So how’s the unemployed life going thus far? Well three days in and I haven’t goofed off a much as I had planned on. Usually whenever I get laid off or fired, I spend all of the next day just sitting around playing video games, but there’s been no time for that. Instead, I’ve been emailing and talking with tons of folks regarding my recent change in status, whether it looking for a job or simply telling folks who are curious what went down exactly. I will say real quick the funniest reaction I’ve received thus far was from Jason, who seriously thought my “Dude, I’ve been fired” voicemail from the day off was a joke, since it did go down on April 1st (and I apparently did try pulling a stunt like that a few years ago). It’s kinda why I waited till April 2nd to make the announcement.
But anyway, thanks to all those that have passed along their well wishes and the such. Once again, despite the fact that it wasn’t a total shock, and I’m not exactly lying in the gutter right now, typing this on a stolen laptop inside a cardboard box while leeching off someone’s wifi, it still sucks nonetheless, and a blow to one’s ego, especially so close to one’s birthday. So yeah, I really appreciate the kind words and thoughts.
Anyhow, in addition to hustling for work, I’ve also had to get ready for ICON, which is this weekend. And I could not be any less prepared; as awesome as its been hearing from folks that are going to the show say that they can’t wait for my presentation, its also making me feel increasingly nervous and bad. Otherwise, despite all the very bumpy road leading up the show, now that its finally here, I will say that I am pretty excited and am hoping for the very best, as well as fun time. After-all, once again, this will be the last ICON in numerous respects, so I’m hoping to enjoy the weekend as much as I can, and I hope some of you folks reading this will be on-hand as well. As for my big talk, its still happening, though it will be decidedly different from the past two years… which I know will be a disappointment to some. I’m hoping for a good turnout once again… in fact, I will need it since this time I will have to rely heavily on audience participation (so I’m really hoping to the change in time doesn’t kill me).
Though I have managed to goof off a little; I’m actually pretty close to the end of No More Heroes, at the next to the last boss… or who I think is the next to the last boss, you never know with that game (its the crazy, drunk bat-wielding chick in the pink frilly dress that beats on S&M slaves). I know lots of folks have issues with the game, like the overworld that is indeed kinda bland and monotonous as times, but in the case of this game, the good definitely outweigh the bad for me, and I’m simply in love with the little things, like that shmup/dream sequence (sorry for the spoilers, but then again, this game has been out for a little while now, plus that one bit was also “spoiled” for me a long time ago and didn’t exactly ruin the moment when it finally came). And as stated last time, there’s the amazing sound design, which keeps getting better. Plus how could I ever hate a game starring a lighsaber toting otaku that dumpster dives for designer shirts and just wants to get laid all the time! I hate to pull the clich? “if there was ever a game made for me”, but…
Yet I do have issue with the difficulty. As awesome as the boss battles are, which is always something different, the difficulty is all out of wack. The aforementioned grenade-lobbing girl was a bit too difficult after the steady stream of bosses that were total walkovers. And then the next couple after her was also super easy (one for story purposes, I know, but still), till this one, who is totally kicking my ass. Each encounter has been a minimum of twenty minutes; the first couple of times, I died due to her ultra cheap attack, and now I’m being more careful, but I’m just not holding out.
Otherwise, I’ve been playing Super Smash Bros Brawl, mostly with Katie, and I have to say, I’m getting a bit frustrated that the new characters are not falling in our laps as we had hoped. I’ve looked everywhere and it would seem that no one knows for sure how to unlock everyone other than to keep playing the game. Which of course is how its done, I know, but it would be nice to know what will trigger actions as to help them along. Also, truth be told, it hasn’t been played that much, due to me concentrating on No More Heroes, along with Katie recently started Twilight Princess.
Also caught Wrestlemania 24 (and I know I loose some serious cool points whenever I mention that I like professional wrestling, but whatever), and both the Flair/Michaels match, as well as the Undertaker/Edge match were lots of fun to watch. And I’ve been increasing my intake of late night cable access as well, and man, it is a fucking gold mine of awesomeness past 1 in the morning sometimes. Among other things, MAD DOG IS BACK! He’s got a new show that’s on really late on Wednesdays for some reason. I’ll explain more next time, since my time is running out, such as why Mad Dog is so f’n kick-ass (though Mad Cat still rules), but before heading out, here’s a pic of my wardrobe for the weekend, courtesy again of Meat Bun…
… In addition to every shirt coming in neat-o slipcases, similar to how they do it in Japan, inside are a little pack filled with buttons, each featuring Mario as some different occupation, like surgeon, chef, Bruce Lee, or member of Devo (they’re from that one piece that had the 30 different Marios… can’t seem to find the previous post)…
But yeah, I have my camera handy, ready to capture this weekend as it unfolds. I’m actually in Long Island this very second, at my hotel room, and am on my way out to Stony Brook University. So on that note… later!
