Superkenon

Gimme some more Kid Icarus representation. Medusa mayhaps?

It's not really a whole new handheld. This is the DSi to the DS, essentially. Across-the-board improvements with some exclusive functionality that a developer can choose to use if they so please.

I think Xenoblade Chronicles will be one of the only of its kind, personally. Most games aren't going to want to limit their user base like that. I think what we'll mostly see is games like Monster Hunter 4 that have slightly better graphics and load times on the N3DS, but will still be totally compatible with the old model.

Better to be delayed than to be shipped missing a whole stretch of content ala Wind Waker

GBEast is basically at the top of my video priority.

I give my dad a hearty "love ya" and a hug every time I see him. Granted that's not a super formal way of saying it, but we're pretty casual.

Generally I think actions speak a lot louder than words -- your relationship with the guy's not going to be made or broken by whether you choose to say three words or not. That's like the furthest thing from the core. All the same, people like words. It's good to hear someone say they love you, even if you already understand that that's the case. One time when we were talking, the conversation somehow strayed into a sappy kinda territory where I started mentioning what I appreciated about him and the things he taught me, and I'll never forget how happy he looked. It was somewhat surprising at the time, because we get along really well and it seems like that stuff goes without saying, but it really meant something to him to hear it straight. Nothing wrong with a little affirmation, as it turns out.

But then, everyone's different. I know people who just get super uncomfortable when you get even the least bit feelingsy, so hey.

I mean, the "my opposition is a hive mind!" approach is cool and all, but you're really out of touch with people's feelings on Blitzball if you think Jeff started its hate train. This is a conversation that's been raging since 2001.

Barry? Where's Barry?

IT'S HAPPENING

There's no real specific category that rubs me the wrong way necessarily. What's important is that everyone involved has a reasonable amount of respect for one another, can roll with the punches, and are just there to have fun rather than "win." There's a lot of ways to play DnD, and none of them are wrong, but in every case it's a co-operative venture (even if you're all plotting against each other). Everyone's kinda got to be on the same page. And I see it as everyone's role, player and DM alike, to make it fun for each other.

I'm really lucky. I've got a crew of folks who're really chill, creative, great at roleplaying, and can make some really harsh shit happen without anyone getting offended about it -- 'cause it's all in service of making an awesome adventure/story.

At worst they're as much a waste as any other form of leisurely entertainment, so anyone who regularly watches TV or movies while telling you video games are a waste of time is kinda full of it.

In my case, my time with video games had a profoundly positive effect on my creativity growing up, and continue to be a source of inspiration in the things I do. Further, I'm pretty fast on the draw with math, I've got a knack for problem-solving, I'm efficient with my space, good with money, and these are all skills I can hilariously look back and see the genesis of in my time with video games. Hell, I learned to read years sooner than any kid I knew solely because I wanted to play adventure games so bad.

I'm not saying PLAY VIDEO GAMES TO LEARN ALL YOUR LIFE SKILLS, because that's just plain not true, and you'd be in trouble if you were too deep into them (again like any hobby). But balanced with other pursuits and any sane degree of responsibility, video games ain't so bad.

Also, yeah, it's for your damn pleasure in your free time. Who cares what you do.