PancakeCats's recent activity
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Comment on What game are you terrible at? in ~games
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Comment on What game are you terrible at? in ~games
PancakeCats (edited )Link ParentI would not say they design the games deliberately to exclude at all actually. Sekiro is a bit more of an outlier because you do have flat skill checks more often, but there are almost always...I would not say they design the games deliberately to exclude at all actually. Sekiro is a bit more of an outlier because you do have flat skill checks more often, but there are almost always gameplay options available to you to soften the experience up. The reason they design these games the way they do, from the mouth of the designers themselves in interviews, is to foster that feeling of overcoming extreme opposition/difficulty and the resulting triumphant joy you can experience as a result. Adding a difficulty option would lessen the experience of the game as intended by the developers of the game.
This doesn't change the fact that the game might clash with limitations, and you can still feel however you like about it. I just dont agree that they are specifically designed to exclude. FromSoftware in particular has always done a good job of feeling like they actually want you to succeed, besides maybe Dark Souls 2 tipping the scales too far on the punishment scale. They are trying to foster that feeling of overcoming adversity, and they give you plenty of ways to get there. They might exclude as a byproduct, but I do not find it fair to say it is the intent of the developers.
I'm heading to work but I'll try to find the Miyazaki interview today.
Edit: took me a while, original host is down and I had to use the way back machine, but here is the interview -
Comment on ‘Barbie 2’ in crisis: sequel could be shelved amid pay battle and crumbling deal talks in ~movies
PancakeCats Link ParentI think Drewbahr is saying the studio resistance is the source of misogyny rather than Vord's comment. And while you might be able to read said comment as misogynistic, personally I'd say it comes...I think Drewbahr is saying the studio resistance is the source of misogyny rather than Vord's comment. And while you might be able to read said comment as misogynistic, personally I'd say it comes across more cynical of the movie industry and frequent artless sequels than anything. And while I do believe the creatives could make a great sequel, personally I have come around more to just letting things be without turning everything into a franchise to be milked until it collapses on itself. As unfortunate as it is, that is the route most sequel franchises go. I think John Wick is an excellent example of this. Not bad films, but the sequels cheapen the original's cultural weight and premise. So I personally hope Barbie stays as the sole Barbie film, and that creative energy gets spent making more new ideas a reality.
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Comment on Why does Opera GX rarely come up in browser discussions? in ~tech
PancakeCats Link ParentIf you're interested, a podcaster I follow made a gaming news aggregator, Overworld.vg, with one of the highlighted features being a calendar showing upcoming game releases, as well as upcoming...If you're interested, a podcaster I follow made a gaming news aggregator, Overworld.vg, with one of the highlighted features being a calendar showing upcoming game releases, as well as upcoming showcases. The site is minimally designed with no ads besides an unobtrusive single paid sponsorship spot on the side bar, so its a rather pleasant experience imo.
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Comment on Your cookware got worse on purpose: who owns Pyrex and All-Clad now in ~food
PancakeCats Link ParentRespectfully, what makes you so confident that these descriptions are LLM output? I should think the burden of proof is on the accuser, not someone sharing an article they found interesting and...Respectfully, what makes you so confident that these descriptions are LLM output? I should think the burden of proof is on the accuser, not someone sharing an article they found interesting and helpful (especially one they didnt write.) If they are as obvious as you claim, where are your receipts for said claim?
I just dont think its very helpful in conversation to just throw an accusation of undisclosed LLM usage at someone and not provide any reasoning as to why you feel that way.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
PancakeCats LinkI have been playing through Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. I played and loved the third entry in the series as a teenager back in the Xbox 360 days, and having had them sit in...I have been playing through Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. I played and loved the third entry in the series as a teenager back in the Xbox 360 days, and having had them sit in my library for years, I decided it was time to give them a proper shake. What I found was a third person shooter than definitely set gameplay standards for its genre for years to come, and has a tone and narrative so absurd I can't help but love it.
The gameplay of these still holds water, with its slowmo diving and movement being a focus of its identity. Not only does it look cool to dive past a door frame headshotting three dudes in the span of a second, the game rewards you for it by seemingly shrinking your hitbox while in mid air or decreasing the enemies' accuracy. The weapons are varied enough to build out a somewhat distinct set of tools for use in blasting. Surprisingly enough, its the tone and atmosphere of the game that actually keeps me hooked.
The levels all have this haunting empty and slightly liminal feel to them. A deserted New York in the midst of a blizzard, feeling more like a purgatory for the unluckiest man on the planet than a place anybody has ever actually lived. The only things in it were props to be used, a backdrop for the show in front of you. The characters are all noir caricatures, goons being classic dopes with amusing and moronic conversations, the toxic melodramatic detective with a new overly depressing with every other line of dialogue. The femme fatale who catches the eye of a man grieving from the loss of his wife and young child less than a day ago. The police chief who chains smokes and pops pills every time you have a conversation with him. The graphic novel presentation instead of cutscenes. All of it makes the game feel like a half sleeping fever dream, a personal hell for Max and an entertaining pastiche of the Noir genre for the player.
Now being about halfway through the second game, I can happily say it only leans further into the absurdity. It plays better than the first, looks better than the first, sounds better than the first. The writing is even more intense shlocky noir, and gives depth to the supporting cast. And the stageplay purgatory vibe still shines through, even in high definition (for 2003). Looking forward to replaying the 3rd again with the context of the full series.
Simultaneously, I have been dipping back into No Man's Sky after being lured in by the latest community expedition, which splits the players in three factions working toward the same galaxy wide goal. Each faction interacts with the system in unique ways, based on different playstyles of the game. You get sped up progression on a new character to give everyone an even playing field. It feels very Helldivers inspired, in good way because I thought the galactic goals were a key part of the magic of that game. It's been fun revisiting the game for the first time since launch, with so much changed and having been added. Like a pokemon battler for the procedurally generated alien species you find on the planets you explore, which sounds pretty neat if executed well. If I make it to that before burnout that is.
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Comment on Reddit will require you to be logged in to use old.reddit.com in ~tech
PancakeCats Link ParentDeleting your cookies/cache in your mobile browser also works, if you dont mind not being signed in. I exclusively use reddit for searching for niche answers or technical support and therefore...Deleting your cookies/cache in your mobile browser also works, if you dont mind not being signed in. I exclusively use reddit for searching for niche answers or technical support and therefore feel no need to be signed in at all, so it works fine for me. Firefox mobile you can just click the shield on the address bar, wipe the cookies, refresh, and you are fine for a few days.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
PancakeCats Link ParentIt's not, I think he may be conflating the sun exploding at the end of each time loop with the end of the universe.It's not, I think he may be conflating the sun exploding at the end of each time loop with the end of the universe.
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Comment on Shrek 5 | Official teaser trailer in ~movies
PancakeCats Link ParentFrom a cynical perspective, if it's bad it's a final nostaglia cashout and if it's good they can keep milking it for at least another movie. Waiting long enough for the original kids watching...From a cynical perspective, if it's bad it's a final nostaglia cashout and if it's good they can keep milking it for at least another movie. Waiting long enough for the original kids watching shrek to grow up and have kids who they will hopefully take to the new film and implant that love for the IP in the new generation. From an executive perspective i can kind of see it, from a creative perspective it seems a little sad to me. Im a big believer in letting properties die when they have run their course.
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Comment on What do you think is the best sandwich? in ~food
PancakeCats Link ParentAs a lifelong resident of the east coast, I cant say I have had something like that too often outside of some sandwich focused food trucks. The east coast is a large stretch of land with lots of...As a lifelong resident of the east coast, I cant say I have had something like that too often outside of some sandwich focused food trucks. The east coast is a large stretch of land with lots of diverse food cultures spread across it, so maybe I just dont live in the part of the east coast those shops are emulating.
I can definitely say that the style you're describing is delicious and I wish I had more access to that style of shop myself.
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Comment on What do you think is the best sandwich? in ~food
PancakeCats LinkIn terms of general sandwiches anyone would know, my top three include a well crafted bacon egg and cheese with a runny fried egg on a biscuit or bagel; a classic italian sub with bonus points if...In terms of general sandwiches anyone would know, my top three include a well crafted bacon egg and cheese with a runny fried egg on a biscuit or bagel; a classic italian sub with bonus points if its served hot; and the Philly cheese steak, authentic or otherwise. As good as a cold sandwich can be, I tend to lean towards hot sandwiches in most available instances. I find the flavors are better able to pop but its probably just personal preference.
In terms of specific sandwiches, there is a delicatessen near me that has a sandwich called the Wildwood, which has smoked ham, muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato, deli mustard, and horseradish served hot on pumpernickel. Its so simple but so well put together it makes my brain light up every single time I eat it.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
PancakeCats Link ParentThis was one of the first games I bought for my pc when I was younger, havent replayed it but it definitely stuck with me. Glad to hear it holds up! I vaugely remember there being themes of labor...This was one of the first games I bought for my pc when I was younger, havent replayed it but it definitely stuck with me. Glad to hear it holds up! I vaugely remember there being themes of labor exploitation that I didn't fully grapple with back then as a preteen, but now Im curious how I would interpret the game in an older set of eyes. Did you find anything of substance thematically during your time, or is this a case of foggy nostalgia glasses?
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
PancakeCats (edited )Link ParentAlongside the liberal piton usage that countchocula suggested, make sure you are using chalk. Chalk is temporary super grip, limited number of limb placements, but you can get away with a lot more...Alongside the liberal piton usage that countchocula suggested, make sure you are using chalk. Chalk is temporary super grip, limited number of limb placements, but you can get away with a lot more than you might think when you are chalked up. Some tougher spots on the higher parts of the mountain practically demand it, and once I started using it more I struggled less. There is a larger chalk bag you can find in the world, which gives you more uses before refill, but I missed it on my first run so definitely not necessary. Also, I understand turning the survival mechanics off, but some cooking combos can give very good and helpful buffs to your non survival stats, like Grip Strength and overall Stamina. But generally, grip is your best friend, so use chalk, keep your fingers bandaged, and rest often on pitons during longer climbs to keep your stamina in top form.
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Comment on Haliey Welch interview (Hawk Tuah) by Channel 5 in ~life
PancakeCats Link ParentIm sorry I might be missing something but what is there really to be accountable for there? Her saying something while drunk and it blowing up and going viral? She doesn't really seem all that...Im sorry I might be missing something but what is there really to be accountable for there? Her saying something while drunk and it blowing up and going viral? She doesn't really seem all that bothered by it nowadays, nor does that seem like an especially problematic thing to have happen to you. She mentions in the interview that she initally asked the street interviewer to take it down due to embarrassement and when he didnt she decided to profit off of it instead. She also said after going through his channel she didnt really like the questions he asked because they were very invasive and disrespectful of women but I dont think that means she doesn't feel responsible for what she said. I just feel like I'm missing something here, because I don't see the issue with my current context.
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Comment on Haliey Welch interview (Hawk Tuah) by Channel 5 in ~life
PancakeCats Link ParentI don't see how claiming the original street reviewer was disrespectful to women dodges accountability for the crypto rugpull that was done in her name. To my knowledge the rug pull is the main...I don't see how claiming the original street reviewer was disrespectful to women dodges accountability for the crypto rugpull that was done in her name. To my knowledge the rug pull is the main controversy, and is only connected to the original interview in that the scam was only possible from the fame she got from said interview. Is there context knowledge I am missing here?
Having watched the whole thing, she comes across as sincere and fully admits she got duped by crypto bro swindling & promises, and put her name on something she shouldnt have. But she was even cleared by the SEC and FBI after she fully cooperated and gave them literally everything they asked for, so while yes it is a rebranding to her specific context, I think it's more than fair to have a desire to set the record straight.
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Comment on I think Tildes moderators and admins may need to make a decision regarding how to handle Harry Potter related posts in ~tildes
PancakeCats Link ParentBelieve me, I wish I could live without a personal vehicle, and I do get where you're coming from, but the U.S. is a pretty varied place and the majority of the country is pretty rural. Being 30...Believe me, I wish I could live without a personal vehicle, and I do get where you're coming from, but the U.S. is a pretty varied place and the majority of the country is pretty rural. Being 30 miles from the closest hospital is reality for large swathes of people in the country, and you don't wanna be without a car when there's an emergency in an area like that. But if we take it to a semi urban environment like where I live, there's multiple factors that can make what you describe difficult. A bike might not be physically viable for everybody, whether due to job proximity or health reasons. Moving close to a place of work can be financially unavailable to people, if they can even find something close by. Some places dont have have bus networks at all, let alone a semi functional one. In my state at least you can't rent a car until you're at least 26, and even then you usually need a credit check or funds to even do that. There are a multitude of reasons a car can be both inaccessible and required depending on where you live and what financial situation you are in. I guess a more accurate statement would by my life and options would be dramatically limited without a vehicle.
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Comment on I think Tildes moderators and admins may need to make a decision regarding how to handle Harry Potter related posts in ~tildes
PancakeCats Link ParentI have no doubt you have experienced the type of people you are describing here, I have as well. But is it not a massive generalization to lump everyone who advocates awareness into the category...I have no doubt you have experienced the type of people you are describing here, I have as well. But is it not a massive generalization to lump everyone who advocates awareness into the category of those who are trying to "Gotcha!" others with a lack of awareness on whatever issue they devote attention to? You are assuming a lot about people, mainly that they are ignoring those issues at all, or that they are trying to shut others down to conveniently ignore doing any introspection or avoid receiving scrutiny on themselves. And sure, some people do fall in that category, but I think the users on this forum deserve a bit more benefit of the doubt and good faith engagement than you are offering. I honestly can't say say I saw what you're describing in the responses here, if anything they were more thoughtful and reasonable than my gut instinct would have expected when reading the initial post. It just seems like a lot of bias and preconceived notions to assign to people that you dont really have any idea of beyond what they put to text here, which from what I can see doesnt seem to support that which you are describing.
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Comment on I think Tildes moderators and admins may need to make a decision regarding how to handle Harry Potter related posts in ~tildes
PancakeCats Link ParentExactly, thank you finding the concise way to word what I was trying to express. One of the reasons I love this site.Exactly, thank you finding the concise way to word what I was trying to express. One of the reasons I love this site.
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Comment on I think Tildes moderators and admins may need to make a decision regarding how to handle Harry Potter related posts in ~tildes
PancakeCats Link ParentThere is no ethical consumption under capitalism, that much is definite. However, in this case, we are actively aware of where this money goes and to what end, and advocating for others to not...There is no ethical consumption under capitalism, that much is definite. However, in this case, we are actively aware of where this money goes and to what end, and advocating for others to not continue to offer support despite knowing the real harm that is evident should not be written off. When you are aware of how evil that powers that be truly are, you'll have to make decisions on what you can live without and what you can't.
American centric pov for an example, but I know that the automotive industry is harmful to the entire planet and human life, but I cannot live my life in the majority of my country without automotive access. I know that JKR is hugely problematic and wants to legislate certain groups out of existence, and I can live without Harry Potter, and so I chose to not give any money to her or the franchise in anyway. And I see no harm in advocating for others to do the same. We aren't all innocent, and we are all going to have things we decide we cant live without that others may dislike, but I don't see how that lessens the value of advocating to cause less harm in ways where we can relatively easily make the choice to live without. You don't have to listen, but I dont think we should discourage people from speaking up because you can "gotcha!" them on something in their bank account that also supports problematic endeavors.
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Comment on I think Tildes moderators and admins may need to make a decision regarding how to handle Harry Potter related posts in ~tildes
PancakeCats Link ParentRespectfully, while I don't find your tone to be malicious, I do find it to be rather disrespectful of the perspective of others. You can disagree without explicitly belittling someone's desire to...- Exemplary
Respectfully, while I don't find your tone to be malicious, I do find it to be rather disrespectful of the perspective of others. You can disagree without explicitly belittling someone's desire to highlight things they view as important. I am not trying to attack you here, these are merely the thoughts I had in response to the points you brought up, so I apologize if it comes across more hostile than I intend.
Personally I would say that any discussion of Rowling is on topic in regards to a Harry Potter related post. Just because you can seperate the author from the work, doesn't mean everyone can, nor should they be required to. Saying it changes nothing to bring these things up is, in my opinion, a very narrow and defeatist view, because people can change over time and not everyone on this site is a monolith of shared cultural knowledge. For example, someone could be aware of her being problematic without knowing the full extent to which JKR actively funds hate and harrasses people who don't deserve it. Just because you deem it unlikely doesn't mean it can't happen or that people should be disinclined to share things they view as important information that more people should be aware of.
I think knowing more about the creation and creators of the media you discuss is valuable context, but I doubt anyone here would tell you that you are required to be fully aware of everything that could possibly come up prior to engaging in a discussion on a topic. I think it more in the spirit of the site to allow additional context to be provided than reject it as off topic or a digression if someone brings up problematic views of a creator, even if you have heard it a million times. The framing of a discussion can change from post to post, and I believe allowing as much additional context and information around a topic as possible leads to a more vibrant and interesting discussion.
I understand your fear of being misconstrued and malice tagged, I have the same worries as I type this. However, I have rarely ever seen a post of this nature not be met with good faith discussion, and I feel like this is a rare place on the internet where people do try and see where you are coming from, or at least challenge your comment in a respectful way, rather than simply reporting you for disagreement.
There are also still plenty of places where fans of Harry Potter can discuss the series and their love for it. Dedicated forums and fansites still exist, and I think it is perfectly reasonable for people on a more general forum like this one to express how a discussion of a topic or creator that is harmful to them or those they love makes them feel. You can ignore it, but to say its not worth bringing up because you have read it before feels disrespectful of other's lived experience. Even in your last example, you bring up being able to discuss Card's works and failures as a human without it instantly devolving to lines in the sand as a positive aspect of your life, but is that not the opposite of what you are advocating for here? Is it not a line in the sand to say you are tired of people mentioning Rowlings failures and that bringing them up on a Harry Potter post is pointless and should be considered off topic. How is that not denying others the same luxury you were afforded with a work that affected your life? Because make no mistake, these works are affecting lives, whether those lives engage with the work or not. Directly funding an author who lobbies for legislation to remove a human being's right to exist in a form they find most comfortable to them IS affecting the lives of those people, and I think it more than valid for those people or those close to them or quite literally anybody who cares, to voice how they feel about it.
In the end, I echo the sentiment of other comments on this post; if you are tired of hearing about Rowling and Harry Potter, filter it out. If you want to discuss Harry Potter without having to hear about the author, another site is probably a better fit than here.
Yes! This monent for me was the first fight with the claw guys who swipe rapidly. It was the first time I felt the rhythm of the combat, which I soon started to feel everywhere, and the game clicked. In my case, I even got the satisfaction of it all clicking on two seperate occasions. I replayed it on my steam deck last year, after having originally played on mouse and keyboard around launch. I got to essentially relearn to play the game on controller, and it honestly felt like slowly getting back in the swing of an instrument. When you get the flow right, its really quite a beautiful dance.