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Have you considered changing your pronoun to vi instead? We think it would really strengthen the "six" branding.
Ha! I hadn't considered that one, that's clever. Folks have a lot of strong opinions about pronouns, and rightly so- they're kinda the most basic way of showing respect for identity. I want to elaborate on my approach to my own pronouns, but naturally this isn't meant as a declaration of how it "should" be done, only what makes sense to me for myself.
Pronouns are a funny thing because while they are for you, yourself never use them. Well, unless you speak in third person. So since they're only used by others, I want to encourage their use. And for me, it's less about the specific sound than the idea that an effort is being made to respect my wishes. I am lucky- I have gender dysphoria, and when folks use the wrong pronouns for me it hurts, but I don't have any trauma about it. It simply feels bad, and I can handle that. I'd prefer not to, but I can.
What I hate to see is people intending to show that respect and not knowing how. For example, hearing people mispronunce or mix up pronouns. It's awful to hear! They are trying but they fail and the result is bad for everyone involved. I started out using ve/ver/vis, and linguistically I still really like it. It follows the grammatical rules of other old English pronouns, it's using "V" which is a pretty straightforward and common sound. It feels like a very natural addition to he/him and she/her. I can imagine a world where it's wildly used.
That's not the world we're in. My theory that it would be easy for folks was wrong. People messed it up or froze with uncertainty often, and that felt bad for both of us. And despite it feeling good to me when used right, I don't really go by it anymore. Some friends still use it and it makes me smile. But mostly I go with they/their/them.
I'm not a big fan of they/their/them. For one, it already exists as a plural pronoun, and I am neither a group of folks nor do I identify as plural. I'm a user of "y'all" for this reason. Also? I don't like the idea of having to share a pronoun, or using English's leftovers. Nbs deserve a new word. Lots of them, frankly. But! Folks understand they/them. Folks are used to it, they rarely trip over it. And so whatever my linguistic thoughts... it feels better. Because people who are trying will get it right. To me, that's what's most important. If you are trying to show appreciation and respect, I want it to be easy for you to do so.
Vi IS pretty good though.
Favorite universal mechanic from fighting game you adore?
Throw teching, fuck SF2. Hmm. I wrote an article about CvS2's ratio system, so that's a boring answer. Let's talk Dragon Ball FighterZ.
My favorite system mechanic in DBFZ autocombo-only normals, which afaik were first used in Persona 4 Arena. The idea is simple- certain normals cannot be used manually, and only appear as part of an autocombo. Now, why is this good? Because it's a road to the big leagues for newbies.
Take a look at the autocombos from Guilty Gear Xrd's Stylish Mode. You hit buttons, fancy shit happens. In theory it's good for newbies. In reality, it's a trap. It's like learning a bad running form- it not only limits you, but it creates bad habits you have to work to remove. It's a dead end- there is no way to translate Stylish Mode execution skill into higher level play.
Now, if autocombos have unique moves, and some of them are quite good... well, look at that. Now you have a road to more advanced skill! The time you spent learning to fight with autocombos wasn't worthless- it'll take some work to translate, but it will serve you in your future! It's just a good idea.
I know you hate horror, but is there a specific type of horror (or an individual horror game) that you can tolerate?
First, me dodging the question- I'll properly answer after. I love Pursuer enemies, which are common in horror games and bring a horror tint when used elsewhere. SA-X, Nemesis, Mr. X, love this enemy type. It creates pockets of anxiety in ways I really enjoy.
But, a type of horror I can tolerate... ultimately it's about a feeling of powerlessness, right? And I hate that. Maybe too personal but eff it this is my Question Forge- I have been helpless in my life. I have collapsed on a linoleum floor focusing 100% of my brainpower on fighting to breathe. I have been through some bad shit. And it was not cool or fun, I don't feel stronger for it. I just don't wanna do that again. So, recreational powerlessness? No thank you!
Imo this makes me a great litmus test. If I enjoy your horror game it's prooobably not really a horror game. RE4? Dead Space 2? Those aren't true horror games imo. And I like them for that. I like the ability to use the powers I'm given to create a safe space. In RE4 I can walk into a room and turn it into a guaranteed safe space with enough shotgun shells. That's too much power to be true horror, imo. And if I can't do that? If I can't create or rely on spaces I 100% know are safe? Then I can't handle it.
Silent Hill 2, Amnesia, Soma, I admire these games but I cannot enjoy playing or watching them. It is respect from a distance.
tl;dr: action horror, but imo that doesn't really count. They're horror-flavored action games, not real horror.
favorite dota 2 voice line?
Spectre saying "a small reward...." It itself is basically whatever, but what it has become in my friend group is one of my favorite Dota jokes.
As a non mahjong player, what is the appeal of the game to you?
It's a lot of little things. The feel and sound of the tiles- which Mahjong Soul and Yakuza capture surprisingly well. Rules that are reasonably straightforward on their face but full of fascinating exceptions. A fair bit of randomness, but tools to manage that. Really good pacing. A scoring system that just feels rife with the marks left by the people who played it before.
I'm doing a bad job of explaining. I don't really know. I just enjoy it.
If you could transplant one mecha and it's pilot into a different Anime, which robot would it be?
Ok. Ok. So on GGP Em said "put Heero in Seed." And here is why that would rule: the Zero System. He gets to bring Wing Zero with him. And this arc isn't great in Wing BUT I want him to put all the Seed mcs in Wing Zero and not let them out til they develop an ideology and personality.
But wait. Kira would definitely not enjoy this process. And that's the point, HOWEVER. It means we'd hear his voice actor deliver that miserable, torturous undulating sadscream again and I literally don't know if I could handle that. Nevermind just put Chirico in Akagi and let him be the Perfect Mahjong Soldier. He can drive to matches in the Scopedog. I think he'd really enjoy that.
Would you rather befriend a horse sized duck or a duck sized horse
Duck sized horse problem? Ducks are fuckin assholes. Horses just get scared, the poor sweeties.
What kinds of emotes would charlotta have if she was in mahjongsoul?
I get 12- 9 reg 3 max bond. So. Noble Execution. I May Be Stupid. Flailing as her box-pedestal topples. Stars in her eyes as she prepares to eat a stack of pancakes. Huge eyes filled with tears she's fighting to contain and a Charlie Brown upset zigzag mouth. Pointing her sword like she's calling a home run. Her sword stuck in the ground and her cartoonishly draped over it as her soul leaves her body. A proud salute. Shocked Pikachu face. Bond is her Light element winter coat look. Bond emotes: trumphantly posed atop her crate-pedestal, camera angled sharply up at her. Waving a tiny Lumiel Knights flag. Head bowed in solemn sadness, her crown in one hand pressed to her chest like reverently removing your hat.
Strong fuckin start to the account.
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