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Fillers for Heroes

Yes Filler!
But no...not finish filler for walls... I mean Ingame 'fillers' for heroes.
It's a thing that always made me sigh...I saw it in many games but to talk about the 1st two that comes into mind, WoW and FFXIV.


After playing WoW for a while, maxing a character and finishing the main story line I became a HERO!!! Yay~! You save Azeroth from a certain faith and everyone knows your name! You are so awesome!!! Then the expansion came, then in the first few quests, I had to dig in poop. And forgive my lack of sense of humor, but not only they make you do it once but many many times....Dog poop, racoon poop, Fox....yadda yadda....poop. You get the idea... Wasn't I a hero? My guess at that moment was that either someone on the dev team had a thing for fecal matters or....They were trying to tell you something... In the line of: 'Hey you WERE a hero but not anymore because there is so much more to do and you are so little compared to what you can becomes so, eat poo commoner'? I'm not too sure of what the intention was... And then they make you go on plenty of silly little quests that have pretty near to no connection to the main story line.

I have just went back to FFXIV and when I quit before, I was the hero of the light! I teamed up with The Scions of the Seventh dawn to defeat the Ultima weapon and so on... Then...now I'm fetchin tea leaves, earrings and perfume as part as the MAIN STORY LINE.... Are you serious? And then... teleport here, there! here again ~! and Back and teleport more~!!

It's leaving a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth... Especially when my gaming time is reduced to very little. (Friend) Hey Sofy did you play FFXIV last night?
(Sofy) Yeah for 2 hours then my son woke up, ending my gaming spree for the night.
(Friend) Great how do you find Heavensward? : D
(Sofy) I have no idea...I've spent the entire 2 hours fetching wood and perfume and peaches and shit..

You get the idea of my rant?
Yes? No? Toaster? Fillers?

Being challenged at work before and now

I always been a workaholic...
I used to be at the office at 9am and well, never knew when I was coming out, I could easily stay until 9pm or even later... First of all because I love what I do but also because I had no reason to leave, I mean no real 'home' to go back to...had only a tiny miserable apartment...kinda boring and I never felt at home in there... I had no hubby (still didn't find THE one yet to this day...)and no kids, no nothing so hey let's work some more and get sh*t done!!! YEAH~!

Then I had a baby, was at home for 2 full years, at some point I got scared to go back to my career.
I was away for 2 years...In the gaming industry a lot of things can happen in 2 years, I was scared as hell that I lost the touch. I was worried that my brain was stuck too long in 'mom mode' and that I wouldn't be able to get back my Game designer position back at full speed.

So that uneasy feeling got the better of me and I accepted a job that was less intense. I thought: 'Hey, I'll start slow, not too many heavy responsibilities, not too much pressure and no crazy overtime. Then I'll see from there'. My brain would be like jello anyways right...

WRONG~!
After a few weeks,I see my co-workers going in meetings, I see decisions being taken (and I'm in no position to take part of all this). And...No I'm not cool with it, I feel the urge to stand up and make things happen. I need to work harder, I need more responsibilities and most of all I need to be challenged. I thought all of this would be gone after I became a mother, but nope it's all still there. My passion for making games, my desire to see the project evolve and to see co-workers happy and proud of their work. The stress of the deadlines, the rush before big gaming events, attending conferences to get as much information as I can about other companies and learning from big names. I missed that, a lot.

Don't get me wrong, I assume the position that I have now, I'm always taking every job I had very seriously and will always do so because it's who I am.

Then I was thinking, about parents going back to work after having a 1st baby, was it hard for you? Did you miss work? Did you prefer to run back home? Did you want to flip your career around?

That feel when you cannot achieve what you want as a game dev

Just want to start by saying I am not pointing fingers at any company in particular but at the gaming industry as a whole. Too many times I have heard from co-workers: ' I wish I could do this, but I don't have the time until the next milestone', 'I cannot do that because we don't have the licences to do it', 'I won't put this feature in the game, I was told it's too ambitious', ' I cannot try that art style, because it's too different from what is out there', 'I cannot even think of doing what the community wants, the client doesn't like that idea'... And so on. Myself I had ideas rejected, even if it's totally what the game community was asking for and for various reasons, sadly most of the time the game didn't do as well as it should have (here again not only talking for myself but for many dev friends).

It's something that always bugged me a tad, for players that are interacting in the community and they blame game devs when sh** hits the fan. But I'd like to tell those people, we are with you, we do read you and we listen and most of us devs being gamers at heart we only want to deliver quality games that you will be thrilled about but truth is, sometimes it's just not possible. Because we have many restrictions to our creativity. Many times we get so excited and hyped and enthusiastic about our tasks at work and after a meeting we go back to our desk pouting (just saying pouting but we don't really pout, well we do but from the inside!)

I have seen friends moved from a company to another, not because they didn't like the project or the people there but because they were awesome people with exploding creativity that was only asking to get out. Some amazing skills that were just sitting there and they were hungry to do more and give the players the game they wanted.

I wish sometimes we would give all those talented people a voice, more budget and for others around them to be a tad more open minded as well.

What do you guys think?

Razer stuff

A few months ago my mouse died, so I got a Death adder chroma which I totally love!!!
So....my headset died as well (it was maybe what? 10 years old? lol) And got today the Kraken chroma~! Will test it out ^_^

四月は君の嘘 Your lie in April

I still do watch some anime from time to time, mostly shoujos...
One of my friend recommended me 四月は君の嘘 (Shigatsu kimi no uso) (Your like in April).
First of all i LOVE piano, I used to play when I was a kid and planning eventually to go and take lessons again (one day.... one day). 

This anime revolves around a boy name Arima Kousei who is gifted and can play the piano flawlessly until something happens in his life and he suddenly stops playing. But then in April he meets this girl who will flip his world around. This meeting changes him forever. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil it.
All I can say is that the first episodes are a tad slow to set the mood and all but then...I couldn't stop watching... And when the season ended, I was left wanting more and well... I did not want it to end all, I'm in love with that show~! Love the music in it and the characters are awesome as well~!

Go watch it :)

You didn't help Shenmue 3 yet?
I did~!
You should do it too~!


https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ysnet/shenmue-3

No... this won't become a culinary blog...I'm too much of a picky eater for that.
BUT~! The nerd and everythingjapaneselover that I am couldn't help it but to share this.
RAMEN and GYOUZA~! Best things ever~!!
In Montreal I like to go to Ramen Misoya

Ramen Misoya

It's delish~!
Mind you it's a bit salty (durr it's miso...)

And when you go there you MUST have Gyouza, because they are awesome~! I could eat 100~!!

This weekend: Catchin up on E3 and trying to have a lil gaming time~!

So, having this weekend to myself (sort of).
I am trying to play some games...

I have heard from friends that 'The witcher 3' was awesome, but currently a tad pricey for my budget. I Also I had never played any of the witchers games, so I go 'The witcher 2 assassins of kings enhanced edition' for 5$~! But.... when I started it, in the main menu it said: 'Load your previous saved game from The witcher'.... Then I paused and thought: 'What am I missing on? Is it really worth it to finish the 1st one to use the game file?' But I couldn't resist...So um, I got 'The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut' for 1$. I have started to play it, yes it feels a lil old but it's OK, I find the beast slaying interesting and the  main character looks interesting (omg amnesia is awesome), anyhow I really want to know what happen for that supposedly powerful witcher to loose his memory. And I wanna know what's going on between him and Tess! The combat feels clunky, but I'm pretty sure it will get better in the 2nd one. But I really want to finish this first one before that.

Then am starting to catch up on all the E3 games that were announced.
O M G~! Shenmue 3??? I cried a little inside, for real. I loved loved Shenmue! So I couldn't help it but to kickstart Shenmue 3~! I think a lot of people (of my generation who played the Shenmue games) will have very high expectations, so please please be good!

The last guardian? Is this for real? I've been forgetting about that one. I thought the project died a while ago. That being said, I loved Ico and Shadow of the Colossus they have that art style that is very unique~! It will be interesting to see more of that big feathered-dog and little boy's interactions during the game, I mean that hairy fella is pretty big and the boy so small. Can' wait to see more of it~!

Dark Souls 3? Yes punish us more? I'm not sure how innovative they can be for a 3rd installment? Or maybe they will just milk the franchise? I still haven't finished the 1st one and the 2nd one T_T I cried to much while playing~!

Mass effect Andromeda, I did play the 1st mass effect, I do like Sci fi but somehow other games came out and I left Mass effect on the pile of 'to play later games'... I will probably pick them up again before Andromeda comes out, omg...so many games to play~!

World of Final fantasy....I....don't know what to think about that... I do love all the cute cute cutesy but... If I got it right it's brother and sister living in a 'Final fantasy' setting? They look like Sora and Kairi from Kingdom Hearts... I am not sure where they are going with this, I'd like to see more, I'm curious.

FFVII remake I am sorry (takes cover) but to me, nope. I guess I'm too old to fall in the Sephiroth/Cloud fan train... I mean, I get that there's a lot of fan that 'lives' for FFVII...So they are probably thrilled for that remake, I'm not. Carry on.

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness I like Star Ocean games, but the last one wasn't really good for me, it was just more of the same. Maybe this new one will bring some freshness? We'll see, it's on my 'lets track it down and see list'

Project Setsuna  Well...they say '2016' but all there was, concept art? I am sorry, unless it's almost done and they didn't want to show it? Or maybe someone just broke the build before E3? :P I cannot say anything since they didn't show anything.. But will keep an eye on that.

Fallout shelter is already on my phone, just started to play it on my way to work in the morning, will comment on it later on.

I think that's pretty  much what I saw that made me curious and/or happy from E3, did I miss on something awesome? Let me know!

E3 2015?

I used to listen to everything E3 on my pc at work (while I work).
We all did that anywho!
But yes, this year is the 1st year I don't have time to follow closely what is going on at E3,
I still hope that someday I could go.... I wish! Won't happen...

I had no time this week, I will for sure catch up this coming weekend.
I just heard bits here and there from friends' feed.

Hear about Shenmue 3~! Oh Gawd~!  Shenmue 3~! Oh Gawd~!  Shenmue 3~! Oh Gawd~!  Shenmue 3~! Oh Gawd~!  Shenmue 3~! Oh Gawd~!  Shenmue 3~! Oh Gawd~!

Sorry got a little carried away.... been waiting for that to come true!

And Last guardian, I hope it's really happening this time~!

But besides those two tittle, my friends have been quiet.
Oh... a FF7 remake, I don't care much about it, I'm a Final Fantasy fan but am not a Cloud/Sephiroth fangirl.

On that note, I shall track some apps down while I fold some laundry and slowly will go to bed before I get up again (and way too early ughh).

Night to all~!

Becoming a mom changed the way I play games?

Since I gave  birth a lot of things changed in my life, in fact everything flipped around.
But as I was playing a game that implies making 'decisions', I thought... Does being a mother changed the way I play?

I was playing the last part of 'The walking dead' game on Steam.
In the game you have the choice to steal (or  not) some medicine to give to a woman in your group that is in labor and is about to give birth.You also have the choice of 'what safe place' is the best for her to have that baby. Add in there QTE (quick time event)...

Yes because I knew how painful being in labor can be and also because I know that a mother would do anything to protect her baby, the decisions I took were influenced by my own experience and status.

So I'm just curious to know if it's the same for gamer who are parents?

Yes I'm aboard the Fallout 4 Hype Train!!!

I used to read my 'Gaming news' every morning.
I used to be 'up to date' with all latest games and games rumors.
I used to track down all information about my favorite series.
And well, now being alone with my son I focus on him and I get little time for myself (I'm not complaining my son will always be more important than anything else even my gaming needs) I guess I just feel the need to justify why I am so behind concerning gaming news and trends?
That being said, I saw this on one of my friend's Facebook feed:

I was like.... O M G ~!??? No way~! This cannot be!
Then I clicked the link and saw the countdown and I was like, it must be a remake,
And I'm so happy to see that it's actually Fallout 4, a fresh (so it seems) Fallout 4~!
And it will taste delicious! A lot of people have been waiting for this, me included.

So this weekend i'll go play again some Fallout 3 and probably Fallout New Vegas as well.
Let's hope my PC will live long enough for Fallout 4!

Episodes 1 to 3 of 'Life is Stange'

So…  I have devoured episodes of the game ‘Life is Strange’ on Steam. Oh Nom Nom! It was delish!

Now I can’t wait for the other episodes to be playable… I think they are meant to be out this summer? One in July and the other one in August. But then again, I expect the dates to be pushed back, why? Because it happens! And so far I think they have delivered quality and still will for the future.

It has the same feel as ‘Gone Home’ (that you can also find on Steam); Both Indies, lots of exploration, some good drama, both very well written. Only ‘Life is strange’ gives you’re the opportunity to make choices that will influence the ending(s). Yes we all know that the pathway is already written but still, it’s pretty cool the way they have you make moral choices.

I don’t want to spoil it; I can only say that it’s totally worth playing, the story and the characters grown on you. The only thing I’d advise you to do is to really explore before leaving an area, I have missed a lot by going ahead too fast, but its ok I assume my choices. I’m not the type of people who plays with a walkthrough in hands. I prefer to make my mistakes and assume them.

That being said, I’m on the hunt of more games to play!

Oh, and I have started to watch ‘Attack on Titan’ because a lot of people are talking about it and I’m curious! 

Life is Strange

Just saw this on Steam 'Life is Strange'
Kind of reminded me of 'Gone Home' Genre.
About to give it a try right away.

Between infinite loads of laundry.... Citizens of earth

While I'm doing the 'forever loads of laundry' I'm getting 'Citizens of Earth' on Steam.
It has an 'Earthbound' style, kind of...

Not sure if it will be good but it's on sale on steam...So... downloading it now, hopefully will try it a tad today.

Rant of a healer

It’s been a while I didn’t write anything on my Blog.

I have been a tad busy with my son and putting my life back together (in a good way!)

I have not been gaming much but bits here and there.

I have fiddled a little with ‘The Simpsons tapped out’ on my phone.

And started to play WoW again (when my son is asleep or when he’s with his father).

In MMOS I mostly always played a healer, because I like to heal people.

So…..I have started a priest on a friend’s server.

I’m happy to play this game again because I haven’t played since BC (Burning Crusade).

Yes…I know that’s a while ago and yes holy shmoo the game changed a lot, some good changes and some…not so good. But that’s for another post!

I wanted to vent and rant about being a healer.

First of all I didn’t play since forever, so I’m all rusty-rusted. My healing skills aren’t top notched.

I like doing instances (dungeons) so I queue for them, mind you I’m low level so…The first few instances of the game.  And people die. I cannot heal them…. Why? Let me tell you why!

§  The tank pulls the full instance. No I cannot heal that.

§  The tank goes ahead without buffs and not waiting for other party members. Sucks to be you, I’m not healing recklessness

§  The DPS pulls masses…and the DPS is geared of paper. Sorry… you don’t even have enough HP to survive 1 slap…I cannot heal that.

§  The tank expecting me to have Major expensive glyphs (OMG I’m sorry I have just started to play and I don’t have the 1K Gold to buy those glyphs)

§  Party members ‘aggroing’ everything from everywhere… I can heal up to a certain point, then again low level and I don’t have any AoE Heals YET!

§  People just being plain jerks. 1^st instance I try ever, tank runs ahead and pulls 20 mobs… He died I couldn’t heal enough and not fast enough. Second he dies he tells me: ‘Oh WTF fuck you asshole healer you suck you should quit fucking faggot’. Ok so, people like that does make me want quit being a healer.

So yes, I used to LOVE playing healers in MMOS… But now thinking about it twice.

So please when you are playing MMOS, be kind to your healers ;)

Peace!

Holidays gaming bits

Durings this Holidays marvelous times I will not have much time to play, but I still will find time to play bits here and there.

I got Persona3 to finish and then my PersonaQ that I just got :) Whee heeee~!
Also thank you Steam Holidays special, I got myself Civilization5...
Shame on me, I have never played any Civ games before...Yes yes I know... I know...
But hey, better late than never huh?


Happy Holidays  to you, yes you who read my blog from time to time even if I don't post much...
Even if you do not celebrate anything, then... welll Happy Hiver  :D How's that~!

Much luff to you all~!

Hatoful Boyfriend

You know, sometimes I have a need to unplug my brain.
It happens that I want to play video games that requires to put my brain in the freezer for a few.
I'm a fan of fantasy and also bizarre games...Yes.

So I got.... 'Hatoful Boyfriend' on steam.
Its.....a...Pigeons dating sim.
Don't ask.

I actually don't know what I'm getting into but I just felt like it was the right game at the right time.

Don't you play games like this one? Can you name a few that made no sense but you HAD to play em?

Cold weather just started and decided to give this one another try: FF4

So I got a tad tired of PoE and was craving old school...And my favorite Final Fantasy is the 3rd(or 6th if you prefer) And well a lot of people's favorite is the 4th (Yes with Kain and Cecil) And I have tried to complete it maybe um....10 times? And never really got into it. I was just looking for some new games on Steam and I saw FF4 and decided to give a try, so there... It will keep me busy for a few days.

Cold weather is starting to install itself and soon there will be snow, I'd so want some カレーライス... Yes it's time for a blanket, FF4 and some カレーライス.

Yup.

Anime: Sailormoon Crystal

Sailormoon Crystal is a reboot of the original serie.
I'm a huge Sailormoon fan, so I couldn't be happier about this~!
I have started to watch this new remake and I'm so so happy that they totally follow the manga from Naoko Takeuchi instead of just throwing crap at us.

The personality of Tuskino Usagi is now true to the way it was written (in the first serie she was just a dumb blonde...and the dubbing in english made her sound so childish and ridiculous...).
Now she's more just like a lazy teen becoming slowly a lady and then a mother.
So far I'm loving it~! I will totally buy the complete serie on dvd or blu ray when it comes out~!

I'm seeing so much merchandise about Sailormoon Crystal... So sad that my budget won't let me buy any of those goods Grrr~!

But it's all good, at least I can watch this new awesome reboot~!
You should watch it too, yes you~!
You can watch it on CrunchyRoll