Waffles13

@dudeglove: Fair enough, I just tend to avoid all image macros outright.

I'm pretty sure that's just speculation. I've only seen the show and nothing else, and I came to the exact same conclusion. I mean, the show has been very explicit about the discovery of "Dragonglass" in at least three episodes that I can remember, and how it's the only real way to kill White Walkers. Logic would dictate that if glass made from dragon fire kills them, then dragon fire itself would too, right?

On one hand, I would be super stoked if that's how it all comes together, but on the other it feels a bit too much like an Avengers-style, fan service-y team up story if everyone fights with the dragons to defeat the greater foe. I get the impression that some of the more hardcore fans might not like that change of tone.

@dudeglove: They should just start addressing each other in the show this way. It'd be way easier to follow. And I like the concept of a character known exclusively as Incest Knight.

The problem is that I really like that storyline. I don't know if it would be sustainable if they tried to do an entire episode or two on it, but I like every one of the main characters in that story and think it's fun to watch. That said, the entire show is about the events of Westeros first and foremost, and the lack of connectivity is really annoying.

Also, when you say "she will never cross the sea", is that speculation? My understanding from reading a couple brief summaries of the books is that she's down but not out at the moment. Maybe it's just the overly excited teenage boy that lives somewhere inside me, but I just always assumed it would wind up being dragons vs. White Walkers at some point, what with the whole bit where Sam kills one with Dragonglass. Probably would be too stupid and action-y for this series, but I can dream, right?

Thoughts on episode 3?

I'm really glad they just went ahead and basically gave away the whodunnit to the audience right away, but I hope the Tyrion aspect gets cleared up sooner rather than later. If we have another huge chunk of the show where Tyrion is powerless and hated by everyone, it's gonna be a real bummer.

Also, is anyone else getting really tired of the complete disconnect between the Westeros stories and the Daenerys storyline? It seems to be a lesser problem with the Wildlings and the Wall, but that at least seems to be more of an immediate problem whereas all the business in the East seems sort of aimless beyond a vague threat that they'll eventually get their damn boats and cross the sea. I really like all the characters in the Eastern storyline and the actual events are fun to watch, but having a single scene every other episode with no correlation to the "main" plot other than the once-a-season mention by someone in King's Landing is really getting on my nerves.

The last mission of Halo 3. Basically everything once you get to the Ark is awesome, but everything about that final mission is perfect.

MGS4. The early game has good moments, but you can define when that game gets awesome literally from the instant Ocelot makes finger guns. As soon as he whips those things out, everything else that happens from them until the end of the game is fucking awesome.

Dead Space 2. Not just the Ishimura (which was incredible), but literally the entire ending after the eye machine. Just so much chaos and plot twists and emotion and a boss fight versus a hallucination of your dead girlfriend inside your goddamn mind. And people think the NecroMoon is "too crazy".

@sooty: While I agree that on a character and plot level, other media still eclipses games, I've learned a TON from games. Granted, a lot of that is a thing being mentioned in games and me following up elsewhere out of interest, but tons of things I now know about from various technologies to ancient mythologies to history and more come directly from gaming influences. Hell, Garry's Mod and Minecraft taught me basic programming, and my exposure to music has come almost entirely from various games over the years.

On topic, the real answer is to say "fuck it". At this point there are so many people who play games and understand "gamers" that you're not a social outcast for playing a shitload of games. Sure, there's still a huge contingent of people who look down on gamers and think of them as antisocial nerds, but even if those people make up the majority it's totally possible to have a fulfilling social life without having to interact with those assholes.

Time will eventually smooth over the whole issue, but until everyone who grew up without games dies, there will still be anti-gaming jerks. Just ignore them and enjoy your hobbies.

Honestly, I just waited until I got the Elite Knight set because that's what I used in DS1 and I like the way it looks. I have the equip load for heavier armor now while still light rolling, but I totally don't care.

Beyond special use armor (things like the Sinner's arm thing that boosts Pyromancy), armor seems to have a pretty minor effect on most attacks. Yeah, it'll blunt all damage, but if a boss is going to hit you for 50% damage, does it really matter if it only takes off 40%?

I'd say find some armor you think is cool, then upgrade it. Also, if it's a "regular" set that upgrades with titanite, don't hesitate at all. Titanite Shards, Large Shards, and Chunks can all be bought infinitely from the stone lady by the end of the game. The slabs are limited, but you can still buy a few and even if you don't I wound up with 4 or 5 by the end of the game. Twinkling is more rare, but even that you'll find a fair amount of by the end.

@mason20: Did you beat all three of the other Great Soul bosses? If not you've got options for grinding.

More importantly, stop assuming you need Effigies. At all. Get the Ring of Binding if you don't have it and a big ass shield. Blocking or rolling is always a better option than having more health. I used a total of maybe 15 Effigies between 2 playthroughs, and most of those were in the service of coop. I know saying "I did it, so be like me" helps no one, but it's absolutely possible to go through the game on 75% health. In many ways, it helps because you learn to value dodges and patience more if you can't take serious hits.

Also, when it comes to the Old Iron King, he has a total of either 5 or 6 attacks, all of which have very obvious tells and are easily dodged by backing up and waiting. When he does the fire breath, go to the far side of the arena and he can't hit you. If he does the hand laser, roll to the side. The overhead smash that creates a firestorm sucks, but again it can't hit you if you back up. The only really devastating move is the sideways slap because it has a huge area, but he gives you enough time to back up and even if you don't, you should be able to take the hit if you have 75% health, and then heal while he does the fist. Also, if you time it right, you can roll INTO the swing and you'll move straight through it.

I should point out that, if you don't know, there's a bonfire in the room RIGHT before the King. It's pretty easy to find, but I completely missed it until my third run through the area. It's one of the shortest boss runs in the game, so even if you feel compelled to fight using Effigies, just go at him hollowed a couple of times to learn all his moves and then human up for the big fight. He has some real dick moves, but he's also the only boss I can think of that is stationary the entire fight. All that you need to focus on is avoiding his attacks. You'll know when you get a good opening to attack.

@zeik: Didn't know this, I'll have to check next time I play.

Arbiter spirits are just people invading due to sin, right? Discounting Rat/Bell Tower invasions, I'm pretty sure I've ONLY seen Arbiters.

Holy shit. I went through my entire childhood calling this "Legend of Legalia". Like, I knew it was about Gaia and shit, but my friends and I literally never questioned the second "L".