Barnestorming- Aquasphere in Review, Nintendomania, Old Japanimation, Sparks

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Hey, Barnes

I know you didn't mention this in your post, and I don't want to side-track too much, but I've been curious to know if you've stuck with Star Wars Rebels, and the season-ending three-episode arc, in particular.

I have to admit, the last ten minutes of the finale was pretty awesome. Made me feel like I was eight years old again, back in the theater watching Episode 4 for the first time...

I'm up to that three parter, I haven't watched it yet though...it's on the DVR. I understand that there's a Big Deal about it, but I've remained unspoiled. Pretty sure, just from guessing, that a Clone Wars character might turn up.

The show is just outstanding, it's every bit as good as the best of Clone Wars but with a lighter, definitely more OT tone. Buying the Blu-Ray day one.

Where did you get your copy of Super Fantasy from?

Ugh Christ, just reading the explanation of mechanics and turns in Aqua Sphere caused me to fucking fall asleep. I'm sure as a bunch of mechanics that works together in a puzzle it's sorta interesting. For me, these themeless, boring, heavy, Euro games are my least favorite type of games. I'm no Feld hater. I don't love him, but I don't hate him either. For me, he is a much better designer when he uses his talents to make something more approachable. Roma and it's sequel Arena Roma II are both excellent 2 player games. His recent card game, Bruges, is another game that I really dig. Then you have his forgotten Euro games like Nortre Dame and In the Year of the Dragon. All of those are worthwhile. Even La Isla, his recent Alea title,looks semi interesting. Your comparison to the guitar virtuoso is spot on and exactly puts into words how I feel about most of his heavier designs. I recognize the man has talent, but yeah no soul at all in most of his designs.

Super Motherload has been a hit with the local meetup group, haven't gotten a chance to play it yet but I know several people who have played it over and over again.

Super Fantasy should be somewhat available now with the new 2nd edition coming out.

I sort of came around of Feld playing Castles of Burgundy. I wrote a rather critical piece on it, that apparently went down like little boy over hiroshima with feld fans over on R-boardgames but there is something i find attractive about his designs. I think it is in part his commitment to his artistic vision. Its obvious what he is shooting for and he really goes for it, minimal compromise. I might check Aquasphere out, if i can do so without laying down serious cash for it.

Does Super Motherload do anything particularly better than Undermining? Undermining is fun and from the few reviews I've seen of SML it looks almost exactly like like Undermining.

I watched Sidonia on your recommendation. Great anime, a little bit too fast (and excruciatingly slow at times). I'll check Aldnoah.

I love me some Leiji Matsumoto. A superb storyteller. "Galaxy Express 999" is one of my favorite anime shows of all time. I love the super robot stuff of the '70s and '80s too. Anything by Go Nagai, Yoshiyuki Tomino, or Ryosuke Takahashi. And of course GAINAX and Studio Ghibli.

It's sad so many fans only know anime from whatever 300 episode shonen-shit Toonami is airing.

This discussion reminds me that I watched the Space Battleship Yamato 2199 remake based on your recommendation. And fucking loved it. That show had some standout moments, and the opening song is one of the most rousing themes I've ever heard.

Not mecha anime, but my friend recommended this crime series where this kid finds a book that kills someone if you write their name in it. He goes on to use it for "good" and criminals start dying in their cells...

Columbob wrote: Not mecha anime, but my friend recommended this crime series where this kid finds a book that kills someone if you write their name in it. He goes on to use it for "good" and criminals start dying in their cells...

Death Note is a recent classic for sure. I've only read the manga, but quite a few of my friends have recommended the anime to me.

scrumpyjack wrote: This discussion reminds me that I watched the Space Battleship Yamato 2199 remake based on your recommendation. And fucking loved it. That show had some standout moments, and the opening song is one of the most rousing themes I've ever heard.

I did exactly the same thing, and felt exactly the same way.

Star Blazers for the win.