Inanimate's recent activity
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Comment on Mindless games, preferably mobile in ~games
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Comment on DebunkBot in ~science
Inanimate LinkGave it a shot. I tried to use actual beliefs of mine. The AI responds very diplomatically, with a hint of ass-kissing in one of my trials. That makes sense, I suppose, since most people with...Gave it a shot. I tried to use actual beliefs of mine. The AI responds very diplomatically, with a hint of ass-kissing in one of my trials. That makes sense, I suppose, since most people with conspiracy beliefs have to be handled with kiddy-gloves, but it was a bit irritating if you're open to an actual dialogue.
For an AI trying to help break down conspiracy beliefs, I found its arguments quite weak and almost tautological. For example, one of my beliefs was "The CDC was pressured by corporations into hastening a return to 'normalcy' during the pandemic", and I noted that the studies used to support a return to unmasked-schooling felt cherry-picked, based on studies in higher-income schools with smaller class sizes and better ventilation than the average school. The AI just replied along the lines of "the scientific peer-review process helps mitigate factors like cherry-picking", which (A) doesn't actually prevent cherry-picking, it just means you need to pick more cherries, and (B) just leads us to the next issue, which is that the 'scientific peer review process' is already proven to have issues with replicability and the like. So, I questioned that, and then it just kept reiterating the same points, pretty much.
In my second trial, I chose a belief I felt less strongly about, but still felt reasonable: "John Barnett was assassinated for whistle-blowing on Boeing." This time, the AI's defenses basically boiled down to 'assassination is a risk that businesses and the US government would not undertake, because it would be illegal and breach the public trust'. When I noted that corporations and the US government both routinely engage in illegal actions that breach the public trust, it basically had no actual defense for that. It just kept reiterating that it's "good to be skeptical" but that we can't be skeptical about everything. It seemed to presume that all actors are rational and good-faith in its arguments. While conspiracy theorists often do presume too much competence and intelligence of people, you absolutely cannot trot out "They wouldn't break the law because it would be illegal" as an argument without it immediately devolving into tautology.
Basically, any amount of actual questioning of its initial defenses just lead to pretty much the same responses being regurgitated. Much like an actual debate that I'd imagine between anyone believing in a conspiracy theory, and anyone trying to refute it, I felt the arguments got circular pretty quickly.
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Comment on Endweek Movie Free Talk in ~movies
Inanimate Link ParentSaw this as well, watched it at home with my wife the first day it was available for streaming. I both wish I'd seen it in theaters, but also am very glad I saw it in the privacy of my home,...The Wild Robot
Saw this as well, watched it at home with my wife the first day it was available for streaming. I both wish I'd seen it in theaters, but also am very glad I saw it in the privacy of my home, because we cried a LOT.
Totally agreed about the middle conflict, but everything surrounding that was surprisingly novel. Really enjoyed it.
about that middle
I think that it was resolved quickly was not the worst, though. Roz and Fink both *knew* this would happen someday, and we as the audience did too. *Immediately* after a falling-out like that, it does happen that both parties realize that they have messed up, but circumstances prevent them from making things right. I think the melodrama may have even been intentional as well - Brightbill is a teenager, after all, and Roz is just developing emotions herself, so the fact they're poorly handling them makes sense?It's implied that Fink himself had that happen with his mother, and is guided by that regret. (I was actually impressed that his backstory was never elaborated upon, and left for us to glean, by the way.) So perhaps it's less about the actual falling-out itself, and more about the consequences of it, and how that affects the rest of the plot afterwards. They both immediately realize they do love each other, and have to work extremely hard to earn the chance to profess that love to each other, to make up for that split-second, melodramatic mistake they both immediately regret.
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Comment on Save Point: A game deal roundup for the week of October 6 in ~games
Inanimate LinkDemon Turf is on sale right now, 60% off! It's a great and charming 3D Platformer with attitude and a real cool style. This edition also includes all of the DLC and the level editor! I already had...Demon Turf is on sale right now, 60% off! It's a great and charming 3D Platformer with attitude and a real cool style. This edition also includes all of the DLC and the level editor! I already had the original edition on my Switch, but the deal was so good I swooped in and got it so I can play the DLC, and on my Steam Deck too. : )
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Comment on Where does punctuation come from?! in ~humanities.languages
Inanimate Link ParentI had never heard of dinkuses, that was a very fun rabbit-hole to descend into. I also hadn't realized there was such a rich history to dingbats. Thanks for sharing!I had never heard of dinkuses, that was a very fun rabbit-hole to descend into. I also hadn't realized there was such a rich history to dingbats. Thanks for sharing!
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Comment on Metaphor: ReFantazio prologue demo arrives today on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC in ~games
Inanimate Link ParentHuh, I haven’t had any issues with my Steam Deck performance! What about the gameplay loop of Persona don’t you like? It does look like it has a lot of similarities so far, but I have heard that...Huh, I haven’t had any issues with my Steam Deck performance!
What about the gameplay loop of Persona don’t you like? It does look like it has a lot of similarities so far, but I have heard that e.g. it doesn’t have actual romances. It does seem to me that it’ll have equivalents to Social Links, a calendar system, etc…
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Comment on Metaphor: ReFantazio prologue demo arrives today on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC in ~games
Inanimate LinkBeen playing this and it’s been amazing!! So extravagant, love all of the flourish and style throughout everything - not just the UI, which is obviously jaw dropping, but animations,...Been playing this and it’s been amazing!! So extravagant, love all of the flourish and style throughout everything - not just the UI, which is obviously jaw dropping, but animations, worldbuilding, character designs, and more. It really seems to be suffused with a creative energy and passion, with an imprint of every hand that touched the process at some point.
The demo is quite generous, and even just two hours in with only a paltry amount of mechanical systems revealed, it’s a rich and exciting turn-based RPG. Can’t wait for the full release!
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Comment on UFO 50 discussion topic in ~games
Inanimate Link ParentYep! I've been enjoying it on my Steam Deck. I had a little issue with my input at first, since it recognized the Steam Deck as P2, but once I fixed that it's worked like a charm.Yep! I've been enjoying it on my Steam Deck. I had a little issue with my input at first, since it recognized the Steam Deck as P2, but once I fixed that it's worked like a charm.
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Comment on UFO 50 is the best retro-gaming homage I’ve ever played in ~games
Inanimate Link ParentSmall, more compact experiences have a joy of their own, though. For example, a game with a long playtime may have more drawn out parts, or gameplay elements that start off interesting or engaging...Small, more compact experiences have a joy of their own, though. For example, a game with a long playtime may have more drawn out parts, or gameplay elements that start off interesting or engaging but eventually wear out their welcome. Games designed to be shorter can distill their gameplay down to the most fun, exciting parts, and end before anything gets old.
“Good” is certainly subjective; my point is just that these aren’t designed like Action 52 games (I.e. shovelware), but are made with the intent to be fun, quality experiences. So the usual preconception of “XX-in-one” collections as being of lower quality is not applicable here.
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Comment on UFO 50 is the best retro-gaming homage I’ve ever played in ~games
Inanimate Link ParentThe thing is, each of these 50 games was designed specifically to be a good standalone game. The entire point of the exercise was to take the concept of a "50 games in one!" package and ask, "What...The thing is, each of these 50 games was designed specifically to be a good standalone game. The entire point of the exercise was to take the concept of a "50 games in one!" package and ask, "What if these were actually good?"
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Comment on What small questions do you have that aren’t worth a full topic on their own? in ~talk
Inanimate Link ParentFor #2, you got me curious so I did some research. It looks like this was a choice of some poets in the 50s as a part of the Beat Generation. The band Sonic Youth then used it in the 80s, and...For #2, you got me curious so I did some research. It looks like this was a choice of some poets in the 50s as a part of the Beat Generation. The band Sonic Youth then used it in the 80s, and that’s probably where many other musicians got the influence.
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Comment on Scientists receive Ig Nobel Prize for discovering mammals can breathe through anuses in ~science
Inanimate Link ParentAh, I see! I wasn't aware of the difference, but I've just looked into it. Thanks for enlightening me!Ah, I see! I wasn't aware of the difference, but I've just looked into it. Thanks for enlightening me!
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Comment on Scientists receive Ig Nobel Prize for discovering mammals can breathe through anuses in ~science
Inanimate Link ParentI believe they are referring to artificial lungs when they speak of 'ventilator care'.I believe they are referring to artificial lungs when they speak of 'ventilator care'.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
Inanimate Link ParentReally enjoying it as well! So fun, and what a miracle it finally got translated!Really enjoying it as well! So fun, and what a miracle it finally got translated!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
Inanimate Link ParentI just started playing the Investigations game, and it has LOTS of references to the Ace Attorney Trilogy. Luckily, the original trilogy is also fantastic, so there's no real reason to jump...I just started playing the Investigations game, and it has LOTS of references to the Ace Attorney Trilogy. Luckily, the original trilogy is also fantastic, so there's no real reason to jump straight into Investigations! I think it's very fun to get a chance to see Edgeworth's side of things after experiencing him as an antagonist and rival for three games.
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Comment on The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 1st | Announcement trailer in ~games
Inanimate LinkVery excited for this!! Something interesting I noticed in the trailer is that there's multiple times where, despite the player just running around, the UI shows all of the battle options (Arts,...Very excited for this!!
Something interesting I noticed in the trailer is that there's multiple times where, despite the player just running around, the UI shows all of the battle options (Arts, Crafts, Attack, and Defend). For example, at 18 seconds in, this seems to be to be clearly taking place out of combat, as there's even a location title-card that appears. Later, at 30 seconds, a single attack seems to trigger turn-based combat - but the enemy attacks in a real-time manner! Very curious what this means for the real-time combat elements that were introduced in Trails through Daybreak... My initial theory is that you can press any of the four buttons to trigger turn-based combat mode, with your first turn being the selected option, perhaps? But in that case, would there be any real-time combat at all, since it looks like all the major buttons would be dedicated to that! So weird!
Anyway, there's other fun stuff to talk about. Those graphics!! Wow!! Absolutely LOVE the stylization here, it totally fits the tone and atmosphere of Trails in the Sky, and just looks great! Trails games, historically, have looked kinda "AA" to me, but the stylization here really helps smooth out the rough edges and makes this feel like a truly "current-gen" RPG.
The UI also looks super stylish! Love the 'classic clockwork orbment' feel to everything. The AT Bar looks great, and I especially love the battle transition (seen at 30 seconds) where it swoops in, and everyone's AT icons fall into place! Absolutely adore the gear shifting as you move between battle options, too! The UI of the menus of Trails in the Sky was very charming, so I'm glad to see them take lots of inspiration from the coolest aspects of it, while still apparently cleaning it up immensely.
I'm very curious to see how they handle things like the orbment quartz system. The orbments in Trails have actual, in-universe importance, with changes to the system mechanically always being justified in the story between games and arcs... but at the same time, they've learned a lot about the gameplay since they first started, and there's some pretty clear improvements that could be made to the system. I, at least, wouldn't be bothered by a small retcon in favor of better gameplay. But who knows?
Clearly, they'll have to make a remake of SC as well... but Trails in the Sky the 3rd is kinda the oddball, and I'm left wondering what they'll do with that. It's clearly disconnected from the Estelle-Joshua arc of FC and SC whIch are what makes them so compelling to remaster, BUT there is a lot of great story material in the 3rd, and it's similarly difficult to play on modern platforms. Who knows?
Overall, though, I'm just so excited! Very eager to return to Liberl in 3D!!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
Inanimate (edited )Link ParentIt’s so cool. The way it seems to work is that some events cause your “guilt” to go up, such as killing human enemies, or choosing some dialogue choices or quest options. The more guilt you feel,...It’s so cool. The way it seems to work is that some events cause your “guilt” to go up, such as killing human enemies, or choosing some dialogue choices or quest options. The more guilt you feel, the more often ghosts spawn to harass you.
So, do you choose the optimistic-but-naive options, hoping that things will work out but suffering if they don’t? Or do you resign yourself and become cold and jaded in dealing with harsh reality, but have to face your demons at some point in the future to pay the price? Super compelling!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
Inanimate Link ParentNeed to check this one out! I've heard such good things but haven't had the chance to sit down and play it. Truly sounds mindblowing!Need to check this one out! I've heard such good things but haven't had the chance to sit down and play it. Truly sounds mindblowing!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
Inanimate LinkI picked up and started Arco today, and haven't been able to put it down. A totally engrossing game in many ways - its style, its story, and its gameplay all. There's a free demo on Steam, so you...- Exemplary
I picked up and started Arco today, and haven't been able to put it down. A totally engrossing game in many ways - its style, its story, and its gameplay all. There's a free demo on Steam, so you should DEFINITELY check it out!
So far, the basic premise seems to be that it's a love-letter to "Western revenge stories". You play a grizzled survivor of one of the indigenous peoples of a hardy land, fighting back against colonizers to eke out a semblance of justice. It oozes the grit and atmosphere of a good Western already, and has me hooked to see where things go. However, the setting does have touches of fantasy - for example, there are "arcos", bows that cast magical arrows, alongside traditional firearms.
Here's a great gameplay trailer that succintly describes what makes Arco special, but I'll write it out for folks who prefer text over video. The gameplay is a really cool mix between turn-based and action-RPG. Essentially, each 'turn' that you and enemies take is simultaneous. So for example, I might plan a 'dash and slash' attack, but have to account for the fact that the enemy I want to hit will be moving towards me when planning my trajectory, and make sure to avoid being shot by a bullet whizzing by at the same time. It's very tactical, even with just one player-character.
But wait, there's another cool twist. Though time stops while you plan out your next turn, your character is haunted by ghosts, representing guilt. These ghosts will constantly chase after you - even when time has paused for you to plan your turn. So you can't afford to think too long, because you have demons to run away from... it doesn't just spice up the gameplay, it perfectly captures the mounting anxiety and panic that your demons catching up to you might, causing you to slip up and become careless in a heated firefight, for example.
Lastly, one thing that seems to shine so far is the RPG customization. There's a very rich skill tree that seems to have lots of different gameplay styles built into it. So far, I've specialized my character into being a "run and gun" type, prioritizing moves that let me dash around and away from enemies, where I can line up powerful AOE attacks or long-distance ranged shots. However, there's also trees for being a tricksy scoundrel (throwing sand in people's eyes, backhanding them unexpectedly, etc.), as well as (aforementioned) "dash and slash" attacks, and an 'acrobatic' tree that pursues the dash skills and lets you zip around the battlefield, leaping and firing off pot-shots.
I've also heard the game has other playable characters, who each have different playstyles, but I haven't seen any of those yet!
Overall, I'm extremely enjoying Arco, and really can't recommend it enough. It's on sale right now for $18, and even just a few hours in, I can tell it's going to become one of my favorites. The game is clearly a labor of love from its developers, crafted with not just heart, but a real skill for game design so far.
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Comment on What have you been watching / reading this week? (Anime/Manga) in ~anime
Inanimate (edited )LinkI caught up on The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World, which was great fun! I'd previously started reading the manga a while back, but I enjoy reading manga in big bursts, so I...I caught up on The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World, which was great fun!
I'd previously started reading the manga a while back, but I enjoy reading manga in big bursts, so I decided to set it aside for a time, let it get further along, and come back to it... and dang, was it great to come back to!
Yes, it's an isekai manga, so maybe that immediately DQs it for some people - but lemme try to sell you on it anyways, as I'm also not typically an isekai fan, but really enjoyed it!
Basically: The main character is Kizuna Red, the leader of the Kizuna Five, a super sentai / power ranger team. In the final battle against the evil Rejection King, they both strike a mortal blow against each other... and he reappears in a traditional fantasy world, with knights, wizards, dragons, but still with his ability to transform into a red "power ranger", with all the tropes and over-the-top drama that implies!
The first couple chapters are focused on action/comedy, and even they're pretty good! There's lots of great jokes about the juxtaposition of a power ranger in a fantasy world, such as the fact that whenever he transforms, there's a gratuitous explosion behind him, or that his 'stats' are things like Punching Power and Kicking Power rather than Intelligence or Defense.
After the first 2 chapters, however, the series begins to really develop. The setting is fleshed out with rich world-building; the overarching conflict and some great recurring villains are introduced; interesting and compelling main characters are added to the main party; and overall, the writing remains of quality! It's definitely not a masterpiece, but it's consistently funny, action-packed, and has surprisingly good character development, romance, and the like. (To its credit, it is also pointedly NOT a harem story!)
Spoilers for latest chapters
And in the latest chapters, the worldbuilding has been taken to the next level. Answers are finally provided as to *why* the main character reincarnated into this world, and at the *same time*, this explanation also answers a half-dozen other outstanding mysteries that had been open qusetthat had been the thrust of the story, in a way that feels not just tidy and logically consistent, but *interesting*. It's rare that I've read an isekai story nowadays where the conflict about choosing a world, and the dilemma of how to return, not only remain a significant feature of the plot throughout, but are *instrumental* to the plot in a way that makes sense!Overall, it's great fun! It may not be a masterpiece, but it's written with heart, and drawn with great skill. It's always a fun ride, but it's also capable of being heartfelt, serious, and introspective. I really recommend it, especially to fellow fans of tokusatsu.
Also recommend Simon Tatham's Puzzles, it's a great collection! Yes, you often get into a 'flow state' while solving a puzzle, so it can be tough to look away and come back to it without losing where you were.