Geeky Quickie : The Tale of Two Towns

I previously wrote about how obsessed I am over Harvest Moon right?

So recently I've purchased this!

The launch of the game was supposed to be November 1 but sadly human teleportation mechanisms have not been working efficiently so I had to wait until recently to acquire this precious jewel.

In other countries, if you were able to make a pre-order online you would receive an Alpaca plushie, which is beyond this world's meaning of adorable, btw.

That is just, you know, completely unfair. Maybe local stores will put them in stock sometime soon. Here's to wishing. Haha!

Til the next post, live long and prosper!

Saturday Lady Day: Catwoman

Hello there fellow earthlings! Do you know what day it is today? It's Saturday Lady Day! Awyeah! ... ehem. Anyway...

Today's Geeky Alien of the Week is Catwoman a.k.a. Selina Kyle!

Awyeah! So sexy! Forgive me, I'm too attracted to her right now to actually write something coherent about her but I will do the best I can to give you a properly readable post.

We all know how famous Catwoman is. She is one of Batman's most cunning (and most tempting) enemies, moving through the night as sleek and stealthy as her feline counterparts.

There is a lot of speculation as to Catwoman's history and background as there have been several stories stating the origin of her character so I will not go as in-depth as I want to (because, really, who wants to read about me spazzing about how cool and awesome she is?). dr-von-girl.livejournal.com, though, has written an astounding comic-based documentation of her history, if you guys are interested.

Catwoman is mainly a... cat burglar, if we can call her that. She is highly attracted to high-stake thefts, going for publicized and important artifacts or jewels, whatever catches her eye. She dons different costumes during different story timelines but she is commonly seen wielding a whip, sharp cat-claw gloves and cat ears.

What I like the most about Catwoman is how she is dubbed an "antihero" rather than a supervillain. In the current comic series, "Gotham City Sirens," she teams up with fellow villainesses Harlequinn and Poison Ivy. Her relationship with Batman is also very intriguing (which makes the next Dark Knight movie something to watch out for!).

Gotham City Sirens cover

So, really, who CANNOT love Catwoman? Even if people consider her a sex symbol in the Batman universe, one cannot doubt that she is truly all woman - sexy, sultry, downright evil when she needs to be, and not afraid to get what she wants.

Til next Saturday, live long and prosper!

Nodame Cantabile : The Anime Review

Hi everyone! Today I'm writing about Nodame Cantabile, one of the funniest and most touching anime series I have ever watched.

Nodame Cantabile's story revolves around two music students who are completely different yet by some weird freak of nature, find themselves bunched together by their circumstances, or mainly, the heroine's incessant need to be attached to the uncooperative hero.

Enter Noda Megumi and Shinichi Chiaki.

You can clearly see the huge expanse of difference between the two characters which is what makes the story alluring. They both go to Momogaoka College of Music where Chiaki is the top student, coming from wealthy family of musicians, while Nodame (a mix of her first and last name) is your typical piano student who barely gets by.

Chiaki meets Nodame purely by accident by showing up dead-drunk in her doorstep only to awaken surrounded by garbage and other toxic materials he'd rather not figure out! Haha!

Naturally, Nodame is drawn to Chiaki's physical attributes immediately while Chiaki takes a longer while to appreciate Nodame and all her quirks. What's more, the series is surrounded by dramatic moments that definitely had me squealing, sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation, and all but tearing my hair out in frustration!

They meet a whole range of different characters, some start out as Chiaki's fans, some end up as really good friends, and some eventually find out the gift that is hiding behind Nodame's unique personality.

What I liked the most about this series is the overall production. Despite the art and character designs being pretty simple, it incorporated a lot of comic expressions and extras that make them more memorable. Also, the music is note-worthy, a good sign that the anime production focused on the character's roles as music students.

All in all, it is a feel good anime series with a lot of character growth, which is all I could ever ask for in any story. There is definitely a good mix of laughter and tears to be had with this series, making it a must-watch for music-lovers out there.

Also, the manga is so awesome that they turned it into a live action series which had two live action movies as sequels. Pretty nifty, huh? So go and watch it!

Til next time, live long and prosper!

Is It Really The End?

Oh wow, has it really been almost nine months since my last post here? Forgive the hiatus, the mother ship has been calling with official duties and other whatnot.

Well, now that's been put aside, I've got some blog posts up as we've acquired a shiny new toy!

Ta-Da! A 3DS!

So please do expect a couple of casual game reviews. Plus, there is a backlog of anime/video games that really, honestly, needs to be posted up here. Hooray! I am so excited to be blogging about my geekiness all over again!

Til then! Live long and prosper, humanoids!

Blog Hiatus.

I find myself in a writing stump.

Sorry guys. I'll update soon I promise.

For today, have some lulz I guess.

Saturday Lady Day: Jean Grey

Hello all! It's Saturday again and that means only one thing! Hooray for the ladies!

Today's Geeky Alien Lady of the Week is Jean Grey!

Jean Grey for Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 (PS3)

Yes, yes, I know you must be horribly aghast at the fact that I've chosen to write about this seemingly overpowered woman who keeps coming back to life in many different incarnations. You're probably saying in your head, "Oh great, she's alive even in this geek's blog!" Well, I'm sorry, but I like overpowered women!

Ehem. Jean Grey was one of the founding members of the X-Men. Much like Wonder Woman is in the DC Universe, Jean Grey was the only member of the original X-Men (along with Beast, Cyclops, Iceman, and Angel) and was originally called Marvel Girl. Her powers are mainly telepathy and telekinesis which showed themselves through a traumatic incident during Jean's childhood involving a dying friend. Later on, however, the Phoenix Force manifested in her, giving her ultimate cosmic powers.

Jean Grey Circa 1990 (At least while I was growing up!)

Jean Grey is romantically linked to two of the key members of the X-Men, Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Logan (Wolverine). She marries Scott a bit further along the main storyline, but you know how these comics go. One moment there's one guy, the next there's another!

Jean Grey and her X-Men

I love the fact that a woman is one potentially one of the strongest mutants in the Marvel Universe. And I also love how they make plot bunnies run around in circles by killing her off and then resurrecting her again. It really makes people get all in a frenzy when they thought she was dead and then she's alive again!

My favorite incarnation of Jean Grey? Either Madelyne Pryor (due to the sexy outfit), the Black Queen, or Dark Phoenix (also due to the sexy red and gold). What can I say, I must be evil inside!

Jean Grey in Age of the Apocalypse, as White Phoenix, and as the Goblin Queen (Madelyne Pryor)

Jean Grey as The Dark Phoenix

Til the next lady, live long and prosper!

BtW, I follow this pretty cool tumblr that posts images of Jean Grey and her many forms. Most of the images I used here are from there. Check it out!

First Thoughts : Final Fantasy Dissidia Duodecim

You guys are probably familiar with the upcoming Dissidia game for the PSP. A sort of sequel to Final Fantasy Dissidia, Squeenix has announced the 2nd installment of the versus game - Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Duodecim.

Dissida 012 Duodecim Final Fantasy Logo

A new list of characters have joined the roster, expanding the plot content and making the game a little bit more interesting. A few of the new features that I've learned about focuses more on gameplay though, Assists during Action Mode, which is all very technical. However! There remains to be seen the new RPG mode, oh yes, the inner JRPG fan in me is emerging.

I've never played the first one. Mainly because the characters didn't interest me as much and there is only so much you can do with Dissidia's type of fighting system. And I mean, you only had Terra as a notable female playable character and every other female was on Chaos' side. So it wasn't for me, I figured. Except maybe Kuja. Now Kuja. Pretty, oh so pretty Kuja, I can play with anytime!

*cough* Anyway!

Why am I writing about it? Because TIFA LOCKHART IS GONNA BE IN IT!!

Seriously, the gameplay kind of intrigues me now and because I have more of an initiative to try it, I will probably try to get my hands on a PSP and play the first game before this one comes out.

Oh, also, Lightning, the female protagonist of FFXIII, is also another playable character. That's something to say about an upcoming game.

Squall vs. Lightning. IDEK why Lightning is dressed like that. Customizable gear?

I just hope Squeenix does not disappoint with this one. I'm sad about the recent games they have released so far and I hope that something else will turn up so we can all find ourselves loving Squeenix and Final Fantasy all over again.

On a side note... TIFAAAAAAAA!!!

Duodecim's New Characters Artwork by Tetsuya Nomura

Live long and prosper!

(BtW, sullonclownscove.blogspot.com has written a more in-depth article on Duodecim Dissidia Prologus. Head on over there to read it!)

Saturday Lady Day: Wonder Woman

Hello everyone, it's another Saturday today and that means it's Saturday Lady Day at Another Geeky Alien! Whoo, I love writing about awesome women!!

Today's Geeky Alien Lady of the Week is Wonder Woman!

DC Universe Online just came out last January. I've been tinkering with a friend's account and playing around with it too! Hence why I am writing about Wonder Woman now.

What to say besides this woman being beyond amazing? Oh yes, Wonder Woman is a DC superheroine who first appeared in 1941. Trying to finally introduce feminism into male-dominated comics, Wonder Woman is the epitome of all things female. Her super powers include superhuman strength, super-speed, super-stamina, super-agility, flight, and the ability to communicate with animals. She is also trained in hand-to-hand combat, tactical warfare, and her weapon of choice is the Lasso of Truth... which kind of speaks for itself. If you ask me, Wonder Woman is pretty IMBA.

Wonder Woman and her Lasso of Truth

Looking at Wonder Woman's history, you would find a series of different origins and stories. There is one of her being an Amazonian champion blessed by the gods and another of her being crafted from clay by the Queen of Amazons. Although the changes in beginnings make it a tad bit confusing, it is interesting that they have a common ground in mythology.

Wonder Woman's secret identity or human counterpart is Diana Prince. But that's another long story. However, how Wonder Woman used her alter-ego was incredibly impressive. Not wanting to underplay her innate call to justice, she uses her identity as Diana Prince to play an important role in military intelligence.

If you guys have noticed, I'm rather fond of strong and independent women who take control of their situations. Which is why I am in extreme like with Wonder Woman. Despite being the only female lead heroine in the Justice League, she does not stand down, knowing she is an incredible asset beyond physical bounds!

Til next Sat, gents, live long and prosper!

(BtW, a friend linked me this site. Pretty cool Wonder Woman Art Gallery. Check it out!)

Me and My Star Trek

I distinctly remember my father watching Star Trek when I was still a child yet I don't remember much about the plot. All I knew was that there was a spaceship and there was a crew, and there was Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and the Enterprise.

The Original Cast of Star Trek

Actually, the captain of the Enterprise whom I knew the most was Captain Picard, yes, the bald dude who played Professor X in the later movies of X-men, Patrick Stewart. I knew more of him than I did Mr. Leonard Nimoy or Mr. William Shatner. So my correlation of Star Trek was Professor X. Weird.

It would be unfair to say that I know a lot about Star Trek because I don't. What I have though is extreme admiration and respect for the series. I mean, who wouldn't love space-dogfights and hyperdrives and all those high-tech stuff that you think we would have developed by 2010?

The Enterprise

I would remember my father talking about Borgs and imitating the Klingon language so I hold a deep nostalgic connection with the series. I remember watching the movies with my father, how he would explain to me the different aspects of the stories and the relationships within the Enterprise.

The Star Trek universe is so very vast yet I could name two of my favorite people - Mr. Spock and Data. Maybe it's because they aren't completely human. Well, Mr. Spock is half-human and Data isn't one at all! But I love them both very much (Hence my parting words after every blog post)!

Data. Oh adorable Data. XD

Most people from our generation would think of Star Trek as it's 2009 movie counterpart. However, this one took place in an alternate reality, so maybe, only those who really knew what happened in the original series would understand.

But besides that, it shook my inner geek to the core. Seeing a young version of Spock and the concept of a rogue and rough Capt. Kirk made me think of the possibilities such an alternate reality could have produced. Then again, that's just another nerdy way of looking at things. It doesn't help that you've got two great looking actors, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, as leading men!

2009 Star Trek Movie Poster

All in all, I salute all Star Trek fans out there, all over the world! Without you, our generation wouldn't have our own version of Star Trek. What is a new generation anyway if we couldn't explore the possibilities and impossibilities of a very different future!

... And I would have to resort to researching and re-watching the old episodes and films to curb this innate geeky need to learn more!

Til the next Star Trek spazzment, live long and prosper!

Saturday Lady Day: Sheryl Nome

You can be my Universal Bunny anytime, baby!

Welcome to Geeky Alien's 2nd Saturday Lady Day! Here I will choose another woman who is iconic beyond what she looks like. Basically, I just talk about women who I have found a liking for no matter the genre, be it video games, movies, anime, cartoons, etc etc.

Today's Geeky Alien Lady of the Week is the Galactic Fairy, Sheryl Nome.

Sheryl Nome Album Cover

Following the footsteps of her predecessors, Sheryl Nome is one of the singing sensations found in the Macross anime series. Since it is the only Macross series I've watched so far, I am simply biased towards her.

Sheryl Nome is a strong-willed, independent woman who appears to be spoiled rotten. Her fame reaching far beyond time and space, she joins Macross Frontier's leading man *coughprincesscough* Saotome Alto and his gang when she visits Frontier for her galaxy-wide concert.

Universal Bunny - Sheryl Nome

Sheryl is unexplainable! From her color-changing hair to a seemingly volatile personality, she grabs attention no matter where she goes. Her self-confidence is overbearing at times but as the story moves on, things are revealed as to why she is who she is.

I believe she is real as reality in anime can get. She can stand alone and be herself no matter what happens. And don't we all want to do that? And with everything that happens in the story, you will definitely find yourself loving her for who she is and what she represents!

How I would love to be those suds...

Sheryl appears in most episodes of the Macross Frontier series and a slight twist in her story happens in the Macross Frontier movie - The False Songstress.

Oooh, apparently a second movie is due to come out and hopefully this time, the princess will choose wisely!

Kimonos are <3

Til next time, fairy-lovers, live long and prosper!

Anime-te Me!

I was thinking about something geeky today. ... Don't I always? Anyway, I realized how effective anime is as artwork. Whether translating something from a movie or a television series, you find yourself marveling at how people create their own artistic editions of whatever comes to their minds.

Harry Potter Character Fan-Art

I usually hear art students, depending what school they're from, argue about how anime may or may not be "art." Oh... no... don't get me wrong, I won't get into that very sticky situation of arguing about that topic. I basically just want to talk about this animation phenomenon going around in our generation.

I find it interesting. I am a frustrated artist so I have this need to surround myself with artistic people, be it in traditional arts, digital arts, music, etc etc. I like creativity because I cannot produce anything creative at all! So, that's why I find this anime sensation going around quite giddy-ish and exciting!

Oh LOL, Legolas wins this round!

It's mainly eye-candy, yes. BUT, it's a good way to get your imagination going!

Beijing Olympics Mascots turned Anime

Can you imagine what would happen if these artworks were part of the actual story? You can re-create your fandom in so many freaking ways! So many endless possibilities, all at the tip of your pencil, tablet or lead!

AHHHH! I am so jealous of people who can draw! But I applaud all you artists out there. Without you, I have nothing pretty to look at and I might not have any inspiration to write anything at all!

Super Mario is now BADASS.

Til the next post, guys! Live long and prosper!

Saturday Lady Day: Tifa Lockhart

Every Saturday I feature ladies that have risen to the occasion with their extraordinary physical attributes. Of course, this basically means that I talk about women who have tickled my fancy, no matter the genre of geekery, be it video games, movies, anime, cartoons, etc etc.

Today's Geeky Alien Lady of the Week is Tifa Lockhart.

Tifa's Original FFVII Outfit in CG

A personal favorite, Tifa is definitely one of the most popular female video game characters to date. Seriously, someone who has been gaming for his/her entire life cannot not know about Tifa!

Favored for being more than just well-endowed, she packs a really mean set of punches. Which is all that I could ask for in a woman, really! Kidding aside, those who took the time to follow Final Fantasy VII would know that this lady plays a very crucial role in the protagonist's story without leaving herself in the shoes of a damsel in distress.

Tifa from Final Fantasy VII : Advent Children

Tifa is trained in the martial arts and equips weapons from the Final Fantasy Monk class such as gloves and claws. Her offensive skills involve a series of punches and kicks while her Limit Break is completely different from all the other character's in Final Fantasy VII. She gets a cool casino slot machine that dictates the type of attacks she will execute. How neat is that!

So, it is fairly easy to see why she has garnered so much attention and popularity. Though she may have advantages due to her brute power and high physical stats, her charm lies in the immense yet beautiful strength of her heart.

Yoshitaka Amano's rendition of Tifa Lockhart

I would really love to know what you guys think of her because I did mention that she is a personal favorite. Also, if you guys are nice enough, maybe you could share or recommend someone I can give my opinion on? Just for fun!

Til next Saturday, live long and prosper! :)

A Fun LEGO Story

People from my generation will remember those distant childhood days of doing nothing but create a make-believe LEGO world. From jungle adventures to crafting the newest architectural marvels, LEGO was definitely one of the best outlets of creativity back when I was a child.

Official LEGO Logo

I will flat out say how much I sucked at building things out of LEGO blocks. So, building things was another person's job. My job, however, was to tell funny stories, epic legends, or recreate movie scenes. That's kind of what I'm doing right now!

LEGO has been in the market since 1949 and is still alive and kicking today (obviously!). Funnily, these blocks started out as wooden toys in Denmark from Ole Kirk Christiansen's workshop. I won't bore you with the details, but you can see how far LEGO has gone and has definitely done their company's motto - "Only the best is good enough," epically proud!

Rock Out with LEGO'S Rock Band!

Most people would find LEGO more a lot more interesting because it now produces sets/kits based on famous movies or stories like Indiana Jones, Star Wars (OMG STAR WARS), Batman, Spiderman, and Harry Potter. What's more, they've produced video games across so many platforms such as LEGO: Star Wars or LEGO: Batman or LEGO: Indiana Jones. Oh the variety! The fun times to be had!

LEGO's Rendition of Arkham Asylum

I am a super huge fan of the LEGO: Star Wars series because you get to play as different characters from the movies plus you get to replay all the scenes from Episode 1 to 6. How fangasmically neat is that! I feel my inner nerd senses tingle at the mere thought of it!

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

LEGO is probably one of the lesser bought toys nowadays. Children have computers and the internet to have their fun. But it is amazing to see what imagination can do when you're given a bunch of brightly colored connectible plastic blocks. Hence, why LEGO will always have a huge chunk of my geeky heart.

Til next time, peeps, live long and prosper!

Geeky Quickie: Fruit Drops and Tears

I found something marvelous today! Besides being such a huge sweet tooth, I am an avid fan of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli films. In fact, I have an entire movie collection on my desktop just waiting to be re-watched!

Anyway, guess what I found??

Some fruit drops! In a freaking can!

Dear God, the moment I saw this in some Japanese grocery in the Little Tokyo area, I just HAD to buy it. I bought it at the Yamazaki Japanese Grocery at around 70php. No matter the emotional connotation linked to this can of fruit drops, it was just too important to miss.

Most people would recognize this can of candy from Studio Ghibli's traumatic animation: Grave of the Fireflies...

Grave of the Fireflies Movie Poster

Setsuko opens her can of lollies

This movie is just Hayao Miyazaki's take on the life of two siblings in Japan during World War II. It is pretty gruesome and not for the faint of heart. Serious with its undertones, the strength seen in children is definitely something found in Grave of the Fireflies.

To say the least, it made me cry buckets. But I'm extremely happy and excited about my Sakuma Drops!

Seita and Setsuko with her Fruit Drops

Til the next random finding of geekery, live long and prosper!