This site is like an iceberg

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Just as 7/8 of an iceberg’s mass is underwater, so is most of this site’s content marked “private” and only available to approved users.

I don’t mind sharing my thoughts on import anime pricing, tips on popular video games, or random factoids with total strangers, but I’m not going to share drafts of my short stories, personal news, or pictures of geese with just anyone.

If you know me, whether in the real world or the virtual, then send me an e-mail (if you know me, you know at least one of my e-mail addresses or my cell phone number) with the username and password you’d like to use for the site and I’ll set up the account.

On a related note, I’m hoping to start writing technical “how-to” guides, opinions on technology and entertainment, and other content fit for public consumption soon. At the same time, I plan to dip my toe into the ocean of web site monetization and see if I can make a few bucks with this site. My search for a job in the traditional job market has not fared well, so I thought I might give a more non-conventional approach a whirl.

Mai-HiME box set for under $30 shipped

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HUZZAH!

My wife and I have been saying for years that we would gladly shell out a reasonable amount of cash for a box set of Mai-HiME. I’ve kept an eye out for a box set since I first watched the series in 2004 only to find, time and again, that the series was only available on separate DVDs. But I bring good news: A recent search on Amazon not only turned up a box set, but a box set at a reasonable price.

Anime industry, take note: People will glady pay $30-$60 for a box set of a solid 24- or 26-episode series; however, those same sane and reasonable people–people who have bills to pay, groceries to buy, and like to buy a game now and then–will NOT pay $130-$180 for a box set, even if it’s a box set of one of their favorite series.

I’m looking at you, Geneon/Pioneer. Not only did you price the box set of Read or Die TV over $120, you also discontinued the product!

Whenever my wife and I visit a major retail chain that sells anime, we make a point to visit the anime section and laugh at how absurdly expensive anime is. Why would any reasonable person wait 2-3 years for a series to be licensed and sold in the US and then pay $20 for a DVD containing 3-4 episodes when fansub groups sub episodes days (not years) after they air in Japan and offer more accurate translations than the official DVDs that follow a few years later? Judging by the quality of English dubs, I think it’s safe to say the money’s not going toward competitive wages for English voice casts.

There are several other series I would gladly by if they were sold as a boxed set and at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, it looks like I’ll still be waiting a long, long while until the next anime purchase.

On an unrelated note, how much would it cost to license Dennou Coil for US distribution? Seriously, why has this series not been picked up yet? It’s amazing.

Persona 4: Mission Accomplished

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Wow.

I finished Persona 4 earlier today with 85 hours and 55 minutes logged on my new cycle save data. (The “new cycle” mechanism allows players to carry over the main character’s stats, money, Persona Compendium, and items from maxed Social Links for a second play through.)

I doubt I’ll return for a second play through any time soon, though. Persona 4, which boasts a score of 92 on Metacritic, is easily one of the best RPGs I’ve ever played, but now it’s time to go back and finish Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Okami.

Having now played all the way through Persona 4, I regret not buying the Persona 4: Amazon.com Exclusive Social Link Expansion Pack when I had the chance. I should have known Persona 4 would live up to and exceed my expectations, just as Persona 3 did.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia tip

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Before you set foot in the Mystery Manor, make sure you rescue all 13 villagers. If you haven’t rescued all 13 villagers yet, visit Wygol Village, make a list of the villagers you have rescued, then use maps (available at GameFAQs and created by Darth Nemesis) to figure out who you missed and where they are.

If you defeat the Mystery Manor area boss without having first saved all 13 villagers, you’ll get the “bad ending” (i.e. Game Over) when you return to Ecclesia. I learned this the hard way and had to beat the boss twice. Troublesome indeed.

Persona 4: Fuuma Bundou

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According to Zoel Giradel, who wrote an excellent Persona 4 FAQ hosted on GameFAQs, “Fuuma Bundou” roughly translates to “Wind Demon’s Claw.” This weapon has an attack rating of 190 and an accuracy rating of 94. It does not have any special features (e.g. Chance to Confuse, Chance to Enrage, etc.).

Now when September 11 rolls around, you can make an informed decision.

Again, if you have no idea what I’m talking about, please disregard.

Persona 4: Death Scudetto

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When September 25 rolls around and you’re watching Tanaka’s Amazing Commodities and you’re thinking about buying that Death Scudetto, don’t. Sure, the thing has an attack rating of 260, but the hit rate is only 50 (meaning Kanji will only connect with the enemy about half the time). There, I just saved you 27,800 yen.

For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, please disregard.