Category: Otaku

Return of ‘The Claw’

This past week, these were released:

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Naturally, I got them both on release day. They are the exact same game, and the save file can even be wirelessly transferred between them. You can play online on the Wii U, or on-the-go on the 3DS.

I had completed most of my work obligations early during my break so I could devote ample time to Monster Hunter. And devote I did! Right now, 5 days later, my save file is just over 37 hours 🙂

It’s the best Monster Hunter yet made!

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I’ve been hunting Wroggi’s and Lagombi’s, Rathalos and Duramboros, Volvidon and Azuros. I’ve been mining and bugging and crafting and swimming. 99% of my quests have been completed using only the hammer weapon type, but since there are 9 others its probably time to increase my repertoire.

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After all this I feel like I have barely begun to scratch the surface of the game. For instance, there are over 1000 weapons in the game (and I have 5…) and much more armor. I’m only just in the middle of three difficulties, and have probably beaten 10% of the quests in the game. I’ll be playing this one for a long time!

And, as the topic suggests, ‘the claw’ has returned. Although the 3DS is easier to hold than the PSP was, I’m finding with such intense playing that the sublime and extraordinary pain that comes with holding your hand in the same pose for long periods has returned in force.

It’s as if my hands are evolving to be better suited for playing Monster Hunter.

Tanked

I wanted to remember what it was like to build a (non Gundam) model kit, so recently bought myself this:

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Here’s what was inside:

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Given I had built only Gundams for the last 2 decades, my first thought was “Do I still need glue?”. The answer was yes!

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There’s the chassis with wheels attached. I’d done a poor job, since the glue I’d bought was crap and the instructions left a lot to be desired. For instance, should the wheels turn?

It wasn’t until I got to the next section that things became much more difficult…

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Those ladder rungs, glued on so obviously poorly in the above shot, were typical of many pieces that required pinpoint precision to attach accurately. Again, the instructions could have been clearer. Again, my glue could have actually worked!

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Case in point above: see how the wheel is separating even though the glue had been drying for two hours!! (This was exacerbated by the too-much tension in the tread.)

Anyway after considerable frustration, the near-finished product:

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And the actually finished version, after the exercise in frustration that was decal application (turned into a comedy of errors since I had a phone chat with SFL after putting the decal sheet in water!):

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Actually looks decent, doesn’t it?

So where is this fierce scale model tank right now? Moments after the above shot was made… I broke it and tossed the pieces in the garbage 🙂

A TITANIC ANNOUNCEMENT!

Can you hear it? That’s the sound of excitement…

Can you feel it? That buzzing in the air? That’s the sound of anticipation…

The moment foretold by history has (once again) arrived:

We’re going back to JAPAN!

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Yes my friends, it’s all booked and paid for. Japan trip #5 commences early June, and promises to be even more special than ever. Why is this?

My brother is coming with us!

Monster Hunter! Mizube! Manga! Yakitori! Futons! Apple Pies! Sentai! Circle-Heart-Star! Odaiba! Figma! Enoshima! Deer! Gashapon! 3DS Streetpass! Lopeway! Otaku! Yamanote! Gondoliers! Gundam! Dedicate Bronchus! Guyver! Monkeys! Bullet Trains! Kawaii! Spaghetti! Anime! Neko! Mount Takao! UFO Catchers! Chip Stars! Kit-Kats! Trading Cards! Mr Donut! Nendroid! Universal Studios! Idols! Arcades! Vending Machines! Rice! Crows! Fried Rice! Rilakkuma!

Bernard is going to be awestruck. And having him with us will make it like the first time all over again 🙂

I can, quite literally, hardly wait!