As a semi professional gamer, I take my video gaming seriously. That is why I like a good challenge and sometimes I realize I can't win them all but I can get better by trying and giving it a go.
When I was first getting into gaming I used to play in this tiny arcade in Cabramatta called TimeGone. In between TimeGone and visits to Liverpool to play at their local arcades, I feel like I was a local legend. People knew about me and people knew I was good at the game I was playing. At that time it was King of Fighters '96 (ahh the good ol' days!). I felt like I really was good at the game I played until one day I was in Sydney for some business. I went up to the KOF '96 machine, put in my monies and expected to own up. To my utter surprise I was one that was owned and owned badly. I was surprised. I thought I was good at the game but it wasn't the case. People in the city, used characters I never seen before or they used characters I was used to in ways it made them foreign to me. For sure it was a reality check and it made me go back to where I lived and played harder and better.
A couple years later, the same thing happened. Again at Cabramatta/ Liverpool I was the proverbial big fish in the pond in Tekken Tag. Then one day I decided to go to the city and play Tekken Tag with the Sydney players and again. Owned, not only was I owned badly, some people even beat me with my own characters which was a bitter pill to swallow. Again I left my city trip dis-satisfied with my performance and puzzled. Where was I going wrong? It then occured to me that it was because I was restricting myself to the local talent in my area that I was not getting any better by beating them to a pulp. If anything I was picking up bad habits that made me a worse player. With this epiphany I started to travel more and expand my horizons. I eventually got better but by the time I became really good, Tekken 5 came out and everyone was playing the latest game.
With Tekken 5 I really had an advantage I never had before. By now I was working in Sydney full time so everyday I was able to play everyone at their peak. Sydney is where all the good players played out so for awhile it was a steep learning curve but I eventually got better and wiser. It was the gaming equivalent of living in New York or LA. The best played the best and like how steel sharpens steel, everyone gets better. One of the things I also did was travel outside of Sydney and find other local gamers, none of them were as good as the talent in Sydney but it was still a good experience to play different styles. In the end I got better by being beaten not by staying in my own bubble and focusing on conquering my own little part of the kingdom.
pP
P.S I don't think I will share with you the massacre that occured the one time I actually went back to Liverpool/ Cabramatta to play Tekken 5 with my 'old friends'. It was not pretty.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Taylor Swift/ Kanye West 'Controversy'
So in the wake of what happened at the MTV VMA Awards last night, I have decided to put in my 2 cents.
In case you did not hear, Taylor Swift won a VMA for Best Female Video. As she was accepting her award graciously, Kanye West rushed the stage and decided to say that Taylor did not deserve to win, rather Beyonce did and that she had the one of the best videos of all time. Now 'Ye I don't know if that was the best video of 'all time' (obviously one of MJ's videos has that honor in my opinion). Heck I don't even like Beyonce's video but that was his opinion. Now dude was a little drunk it seems and he did what Kanye does best. Attract controversy. But from my point of view, it seems like people are making a mountain out of an ant hill. Please notice in my title I put controversy in inverted commas because I feel like people are taking this too far.
Now let's get some facts straight. I do not mind Taylor Swift, I however do not worship the ground she walks on. She is a nice girl, makes nice radio friendly music.
I like Kanye. I like the music he makes, even if sometimes speaks out of turn. He is touched that is for sure but he is human.
I like Beyonce. Her most recent album however was horrible and I don't think I will listen to it unless I have a need to punish my ear drums.
So with this in mind, Kanye was in the wrong for coming on stage and stealing the Taylor's moment, no doubt. Taylor was graceful and did not make a scene, which speaks well for her maturity and when Beyonce won, she invited Taylor back on stage. Which surprises me because we all know about Beyonce and her ego, so kudos to B' as well.
Now here is the thing I do not understand. The public's reaction to this. All of a sudden, people are up in arms and calling Kanye numerous names and saying they will never support him or his music any more. Now let's be real, if you say that, I seriously doubt you were really a 'fan' in the first place. Guy made a mistake, which he has apologized for.
Yeah he is a jerk (lol we all knew that didn't we?) but now we have wonderful remarks all over the net that proclaim it is because of his 'race'. Yeah, the internet racists are again out in force. People dropping n-words from the comfort of their computer screens. Now this upsets me a lot more then Kanye bum rushing Taylor. People always need to make it about race don't they? I give you, it was not classy but to say it is because he is a black man is absurd. He was upset, he had a little too much to drink. But to say it was because he was black? Now you are reaching a bit too far and I won't give you that. You people who post your hate speech on public sites like yahoo and YT make me sick and you know what?
Kanye is still going to sell records, he is still going to be a name on everyone's lips where it is because of something he did or music he made and you, my poor 'friend'. You will still be a coward that no-one cares about.
Oh and people like Yahoo gossip site ain't no better either. Direct quote.
"After the show, Swift, 19, told reporters she had no ill-will toward West, of whom she was once a fan".
LOL really? Did she tell you that herself? Or did you make it up to keep the flame going? Where is the proof because with none, that was tacky and not needed.
pP
In case you did not hear, Taylor Swift won a VMA for Best Female Video. As she was accepting her award graciously, Kanye West rushed the stage and decided to say that Taylor did not deserve to win, rather Beyonce did and that she had the one of the best videos of all time. Now 'Ye I don't know if that was the best video of 'all time' (obviously one of MJ's videos has that honor in my opinion). Heck I don't even like Beyonce's video but that was his opinion. Now dude was a little drunk it seems and he did what Kanye does best. Attract controversy. But from my point of view, it seems like people are making a mountain out of an ant hill. Please notice in my title I put controversy in inverted commas because I feel like people are taking this too far.
Now let's get some facts straight. I do not mind Taylor Swift, I however do not worship the ground she walks on. She is a nice girl, makes nice radio friendly music.
I like Kanye. I like the music he makes, even if sometimes speaks out of turn. He is touched that is for sure but he is human.
I like Beyonce. Her most recent album however was horrible and I don't think I will listen to it unless I have a need to punish my ear drums.
So with this in mind, Kanye was in the wrong for coming on stage and stealing the Taylor's moment, no doubt. Taylor was graceful and did not make a scene, which speaks well for her maturity and when Beyonce won, she invited Taylor back on stage. Which surprises me because we all know about Beyonce and her ego, so kudos to B' as well.
Now here is the thing I do not understand. The public's reaction to this. All of a sudden, people are up in arms and calling Kanye numerous names and saying they will never support him or his music any more. Now let's be real, if you say that, I seriously doubt you were really a 'fan' in the first place. Guy made a mistake, which he has apologized for.
Yeah he is a jerk (lol we all knew that didn't we?) but now we have wonderful remarks all over the net that proclaim it is because of his 'race'. Yeah, the internet racists are again out in force. People dropping n-words from the comfort of their computer screens. Now this upsets me a lot more then Kanye bum rushing Taylor. People always need to make it about race don't they? I give you, it was not classy but to say it is because he is a black man is absurd. He was upset, he had a little too much to drink. But to say it was because he was black? Now you are reaching a bit too far and I won't give you that. You people who post your hate speech on public sites like yahoo and YT make me sick and you know what?
Kanye is still going to sell records, he is still going to be a name on everyone's lips where it is because of something he did or music he made and you, my poor 'friend'. You will still be a coward that no-one cares about.
Oh and people like Yahoo gossip site ain't no better either. Direct quote.
"After the show, Swift, 19, told reporters she had no ill-will toward West, of whom she was once a fan".
LOL really? Did she tell you that herself? Or did you make it up to keep the flame going? Where is the proof because with none, that was tacky and not needed.
pP
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Vampires, Blades and Roses
So as you can hear, September's blogger soundtrack is up. I was coming up blank for awhile when it came to songs I wanted to share but almost in a row, these three songs came to me. As always I tried not to be too predicatable with my music choice and I feel this is probably a good example of me going outside the box. I will explain the songs in order of the title.
Vampires: Enrique makes his very first appearance. I have always liked this song since I heard it used during a cycle of America's Next Top Model (yes I used to watch that show). The video had this gothic urban feel to it and he even mentions vampires in the lyrics. Definately a good choice, especially in light of it's company.
Blades: I am a big fan of BLEACH the anime. I have been following it on and off for almost 2 years but in the last year or so I have become a really big fan. One of my favorite characters happens to be Rukia.
One of my favorite scenes by far is when she saves the protagonist Ichigo with one of her patented attacks. The music that was played at that scene really struck me on first listen. The name of the song is 'Senna'. Now here comes a surprise. I realized very recently that 'Senna' is named after Senna from the Bleach movie, Memories of Nobody which I recently seen. So yep, it's techinically Senna's song, borried by Rukia. One of the reasons why I dig 'Senna' so much is the violins and how it has this 'Firefly'/ Old Western feel. Maybe it is just me but it reminds me a lot of 'Serenity' opening credits (another awesome instrumental/ score).
Roses: The final song is 'Desert Rose' by Sting feat Cheb Mami. I have always been a fan of Sting but 'Desert Rose' was the first time I brought a cd with Sting on it. I think it was the exotic crooning of Cheb Mami that attracted me so much. Anyhow when I think of Zafina in Tekken, this song comes to mind and to no surprise, I will be using it for my forthcoming combo video.
Well that's the breakdown, enjoy the tunes.
pP
Vampires: Enrique makes his very first appearance. I have always liked this song since I heard it used during a cycle of America's Next Top Model (yes I used to watch that show). The video had this gothic urban feel to it and he even mentions vampires in the lyrics. Definately a good choice, especially in light of it's company.
Blades: I am a big fan of BLEACH the anime. I have been following it on and off for almost 2 years but in the last year or so I have become a really big fan. One of my favorite characters happens to be Rukia.
One of my favorite scenes by far is when she saves the protagonist Ichigo with one of her patented attacks. The music that was played at that scene really struck me on first listen. The name of the song is 'Senna'. Now here comes a surprise. I realized very recently that 'Senna' is named after Senna from the Bleach movie, Memories of Nobody which I recently seen. So yep, it's techinically Senna's song, borried by Rukia. One of the reasons why I dig 'Senna' so much is the violins and how it has this 'Firefly'/ Old Western feel. Maybe it is just me but it reminds me a lot of 'Serenity' opening credits (another awesome instrumental/ score).
Roses: The final song is 'Desert Rose' by Sting feat Cheb Mami. I have always been a fan of Sting but 'Desert Rose' was the first time I brought a cd with Sting on it. I think it was the exotic crooning of Cheb Mami that attracted me so much. Anyhow when I think of Zafina in Tekken, this song comes to mind and to no surprise, I will be using it for my forthcoming combo video.
Well that's the breakdown, enjoy the tunes.
pP
Friday, September 4, 2009
Autumn Falls
It's that time of the year. Fall, when leaves start changing colors and then lose their leaves. Back in Australia (where we call Fall, Autumn and it was a completely different time of the year) I never really experience a change in scenery. It is mainly because Australia has tons of every green trees and they do what the name implies. They stay green all year long.
So the first time I experienced Fall, I was taken back. Seeing all these trees with multiples of amber, yellows and dark browns leaves. Seeing big piles of leaves on people's lawns. It was and still is quite a sight and I can understand why my wife enjoys it so much.
It is not just the aesthetics either. There is a change in the air, it's not super hot like Summer but it's not freezing cold like Winter. It's the best of both worlds.
Another reason why I always enjoyed Fall/ Autumn is because of September. September is me and my son, Bastion's (born on same day too) birth month so it's double awesome.
So next up, I will be updating my music player with new music and I also want to drop a quick plug for my brand new blog http://www.apocryphicvideos.blogspot.com.
pP
So the first time I experienced Fall, I was taken back. Seeing all these trees with multiples of amber, yellows and dark browns leaves. Seeing big piles of leaves on people's lawns. It was and still is quite a sight and I can understand why my wife enjoys it so much.
It is not just the aesthetics either. There is a change in the air, it's not super hot like Summer but it's not freezing cold like Winter. It's the best of both worlds.
Another reason why I always enjoyed Fall/ Autumn is because of September. September is me and my son, Bastion's (born on same day too) birth month so it's double awesome.
So next up, I will be updating my music player with new music and I also want to drop a quick plug for my brand new blog http://www.apocryphicvideos.blogspot.com.
pP
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Rave: Ninja Gaiden Black
So tying this latest blog with my first blog of this month, I have been dedicating a lot of my spare time lately to beating Ninja Gaiden Black. I have finally completed the side quest 'Eternal Legend' and I have just conquered it's Very Hard mode. Now trust me, Very Hard lives up to it's name. This game is hands down the hardest game I have ever played.
Ninja Gaiden Black takes everything you love about video gaming and takes it to the next level. It's a game that rewards you for keeping on your toes and it never cuts you any slack. If anything it makes your job even harder by lessening things that could help you out like healing potions and stuff like that. Instead it throws explosive bats (I kid you not) and boxes of the most annoying Ghost Fish at you. Never have you fought enemies that are so 'smart' or vicious. Bosses are epic encounters with you dodging a stream of fireballs, energy charges or pillars of stone, all in a row, all the while fighting off his/her lackies.
To top it all off, there is rewards a plenty for mastering the game. You can un-lock the original Ninja Gaiden arcade game and 3 more outfits. Yes, it has been said before but I need to say it as well. This is the pinnacle of action video gaming. Play it and believe.
This game is seriously tiding me over till Ninja Assassin staring Rain hits scenes this Novemeber.
pP
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Tomorrow Comes Today
Just a quick one, letting people know what is coming up next for Apocryphic Visions.
I have uploaded Lee's New Moves video which has gone down pretty successfully.
Coming up next is Jin's New Moves video (should be done by coming Wednesday)
After that I will start working on my Zafina combo video which I am really looking forward to
Also I will be uploading the 'directors cut' version of this video on Blogger using the music I prefer as well, so look forward to that.
Apocryphic Visions 09
pP
I have uploaded Lee's New Moves video which has gone down pretty successfully.
Coming up next is Jin's New Moves video (should be done by coming Wednesday)
After that I will start working on my Zafina combo video which I am really looking forward to
Also I will be uploading the 'directors cut' version of this video on Blogger using the music I prefer as well, so look forward to that.
Apocryphic Visions 09
pP
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Best of Me
So it is a new month, therefore it is new music time.
My Pledge by Collision. Collision is my little 'big' brother and a hip hop star on the rise. The song is produced by my cousin Mysterious. Both of their myspace pages are Collision and Mysterious. I felt this would be a perfect song, it all about not comprimising your vision and representing your home-town. This will also be the song I am using for my forthcoming Lee's BR New Moves Tekken video, linking it to my King's BR New Moves video which also used Collision/ Mysterious as well.
Supernova by Mr. Hudson feat Kanye West. LOL Kanye had to make his apperance somehow and yep he is still using autotune. However this song is more about his protege, Mr. Hudson. Very anthemic song with a great breakdown (you got it wrong if you say our love is gone). Video is pretty choice (British slang since Mr. Hudson is a Brit) as well.
Best of Me by Jazmine Sullivan. My girl, Jaz kills this song even through I swear she is channeling some Alicia Keys on this iTune bonus track. It is the inspiration for the blog title as well. A really good song and you can hear the emotion in her voice. Got to love her.
Well that's it for this month. Enjoy!
pP
My Pledge by Collision. Collision is my little 'big' brother and a hip hop star on the rise. The song is produced by my cousin Mysterious. Both of their myspace pages are Collision and Mysterious. I felt this would be a perfect song, it all about not comprimising your vision and representing your home-town. This will also be the song I am using for my forthcoming Lee's BR New Moves Tekken video, linking it to my King's BR New Moves video which also used Collision/ Mysterious as well.
Supernova by Mr. Hudson feat Kanye West. LOL Kanye had to make his apperance somehow and yep he is still using autotune. However this song is more about his protege, Mr. Hudson. Very anthemic song with a great breakdown (you got it wrong if you say our love is gone). Video is pretty choice (British slang since Mr. Hudson is a Brit) as well.
Best of Me by Jazmine Sullivan. My girl, Jaz kills this song even through I swear she is channeling some Alicia Keys on this iTune bonus track. It is the inspiration for the blog title as well. A really good song and you can hear the emotion in her voice. Got to love her.
Well that's it for this month. Enjoy!
pP
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