cikrxk0RETLIkHw2bBDOci-Asdpw/s1600/382___primal_kyogre___art_v_2_by_tails19950-d7lzf8z.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LuZvMjbRoJZL-A7kg7XnLAar7OMAOlMh0SaW1R3Ag6qieq3jey7QdVPJgCuQGcD2k3GrxxDmFYZmaWyGaMC3-JxgoNKxct9I1PGfFMo-yipUZ54cikrxk0RETLIkHw2bBDOci-Asdpw/s1600/382___primal_kyogre___art_v_2_by_tails19950-d7lzf8z.png" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fear the power of Primal Kyogre!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The enemy teams got a major visual overhaul in these remakes and I must say, they look even cooler than before, if that was even possible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JPQAzl0qXgL3haY-AkmsnxL47Tg4itTnV09Azdkxo1ONovu3SdARv22tyX5XaRy779W1X2KSJR1UKLwqcvv_dI4HdhSCIfBySXg16k-grSNNCzi0izZYbgc7ixPaRToszHBNVDut6nk/s1600/vdgw3iw2qmxopgzaclix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JPQAzl0qXgL3haY-AkmsnxL47Tg4itTnV09Azdkxo1ONovu3SdARv22tyX5XaRy779W1X2KSJR1UKLwqcvv_dI4HdhSCIfBySXg16k-grSNNCzi0izZYbgc7ixPaRToszHBNVDut6nk/s1600/vdgw3iw2qmxopgzaclix.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V2CMv5J7cdo7RIKqLztD46ymlc7HpylbozHSDiqzNqOPEzfIFAuWVFr1sU-kld4oM7H6rY7IpB3pxzOltoAVO04DYiNIuPAg2-JjhR6aTB03KF1ZD0QdvER462sE4VNVxLPJJlsCHpU/s1600/pw49pmcapd7wy94xxvym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V2CMv5J7cdo7RIKqLztD46ymlc7HpylbozHSDiqzNqOPEzfIFAuWVFr1sU-kld4oM7H6rY7IpB3pxzOltoAVO04DYiNIuPAg2-JjhR6aTB03KF1ZD0QdvER462sE4VNVxLPJJlsCHpU/s1600/pw49pmcapd7wy94xxvym.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These guys look cooler than ever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When the enemy teams aren't trying to destroy it, Hoenn looks gorgeous with its new 3DS graphical overhaul. The development team stayed really true to the colors present in the original games, so it still somehow looks like the same region, except with greater detail. You'll often see Pokémon hanging out in their natural habitats. It's really common to se Beautifly floating in the wind, Wingull chilling out on the beach, and Relicanth swimming in the depths. A new feature was added to Alpha Sapphire that helps you interact with these Pokémon called the DexNav. It allows you find better Pokémon the more you encounter them. You'll often see little bits of the Pokémon sticking up out of the tall grass such as Pikachu's tail or Ralts' head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9-zoptDUxYRYVTcLhEoJUaERLLAsyjcw44Mo0068Q7Yav7AvwU116-5Sa9IhLuMIwluAfq3Xyq2JUIoyUzwq2SYhFFTlSH48tjY8drxGRoufRscYgYzeaVxNHjqkhWKc8xuxJpLj29w/s1600/dexnav-searching.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9-zoptDUxYRYVTcLhEoJUaERLLAsyjcw44Mo0068Q7Yav7AvwU116-5Sa9IhLuMIwluAfq3Xyq2JUIoyUzwq2SYhFFTlSH48tjY8drxGRoufRscYgYzeaVxNHjqkhWKc8xuxJpLj29w/s1600/dexnav-searching.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uKxZ-XoTjzF_jsm2GBhhPYTDOMwaUHC0xKcjKi5roEMG5StBdXiHbqW77ARSBAF1xEnAeyhuxP2qIreoS6KajVpLiaXFccjq3BfZ2t10XZdQJB5atbzyUR4KBDmWTThflyGJNJw2sf8/s1600/Pokemon-ORAS-DexNav-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uKxZ-XoTjzF_jsm2GBhhPYTDOMwaUHC0xKcjKi5roEMG5StBdXiHbqW77ARSBAF1xEnAeyhuxP2qIreoS6KajVpLiaXFccjq3BfZ2t10XZdQJB5atbzyUR4KBDmWTThflyGJNJw2sf8/s1600/Pokemon-ORAS-DexNav-1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You then can sneak up on the Pokémon and fight them. I think the DexNav is so neat because it adds another dimension to catching Pokémon. The DexNav keeps track to how many Pokémon you've caught on a route, and how much more you have left to go. The more you encounter a Pokémon, the more likely you are to find one with certain egg moves, natures, and stats, making this feature really useful to breeders like me. I found this new mechanic to be super addicting and rewarding. The DexNav makes it easy to chain for shiny Pokémon as well, considering that it makes it possible to encounter the same Pokémon over and over again. Plus it's really neat that Game Freak made the DexNav screen match whatever route you're on with how it looked in the original Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald games; it's a really nice touch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSFoSvxQXdP_b2rh_GOvGCLlEujI8mO20ACi3HlO2Qhl1jF5gmazSP5-feXOBify3nNh08Wxmpqw1gj8aGwh_WoZ1pWB66bnZHZ1ZT0pFHkV_bRJuWGMeKv4Gpfy7hxyt2xD297YkJb0/s1600/pokemon_pt1_03_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSFoSvxQXdP_b2rh_GOvGCLlEujI8mO20ACi3HlO2Qhl1jF5gmazSP5-feXOBify3nNh08Wxmpqw1gj8aGwh_WoZ1pWB66bnZHZ1ZT0pFHkV_bRJuWGMeKv4Gpfy7hxyt2xD297YkJb0/s1600/pokemon_pt1_03_thumb.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's the little details that have the biggest impact!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another feature that is new to the remakes is soaring. After beating Wattson, the player joins Steven Stone to save Latias from Team Aqua. You fly on Latios to Southern Island and save her from the team's evil clutches. After laying down some serious smack on Team Aqua, Latias joins your party and Steven gives you the Mega Bracelet. After saving the world from Kyogre's wrath, you gain the ability to soar on the back of Mega Latias.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnREu_0-d2rwggBfESgEoxyrjTOPkrO0Jl4N0ymKw7IWzEIxB3qEV-h_2zANXipeTcqKMptDnWsEIZvNJZMp2GtBjyCN-KvBSq_oLrfHvaz2e-HWG1902vAEm2nxdRugmOY_tw3pM_VDk/s1600/a8289401cf50f729b050f9e79c1c8a25d78beebc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnREu_0-d2rwggBfESgEoxyrjTOPkrO0Jl4N0ymKw7IWzEIxB3qEV-h_2zANXipeTcqKMptDnWsEIZvNJZMp2GtBjyCN-KvBSq_oLrfHvaz2e-HWG1902vAEm2nxdRugmOY_tw3pM_VDk/s1600/a8289401cf50f729b050f9e79c1c8a25d78beebc.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's nothing quite like dominating the sky on a Pokémon that looks like a jet plane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The feature pretty much renders the HM Fly useless. It's pretty exhilarating to soar around Hoenn and be able to land wherever you want, and the music that plays is pretty fantastic as well. After Steven gives you the Eon Flute, you can summon Latias even if she's not in your party, so this feature is super useful and super fun. Soaring also gives you the ability to visit Mirage Spots. Legendary Pokémon appear in these Mirage Spots randomly, so it gives you the chance to catch them if you missed them in previous games, or if you're just trying to complete the Pokédex, so be sure to buy lots of Pokéballs!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZWQMVb803CcSlj2tImrOYtvs6n1bY0y3Wnu714gyxXNbacoiPzsvicQaAnREssGbFBivmk3-6NfH-8sgdUUuIDzWh8wKh14TbykWd2OHn3OSB5VUT4xSqVrzE4UWLmxiVuJgylnB15Y/s1600/20141216_204726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZWQMVb803CcSlj2tImrOYtvs6n1bY0y3Wnu714gyxXNbacoiPzsvicQaAnREssGbFBivmk3-6NfH-8sgdUUuIDzWh8wKh14TbykWd2OHn3OSB5VUT4xSqVrzE4UWLmxiVuJgylnB15Y/s1600/20141216_204726.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've come to the conclusion that Lord of the Rings references in Pokémon are the best</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Many features returned from the original games as well. Contests have made a comeback, except this time they are called "Contest Spectaculars" and are more awesome than ever. The theme that played in the contest halls sounds like it belongs in a club (in a good way) and your character can now dress up for contests. After winning your first contest, you receive a Cosplay Pikachu which can wear different outfits depending on what contest moves it knows. One thing about the contests that disappoints me is that your Pokémon doesn't receive a ribbon for each contest it wins. Instead, it gets a ribbon when it wins the Master rank contest. Also, you can participate in every rank of contest at any Contest Hall which I think takes the adventure out of doing each rank of contest. I suppose this was done to eliminate backtracking, but I think it takes some of the fun out of winning each rank. That being said, contests are still fun nonetheless and can be surprisingly challenging!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kH-fOjlIPCc_aC7kOeIr-Yp40aKBnDT-_6aNMvsJLOTVNPfzOlpeNGXrlI0FYA_J1nNaaiXDTKeQoTm-1ztpkPRb2WCyekLrG5auvsfBMyn-Dpt_IM0KrveuLAp4jI_VD1YVBwzqdwU/s1600/contest_art.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kH-fOjlIPCc_aC7kOeIr-Yp40aKBnDT-_6aNMvsJLOTVNPfzOlpeNGXrlI0FYA_J1nNaaiXDTKeQoTm-1ztpkPRb2WCyekLrG5auvsfBMyn-Dpt_IM0KrveuLAp4jI_VD1YVBwzqdwU/s1600/contest_art.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever wanted to put Pikachu in a dress? Well, now you can!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoR8BdtDFUGr7Z1tAVU-iFt5tbEOwMMKQxDHkO9t-g6q8qM1poORFe9b5K3W36lvsWj7LW2-CLNEVETntF0SFwvp1F6krIgNdP_5SKXZ8-x6drc7VtU23XKH4Za1rS0r1oZ2o4Pv6QHE/s1600/sango_hero_heroine_contest_official_300dpi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoR8BdtDFUGr7Z1tAVU-iFt5tbEOwMMKQxDHkO9t-g6q8qM1poORFe9b5K3W36lvsWj7LW2-CLNEVETntF0SFwvp1F6krIgNdP_5SKXZ8-x6drc7VtU23XKH4Za1rS0r1oZ2o4Pv6QHE/s1600/sango_hero_heroine_contest_official_300dpi.png" height="320" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't put Brendan in a dress though. Also, where is May's nose?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another returning feature are the Secret Bases. Like contests, they have been revamped for the remakes. You can receive the secret bases of people you have streetpassed or you can scan QR codes to receive the Secret Bases of anyone you wish. You can turn your Secret Bases into your own personal gym, and you can recruit other players to be a member of your "Secret Team" which you get to name. They will stay in your base and fight challengers that come along. You can go out and scour the lands to find other players' bases in order to collect flags from them to earn more decorations for your base. There are many unique decorations to deck out your base with, and many different locations to choose from when deciding where you want to put your Secret Base. For now, mine is on Route 119 under the bridge by the waterfall. Secret Bases were one of my favorite features from the original games, so I'm glad they've made a triumphant return in the remakes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwDU4RoOmSySSSqNteD9l0gLIhPfMuNWb5LLxU42AQoeLzV3apCMTzJu_3I0Hh6gamP0Bl4G39m2aIPjDthJ4h84A2nxvTAylLNiQ5MrMIyMXogBJhA7zvKelpzkIluUNAO34jbasxtY/s1600/secretbase.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwDU4RoOmSySSSqNteD9l0gLIhPfMuNWb5LLxU42AQoeLzV3apCMTzJu_3I0Hh6gamP0Bl4G39m2aIPjDthJ4h84A2nxvTAylLNiQ5MrMIyMXogBJhA7zvKelpzkIluUNAO34jbasxtY/s1600/secretbase.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So, once you've beaten all eight gyms and defeated the Elite Four, you'll gain access to the post game event known as the Delta Episode. In the Delta Episode, a 6-mile-wide meteor is barreling towards Hoenn and for some reason, it's up to a preteen to save the world, except a mysterious figure known as Zinnia keeps getting in your way. She's been stealing everyone's keystones in order to summon the great savior of Hoenn, Rayquaza. Rather than follow the scientists of Hoenn's plans to send the meteor into a black hole and warp it somewhere else, she will ask Rayquaza to save Hoenn just like it had done in the past. She argues that they could possibly be destroying another world by sending the meteor somewhere else, suggesting that the game takes place in a separate universe than the original games due to the events that took place in Kalos with AZ and the ultimate weapon (or so people speculate). Zinnia manages to successfully summon Rayquaza, and discovers that it won't mega evolve even though she stole a lot of key stones in order to harness its power. The meteorite that you stole back from Team Aqua earlier in the game begins to glow in your bag, and Rayquaza then ingests it and gains the power to Mega Evolve. Rayquaza then chooses you to capture it, and then Zinnia teaches it a move only it can learn: Dragon Ascent. You then climb onto Rayquaza's back and head into space to destroy the meteor. Upon doing so, a strange being emerges from the rubble of the destroyed meteor and you enter into what I think is the hardest part of the game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDE9V4blbTVFhcnNkkxEPJ3gcNb9VTALKAm7-9iU6E6HM0Q8NhAw2QktqzAgzgRztGB0SqtcR7MUdwCV9aBDTuDiWU5GUtf7i7PcF4jaLm7RPVAuEwwkTIh0aVVqLRCTPS5386DGxJ3qA/s1600/Delta_episode.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDE9V4blbTVFhcnNkkxEPJ3gcNb9VTALKAm7-9iU6E6HM0Q8NhAw2QktqzAgzgRztGB0SqtcR7MUdwCV9aBDTuDiWU5GUtf7i7PcF4jaLm7RPVAuEwwkTIh0aVVqLRCTPS5386DGxJ3qA/s1600/Delta_episode.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWlY64Y267JDeq2JMACPICWGp0l87hI5ZctevJZwP3MsHHls4hJxyN-IZ9eAG-s-niLidEBFTqsAf8zh9evkw3r95ifOy9mt3JjS_SVLmnFOWZl2olvVswjxeJr9BFtLHyIN6JuL15mo/s1600/MRayquazavsDeoxys1003-2_300dpi-e1416008668598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWlY64Y267JDeq2JMACPICWGp0l87hI5ZctevJZwP3MsHHls4hJxyN-IZ9eAG-s-niLidEBFTqsAf8zh9evkw3r95ifOy9mt3JjS_SVLmnFOWZl2olvVswjxeJr9BFtLHyIN6JuL15mo/s1600/MRayquazavsDeoxys1003-2_300dpi-e1416008668598.jpg" height="459" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That's right! You face off against Deoxys in space! For the first time ever, Game Freak has made an event legendary catchable. For me, catching Deoxys was really challenging. In fact, I knocked it out three or four times before I managed to catch it. But, I really didn't mind because I enjoyed every moment of it. The Delta Episode is probably the most epic thing I've ever witnessed happening in a Pokémon game. Sure, it adds up to about an hour of gameplay, but it's still super exciting. Zinnia is arguably one of the most interesting characters in the Pokémon universe, and I think this whole series of events merits making Brendan and May more epic than Red. I mean, not only did they thwart the plans of Team Aqua and Magma, saving Hoenn in the process, but they go around and save Hoenn again by riding a dragon into space and catching a Pokémon that lives inside the very thing that would bring destruction to a whole region! That's pretty awesome, if you ask me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK19Mm_sjEGWgHwhX37Ri9uJYLbVibnYM_pjrnNupxzweG56VMqm2SqYXd0u9U4e3Ta5wqe-AbKXJk1Fi5CC_DOOlxW1om_Ts-WZKIaMFT_NsyV90Nzq2-heRDvFYqw6xuEM4wC3HPpMg/s1600/omega_ruby_and_alpha_sapphire__brendan_and_may_by_drosewood67-d7m58bi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK19Mm_sjEGWgHwhX37Ri9uJYLbVibnYM_pjrnNupxzweG56VMqm2SqYXd0u9U4e3Ta5wqe-AbKXJk1Fi5CC_DOOlxW1om_Ts-WZKIaMFT_NsyV90Nzq2-heRDvFYqw6xuEM4wC3HPpMg/s1600/omega_ruby_and_alpha_sapphire__brendan_and_may_by_drosewood67-d7m58bi.png" height="320" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Move over Red, we have a couple of badasses on our hands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I really, really enjoyed Alpha Sapphire. Game Freak stayed really true to the concept of the original games while at the same time making the remakes feel really fresh and new. And the music, oh my gosh the music! The music is incredible, and really highlights the spirit of the games well, both old and new. It really made the game feel epic especially in key fights throughout the game like the ones with Kyogre, Archie, The Elite Four, and Zinnia. That being said, Alpha Sapphire is the most epic Pokémon game I've ever played in terms of story, environment, and characters. There are so many awesome locations in Hoenn such as Meteor Falls, Sootopolis City, and Sea Mauville, to name a few. There is so much to explore and discover in Hoenn, and there's so many different ways to do it. You can ride two different kinds of bikes, soar, dive, and surf. The water routes are some of my favorite places in Hoenn, to be honest. I don't think they're nearly as bad as everyone says they are. In total, I think you could get across them in 15 minutes or less, and not to mention that if you surf on a Sharpedo, you can go even faster. I also encountered far fewer Pokémon along the water routes this time around without even using any Repels.<br />
Overall, Game Freak added a few cool features to Alpha Sapphire that really made the game for me. However, I don't think they added enough new content to really make this remake stand out. When Heart Gold and Soul Silver came out, they were the most advanced Pokémon games to date because they improved on many aspects of Diamond and Pearl, so their remakes were really justified, and stood out beyond their status as remakes. While I think the Hoenn remakes are indeed justified, I just wish Game Freak would have added more new features rather than copy paste some features over from X and Y like the Battle Maison. In the post game area of Alpha Sapphire, the Battle Resort, they tease the possibility of a Battle Frontier, but give us a recycled version of the Battle Maison instead. I wish Game Freak would have spent more time on the game and included the Battle Frontier to begin with. Now I'm left wondering if they'll introduce it as DLC or include it in a later game. They didn't tie up some loose ends regarding some plot elements of the game, so that leads me to believe that they'll introduce an Emerald remake, but that remains to be seen.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTViCQDbSTK_0rE8rNoM44jrSo0Y9qmr4PgkKyOdX47W3JYRpWat_fU02zbsYBMqAR3r_TDg2gZAJDbB2XotWsR4VoHgyzk5tZ2kRFqt-C_WLYQKQyHb9lhq9BNnLepfp6gp5_W4AE1g/s1600/xjlmv0erxx8o6rpyzjpw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTViCQDbSTK_0rE8rNoM44jrSo0Y9qmr4PgkKyOdX47W3JYRpWat_fU02zbsYBMqAR3r_TDg2gZAJDbB2XotWsR4VoHgyzk5tZ2kRFqt-C_WLYQKQyHb9lhq9BNnLepfp6gp5_W4AE1g/s1600/xjlmv0erxx8o6rpyzjpw.png" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Game Freak, you're such a tease</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another thing that kind of disappointed me was the fact that character customization is absent from Hoenn. Although I can understand why they didn't include it in Alpha Sapphire because Brendan and May are established characters, it seems as if character customization should be a standard for the series since it was such a success in X and Y.<br />
<div>
Also, this game is really stinking easy. The exp share, as wonderful as it is, makes the game a cakewalk. So much so, that it almost seems broken in my eyes. While this is a mechanic that can be turned off, I think it just makes more sense to use it. I think they should adjust it so your Pokémon gain fewer experience points so that they aren't always so grossly over leveled. Although I must say that the Elite Four in Alpha Sapphire are at least a little more challenging than they were in X and Y, but only slightly. All in all, Alpha Sapphire is a gorgeous game oozing with charm and nostalgia that is a delight for Pokémon fans both young and old. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so, allow me to introduce my new rating system. I want to use a grading system, much akin to the one used in high school and college, since I'm more of a letters and words person rather than a numbers person:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A+ </div>
<div>
A </div>
<div>
A- </div>
<div>
B+ </div>
<div>
B </div>
<div>
B- </div>
<div>
C+ </div>
<div>
C </div>
<div>
C- </div>
<div>
D+ </div>
<div>
D </div>
<div>
D- </div>
<div>
F </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pretty much, "A" ratings are for great games that are pretty close to perfect, but have maybe a few flaws here and there. "B" ratings are for good games that have room for a little improvement. "C" ratings are for games that are just decent with many things that could be improved, and for games that aren't either good or bad. "D" ratings are for games that are passable, or just barely such. And "F" ratings are for awful games, naturally.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I would give Pokémon Alpha Sapphire version an A- rating. I loved the visuals, music, story, and gameplay, but it gets a "-" for lacking a few new features. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5iqXe_OIJ9kD_h59LqEQlUjdBcOo5KRRkp-N_HUxbromfdM9UsyEZL4XA5eHbYNsZza426oguDsL922RB4nHkWhPvyOnzMpsRjCyupT_MdnsqGzpX9xJ9t9RdTepCqCnuW5SWqK-GXw/s1600/team-aqua-team-magma-578x321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5iqXe_OIJ9kD_h59LqEQlUjdBcOo5KRRkp-N_HUxbromfdM9UsyEZL4XA5eHbYNsZza426oguDsL922RB4nHkWhPvyOnzMpsRjCyupT_MdnsqGzpX9xJ9t9RdTepCqCnuW5SWqK-GXw/s1600/team-aqua-team-magma-578x321.jpg" height="353" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading my review of Alpha Sapphire! What did you all think of the remakes?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7330848830034868570%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-DZiiASDzlKE%252FVJOolTJnqWI%252FAAAAAAAAAd0%252FOrY3JDfWVNg%252Fs1600%252Fteam-aqua-team-magma-578x321.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 10184px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7330848830034868570%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-DZiiASDzlKE%252FVJOolTJnqWI%252FAAAAAAAAAd0%252FOrY3JDfWVNg%252Fs1600%252Fteam-aqua-team-magma-578x321.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 10184px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-76381852687102908272014-12-09T18:31:00.001-08:002014-12-09T18:31:31.633-08:00Check out my guest blog over at The Emolga Editorial!Hey guys! I recently did a guest post for my cousin's blog about why I like the Gen 3 games so much. So, show him some love and go check out his <a href="https://emolgaeditorial.wordpress.com/2014/12/10/guest-blog-w-the-nintendette-why-gen-3-is-my-favorite-generation-of-pokemon/" target="_blank">blog</a>!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4lylVBdy0APRAQ4NhA9Jom69z-FRo4zGCxe6SxidZskb3FfAOBH-KaXxgDlCu6scs-AEA17Ef4pClHbDNMpWPx_jbizfo7it8Hn54LybsrJOFyDj34OOnyGlNaWrEr6-N8VfpsH0Bl0/s1600/pokemon_alpha_sapphire_wallpaper__version_2__by_patofilio-d7hkf0m.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4lylVBdy0APRAQ4NhA9Jom69z-FRo4zGCxe6SxidZskb3FfAOBH-KaXxgDlCu6scs-AEA17Ef4pClHbDNMpWPx_jbizfo7it8Hn54LybsrJOFyDj34OOnyGlNaWrEr6-N8VfpsH0Bl0/s1600/pokemon_alpha_sapphire_wallpaper__version_2__by_patofilio-d7hkf0m.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, be on the lookout for a review of Alpha Sapphire here in a week or so!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-80125125770805329252014-11-25T17:37:00.000-08:002014-12-04T20:02:10.734-08:00My Top 10 Favorite Pokémon!Hello everyone! With all the Pokémania going on right now in light of the release of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, I decided to list my favorite Pokémon. It was really fun to go through all the Pokémon I've used throughout the years and decide which ones were my favorites. I love these Pokemon for unique reasons, so it was difficult to rank one particular reason over another. Anyways, without further ado, here are my top 10 favorite Pokémon!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">____________________________</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">#10. Aurorus</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTPrhGC2QRLAZmwpfbaCL3Bbdkzw0KeMavUVEim7pF0puZlofEmaRBhG3kLgfFZqsakBhpPQ42rq1ngaikNipPIT2_8nDreiASVMPi9XVrDiWKxQIkVtxr4PKVo_9V0QIbZeWO-x_ee8/s1600/Aurorus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTPrhGC2QRLAZmwpfbaCL3Bbdkzw0KeMavUVEim7pF0puZlofEmaRBhG3kLgfFZqsakBhpPQ42rq1ngaikNipPIT2_8nDreiASVMPi9XVrDiWKxQIkVtxr4PKVo_9V0QIbZeWO-x_ee8/s1600/Aurorus.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ever since I was a kid, I've always loved dinosaurs. Growing up, I even wanted to be an archaeologist. As a result, fossil Pokémon have always held a special place in my heart. The idea of taking a rock and reviving it back into a living creature has always intrigued me. Out of all the fossil Pokemon, Aurorus is my favorite. Aurorus' design is based off of the aurora borealis, commonly referred to as the "northern lights". The northern lights are a phenomena that occurs when solar winds emitted by the Sun come into contact with elements in the Earth's atmosphere, creating colorful streams of light in the night sky. Aurorus' sail (the flaps on its head and neck) lights up in a similar way, which is a really striking feature that is unique to Aurorus. It's always been a dream of mine to see the aurora borealis, and for me, Aurorus in an embodiment of that dream. Aurorus is also such a beautiful Pokémon in general. From its cool blue color, to its colorful sail, to its pretty diamond-like ice crystals, to its elegantly curled tail, Aurorus has an awesome design. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBk4qpWI02CGaVH5mGnbj7aBGaj2BV9dxLTRO77shZ_lx5L8beRR0JR1KAjforB_Yc1m5oF4p47OhGBbeZdA7NiPiggMUvORD86m-LrMPNZaiB3PEqgaD8El6WFvGM9lbbNCg2v1edujk/s1600/tumblr_mx3qawDr9I1qkfoa8o4_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBk4qpWI02CGaVH5mGnbj7aBGaj2BV9dxLTRO77shZ_lx5L8beRR0JR1KAjforB_Yc1m5oF4p47OhGBbeZdA7NiPiggMUvORD86m-LrMPNZaiB3PEqgaD8El6WFvGM9lbbNCg2v1edujk/s1600/tumblr_mx3qawDr9I1qkfoa8o4_250.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurorus' beautiful sails in action. Did I mention that its shiny coloring (pictured) is s super cool as well? It trades its normal blue coloring for a pretty snow-white color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, the reason it's at number 10 is because of its typing. Aurorus is a dual Rock/Ice type, making it 4x weak to Fighting and Steel. It altogether has 6 weaknesses including one of its own, Rock. I just find it really ridiculous when a Pokémon is weak to itself, and its's something that I think really hinders Aurorus' potential. When I see Aurorus, I feel both happy and sad because while it is a really gorgeous Pokémon, it's not really viable in battle at all. Since nobody will use it in battle because of its awful typing, its cool design kind of goes to waste. However, it does have a good ability, Refrigerate, which turns Normal type moves into Ice type moves. It also has Snow Warning as a hidden ability, which summons hail when it enters battle which can then chip away at your opponent's HP. I hope that maybe in the future, Game Freak will realize the injustices it put upon Aurorus and make it more battle-friendly so that it can have a chance to kick butt and look gorgeous at the same time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">____________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#9. Lapras</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji03HlSn-3ne6vUed_YohzYJc-QdjaFmUYjVvMZ9HoPgdHLxf-L5uPUxMgGtfzNFOLoGPXZQ-cbhp7LKvYNcaEwmsUxnx6ym2xQWbEzc9iDfgY7O6ikU7daaiM9qOvuv_zVW5Ea4G6c5k/s1600/250px-131Lapras.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji03HlSn-3ne6vUed_YohzYJc-QdjaFmUYjVvMZ9HoPgdHLxf-L5uPUxMgGtfzNFOLoGPXZQ-cbhp7LKvYNcaEwmsUxnx6ym2xQWbEzc9iDfgY7O6ikU7daaiM9qOvuv_zVW5Ea4G6c5k/s1600/250px-131Lapras.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My love of Lapras began when I played through Yellow as a kid. The only way to obtain Lapras in Red, Blue, and Yellow was to receive it from a person working for Silph Co. As a result, Lapras has always felt really special and rare to me. Lapras is described as being kind and gentle, and enjoys ferrying people across the sea on its back. In Gen 6, it got its own surfing sprite which makes it all the more special to me. Being able to see my Lapras as she carried me across the seas of Kalos made me feel even closer to her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX7iNX59f2X4d2KPrqyimhMsp7XSvfpkBXzkMX7eZPmi2861hWHUCC8ZzKgIo4nRIJpNCEsMuoMx7p4bEx0tpbyOeKT5JKFVCj4sG1hxTcZ0quzIGrMpenTyxCAf2evGkD9CkyBR5jNY/s1600/HNI_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX7iNX59f2X4d2KPrqyimhMsp7XSvfpkBXzkMX7eZPmi2861hWHUCC8ZzKgIo4nRIJpNCEsMuoMx7p4bEx0tpbyOeKT5JKFVCj4sG1hxTcZ0quzIGrMpenTyxCAf2evGkD9CkyBR5jNY/s1600/HNI_0039.JPG" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my Lapras, Caspian, in Azure Bay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Despite being characterized as gentle, Lapras can hold its own in battle. It has the highest HP of any non-legendary Ice type Pokémon, and it can learn a plethora of useful attacks, including many of the one hit KO moves. The reason it's at number 9 is because I don't really use it much in battle because there are other Water types I like more that will be revealed in this list! However, Lapras will always hold a special place in my heart no matter what. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj13JLz_gjsb1_iteAnp-_01CgElZxd7zzMW2bWm_nHv74zXnn824DAdUq4odAkhoGkUMJy7XYye8asW1VlcBqJyFUE_582lC0C140GcLU8nuRdDETf_JNoj4q0HNuaNUt0mducgviwc/s1600/131.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj13JLz_gjsb1_iteAnp-_01CgElZxd7zzMW2bWm_nHv74zXnn824DAdUq4odAkhoGkUMJy7XYye8asW1VlcBqJyFUE_582lC0C140GcLU8nuRdDETf_JNoj4q0HNuaNUt0mducgviwc/s1600/131.png" height="298" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fact that Lapras is also really cute affects why I like it so much!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">____________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#8. Ninetales</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnuoST4EkA3C9QTI68rx6_n2I9uYxaqBNq-5cx1BxLLxT2fdqxzyxWOWFTZG9TC4Dx5GlRKTxK3bTFfJvjXxc0shNvGa893_hMRceqVvRBSY3d01Fbx0KdaArXHu71pT8rh7xzRmWS2s/s1600/038.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnuoST4EkA3C9QTI68rx6_n2I9uYxaqBNq-5cx1BxLLxT2fdqxzyxWOWFTZG9TC4Dx5GlRKTxK3bTFfJvjXxc0shNvGa893_hMRceqVvRBSY3d01Fbx0KdaArXHu71pT8rh7xzRmWS2s/s1600/038.png" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are a multitude of reasons why I like Ninetales. Firstly (and most shallowly), it is obviously a very beautiful Pokémon. Secondly, the Pokédex entries about it have always fascinated me. In various Pokédex entries, Ninetales is described as being vengeful, intelligent, and able to live for 1,000 years. It is also said to have the ability to read and control minds and lay curses on those who mistreat it. Another reason I like Ninetales is because of an episode of the anime that really intrigued me. In the episode titled "Just Waiting on a Friend", a 200 year old Ninetales creates illusions in order to lure Brock into being its new owner since its old one left it. In the episode, Ninetales is shown to have telekinetic powers, which I think is pretty cool.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwyA-PH6ikzquGSQaAXAt3ovR5g3fXPHWLU0pAOascYQcY2xmj-jOt3k9TH-unH1ByRd1o8nO4qLrEUUqr1KCzpez_XxPoqouULpGyQTE1K1hkh-P2Btz8vC3L4UGHev9uNHtKqSDpTs/s1600/tumblr_mw8s1aoRIU1qkfoa8o2_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwyA-PH6ikzquGSQaAXAt3ovR5g3fXPHWLU0pAOascYQcY2xmj-jOt3k9TH-unH1ByRd1o8nO4qLrEUUqr1KCzpez_XxPoqouULpGyQTE1K1hkh-P2Btz8vC3L4UGHev9uNHtKqSDpTs/s1600/tumblr_mw8s1aoRIU1qkfoa8o2_250.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGnUWrpD-gmu8v35wFKTEdcJbPEklAds0QCVoYJemc3nrNqR82y6A_PXDQVSeGcxwOvrnbMbxL15k0EkwElbsDMRP49XMZefCJpYuEgVUenvg0y7sSSJn8Od_TN2n6lDnZHZq6u-XnKM/s1600/shiny_ninetales_global_link_art_by_trainerparshen-d6t9mue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGnUWrpD-gmu8v35wFKTEdcJbPEklAds0QCVoYJemc3nrNqR82y6A_PXDQVSeGcxwOvrnbMbxL15k0EkwElbsDMRP49XMZefCJpYuEgVUenvg0y7sSSJn8Od_TN2n6lDnZHZq6u-XnKM/s1600/shiny_ninetales_global_link_art_by_trainerparshen-d6t9mue.png" height="188" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ninetales is also one of those Pokémon whose shiny coloring is just better than their normal coloring. Shiny Ninetales is a grayish blue color with blue-tipped tails; what isn't there to love? Ninetales' design is based of off the Japanese mythologic creature, the <i>kitsune. </i>According to Japanese legend, foxes (which are what Ninetales is based off of) that grow more than one tail are said to have mystical powers and long lives. Eventually, these long living foxes take on a spirit form, which is perhaps why Ninetales can learn Ghost and Psychic type moves. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The reason why Ninetales is only at #8 is because, like Aurorus, I think it has untapped potential. Both Vulpix (its prior evolution) and Nintetales are version exclusive to Blue, while their counterparts, Growlithe and Arcanine, are exclusive to Red. Arcanine is more offensive, while Ninetales is more defensive. This may just be my bias talking, but I'd like to see Ninetales get a boost, or maybe even a dual typing in the future, considering that Arcanine is considerably more powerful. I think Ninetales could easily be either a dual Fire/Ghost type or Fire/Psychic type. I'd also like it to be able to utilize healing moves like Morning Sun (which Arcanine has access to). As it stands, Ninetales is the only Pokémon besides Groudon and Mega Charizard Y to have the ability Drought, which is a pretty good ability in my opinion. A Drought Ninetales can instantly use Solar Beam without charging up which can make quick work of pesky Water types that stand in its way. Ninetales is easily my favorite Fire type Pokémon, and one of my all time favorites in general.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywGB1a_XC7HNzi4Y8RT-OlhW6kZz86rIcGn4sh-wOt2vdrHAING7tPUR4rko_cjV4N2JQREJzbuRQz6C5Lv6gfIQEMTvR3-ss5NBEmPVRMRjp8kHIVf8KvlusOfdPe46QdLwXxH3XfXQ/s1600/ninetales-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywGB1a_XC7HNzi4Y8RT-OlhW6kZz86rIcGn4sh-wOt2vdrHAING7tPUR4rko_cjV4N2JQREJzbuRQz6C5Lv6gfIQEMTvR3-ss5NBEmPVRMRjp8kHIVf8KvlusOfdPe46QdLwXxH3XfXQ/s1600/ninetales-2.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, its attack animations in X and Y are super cool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">____________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#7. Ampharos</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBQQRcxggohWzUueHA0PiSqAtistRl6Pv7Ewymqt9NW-vzbwBgh8GHh8vj-qejeBU8RYd1PpGADM9us977DoKUAdWvGWt-jhsFw3yagiGD9dmLmyEwkF_55Epu82dHSlvts3TzhwMEeY/s1600/181.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBQQRcxggohWzUueHA0PiSqAtistRl6Pv7Ewymqt9NW-vzbwBgh8GHh8vj-qejeBU8RYd1PpGADM9us977DoKUAdWvGWt-jhsFw3yagiGD9dmLmyEwkF_55Epu82dHSlvts3TzhwMEeY/s1600/181.png" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next on the list is Ampharos. Not only is Ampharos really cute, but it can pack a punch as well. Amphoros is a really versatile Pokémon, as it can learn both Bug and Rock type moves by leveling up. Even better is the fact that Ampharos has good stats, and can take a hit. It can also Mega Evolve into the ultra fabulous Mega Ampharos, and gain even more power along with a dual Electric/Dragon typing. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qDSpHAAo1TskgOse_yZl_erj_Asw6ZHG6CsAeOaHtMGwbxYs2KwYDg7sHeGwGkFSl720ObCGpjqgMSzv1TW_Qwf4W7Xsz6b5H2qlNNnc45SEPier202PtyvG-KpmLqNvDusXCQLpFVs/s1600/ampharos.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qDSpHAAo1TskgOse_yZl_erj_Asw6ZHG6CsAeOaHtMGwbxYs2KwYDg7sHeGwGkFSl720ObCGpjqgMSzv1TW_Qwf4W7Xsz6b5H2qlNNnc45SEPier202PtyvG-KpmLqNvDusXCQLpFVs/s1600/ampharos.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus, just look at it! Ampharos is happy all of the time; it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face! It also has a really cool shiny coloring, which again is one of those Pokémon where the shiny coloring is better than the original. In fact, I'm working on breeding a shiny Mareep to evolve into an Ampharos. Overall, Ampharos is an awesome Pokémon with an awesome moveset with an awesome design to boot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTelgVnpSFp6nm3dZUTv5oApbqePuQKJtmGoQRo2zlOpFrNG4JIfjA8y45Sr3sORBGYVC1d7cgIzdYahJaOI-ytEdKSj9JqqBResu-M-RQUURnN54uNSZxYm0-0Hbj-jX3Qne_oF51Fw/s1600/shiny_ampharos_dream_world_art_by_trainerparshen-d6iei31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTelgVnpSFp6nm3dZUTv5oApbqePuQKJtmGoQRo2zlOpFrNG4JIfjA8y45Sr3sORBGYVC1d7cgIzdYahJaOI-ytEdKSj9JqqBResu-M-RQUURnN54uNSZxYm0-0Hbj-jX3Qne_oF51Fw/s1600/shiny_ampharos_dream_world_art_by_trainerparshen-d6iei31.png" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's pink and blue and happy all over? That's right! Shiny Ampharos!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">_________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#6. Politoed</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLA4kgk1Y39FHP7oYBgf-LQHmcNBUpN1lhFlleDawbAW0B0NG2dxQySM14l9XLkTGAJjWQK3859zxQ9YyHsmxdf6RnA-CzUvaMyezhIenSV0rERnoKedJdJSrhUCbf9ywb9yFAXbGE_A/s1600/250px-186Politoed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLA4kgk1Y39FHP7oYBgf-LQHmcNBUpN1lhFlleDawbAW0B0NG2dxQySM14l9XLkTGAJjWQK3859zxQ9YyHsmxdf6RnA-CzUvaMyezhIenSV0rERnoKedJdJSrhUCbf9ywb9yFAXbGE_A/s1600/250px-186Politoed.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are a number of reasons why I like Politoed so much. Politoed is one of my friend's favorite Pokémon, and as a result, it became one of mine. Whenever I was sad, my friend would send me gifs of Politoed clapping happily and carefree like it does in the anime, and it would instantly cheer me up. Politoed's cute face coupled with its happy-go-lucky attitude puts a smile on my face every time I see it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNm7nDxp1AHEDyEO6J-FjcTkw069R6sPruXlvELetmcNt2fAkem0E7sh7a2nCpKyipFG3LhKoBbC8TVI40gO8oF0vL4hzsFR2gID5O40GMMmiUGViuejn4fvB64DhUhkCjRrWK25d6yM/s1600/tumblr_milszhOcdq1r5fhkdo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNm7nDxp1AHEDyEO6J-FjcTkw069R6sPruXlvELetmcNt2fAkem0E7sh7a2nCpKyipFG3LhKoBbC8TVI40gO8oF0vL4hzsFR2gID5O40GMMmiUGViuejn4fvB64DhUhkCjRrWK25d6yM/s1600/tumblr_milszhOcdq1r5fhkdo1_500.gif" height="198" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Politoed is adorable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not only is Politoed insanely adorable, but it's a good Pokémon to add to your team as well. Politoed is the only Pokémon besides Kyogre to have access to the ability Drizzle, which summons rain when the Pokémon enters battle. The presence of rain speeds up Water type Pokémon with the ability Swift Swim, Water type moves are 50% more powerful, Fire type moves are weakened by 50%, and it gives the moves Thunder and Hurricane 100% accuracy. Politoed has it all: good stats, a good hidden ability, good move pool, and good looks!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyps7U4mMrXzHYOq3wEIEa3mVmazZ8ZWrfjiGztNS6RagIsvvvSyQ7I48UXNyQFKfraRtBuxnet4iqcbkmNw_iphwXWBoZb86ozOLQzRnG9UkQjQ5uTYmqZkWJbWXDdcIu2pgieSWXQE/s1600/Politoed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyps7U4mMrXzHYOq3wEIEa3mVmazZ8ZWrfjiGztNS6RagIsvvvSyQ7I48UXNyQFKfraRtBuxnet4iqcbkmNw_iphwXWBoZb86ozOLQzRnG9UkQjQ5uTYmqZkWJbWXDdcIu2pgieSWXQE/s1600/Politoed.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Politoed, Pauly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">____________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5. Gardevoir</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY39q6A_-3pO10vVSbXuxh-uX0VUIzZcf6M9PIK04fS6fda4gpF015RWNB0bkKAfvc6KEqkZLQKcuKMXOH3H2fUy6R9Yv8XIG60k2Wvdt2-3ZW8R4ZKe4E0z9Na7kRb3CoZjwdUbR3atU/s1600/250px-282Gardevoir.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY39q6A_-3pO10vVSbXuxh-uX0VUIzZcf6M9PIK04fS6fda4gpF015RWNB0bkKAfvc6KEqkZLQKcuKMXOH3H2fUy6R9Yv8XIG60k2Wvdt2-3ZW8R4ZKe4E0z9Na7kRb3CoZjwdUbR3atU/s1600/250px-282Gardevoir.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Really, I should say that the entire Ralts line is one of my favorites. All 3 Pokémon look so unique and alien-like, which I love. I am a huge fan of sci-fi, and the Ralts line's design plays into that. But, I had to choose Gardevoir as my favorite from the line because there is so much mystery surrounding why it looks the way it does. There are many theories surrounding what inspired Gardevoir's design. It is said to be based off of a principal dancer, or the highest ranking dancer in a dance company. Principal dancers can be either male or female, which may explain why Gardevoir's gender ratio is 50/50 despite looking so feminine. Its pre evolution, Kirlia, is a Pokémon that closely resembles a ballerina, which goes along with the principal dancer theory. It is also said to be based off of a Japanese paper doll, or even a guardian angel since its Pokédex entries say that it'll give up its own life to protect its trainer. Gardevoir is also said to be based off of knights since its Japanese name is Sirknight. Gardevoir also appears to be wearing a masquerade mask, which brings us back to the dancer theory. In my eyes, Gardevoir is the perfect combination of chivalry, grace, and mystery.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiDwy9xeJT3NUAQNHnMQA3gBPNJfliRBjfWC80hor-PB5m1wBtIqqQrrbXwv7vT2IC_MLI0eQN9whapUyPmzLFeOyB7DHJ4nRS7ESN3VeJLGWU3VQZYttIzCQFY3jyg2VBVVJVW1bOTs/s1600/shiny_megagardevoir_dream_world_by_krocf4-d78387q.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiDwy9xeJT3NUAQNHnMQA3gBPNJfliRBjfWC80hor-PB5m1wBtIqqQrrbXwv7vT2IC_MLI0eQN9whapUyPmzLFeOyB7DHJ4nRS7ESN3VeJLGWU3VQZYttIzCQFY3jyg2VBVVJVW1bOTs/s1600/shiny_megagardevoir_dream_world_by_krocf4-d78387q.png" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvo-c2PHhw9lvNjx1t1nDbBRilhdWOMFHloGD5cVBf9lC1_u5iYqJCL2CQntJ2BNnvNwpInE8AavpuaB7jtYLPJCwsCNcy-SsFZajhQXCay91AeQeOqyJKiZwPHglZJqfnEwYCn_0ap8/s1600/Gardevoir_s.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvo-c2PHhw9lvNjx1t1nDbBRilhdWOMFHloGD5cVBf9lC1_u5iYqJCL2CQntJ2BNnvNwpInE8AavpuaB7jtYLPJCwsCNcy-SsFZajhQXCay91AeQeOqyJKiZwPHglZJqfnEwYCn_0ap8/s1600/Gardevoir_s.png" height="184" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Can you tell that I love shiny Pokémon? Gardevoir's shiny coloring gives it a blue head instead of a green one, and a red chest instead of a pink one. What's even cooler is that its Mega form gets a sleek black coloring instead of white. It's a dream of mine to have a shiny Gardevoir with the move Hyper Voice. Why? Because with Mega Gardevoir's ability Pixelate, the Normal type move Hyper Voice becomes a STAB Fairy type move with 175 base power and 100% accuracy. Hyper Voice also can hit multiple targets at once. In short, Mega Gardevoir is a force to be reckoned with. Another reason I like Gardevoir is because it has two of my favorite types: Fairy and Psychic. Both are really versatile types that come in handy, especially when they're put together. Since Gardevoir is a Psychic type, it can easily take down Poison types that threaten it. It is also a Fighting type's worst nightmare considering it has both Fairy and Psychic to deal with when faced with Gardevoir. Also, whenever I played through the Gen 3 games, I would always use a Gardevoir, so it has been a staple of my Pokemon adventures for years, and will continue to be for years to come.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdv56pldNYBddFGXnKrsaRX336mm_bB95g_s1tGlpN28i1S95uUVIjvZvQ3yDXwyKjHrQgjSfzLUzSDZvtNqWNtMduoMUIfDBdInP8Sr31xekaKF4JwL9Z6uUfbveUyG6jC4zWOgrba8/s1600/Gardevoir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdv56pldNYBddFGXnKrsaRX336mm_bB95g_s1tGlpN28i1S95uUVIjvZvQ3yDXwyKjHrQgjSfzLUzSDZvtNqWNtMduoMUIfDBdInP8Sr31xekaKF4JwL9Z6uUfbveUyG6jC4zWOgrba8/s1600/Gardevoir.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Gardevoir, Adivina! "Adivina" means fortune-teller in Spainsh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">____________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4. Dragonite</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAak6yKXV33yfz0yGEqcwKmAX9-DQmDRdLQD5NfclCaRehr8IVOsSeOSzMgr4_ei5h3aX5-cDUfOdTJ_egb8RrG10q5OkCGjv1jGRdkO-bFw-Zp72zByuuXURxq7UHUIComVyf3wX5bos/s1600/149.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAak6yKXV33yfz0yGEqcwKmAX9-DQmDRdLQD5NfclCaRehr8IVOsSeOSzMgr4_ei5h3aX5-cDUfOdTJ_egb8RrG10q5OkCGjv1jGRdkO-bFw-Zp72zByuuXURxq7UHUIComVyf3wX5bos/s1600/149.png" height="320" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sure, people may think Dragonite looks goofy, derpy, and a little chunky, but that's precisely why I like it. Dragonite was the original Dragon type Pokémon, and is also a pseudo-legendary with a hefty 600 base stats. It also has a really useful hidden ability, Multiscale, which halves all damage taken if Dragonite is at full HP. Give Dragonite the move Roost and Leftovers and you'll have a bulky attacker on your hands. Dragonite packs a lot of power and still manages to look cute and kind. According to the Pokédex, Dragonite circles the world's oceans searching for people who need rescued. Dragonite is also said to be really intelligent. Coincidentally, Dragonite is also one of my friend's favorite Pokémon as well. He has a giant Dragonite plush that would be present during our gaming sessions no matter what. I have very fond memories cuddling with Dragonite in both the real world and in the game in Pokémon Amie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhSD_WUMshUkc6w_n_-n-GvMIT2tiVbSt_wLRosVoJzkYSFaQBNQoNo20wFxM4daC_GDrAxKyCPaE6hwh1yBB3AwEpptFQwBThXVj959x85-8oyJhS4pDXInSa1mJ1ghWsZI-0_OUvbU/s1600/tumblr_mjtme4tzgO1qceuh8o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhSD_WUMshUkc6w_n_-n-GvMIT2tiVbSt_wLRosVoJzkYSFaQBNQoNo20wFxM4daC_GDrAxKyCPaE6hwh1yBB3AwEpptFQwBThXVj959x85-8oyJhS4pDXInSa1mJ1ghWsZI-0_OUvbU/s1600/tumblr_mjtme4tzgO1qceuh8o1_500.gif" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-IUPcvjoI_7A%252FVHQBWAeyinI%252FAAAAAAAAASk%252FSXujYe5mWqo%252Fs1600%252Fshiny_ninetales_global_link_art_by_trainerparshen-d6t9mue.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 391px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1879px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-IUPcvjoI_7A%252FVHQBWAeyinI%252FAAAAAAAAASk%252FSXujYe5mWqo%252Fs1600%252Fshiny_ninetales_global_link_art_by_trainerparshen-d6t9mue.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 391px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1879px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-IUPcvjoI_7A%252FVHQBWAeyinI%252FAAAAAAAAASk%252FSXujYe5mWqo%252Fs1600%252Fshiny_ninetales_global_link_art_by_trainerparshen-d6t9mue.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 391px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1879px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-IUPcvjoI_7A%252FVHQBWAeyinI%252FAAAAAAAAASk%252FSXujYe5mWqo%252Fs1600%252Fshiny_ninetales_global_link_art_by_trainerparshen-d6t9mue.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 391px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1879px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Fk7G8-44f_g%252FVHQXSHSV-lI%252FAAAAAAAAATo%252FbeIbqXZqfxk%252Fs1600%252F181.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 239px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4110px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Fk7G8-44f_g%252FVHQXSHSV-lI%252FAAAAAAAAATo%252FbeIbqXZqfxk%252Fs1600%252F181.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 239px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4110px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>I also love how Dragonite was portrayed in the very first Pokémon movie, <i>Mewtwo Strikes Back. </i>Dragonite acted as a mail deliverer. I love his cute little mail bag and how he flies so gracefully. I also recently bred a 5IV Multiscale Dragonite in X, so it has been a fixation of my Pokémon experience as of late and will continue to be for some time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgI_g1pwtp7UU_fAFBITpL8AXRyZV6s1mld8_zodS7YUgzYhPw-TTJPH2BW7gT7RYm1iLw7VmyCPjzsdCnEePbSbQPNVz1o7nXGr8x3YlmnDubqjj25bpSQ4Z1bx2dzly05EvXGdxyp4/s1600/20141125_141152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgI_g1pwtp7UU_fAFBITpL8AXRyZV6s1mld8_zodS7YUgzYhPw-TTJPH2BW7gT7RYm1iLw7VmyCPjzsdCnEePbSbQPNVz1o7nXGr8x3YlmnDubqjj25bpSQ4Z1bx2dzly05EvXGdxyp4/s1600/20141125_141152.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 5IV Multiscale Dragonite, Comet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">____________________________</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3. Milotic</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J4tdGxEeLb-VG_BvHlc9uM-j5VCjm4mQHiDcA6VFIUm47unuFS1Vp3S7-w4unkbuA-Z9fjMWllFgHIdZLC5phlCATvolbMi_sLmXCs7ac9Czl2-_uARyg4raNlO2ed8JvJtFr0jeYqE/s1600/350Milotic_Dream.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J4tdGxEeLb-VG_BvHlc9uM-j5VCjm4mQHiDcA6VFIUm47unuFS1Vp3S7-w4unkbuA-Z9fjMWllFgHIdZLC5phlCATvolbMi_sLmXCs7ac9Czl2-_uARyg4raNlO2ed8JvJtFr0jeYqE/s1600/350Milotic_Dream.png" height="320" width="292" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Milotic is said to be the world's most beautiful Pokémon, and I am inclined to agree. Milotic is said to be the counterpart of Gyarados, as they both have the same amount of base stats, 540, and evolve from weak fish Pokémon, as Gyarados evolves from Magikarp and Milotic from Feebas. However, while Gyarados represents the transition from weak to strong, Milotic represents the transition from ugly to beautiful, which is one of the reasons why I like it so much. For me, Milotic helps me realize that no matter how many flaws you may have, you can overcome them and still be beautiful. I've struggled with self-confidence issues my entire life, and seeing Feebas evolve into Milotic gives me hope. Another reason I like Milotic so much is because of how rare it was to have one in the original Gen 3 games. Feebas (its pre-evolution) could only be caught on Route 119 in 6 random fishing spots along the river that runs through it. Not to mention that the only way to evolve Feebas into Milotic in Gen 3 was to max its Beauty condition, which took a lot of time, dedication, and Pokéblocks. I can only imagine how surprised people were when their shabby old Feebas evolved into gorgeous and elegant Milotic!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMsiAd2VCnaO1HGQ0ZyzNpJavD1LA8Vzjuo9oe3MoZAleuBqyogoAKoE0QfLwvDOwXc0zCXgaicxmrkJHWLwe606xWxRmkVgsIAfPmOFLgLZcYdRdUW7YfrvFDIas4aGkziVuJy0-DBE/s1600/Pxywikiwalkthrough244.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMsiAd2VCnaO1HGQ0ZyzNpJavD1LA8Vzjuo9oe3MoZAleuBqyogoAKoE0QfLwvDOwXc0zCXgaicxmrkJHWLwe606xWxRmkVgsIAfPmOFLgLZcYdRdUW7YfrvFDIas4aGkziVuJy0-DBE/s1600/Pxywikiwalkthrough244.png" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A golden Milotic statue appears in the Parfum Palace in X and Y. I would love to have one of those for my secret base in Alpha Sapphire!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the Pokédex, Milotic is described as being able to calm combative spirits with its beauty. If only Milotic existed in real life; there'd be no more wars! However, even though Milotic is described as being peaceful, it can hold its own in battle. It has high Special Attack and Special Defense along with a high HP stat. It also can learn Recover, meaning that Milotic can be a bulky, self healing Special Attacker, and a useful addition to your party. I give my Milotic a Shell Bell, which heals a little bit of HP every time it lands an attack. My Milotic has the ability Competitve which raises Special Attack when any other of its stats are lowered. Milotic also has a useful hidden ability, Cute Charm, which can cause the opponent Pokémon to fall in love with Milotic when it lands a hit on it. Milotic doesn't really need Cute Charm though because its so easy fall in love with regardless.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuERYUvFJdtUOIQEbKPp5vLNYelCqfKZVMPxZweEYmaXNFG3rwaYkIubB9Q8oEeF3ZmEShqoxAySPMcdlc8aViWaGXd7CtJvQzyEDiLwS49DnGUL_AvcETbGibS7ibCbSulWFoGTobJE/s1600/20141125_150553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuERYUvFJdtUOIQEbKPp5vLNYelCqfKZVMPxZweEYmaXNFG3rwaYkIubB9Q8oEeF3ZmEShqoxAySPMcdlc8aViWaGXd7CtJvQzyEDiLwS49DnGUL_AvcETbGibS7ibCbSulWFoGTobJE/s1600/20141125_150553.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 6IV Milotic, Rutela!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">____________________________</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2. Absol</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHD4Tt8Uh-LvJUauvF_IAwiaAQAegmHUaKu8y6k3Cc2AXZ74XW0fFyoHcbmPqfVoZPviLRCWC4Yw5MDPeFMuf5HyynJYB4GpvIIJxAagGS5S0E8FT0LlMpG7p0SERQYCiqGpio4jU63k/s1600/Mega_Absol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHD4Tt8Uh-LvJUauvF_IAwiaAQAegmHUaKu8y6k3Cc2AXZ74XW0fFyoHcbmPqfVoZPviLRCWC4Yw5MDPeFMuf5HyynJYB4GpvIIJxAagGS5S0E8FT0LlMpG7p0SERQYCiqGpio4jU63k/s1600/Mega_Absol.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absol and Mega Absol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Absol is known as the Disaster Pokémon. Absol only appears before people to warn them of a incoming natural disaster, and as a result, people think Absol is the one who causes the natural disasters. In reality however, Absol is just misunderstood. I can relate to Absol because I'm always afraid people will judge me or misunderstand me. Also, I'd love to have an Absol in real life because I'm really scared of natural disasters like tornados and hurricanes, so being able to have an Absol to warn me ahead of time and keep me safe would be ideal. Mega Absol looks like it has wings, so in a way, I feel like it is like my guardian angel whenever I use it in battle. Speaking of battle, Absol is a force to be reckoned with. It has really high Attack and Speed stats, meaning it has the potential to be a good sweeper. Combined with its ability Super Luck, it can land critical hits easier and take out anything that stands in its way. Also, Absol is a really cool looking Pokémon. It looks menacing, but at the same time, it's really fluffy and cute as well. As a result, Absol will always be one of my favorite partners. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDAWdOTwzTACga-zvWg-b9jbrLTlI-TRRIgu5eZEmmidtY7MmhMnwfQKhjk6kTMcgAlCYTEKcl55e3Qafpde2-NlWmvd8MuIP-QEaQWZn1OG4hiOwdrCCOSRGfpKdOmPrXydOSJC2oUI/s1600/Absol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDAWdOTwzTACga-zvWg-b9jbrLTlI-TRRIgu5eZEmmidtY7MmhMnwfQKhjk6kTMcgAlCYTEKcl55e3Qafpde2-NlWmvd8MuIP-QEaQWZn1OG4hiOwdrCCOSRGfpKdOmPrXydOSJC2oUI/s1600/Absol.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Absol, Sombra! "Sombra" means shadow in Spanish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">____________________________</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1. Mawile</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi856nR-6DVuGHs0UhSnj9uNXoHB1GaQArAQxppjuhJiAre_KgZAv0mvKx2lVKJTWiPZ9bOrW2txLDloBZW1XUcmcjvkacwg0BRMcerZbXuQ15bdk_YyDAN6Ty5cIt-16jVYwpyGBSPTow/s1600/Mawile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi856nR-6DVuGHs0UhSnj9uNXoHB1GaQArAQxppjuhJiAre_KgZAv0mvKx2lVKJTWiPZ9bOrW2txLDloBZW1XUcmcjvkacwg0BRMcerZbXuQ15bdk_YyDAN6Ty5cIt-16jVYwpyGBSPTow/s1600/Mawile.gif" height="168" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK-DYzVL5EceAIVbT3Z5VmHWWHnVm2xDc6Jbojqlh2muHn0qsjJkcwaCrNnvul4aG-T10G1yV1iEsEWsfp_tQKva-aGclIXtKpRCY7d9q8d53Vt5NZ1i_92nClALWwrABCUrtSzl3f_k/s1600/62906_303Mawile_Mega_Dream.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK-DYzVL5EceAIVbT3Z5VmHWWHnVm2xDc6Jbojqlh2muHn0qsjJkcwaCrNnvul4aG-T10G1yV1iEsEWsfp_tQKva-aGclIXtKpRCY7d9q8d53Vt5NZ1i_92nClALWwrABCUrtSzl3f_k/s1600/62906_303Mawile_Mega_Dream.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mawile is a tiny Pokémon that packs a huge punch. Mawile is known as the Deceiver Pokémon. It lures people in with its cute face, and then bites with its relentless jaws. It may be easy to underestimate Mawile because of its small size and adorable face, but you'll be sorry that you did. Mawile may be the shortest of all the the Mega Pokémon, but it has the highest base attack stat of any Pokémon at a whopping 678 due to its ability Huge Power. Mawile also has probably my favorite typing ever which is Fairy/Steel. With a dual Steel typing, Mawile gets all the perks of a Fairy typing without the disadvantages. Mawile has 2 weaknesses, is immune to 2 types, and resists 9 types. Mawile can take a punch and deal one out as well. I see a lot of myself in Mawile because I am also very tiny and people tend to underestimate me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD9kgGVAnP_UC7xSJp_1vpucXiBY8tDKYXLUKDU3nZGPaGVISyT5hDYCs_xUk95DMbOWxSQCSKMeAEUvrf4xoG9Ju5jZxnh60lin_qDqxhL6NFlcIZ1HldU940_qKqrksipuKw5vgXDI/s1600/20141125_150750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD9kgGVAnP_UC7xSJp_1vpucXiBY8tDKYXLUKDU3nZGPaGVISyT5hDYCs_xUk95DMbOWxSQCSKMeAEUvrf4xoG9Ju5jZxnh60lin_qDqxhL6NFlcIZ1HldU940_qKqrksipuKw5vgXDI/s1600/20141125_150750.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shiny Mawile, Mentira! "Mentira" is Spanish for liar.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Mawile's design is based off of a Japanese legend. The <i>Futakuchi-onna </i>is a Japanese monster that is a woman with two mouths. Japanese mythology or not, Mawile will always be a legend in my eyes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">___________________________</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well, I hope you guys enjoyed reading about my top 10 favorite Pokémon! I plan to do more Pokémon top 10s in the future, so stay tuned!</div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8012512577080532925%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-I1djJInz7P4%252FVHTE3cY2-NI%252FAAAAAAAAAVQ%252FIc5wwm_QCww%252Fs1600%252F149.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 258px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7225px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8012512577080532925%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-I1djJInz7P4%252FVHTE3cY2-NI%252FAAAAAAAAAVQ%252FIc5wwm_QCww%252Fs1600%252F149.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 258px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7225px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-50786127728708646792014-11-02T14:28:00.000-08:002014-12-04T20:03:01.656-08:00Getting a sneak peak at Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire through the special demo version<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUdZA91YVP2jwWsIcprHLila7ZTht6H6RIAYKoevm8qAff7qAfsLIRIjieiaP1_zL-ptKDpbfUKr8BkjWZs0jTSAuWEcfCXPF0jxkiraM5gkLzEt0tKa6_aXYs9SYL15zbWlbyjfBOx8/s1600/pokemon-omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUdZA91YVP2jwWsIcprHLila7ZTht6H6RIAYKoevm8qAff7qAfsLIRIjieiaP1_zL-ptKDpbfUKr8BkjWZs0jTSAuWEcfCXPF0jxkiraM5gkLzEt0tKa6_aXYs9SYL15zbWlbyjfBOx8/s1600/pokemon-omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire-.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are nearly upon us, and Game Freak has been kind enough to release a demo version!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When I got the email that I was chosen to receive the special demo version of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, I waited until my roommate was out of the room, and then began squealing and jumping up and down from excitement. The Gen 3 games are very near and dear to my heart, having been the first Pokemon games I ever played and completed on my own. Not to mention that I rarely ever win or receive anything special, so having the chance to play this demo was a welcome change. So, how does the game live up to expectations so far in terms of what has been presented in the demo?<br />
<br />
When I started up the demo for the first time I was greeted with the familiar, yet distinctively different title theme from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. It's been polished up and remastered for the new games and it sounds great. Honestly, one of the main things I was looking forward to was listening to all the music from the Gen 3 games be beautifully re-orchestrated. I'm happy to report that the music I've heard so far (including the wild Pokemon battle theme, Team Aqua and Magma Admin Theme, and just the normal Team Aqua and Magma Theme) does indeed have all the trumpets that Hoenn is so famous for—and they sound even better than ever.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BGyvc-SlAmUJtbs_3qtcRkUWhZuPEPBRNmzrX5j-UpWn05c0gf5iQVQ4etwNlRJGEHFK9esoFgPDMzLUgJZ26y4HLQzLTWi3jhDT153jJ0bpZoXRg3KsqT0BK9U0P-cf9AKaZDYvFig/s1600/hoenn_s_triumphant_return_by_bedupolker-d7i18jp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BGyvc-SlAmUJtbs_3qtcRkUWhZuPEPBRNmzrX5j-UpWn05c0gf5iQVQ4etwNlRJGEHFK9esoFgPDMzLUgJZ26y4HLQzLTWi3jhDT153jJ0bpZoXRg3KsqT0BK9U0P-cf9AKaZDYvFig/s1600/hoenn_s_triumphant_return_by_bedupolker-d7i18jp.png" height="320" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doot doot. Hoenn still has all the trumpets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the demo, you play as Orlando, a budding Pokemon trainer that gets to pal around with Steven Stone, an avid stone collector (go figure) by flying on the back of either Latios or Latias all across Hoenn. You go an various adventures with him and complete different quests. The first quest the player is tasked with is to go catch a Pokemon that is capable of mega evolving. But alas, both Team Magma and Aqua are after this Pokemon as well, and it's your job to catch it before they do. You battle Team Aqua Admin Matt and Team Magma Admin Tabitha alongside Steven. He gives you a Mega Bracelet and Mega Stone before the battle that will allow you to mega evolve whichever starter Pokemon you chose at the beginning of the demo. I chose Grovyle because he's my dude, meaning that I got to experience the power of Mega Sceptile firsthand!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk2WnyjOJokTjgHDtUYrLG2mwqfyZR5rKNoQKhxzavPQTrfyPANwYvLU2tcZG8aUDNAgv2PJt56YTidqrcL-L7pdys9YKx63YDfhemGYmOolcV0dRWbPRVZY9vgJNKhRcImYXLQFju3I/s1600/oras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk2WnyjOJokTjgHDtUYrLG2mwqfyZR5rKNoQKhxzavPQTrfyPANwYvLU2tcZG8aUDNAgv2PJt56YTidqrcL-L7pdys9YKx63YDfhemGYmOolcV0dRWbPRVZY9vgJNKhRcImYXLQFju3I/s1600/oras.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Help me, Orlando! You're my only hope!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib78J78LvDjH3GILrDgZKWThr5Tz5OHaLV-L6Wo7w03lDvzkHhtMcgW7Gz9F5XfbOqSPKlLrrnVoVXzb8CC4BW-KrllvxX_XD-s6IGadH8PwyLBbfS8xsthmq2J453SKAPyzm6k1mkAWQ/s1600/Pokemondemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib78J78LvDjH3GILrDgZKWThr5Tz5OHaLV-L6Wo7w03lDvzkHhtMcgW7Gz9F5XfbOqSPKlLrrnVoVXzb8CC4BW-KrllvxX_XD-s6IGadH8PwyLBbfS8xsthmq2J453SKAPyzm6k1mkAWQ/s1600/Pokemondemo.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What kind of a guy is named Tabitha?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
During the battle, Steven uses a shiny Metagross which he then mega evolves. He says after the battle that he someday may give the Pokemon to you, referencing the shiny Beldum distribution that will be going on when Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are released on the 21st of November.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB07PcOYkecrHUygbMTT0E6-KnXli4A3NaQOP3bBlrOXTQqXFvMjQhOKnrbYTcxuC9dT-IEU-5kNowQgYqIri3A3la7gTpCo3CuEAHUzzh2MU369-Iz3PgqEIyx9fsgiv0bO8EF31iIE/s1600/metagross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB07PcOYkecrHUygbMTT0E6-KnXli4A3NaQOP3bBlrOXTQqXFvMjQhOKnrbYTcxuC9dT-IEU-5kNowQgYqIri3A3la7gTpCo3CuEAHUzzh2MU369-Iz3PgqEIyx9fsgiv0bO8EF31iIE/s1600/metagross.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You sure you want to give it up, Steven? Not sure I want it after you're done with it...O.o</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
After defeating the Admins, you then are able to go catch the Pokemon capable of mega evolving. As far as I know, for everyone besides Japan, that Pokemon will be Glalie. Japan gets to catch Steelix. I wasn't too keen on Glalie at first (I prefer its other evolution, Froslass) but after battling with it and mega evolving it, Glalie has grown on me. Its mega looks pretty terrifying to say the least, and it packs a decent punch. You can transfer the Glalie you caught to the full game once it releases as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl8O7i5rbhUy4d0mJTf7ARo3wxmrNMzCSFxtLhmfEou6eIy5JDeCd84nVVwps_urJTGEKSt-fFoVttIznEIZMC-FKKFVc7BNx_37TJ4foP2beSA92hz70vWSNHrcmbmVIIHyVp4knLeY/s1600/mega+glalie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl8O7i5rbhUy4d0mJTf7ARo3wxmrNMzCSFxtLhmfEou6eIy5JDeCd84nVVwps_urJTGEKSt-fFoVttIznEIZMC-FKKFVc7BNx_37TJ4foP2beSA92hz70vWSNHrcmbmVIIHyVp4knLeY/s1600/mega+glalie.png" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mega Glalie = nightmare fuel. It gains the ability Refrigerate when it mega evolves. I regret not naming the one I caught Snowball :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After catching Glalie, the first quest of the demo is over, and the player is gifted with a short cutscene that shows off more artwork, features, and a glimpse of Rayquaza. However, your adventures in the special demo version don't stop there. There are other quests that the player can participate in. After your first quest is completed you return to Mossdeep City, and Steven gives you the other fully evolved starters with their respective mega stones, and you have the Glalie you caught to use in battle as well. The other quests involve fighting trainers, finding lost kids, and locating Shroomish on various islands. The more you play through these quests, the more characters you can meet and you'll receive more items from Steven that you can then transfer into the full game. For instance I received both heal and regular Pokeballs from him. Apparently, there's a hidden quest within the demo where Orlando and May go to an island to fight off either Team Magma or Aqua. You gain access to this quest after you complete the demo a few times, although your chances of encountering it are random.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7hLa1NxyCNYMYRMa_WmxYTzEqzlEWC66OMofJm0U3gt3B-y8ecWE45Na8sPnfqxKoUqIuR5vyGUbEyGW-SfIwXZusgkD08803yZTV82N9FRykjLetDxttvsLDar0dDdW4L-JnluYBYU/s1600/pokemon-omega-ruby-demo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7hLa1NxyCNYMYRMa_WmxYTzEqzlEWC66OMofJm0U3gt3B-y8ecWE45Na8sPnfqxKoUqIuR5vyGUbEyGW-SfIwXZusgkD08803yZTV82N9FRykjLetDxttvsLDar0dDdW4L-JnluYBYU/s1600/pokemon-omega-ruby-demo.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
I've had it up to here with you, Tabitha.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, I was pretty happy with what the demo offered. I was really impressed with how smooth the character moves (it's seriously grid-less now; get hyped!), the ability to sneak through tall grass, and how awesome it was to fly through the skies of Hoenn on Latios and Latias. I also like how they kept true to the original style of the games by keeping some of the same color schemes and just overall updating the style of the game by modernizing it. Everything overall just looks gorgeous. The user interfaces also have a Hoenn-y style to them, and it's a nice nod to the original games. During the demo, the "BuzzNav" occupies the lower screen and gives tips and hints to the player. I'm guessing that during the full game, there will be other features of the PokeNav to use on the bottom screen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know some people have griped about how repetitive and boring the demo is, but the fact remains that it is indeed a demo and not the full game. I went into it with that in mind, and I think that it's pretty decent as far as demos go. I would've liked to play as May, have a look at the contests, and maybe surf around a bit, but that's what the full game is for. That being said, I am so excited to play the full game when it is released and share my thoughts on it with you all! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZM1MqUBe72nt6w2xEsEYIZQO_Ys0lXC7VSgkw133vi9y_ANVo3tWBkaX1ofjcIYH3nXxodIu_IOf7CNld0Yx4qDf-ADF2e1Zfd4cTHR9fx_Bz7YK_jfHL4BpX_RSsFn-95B_yRg7Y9Ow/s1600/Pokemon-Omega-Ruby-Alpha-Sapphire1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZM1MqUBe72nt6w2xEsEYIZQO_Ys0lXC7VSgkw133vi9y_ANVo3tWBkaX1ofjcIYH3nXxodIu_IOf7CNld0Yx4qDf-ADF2e1Zfd4cTHR9fx_Bz7YK_jfHL4BpX_RSsFn-95B_yRg7Y9Ow/s1600/Pokemon-Omega-Ruby-Alpha-Sapphire1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoenn's coming, get hyped</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5078612772870864679%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-CzogxEYO4A8%252FVFamsEdXzII%252FAAAAAAAAARY%252Fbb2GVk-rv4I%252Fs1600%252Fpokemon-omega-ruby-demo.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2936px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5078612772870864679%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-CzogxEYO4A8%252FVFamsEdXzII%252FAAAAAAAAARY%252Fbb2GVk-rv4I%252Fs1600%252Fpokemon-omega-ruby-demo.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2936px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5078612772870864679%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-WamEC4DxcH4%252FVFarFltisWI%252FAAAAAAAAARk%252FrmX256ihCn8%252Fs1600%252FPokemon-Omega-Ruby-Alpha-Sapphire1.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3580px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4929624489918844105%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5078612772870864679%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-WamEC4DxcH4%252FVFarFltisWI%252FAAAAAAAAARk%252FrmX256ihCn8%252Fs1600%252FPokemon-Omega-Ruby-Alpha-Sapphire1.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3580px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-12614124411878018112014-11-01T21:54:00.000-07:002014-11-01T21:54:15.382-07:00Heeere's Rachel! I'm back!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogz0E1dpO_GrInpqUDuvMHD-NHNg_cClqRGhA63fulwlGRTqtN8ndOqgGYWSLPXc5puKMc59CBSqZz8_DOjAFGqDIzGZYf2IZDA32Ozy5UkzDqeqqGkPaP-u-lWDB-1LslS6CLN9xpho/s1600/PokeacutemonOmegaRuby-AlphaSapphireGameplayandMega-EvolutionsRevealed_zps17090c52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogz0E1dpO_GrInpqUDuvMHD-NHNg_cClqRGhA63fulwlGRTqtN8ndOqgGYWSLPXc5puKMc59CBSqZz8_DOjAFGqDIzGZYf2IZDA32Ozy5UkzDqeqqGkPaP-u-lWDB-1LslS6CLN9xpho/s1600/PokeacutemonOmegaRuby-AlphaSapphireGameplayandMega-EvolutionsRevealed_zps17090c52.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm back! Expect to see lots of posts about both the new and old Pokemon games</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hello everyone! I'm excited to announce that I am back! It's been a crazy two or three months with me being a freshman in college away from home. I think I've finally gotten the hang of things, and you all can expect to see more posts from me soon.<br />
It's finally November as well, the month that we Nintendo fans have all been waiting for. ORAS and Smash Wii U are going to be upon us in just a few weeks now. Also, I'll be on Thanksgiving break here in a few weeks, so I'll definitely be able to play ORAS when it comes out. In fact, I got the special demo version and I'll be reviewing that as soon as I finish up this post.<br />
There are a few ways this blog is going to change. Firstly, I won't be posting daily easter eggs anymore as it is too hard for me to keep up with them. However, I may start it up again over the longer breaks like winter, summer, and spring. I also don't have a Wii U (yet) as a result of me being a poor college kid but I will definitely be buying one as soon as I can...hopefully before the end of the year (fingers crossed!). So, I won't be able to review the new Smash when it comes out, unfortunately. So as a result, expect to see reviews/posts about older games.<br />
That being said, I plan on doing a bunch of Pokemon posts celebrating the release of ORAS. I'll be doing reviews of the old Gen 3 games, listing my top 10 favorite Pokemon, and I'll be reviewing the new game, of course.<br />
I've missed blogging so much and I'm so excited to get back into it! Thank you all for being so patient with me, and happy gaming!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-15885203186947010632014-08-25T20:16:00.000-07:002014-08-25T20:16:02.320-07:00Daily Easter Egg #30: Dead Space's Hidden Plot Spoiling MessageWhen you're playing Dead Space, you are on a quest through a ship full of terrors to be reunited with your lover, Nicole. Having this drive you through the entire game, the developers placed a rather eerie bit into consideration for the title of the chapters you play throughout.<br />
<br />
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQvCtASnnhq1fDMkEQolwZDz0keq4TPws7RyDzcr0mC0q24vq4d1X5osBtKQ2FAkp0nOZyxlC4xNvv9Q-V-uSiINiX4TJtkIKUBgt2g5bMwj54N1WiaGk086Ptlltj61fTTyyX7X3SoiY/s1600/dead-space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQvCtASnnhq1fDMkEQolwZDz0keq4TPws7RyDzcr0mC0q24vq4d1X5osBtKQ2FAkp0nOZyxlC4xNvv9Q-V-uSiINiX4TJtkIKUBgt2g5bMwj54N1WiaGk086Ptlltj61fTTyyX7X3SoiY/s1600/dead-space.jpg" height="152" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Notice anything about the titles yet? Take the first letter from each chapter to spell it out. That's right: N-I-C-O-L-E I-S D-E-A-D. Gives me chills thinking about how that was there the whole time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-15426908935184931462014-08-23T18:02:00.000-07:002014-08-23T18:02:12.191-07:00Daily Easter Egg #29: Samus' Ship in Donkey Kong: Tropical FreezeOne of the greatest parts about Nintendo is how creative they get with making cross-game references. Every main title Nintendo game has some reference of some kind to the rest of the world of their magical games. Today we are exploring the deep jungles of Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze to find such reference.<br />
<br />
Swinging and bashing your way through a level in the game, you might go right past this easter egg if you aren't looking for it. The egg has the same shade as the background, so it actually took me a little bit to see it, myself. Looking by a tree at one point, you can see Samus Aran's spaceship from the beloved Metroid series. The space hunter must have had a pretty big bounty to invade the world of DK and friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OlzC4NgHLnCQ7RlHCeo1wNGoRAPlsmmqihYBPrEqBOz8dmX3Z1J-s_UhW22YOSW6cxzIjqoTNbetPsIoq2FJ4XfGqZDnBRPTU1-41C3ctUBzNzOHgi9pPvBiZItwTstgvkE_CdGndoDI/s1600/8a1b54a2bd50f1dc5d796f0cc3760d2920b16a1e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OlzC4NgHLnCQ7RlHCeo1wNGoRAPlsmmqihYBPrEqBOz8dmX3Z1J-s_UhW22YOSW6cxzIjqoTNbetPsIoq2FJ4XfGqZDnBRPTU1-41C3ctUBzNzOHgi9pPvBiZItwTstgvkE_CdGndoDI/s1600/8a1b54a2bd50f1dc5d796f0cc3760d2920b16a1e.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-73603110272764855292014-08-22T17:26:00.001-07:002014-08-22T17:26:17.484-07:00Daily Easter Egg #28: Nods to the Mushroom Kingdom in A Link to the PastWhen Link had to save Hyrule by bravely exploring another world, there must have been some visitors to Hyrule while he was gone. In Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for the SNES, there is not one, but two cameo appearances by characters from the Mushroom Kingdom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLDBaF9BKmta6UmeLjelg5pm0-BrczUNdCHwUiPC8WdPrUYmv7kvHWvET7_JXvhkr8r5yetrCojPmigpiOYYAWwRvOWAustlBZjMLmzgHb9xMUEaYdVaHAteTQOJEgtY8ON0wfl3a0HB6/s1600/LttpMarioportrait.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLDBaF9BKmta6UmeLjelg5pm0-BrczUNdCHwUiPC8WdPrUYmv7kvHWvET7_JXvhkr8r5yetrCojPmigpiOYYAWwRvOWAustlBZjMLmzgHb9xMUEaYdVaHAteTQOJEgtY8ON0wfl3a0HB6/s1600/LttpMarioportrait.png" /></a></div>
<br />
In<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> </span>Kakariko Village, Mario must be real important to several villagers, as most of them have a portrait of the loveable plumber on display. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Also, in Turtle Rock, the classic Mario enemy, the Chain-Chomp, lurks throughout the challenges in the dungeon.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmme81TRcLEfwoxf3q3gjoVxPmpuMvD4SOr60wSIaWzmwzhmiiB1jwA5GpxdQ1CLaIYrX8yAbYh6i2_zS8eRQ2uba47rVg96p5mfcUXnGcghaUgMHrEVhP4ArXn74hdJTHWZ2I9LweWD02/s1600/45px-ChainChomp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmme81TRcLEfwoxf3q3gjoVxPmpuMvD4SOr60wSIaWzmwzhmiiB1jwA5GpxdQ1CLaIYrX8yAbYh6i2_zS8eRQ2uba47rVg96p5mfcUXnGcghaUgMHrEVhP4ArXn74hdJTHWZ2I9LweWD02/s1600/45px-ChainChomp.png" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">The latter is fascinating seeing as very recently in a new Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that the Chain-Chomp would be usable in the upcoming Zelda game Hyrule Warriors developed by Team Ninja. It's pretty incredible how a subtle easter egg can become an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfPNziOGFrs" target="_blank">actual thing</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-9220031987497337672014-08-21T16:08:00.000-07:002014-08-21T16:08:40.972-07:00Daily Easter Egg #27: Alternative Gamecube Startup Screens<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmq4s3UhNH5flJKVdYR2SuleBCmCLPyl43LpKI-c4_SHwxrv4ZHvetXglZPTi3M9ydwYZqvGB1m-CoN_Gy3_6uxgFExFLvEcnFa7LOB72aWrItVVZb1BgzfEm2nQvhObu0najK-Tgow4/s1600/Gamecube-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmq4s3UhNH5flJKVdYR2SuleBCmCLPyl43LpKI-c4_SHwxrv4ZHvetXglZPTi3M9ydwYZqvGB1m-CoN_Gy3_6uxgFExFLvEcnFa7LOB72aWrItVVZb1BgzfEm2nQvhObu0najK-Tgow4/s1600/Gamecube-Logo.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, the nostalgia...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is almost impossible to forget the startup jingles that video game consoles have. All of the weekends we spent playing games, and all of the days to come. Every time we start our adventures into whatever worlds we dive into, there will always be the iconic sounds from powering up. Every time I turned on my trusty Gamecube to play the many memorable games of my childhood, I would be greeted by the same tune. One day, by mistake, I held down the Z button on my controller while powering up, and was shocked with the brand new sounds of what seemed like a squeaking monkey and laughter. Turns out, I had found one of my first easter eggs.<br />
<div>
<br />
Also, if you were to hold down the Z button on the controller on four separate controllers, the Gamecube start up would be that of chants, drums, and a Japanese man shouting. Take a look <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctYQ08gxkqA" target="_blank">here!</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-26942131919937872082014-08-20T16:04:00.000-07:002014-08-21T16:09:42.232-07:00Daily Easter Egg #26: Super Mario Bros. Hieroglyphs in Super Mario 64In Super Mario 64, there is a rather nice reference to the Mario games of old. In the Dark World, most players are too busy going through Bowser's lethal traps and minions in such a hurry that they aren't paying attention to the low-poly pillars on the platforms. If you zoom in on one, there are some interesting markings. It would appear that there is a subtle hieroglyphic marking that someone (maybe Bowser?) left for our beloved plumber. An 8-bit Bowser having an iconic battle with the moustached hero straight out of Super Mario Bros. It's a very tiny nod, but it's always refreshing to see a big title remember it's roots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ-MDnMxVUSft_aPdU5uofwhrosTr2b5DCzRjA-Ee39DYCVcNYO4J6LPFUMenTdugpzBysZJ4U-QIShwqJWO3CB0Gsy8qqQr8iFYhc2lP5Y3F7O50SlOilPIsGMMEKldRgCNFJelj7zs8/s1600/image_64402_thumb_wide930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ-MDnMxVUSft_aPdU5uofwhrosTr2b5DCzRjA-Ee39DYCVcNYO4J6LPFUMenTdugpzBysZJ4U-QIShwqJWO3CB0Gsy8qqQr8iFYhc2lP5Y3F7O50SlOilPIsGMMEKldRgCNFJelj7zs8/s1600/image_64402_thumb_wide930.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-71074180534375016792014-08-18T22:57:00.000-07:002014-08-18T22:57:48.580-07:00Daily Easter Egg #25: Fire Emblem: Awakening and Quite Possibly the Smoothest Movie Reference EverOne of the sleeper hits of 2013 has to be the character driven masterpiece that is Fire Emblem: Awakening. The 3DS title was the defibrillator to the aged franchise that was in desperate need of a good title to be relevant in the U.S. (Ike fighting for his friends in Smash Bros. couldn't keep gamers interested for long). The game was hailed by critics, and the lasting legacy has been pretty <a href="http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/14/5897703/super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds-lucina-robin-fire-emblem-awakening" target="_blank">immediate</a>.<br />
<br />
Being so thick in plot and dialogue, there was bound to be a little elbow room for Nintendo to have some fun with easter eggs for the epic. Today's easter egg is clever little nod to what must be the development team's favorite action flick, Taken. In case you haven't seen it, Taken is essentially every overprotective parent's ultimate nightmare: A secret agent's daughter is kidnapped overseas and thrown into a situation that could nothing short of terrifying. There is one scene in particular that comes to mind to anyone who has seen the film.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jZOywn1qArI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
When the Avatar confronts Gaius in a.....questionable situation, he begins getting super defensive, and spewing out all sorts of craziness. To the untrained eye, this little gem might slip by, but he makes a reference to Liam Neeson's incredible speech. Don't believe me? Take a look for yourself!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB3arX3sxd99Y10gGxkwMrs_VfESCGS3ivzta5M1A6bKvWgwUVEAPO9zLifMQqJ_SvK_yj09-oynkz-JPTmp7JO01j2QEeGRttxdE8zX8dKkhNK56pT-0VyqE1Z_fLzhDdggYPniWCQAr/s1600/image_64389_thumb_wide610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB3arX3sxd99Y10gGxkwMrs_VfESCGS3ivzta5M1A6bKvWgwUVEAPO9zLifMQqJ_SvK_yj09-oynkz-JPTmp7JO01j2QEeGRttxdE8zX8dKkhNK56pT-0VyqE1Z_fLzhDdggYPniWCQAr/s1600/image_64389_thumb_wide610.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-22835251859949688872014-08-17T15:53:00.000-07:002014-08-17T15:53:09.737-07:00Daily Easter Egg #24: Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Memes....Wait WHAT?!When a game is made in today's times, it is almost a given that at some point in development, the game designers were sharing a good laugh from something they found online. One of the more popular things of course is the hijinks of memes. Everything from felines yearning for a hamburger with cheese or a scumbag wearing his Yankees cap sideways and informing someone of a real terrible action. One doesn't often get to experience the jump from internet shenanigans into video games, but that's exactly what we're going to find today, in one of the darkest and most unlikely places. Put on your coolest digital shades, we're heading into the world of Deus Ex: Human Revolution.<br />
<br />
One of the (probably augmented) legs of the journey has Adam Jensen looking for a hacker that's on the run. After sneaking/rampaging his way through the security, he will come across the work area of said hacker. While examining his set up, there will be a series of sticky notes on display. One in particular, has a phone number and a name (a very awesome name if I do say so myself) with a drawling beneath it. The drawling is that of the "Forever Alone" face on one of the internet's most well known memes. Plenty of fish out there in the sea, buddy,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF28XHHsSYO-M-EJCwm-WSJ08kBD4LkSP_yL1aFRmwd5VozrXdb0vYw5HOhjWnf_qu-ins4fA0JT1yUN83-kwMa4zdmd-im3sxgLdMybokuqQtCTnLu2geM0y_GZHg3J2IRMxOujrNkKq/s1600/4203.full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF28XHHsSYO-M-EJCwm-WSJ08kBD4LkSP_yL1aFRmwd5VozrXdb0vYw5HOhjWnf_qu-ins4fA0JT1yUN83-kwMa4zdmd-im3sxgLdMybokuqQtCTnLu2geM0y_GZHg3J2IRMxOujrNkKq/s1600/4203.full.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-55561395563202324862014-08-16T20:32:00.000-07:002014-08-16T20:32:56.938-07:00Daily Easter Egg #23: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II's Reference to The Phantom Menace<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbWby2Ebx470LBpOj1_EQPCLIFiwXInPXrSgB1kIRSsnOL91fakoy1nK3WOPbXBtv35kg8xnz9dmnzVIkitWkHE24jaybHpddozzkAJ_RkxA_kJSGEyc-oxAY5zYhSJVVdT3KCw8OpSQ/s1600/attontslmim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbWby2Ebx470LBpOj1_EQPCLIFiwXInPXrSgB1kIRSsnOL91fakoy1nK3WOPbXBtv35kg8xnz9dmnzVIkitWkHE24jaybHpddozzkAJ_RkxA_kJSGEyc-oxAY5zYhSJVVdT3KCw8OpSQ/s1600/attontslmim.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atton Rand in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is probably the longest titled egg yet! That being said, I hope it won't disappoint! In the game, one of the first characters the player meets is a criminal named Atton Rand. If the player character is female, he will ask if you are an angel. He then retorts with "Aw, I'm kidding. That was the worst line I've ever used. Hope some poor kid doesn't start using it."<br />
This is a reference to when a young Anakin Skywalker asks Padme if she's an angel in The Phantom Menace. I can't decide if this reference was meant to be a jab at how cheesy the script was for the prequel movie or not. I'm sure many would agree to the notion that it was insulting seeing as how many people detest the three prequel movies.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-58778119898942779712014-08-15T20:53:00.001-07:002014-08-15T20:53:04.475-07:00Daily Easter Egg #22: Conker's Bad Fur Day's Connection to A Clockwork Orange<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemYJxap6R6ynl-qSC-Nhm7Xs5v2Bu-FNkf7ri9eixJmvuZl2FfNNQDOwvNpPFjKk0MeruhuUacAIQPc5UzMQHwY5q49OJljLtqpYtYo4ymv-gcnsayLWEoZtmtlQO4bRP-6H0Xs5IDZQ/s1600/conkers-fur-day-465x194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemYJxap6R6ynl-qSC-Nhm7Xs5v2Bu-FNkf7ri9eixJmvuZl2FfNNQDOwvNpPFjKk0MeruhuUacAIQPc5UzMQHwY5q49OJljLtqpYtYo4ymv-gcnsayLWEoZtmtlQO4bRP-6H0Xs5IDZQ/s1600/conkers-fur-day-465x194.jpg" height="165" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resemblance is terrifying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Conker's Bad Fur Day is a rated M game, believe it or not, released for the Nintendo 64 in 2001. This seemingly kid-friendly game had to have disclaimers saying it contained mature content so parents wouldn't buy it for their children! Some of this mature content included an opening cut scene that was inspired by the movie <i>A Clockwork Orange</i>, in which themes of violence, dystopia, and psychological unrest are represented.<br />
<br />
To see the both scenes played out side by side, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgrglo1y_VU" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
<br />
(<a href="http://conker.wikia.com/wiki/Conker's_Bad_Fur_Day" target="_blank">Source</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-85087731352915277402014-08-14T21:28:00.001-07:002014-08-14T21:28:40.412-07:00Daily Easter Egg #21: Aliens in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the PatriotsIf you've ever played a game from the creative mind of Hideo Kojima, you already know that there are always a wealth of easter eggs scattered throughout his games. Some of them are clever nods to different works that have inspired the game design guru, others are just plain weird. Maybe sometime soon we will explore more of them, but today's easter egg comes from the least expected place it could ever be. <i>Space. The Final Frontier. </i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
In Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, after your epic battle with the frantic killing machine in stealth camouflage that is Laughing Octopus, Old Snake will be prowling through the mountain trails in the blistering sun to track down scientist Naomi Hunter. Things are getting pretty desperate for our aging hero, and he risks losing his only lead if he can't find his target soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once you reach a bend through the mountain, there will be a circular patch of grass that you can crouch down by. Doing so will trigger a flashback conversation with Snake's old handler Colonel Campbell. He recalls driving home from work and experiencing a light overcoming him and coming to back home. Judging by the crop circle, it's safe to assume that the Colonel was abducted by aliens. Take a look at this retelling of a close encounter of the fourth kind:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/613HZTcSeoE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you have any memorable Metal Gear Solid easter eggs that you liked, or ones that have stood out from the others to you? Let me know, I'd love to hear them!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-60483437009002905552014-08-13T22:59:00.000-07:002014-12-04T20:05:38.336-08:00Daily Easter Egg #20: Super Mario 64's Stone Tablet in Ocarina of Time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmWCGGf9m23cujcWCPlViHpU1Yqtx9fK4vuB2Xt1-6SyDa87R9ooyI8mNUZgPPcFp02ASF4y1rqJO-JHNGg9si9k0cQ6ihN-UzIkcKOIu5uPa00H3ZKn3YkCB5LexnaiD50zlZ8YRwbQ/s1600/L_is_Real_2041.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmWCGGf9m23cujcWCPlViHpU1Yqtx9fK4vuB2Xt1-6SyDa87R9ooyI8mNUZgPPcFp02ASF4y1rqJO-JHNGg9si9k0cQ6ihN-UzIkcKOIu5uPa00H3ZKn3YkCB5LexnaiD50zlZ8YRwbQ/s1600/L_is_Real_2041.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the tablet appears in Super Mario 64, resulting in the trolling of millions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrMSXNs2sGZZZ599d2dfaSB6lYbOoku8qC3G9uQrm4RG7MxwZFW1jZtg2XMuDqRI6Ty5OWTstlSTMiTs7-qXWqaH0KLGVZBgHuXUHTnb8EfXIWXgmPvU1B1NWMTTYDHi2pANfRTOFhQ/s1600/L+is+real+tablet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrMSXNs2sGZZZ599d2dfaSB6lYbOoku8qC3G9uQrm4RG7MxwZFW1jZtg2XMuDqRI6Ty5OWTstlSTMiTs7-qXWqaH0KLGVZBgHuXUHTnb8EfXIWXgmPvU1B1NWMTTYDHi2pANfRTOFhQ/s1600/L+is+real+tablet.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How it looks in Ocarina of Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The rumor surrounding this tablet was probably one of the biggest gaming urban legends of its time. Supposedly, according to this tablet which is located in the courtyard of Peach's Castle, Luigi could be unlocked by collecting all the gold coins in the game which number 2401. The inscription on the tablet can be interpreted by some as "L is real 2401", which prompted many to try and collect all the coins in order to unlock Luigi. This rumor is of course false, but many believed it to be true back when Super Mario 64 was released. The tablet actually reads "Eternal Star", which makes more sense considering there is a statue of one right above it.<br />
<div>
This trolltastic tablet can also be found in Dodongo's Cavern in the N64 version of Ocarina of Time (I'm actually not sure if its in the 3DS version or not). I just find it fascinating that yet another element from the world of Mario can be found in Hyrule as well!<br />
<br />
(<a href="http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/43796/10-amazing-zelda-facts-and-secrets/" target="_blank">Source</a>)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-64818519105221598382014-08-12T22:26:00.000-07:002014-08-12T22:26:01.709-07:00Daily Easter Egg #19: Princess Toadstool's ???, Super Mario RPG<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DWnHHE5HtkkNUvWRyonc8m-8boerfmDRQXJgObcwVxvHOpIX013Pc4Dx6Y-t5n4_cWL0Gz1r9S6zqOkyk3vVqkP_NL4zX7oz2tJvO_dz3ir4K95jHjddXPVClFkASa4LR7Os74HYr0E/s1600/Mystery_SMRPG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DWnHHE5HtkkNUvWRyonc8m-8boerfmDRQXJgObcwVxvHOpIX013Pc4Dx6Y-t5n4_cWL0Gz1r9S6zqOkyk3vVqkP_NL4zX7oz2tJvO_dz3ir4K95jHjddXPVClFkASa4LR7Os74HYr0E/s1600/Mystery_SMRPG.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is she hiding?<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, here I am again with yet another Super Mario RPG easter egg to share with you all! Speaking of sharing, Princess Toadstool (Peach) isn't willing to share her secrets with the player. <div>
If the player pokes around in Peach's room and finds her ??? before she joins the party, her grandma will try to bribe the player to keep quiet about it. The ??? is located in the back of her room between the fireplace and the chair. If the player finds the object when Peach is a part of the party, she will scold the player for being too nosy and not respecting her privacy. So, what is this hidden item Peach wants to keep a secret? I'll let everyone in the comments speculate as to what this item's mysterious identity is. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(<a href="http://www.mariowiki.com/Toadstool's_%3F%3F%3F" target="_blank">Source</a>)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929624489918844105.post-80734235360033315502014-08-11T15:32:00.001-07:002014-08-11T15:32:24.630-07:00Daily Easter Egg #18: Are Some of the Masks in Majora's Mask Based off of Star Fox?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFPk1ucaJak17FWlyUEnh88T9FXlzhe3tBxl5J1BoRIZWhrzIGNrG7dQ0VFanigRnqll8aodVgK21MgO5otGKD-qNFpTiEy-RihbWXwH9avB-QNgIcENN99lvz51eiL5XyliPwfALo2w/s1600/mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFPk1ucaJak17FWlyUEnh88T9FXlzhe3tBxl5J1BoRIZWhrzIGNrG7dQ0VFanigRnqll8aodVgK21MgO5otGKD-qNFpTiEy-RihbWXwH9avB-QNgIcENN99lvz51eiL5XyliPwfALo2w/s1600/mm.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A side-by-side comparison of the masks and Star Fox's characters, courtesy of 4chan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are 24 masks to collect in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and all of them are unique in their own way. However, some seem to resemble some characters from another Nintendo franchise, Star Fox. It is widely believed that the second row of masks in the mask selection screen were modeled after Fox, Falco, Peppy, Slippy, and Pigma. This makes sense considering that Zelda series creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, also created Star Fox.<br />
<br />
(<a href="http://www.eeggs.com/items/54493.html" target="_blank">Source</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04511362741205315183noreply@blogger.com0