• 4 Posts
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Joined 2 years ago
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Cake day: June 30th, 2023

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  • I just finished playing Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster and have started Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster. I keep checking wikis and forum posts for information, since I hate missing things (especially things that you can’t get back to). I think from here on out (I’m in one of the 3 Scenario Selects) I’ll keep it as blind as I can.

    I finally downloaded Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, and think it’s pretty cool. But maybe it’s just because I haven’t played a Metroidvania in 2 years.

    Last but not least, I tried the demo for Big Hops after seeing Giant Bomb’s Unfinished video on it. 3D Platformer that feels very good to move around in. Not sure how deep the story will go, or what mechanics they’ll be adding as the game progresses, but it’s been a delight so far.


  • Leverless controllers are fairly popular. Supposedly more ergonomic and precise than an arcade stick or pad controller, more portable than the stick, and better to use than a keyboard.

    It is a fairly large learning curve if you’ve already played fighting games with another input method, but after building some new muscle memory, you’ll realize that your understanding of the game is still intact. There are also some really good “shortcuts” in input methods to get precise, just-frame inputs, allowing you to input opposite directions just 1 frame apart, with no stick travel time.





  • Online groups! There are great ways to play using things like Discord or other voice options, along with digital tabletops (roll20) or virtual tabletop applications (Foundry, Talespire, Tabletop Simulator or even the new beta for Project Sigil).

    Online has its own set of bumps and friction points, but it can be a good way to get your feet wet with the rules and also practice the role play part. Just make sure that you’re finding a group that is like-minded. There is often something called a “session 0” where the group will discuss the expectations in behavior and roleplay and responsibilities. It doesn’t always happen with online groups, but in that case make sure you have a DM who is setting those expectations in advance.









  • In my experience working with kids of all ages, from toddlers to high school students, the biggest thing is enthusiasm and energy. If you’re faking enthusiasm, they can tell. If you’re not excited and happy to be there, no one will be having a good time. Obviously everyone ticks differently, but you gotta make sure that it’s something you want to do. Once you’ve decided on that, the actual interaction becomes much easier and more genuine.

    I think you definitely have the right mindset, since you’re looking for places to get involved. Just jump in earnestly and it’ll work out.


  • Not sure what the public opinion is on this, but I used to volunteer with Union Rescue Mission occasionally, and through my church I’ve had a few chances to help out with other orgs and shelters.

    There are groups that do trash pickups, especially around the hiking trails and public spaces.

    It was a one-off, but my work had a volunteer service day last year where about 15 of us showed up to help out at Catholic Charities of LA over in Long Beach. We helped hand out food for lunch and pack up food bundles for the holidays.

    Not sure about how available for commitment you are, but if you’re good with kids and are down to really put yourself out there regularly, look into Big Brother Big Sister. It’s one of those things I know can make a big change in a kid’s life, but I’ve never had the commitment or drive to volunteer myself.



  • I haven’t been active in TF2 in years, but I have 2.9k hours, all without idling for items. That game was basically another life for me, around 2010-2016. In that timespan I picked up PC gaming, got into shooters, got into TF2, joined a community, started collecting strange weapons, got my first unusual and traded it, and captained a Highlander team as Pyro.

    The game was and still is amazing; I only ever stopped because it was becoming detrimental to my life and schooling. Now, when I try to play, I mourn the loss of my old community servers, get frustrated with my worse skills, and despise the number of bots I run into on Valve servers.