LIST YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS (OCs count) AND ACT AS IF YOU WERE ACTUALLY IN THE GAME. Now I'm not necessarily gonna list the same characters as last time, but some more faves nonetheless. Not in any order. Game characters only. Gave a description for those you may not know.
1. Snake (Metal Gear Solid series)
2. Hawke (Advance Wars Series)
Description for the Obscure: A serious, unemotional war commander of the dark forces of the Black Hole who is shrouded in mystery. Not going for Paradigms version.
3. Strings (OCish type person from Strings, my fanfic, but not quite an OC)
Description for the Obscure: A coy, frank woman suffering from total memory loss. Excellent harpist.
4. Rosalina (Super Mario Galaxy series)
Probably less necessary description for the obscure: A wise, kind woman of many centuries who learned how to create the galaxies through the help of the Lumas.
5. Luigi (Mario Bros. Series)
6. Melanthe, Chief of the Yoshi Tribe (Mario and Yoshi Series)
Description for the Obscure: Not so much an OC as a creative interpretation of the main character Yoshi. I should totally upload my sketch of her. She's a jovial, fiery and offbeat 40+ year old leader of her modern tribe's island who is a self-declared godmother of Mario and Luigi.
7. Mario (Gee I wonder)
8. Falco Lombardi (Star Fox)
9. Lash (Advance Wars series)
Description for the Obscure: A selfish, clever genius inventor/commander for the Black Hole army and closest thing to an ally for Hawke. Has a bratty, youthful personality and is somewhat twistedly upbeat.
10. Nana (Ice Climbers- thanks to Layla)
Description for the Obscure: Nana is interesting; she has no actual characterizations courtesy of Nintendo but I like what people on Fanfiction have done with her; namely Layla Kagamire with Speak Now, where she is a self-conscious, clever idealist. Kind of how I'd see her, really. There's also the Nana from my own Paradigms where she's an outgoing, steady-minded teenager. I'm going for an eclectic mix of the both of them.
In retrospect, this would be a great fanfic.
Then ask the following questions~
What would you do if Number 1 woke you up in the middle of the night
Well, if someone with the common sense and no-nonsense woke me up in the middle of the night, I'd have to assume something was going down and that I need to be prepared to take drastic measures.
Number 3 walked into the bathroom while you're showering?
The curtain's closed. God, some people just have to use the bathroom. She knocked, at least.
Number 4 announced he/she's going to marry 9 tomorrow?
Whoa nelly, there. Rosalina, the demure, wise centuries-old woman marrying the most insane, manaical, madcap, eternally out-there woman in possible existance since Abby Scuito... tomorrow?
I... really got nothing to say... good luck?
Number 5 cooked you dinner?
Luigi strikes me as a really good cook. Can't say what it is, but he strikes me as an excellent chef. I'd be looking forward to it.
Number 6 was lying next to you on the beach, sleeping?
Hah! Melanthe, She's a fiery conversant. Seeing as laying in the sand in the beach strikes as epic conversation time, I'd imagine she tuckered herself out. I'd probably get a little beach towel thingy and cover her up and leave after making sure she doesn't have sand in her spiky hair. XD
Number 7 suddenly confessed to be part of your family?
Great, another person to be overshadowed by his celebrity relative. *is shot*
Nah. There's no one as smart, streetwise and with tales to tell from his many travels as there is Mario. You won't get as good an uncle as that anywhere else.
Number 8 got into the hospital somehow?
...who the hell'd you punch? >_X
Number 9 made fun of your friends?
Okay, really, do you expect anything less? It's Lash.
Number 10 ignored you all the time?
With someone like Nana, if she's ignoring you, she's feeling down. So I confront her kindly. Ask her what's wrong, and let it go from there.
Two serial killers are hunting you down. What will 1 do?
It's effing Snake. Dude. Thank you.
He'd probably pass me a gun, cos he's cool like that, and we'll both confront them together. He'll glare at me when I turn the gun sideways. I won't pay it heed. XD
You're on a vacation with 2 and manage to break your leg. What does 2 do?
To make up for giving me Snake as killer fighting material, you give me Hawke as a response to me breaking my leg.
...sorry, this whole question is invalid. Hawke's not going on vacation, like, ever.
It's your birthday. What does 3 get you?
When I say Strings is crafty... I mean she's the type of person who will construct something by herself with no regard to how bad it turns out. I'd accept a barely-glued together collage to top my print-out story works anyday with a smile and a hug.
You're stuck in a house that's on fire. What does 4 do?
I can't see Rosalina as the type of person who partakes in much direct action, but she's smart. She'd probably coordinate a rescue effort masterfully, as good as if she was the one there.
You're about to do something that'll make you feel extremely embarrassed. What will 5 do?
Luigi knows embarrassment. He'd pat me on the back and give me a slight grin, telling me I have nothing to lose. And hell, if this guy has been embarrassed and still has it quite good, then I may as well go for it.
You're about to marry number 10. What's 1's reaction:
I'm about to marry Nana?
Hehe. :P
Well, Snake's not big on matters of the heart; experienced, but no idealist (like this Nana person XD) so he'd give me a customary congrats and I'd give him the invitation. If guys do that. Really I haven't the foggiest. Lmfao
You got dumped by someone. How will 7 cheer you up?
Mario? Hah, Mario's probably the cleverest out of all of them. He won't try and drown me with life lessons or pity; he'll apologize and then let me do something stress-relieving. Like target practice. Taking into account that being surrounded by 10 really smart, strong and resourceful people can't make me at least a bit good at stuff like that.
You compete in a tournament. How does 9 support you?
"Ah, come on! It's not like you can suck that bad! Teeheehee!"
"Gee, thanks, Lash."
You can't stop laughing. What will 10 do?
Start randomly laughing with me right out of nowhere. Can't help it. Laughter's contagious.
Number 1 is all you've ever dreamed of. Why?
Well, I didn't stop bugging him, and I asked for his life story. Really, I should have known better. I'm a bit sheltered, so if I had a huge firsthand account from something actually happening, I'd have some kind or sordid dreams when it's not keeping me up at night. I'd learn something from it, though.
Number 2 tells you about his/her deeply hidden love for number 9.
Haha! Coincidental playing into the canon!
I could actually see this; Lash is really the only one who, the whole time, didn't ditch Hawke or hate him. And I've heard loners fall in love easier.
I tell him that he's gonna have to accept that he is a human and to go for it.
You're dating 3 and he/she introduces you to her parents. Would you get along?
X X X
Sorry, wrong question. Strings doesn't know who her parents are. Remember?
Will number 5 and 6 ever kiss?
Like a mother pecking her godson on the forehead and then chuckling at the 28 year old man's reaction kind of kiss.
Number 6 appears to be a player, breaking many hearts. What do you do?
Sorry. It's called being a politician. *is shot*
You had a haircut and 7 can't stop looking at you. What goes on in your mind?
He wishes he could do with his hair what crazy stuff I do with mine.
Number 8 thinks he/she’ll never get a girl/boyfriend. What will you tell him/her?
Falco? Bah, it's interesting that he cares about that. But, really? I tell him that if there isn't a damn soul on this earth who isn't looking for a charmingly snarky daredevil who's a lot of fun, then there aren't that many chicks in this earth (hehe pun.)
Number 9 is too shy to face you and confesses their love by sending an email. Now what?
So that explains the mocking... and the moodiness... and the... wait that's all Lash.
What I'd do with any girl- I talk to her in person and see how it goes from there. I must be something to make Lash shy. XD This is why this is called 'fiction.' :awe:
You spot 10 kissing 1. How do you react?
Okay...
Idealist little Nana tries to comfort stern, downbeat soldier in a bad mood. Does not turn out well. Snake's a bit bugged and Nana's wondering what the hell she did.
Me? I acknowledge my presence. That's like the subtlest way to say "Holy sh*t, stop."
You notice that 3 and 4 have been inside that hotel room for MORE than a few hours. What are you thinking?
Rosalina has millenia and millenia of tales to tell.
Strings hasn't a single memory older than a few years. Sometimes she just needs a bit of reassurance and stuff.
potentially sexual situation response... dodged*
Could 1 and 6 be soul mates?
Snake and Mel? Hehe... I think their souls would align very well. Kind of like mixing the blue and the yellow in the paint and creating green. Although this case pale blue and vivid green.
Would 2 trust 5?
Hawke? Trust?
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Number 4 is bored and pokes 10. What happens after that?
Now, an idealist like Nana sees someone so composed and sage as Rosalina poking her and she can't help but have fun with it. Pretty soon Nana's into bugging Rosalina mindlessly with a barrage of pokes when Rosalina only intended to do it once. Turnabout's fair play.
5 and 1 are forced to go back to school together. What study will they pick?
Studies on cooking and perhaps for him some sketching. Strikes me as a sketch artist, Snake does.
If 6 and 3 cooked dinner what would they make?
When you get someone as subdued as Strings and as boisterous as Mel and have them try and make dinner, what do you get?
A pizza.
And a fire extinguisher.
And in the midst of a fight.
7 and 9 apply for a job. What job?
Lash applies for an invention job for her... and... why Mario?
Oh... cos she needs a lab rat. Tsk, tsk, Mar, you need to know when to say no. o.o
8 gives 5 a haircut. Is that okay?
Well, I imagine Falco must be good at grooming. Kind of pointless since Luigi has the hat though.
9 sketches what 6's perfect girl/boyfriend should look like; will 6 be happy?
Lash sketches something that looks like a six year old's composition of a man.
Melanthe is genuinely happy with it.
10 and 9 are blushing while they talk. What is their conversation about?
I dunno... but I walk by very slowly and teasingly. I just had to take advantage of this.
1 accidentally kicked 10?
Nana. Tsk, tsk. You should know to stay away from Snake when he's training. What are you gonna, kiss him again?
christ, I was kidding! Jee, I'm sorry.
2 sent a message to his/her Bf/Gf but 9 got it. What would happen?
Nothing spectacular; his girlfriend got his message after all.
5 and 6 did a workout together?
Melanthe would be outdoing him on the weights. Eff what Super Mario 64 DS says, the Yoshi tribe is a strong race.
6 noticed he/she wasn't invited to your birthday?
I thought she was busy... damn. She'd have been the life of the party. Hope she'll accept an improptu invitation on the back of a napkin. XD
7 won the lottery?
Does he really need all those coins? Nah, Mario'd probably do some big donation.
8 had quite a big secret?
...we all know you can't really fly.
9 became a singer?
All those years singing along to Rise Against paid off!
10 got a daughter?
Hey, Nana. Don't worry, teen pregnancy happens. O.o
(Gonna end this here.)
What would 1 think of 2?
I see a lot of similarities between the both of them, only even Snake isn't that hardened.
How would 3 greet 4?
"Hello there, memory woman." With a slight smile, too.
What would 4 envy about 5?
The fact that he can stay on earth with his special one. Maybe that he has a special one?
What dream would 5 have about 6?
Probably some good kind of memory of when he was a kid and Mel totally saved his ass.
What do 6 and 7 have in common?
They've both fought Bowser.
What would make 7 angry at 8?
Falco's got an arsenal of wisecracks. Mario's a straight shooter. It's grating after awhile.
Where would 8 meet 9?
At some rock club somewhere. She's singing loudly, he's laughing loudly.
What would 9 never dare to tell 10?
Nana's an idealist. Lash'd stave from telling about all the times she killed people with her lazarz.
What would make 10 scared of 1?
He's a soldier? He kicked her?
Is 3 Gay?
She doesn't know, really.
How do you feel right now?
I indulged myself. I'm kind of grinning. XD
As an aspiring author, filmmaker, musician, digital artist, photographer, reviewer, and overachiever, I need a nice organized place to put my thoughts about my art, the art of those close to me, and just art in general. Enjoy, and feel free to comment! :D
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
My VMA Predictions and Hopes-BEST ROCK VIDEO
Hello, all! I figured today would be an opportune time to try some critique, and with the VMAs rolling around, I figure that'd be a good place to start.
If a music video's good, I'll know it, and I'll treasure it and its song that much more. Music videos are the opportune way to tell a succint story through your music, making it that much better when you have visuals behind it. And the VMAs are therefore a celebration show I actually like to watch, especially coupled with unforgettable performances.
I'm going to tackle a few notable awards today and not the nitpickier ones, so don't expect the technical reviews.
Let's start with one of my favorites- rock and roll!
BEST ROCK VIDEO
The Black Keys-Howlin' For You
Foo Fighters-Walk
Foster The People-Pumped Up Kicks
Cage the Elephant-Shake Me Down
Mumford and Sons-The Cave
Now let me just say, these are all excellent videos. They all are true art, in one form or another. I'll quickly tackle these one by one.
The Black Keys- this is probably the most entertaining video. It consists of a mock trailer for a movie with the same name as the title. It's humorous and intriguing, albeit pretty... how to say... spicy. However, there is a large weakness in this one and that is that it does not give the song a spotlight. In fact, the music is simply background music- if this were a real trailer, I'd maybe look the music up later. It should make you notice the song, and that's what hinders it. But, overall, it feels like a real movie, and it's cool to see.
Foo Fighters- Those who have been cinema fans through the nineties (read-my parents) will figure out that this video is recreating the 1993 Michael Douglass movie Falling Down. Starring lead singer Dave Grohl as an angry working class man who leaves his car in the middle of a jammed freeway and lashes out at the normal elements of his boring life, this video is all at once humorous, empowering, and in good heart. Grohl does a genuinely good job at acting, and the story is its strength- during the section where the song belts out "I NEVER WANNA DIE!" it truly is empowering despite the goofy scene it takes place in. And that's a point in itself- it promotes the song, and I've grown to love Walk because of the video, and that's an accomplishment. The idea is, obviously, not an original, but it is well done and quite a step up from their previous video from their album Rope.
Foster the People- I absolutely love this song. It's sparse, chilling and twistedly upbeat, and casually tells a story of teen gun violence. With all that in mind, you'd think that there'd be plenty of material for a video. Unfortunately, they don't take advantage of the song's material, and instead they go with a common 'band touring' video, which has been done many times. Now don't get me wrong, the cinematography is great, but it's opportunity missed. It goes well with the upbeat nature, but I can't possibly be the only one who thinks it unfitting that a teen violence warning song goes with shots of the band chilling. All in all, though, it's a likable showcase of a great new band.
Cage the Elephant I have heard this song on occasions but was never hooked to it, but watching it with the video made me love it, and that's what a music video should do. While the video doesn't stand out as much as some of the bombastic videos of the bunch, it's a calm, emotional trip of a worn man in his fifties traveling back to his childhood in one way or another. To be honest, it's a bit trippy and the story's hard to follow, but the cinematography is great, the silent emotion is there, and you truly feel the song and the video, they just mesh together as if that was the way it's supposed to be. And that's quite magical.
Mumford and Sons Mumford and Sons deserve every ounce of love they get- they truly are the best at what they do. And the music video is retrospective and it does fit with the song quite well, although is a step down from Cage in that manner. What really makes this video is the cinematography- it's a catching video with many gorgeous, scenic shots that do help the song and keep your attention. The story is simple and interesting- the members of Mumford and Sons give their instruments to uniformed soldiers on the Eastern side of the world [don't quote me on that], and the soldiers 'sing' for the video as the band rides motorbikes through the nearby area. It's simple, fresh, and quite beautiful.
Who will probably win: To take into account the viewers of the videos and show, you have to get into their minds. Videos like Howlin' For You instantly register in the viewers' minds, and the video Walk has a memorable storyline and memorable moments. Take into account the simplicity of Pumped Up Kicks, and that could be an advantage- however, there isn't much to the video to give it an advantage over the rest. Music is a large part of the video, and with The Cave being the most identifiable, that could give it a huge boost. And Shake Me Down will pull on your heartstrings subtly, with a great song to boot.
I'm going to say, however, that The Cave will probably take the prize. Not only does it have a well known and critically acclaimed song, it has a stunning video to boot, and that will draw viewers in.
My Pick: Now, that's not to say that is my pick. In my opinion, taking my reviews to account, I have a different video in mind. I came into here ready to pick Walk, and even with tough competition, I still think that Foo Fighters' Walk is my pick to win. The story is entertaining, the song compliments it, and every time it comes on, I willingly watch it. That's exactly what a video should do.
In short
Predicted to win: Mumford and Sons-The Cave
My pick to win: Foo Fighters-Walk
Tomorrow, I will tackle Best Female Video, and will close out the seven categories with the customary BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR review. Stay tuned!
MoD
If a music video's good, I'll know it, and I'll treasure it and its song that much more. Music videos are the opportune way to tell a succint story through your music, making it that much better when you have visuals behind it. And the VMAs are therefore a celebration show I actually like to watch, especially coupled with unforgettable performances.
I'm going to tackle a few notable awards today and not the nitpickier ones, so don't expect the technical reviews.
Let's start with one of my favorites- rock and roll!
BEST ROCK VIDEO
The Black Keys-Howlin' For You
Foo Fighters-Walk
Foster The People-Pumped Up Kicks
Cage the Elephant-Shake Me Down
Mumford and Sons-The Cave
Now let me just say, these are all excellent videos. They all are true art, in one form or another. I'll quickly tackle these one by one.
The Black Keys- this is probably the most entertaining video. It consists of a mock trailer for a movie with the same name as the title. It's humorous and intriguing, albeit pretty... how to say... spicy. However, there is a large weakness in this one and that is that it does not give the song a spotlight. In fact, the music is simply background music- if this were a real trailer, I'd maybe look the music up later. It should make you notice the song, and that's what hinders it. But, overall, it feels like a real movie, and it's cool to see.
Foo Fighters- Those who have been cinema fans through the nineties (read-my parents) will figure out that this video is recreating the 1993 Michael Douglass movie Falling Down. Starring lead singer Dave Grohl as an angry working class man who leaves his car in the middle of a jammed freeway and lashes out at the normal elements of his boring life, this video is all at once humorous, empowering, and in good heart. Grohl does a genuinely good job at acting, and the story is its strength- during the section where the song belts out "I NEVER WANNA DIE!" it truly is empowering despite the goofy scene it takes place in. And that's a point in itself- it promotes the song, and I've grown to love Walk because of the video, and that's an accomplishment. The idea is, obviously, not an original, but it is well done and quite a step up from their previous video from their album Rope.
Foster the People- I absolutely love this song. It's sparse, chilling and twistedly upbeat, and casually tells a story of teen gun violence. With all that in mind, you'd think that there'd be plenty of material for a video. Unfortunately, they don't take advantage of the song's material, and instead they go with a common 'band touring' video, which has been done many times. Now don't get me wrong, the cinematography is great, but it's opportunity missed. It goes well with the upbeat nature, but I can't possibly be the only one who thinks it unfitting that a teen violence warning song goes with shots of the band chilling. All in all, though, it's a likable showcase of a great new band.
Cage the Elephant I have heard this song on occasions but was never hooked to it, but watching it with the video made me love it, and that's what a music video should do. While the video doesn't stand out as much as some of the bombastic videos of the bunch, it's a calm, emotional trip of a worn man in his fifties traveling back to his childhood in one way or another. To be honest, it's a bit trippy and the story's hard to follow, but the cinematography is great, the silent emotion is there, and you truly feel the song and the video, they just mesh together as if that was the way it's supposed to be. And that's quite magical.
Mumford and Sons Mumford and Sons deserve every ounce of love they get- they truly are the best at what they do. And the music video is retrospective and it does fit with the song quite well, although is a step down from Cage in that manner. What really makes this video is the cinematography- it's a catching video with many gorgeous, scenic shots that do help the song and keep your attention. The story is simple and interesting- the members of Mumford and Sons give their instruments to uniformed soldiers on the Eastern side of the world [don't quote me on that], and the soldiers 'sing' for the video as the band rides motorbikes through the nearby area. It's simple, fresh, and quite beautiful.
Who will probably win: To take into account the viewers of the videos and show, you have to get into their minds. Videos like Howlin' For You instantly register in the viewers' minds, and the video Walk has a memorable storyline and memorable moments. Take into account the simplicity of Pumped Up Kicks, and that could be an advantage- however, there isn't much to the video to give it an advantage over the rest. Music is a large part of the video, and with The Cave being the most identifiable, that could give it a huge boost. And Shake Me Down will pull on your heartstrings subtly, with a great song to boot.
I'm going to say, however, that The Cave will probably take the prize. Not only does it have a well known and critically acclaimed song, it has a stunning video to boot, and that will draw viewers in.
My Pick: Now, that's not to say that is my pick. In my opinion, taking my reviews to account, I have a different video in mind. I came into here ready to pick Walk, and even with tough competition, I still think that Foo Fighters' Walk is my pick to win. The story is entertaining, the song compliments it, and every time it comes on, I willingly watch it. That's exactly what a video should do.
In short
Predicted to win: Mumford and Sons-The Cave
My pick to win: Foo Fighters-Walk
Tomorrow, I will tackle Best Female Video, and will close out the seven categories with the customary BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR review. Stay tuned!
MoD
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
10th Best Fanfics I've Ever Read-The Unofficial Farces of Evil Series by The Stupendous Jimbo and The Motley Band Crew by Tealfrog26
Okay, for this one I'm going to do something entirely crazy, for an unprecedented reason. I'm going to do two best fanfics.
Now there's a reason for this, and it's flimsy. In between the list's creation, I've found a fic that is definitely in my top ten, and I can't discard it. However, I cannot completely discard any of the other fics that are in my top ten- all of them, eleven now, are magnificent.
So for 10th place I have declared a tie between two fics. I'll go ahead and present the original tenth first.
10a. Farces of Evil: The Stupendous Jimbo's Guides to the Best Fanfic Advice Ever
Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Farce
Rating: Teen, for some language and occasional crude joke
Type: Oneshots
Lengths: Several oneshots of about 2,000-5,000 words
Latest Update: All are oneshots, and made on his whim
Before I go into detail, I should explain myself. You've probably noticed that I've linked you to Jimbo's profile, not story. And that there's not even a story called the title that I put up there. Well, here's the deal.
Jimbo's written several different fanfics on the subject of the vices/taboo of fanfiction works, based in Super Smash Bros. While he has some serious work worth noting, one look at any of these will let you in on the secret: Jimbo is THE king of humor in the Smash Bros section, no questions asked. And pretty much 75% of his work are those farces, so they're easy to find.
Also, I made up the name.
Now onto the review.
As you may have seen, not everyone is exactly, erm, skillful in Fanfiction. There are stories that are pure self-indulgence, and it gets annoying. Stupendous Jimbo knows this better than anyone, and he'll let you know exactly what he 'thinks' about it- they're great!
Well, in a way. Great for his farce material. You will spend so much time sitting, laughing hysterically, and identifying those moments/ideas that make no sense. From learning how to flame like the pros in "The Stupendous Jimbo's Guide to Stupendous Flaming," Those people who cry out for attention in "IT'S CALLED FANFICTION!", self-indulgent and self-insertive original characters in OH MY GOD I NEED OCs, and my personal favorite, Oh look, Another Stupid Truth or Dare Story, which tackles those who the hell came up with this idea ToDs.
I'll focus on that one.
You just laughed. A lot.
The story stars Captain Falcon, the frank, brash force in the world of high school drama-esque Smash Mansion, where every other character acts like they're stereotypical insultive to teen highschoolers, which happens A LOT. It's an absolute joy to see Falcon just calling BS on all the story elements that are dismissed as normal a lot. The Truth Or Dare element is short, but it's awegasmic to see Falcon completely tearing down the walls of BS built up in the smasher's lives and the stories that are like that. It was just a moment of "YES! YES! YES!" Just like M Bison.
Long story short, Jimbo says what needs to be said in a way where he doesn't directly say what needs to be said. Enjoy.
10b. The Motley Band Crew by Tealfrog26
Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Humor, Angst, Drama, Dark Comedy
Rating: Late Teen, for pervasive language mostly from one person, drug use, potentially offensive humor, and innuendo
Type: Serial Fic
Status: 4 Chapters In, 12,500 words
Latest Update: July 13, 2011
It took awhile for this fic to truly hit home in my mind, but when it did, I was moved.
This story by a newer writer who doesn't know how great they are. It focuses on Mr. Game and Watch, who, after an out of control series of events, is ousted from the Smash Bros Tournament and forced to live in a crappy garden shed. With the help of the less popular characters, gloriously OOC foulmouthed Olimar, drastically upbeat Yoshi, confused, troubled ROB and drug-addled and unprofessional Dr. Mario, he starts the "Motley Band Crew", a group dedicated to doing good in the world, with the double entende of helping the emotionless Game and Watch truly feel.
WARNING: THE BELOW EXCERPT IS VERY EXPLICIT. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
This story is definitely a comedy, but it is shockingly poignant. From the first lines, you laugh a lot, but you also grow fond of the ousted Mr. Game and Watch and you feel for him. There are many intentionally offensive elements, and those with a thin skin will be up in arms. But the characters are truer than you'd think- even the complete douchebag Olimar has a familiar aura about him. And that's the beauty of it. Tealfrog was inspired by real life people at their best and worst and put elements of realism in every character that if you blink, you'd miss.
You also grow to appreciate the little elements, like the somewhat out of place exquisite prose of the narration and dialogue, and the little characteristics of the characters- naive Nana's pride in her french fries, Luigi's occasional gruff "hello" to Game and Watch when he's not insanely drunk, Rob's uncontrollable of announcing silently every time a taxi passes by- there's just the little moments that strike a chord because they're identifiable and real. It's shockingly beautiful.
My favorite touch? At the end of all chapters except for the first, a character, primarily Game and Watch, ends the chapter with a defeated "F**k." It brings a painful, poignant pang that closes it out quite well.
Really, this story's unlike nothing you've ever read.
Now there's a reason for this, and it's flimsy. In between the list's creation, I've found a fic that is definitely in my top ten, and I can't discard it. However, I cannot completely discard any of the other fics that are in my top ten- all of them, eleven now, are magnificent.
So for 10th place I have declared a tie between two fics. I'll go ahead and present the original tenth first.
10a. Farces of Evil: The Stupendous Jimbo's Guides to the Best Fanfic Advice Ever
Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Farce
Rating: Teen, for some language and occasional crude joke
Type: Oneshots
Lengths: Several oneshots of about 2,000-5,000 words
Latest Update: All are oneshots, and made on his whim
Before I go into detail, I should explain myself. You've probably noticed that I've linked you to Jimbo's profile, not story. And that there's not even a story called the title that I put up there. Well, here's the deal.
Jimbo's written several different fanfics on the subject of the vices/taboo of fanfiction works, based in Super Smash Bros. While he has some serious work worth noting, one look at any of these will let you in on the secret: Jimbo is THE king of humor in the Smash Bros section, no questions asked. And pretty much 75% of his work are those farces, so they're easy to find.
Also, I made up the name.
Now onto the review.
As you may have seen, not everyone is exactly, erm, skillful in Fanfiction. There are stories that are pure self-indulgence, and it gets annoying. Stupendous Jimbo knows this better than anyone, and he'll let you know exactly what he 'thinks' about it- they're great!
Well, in a way. Great for his farce material. You will spend so much time sitting, laughing hysterically, and identifying those moments/ideas that make no sense. From learning how to flame like the pros in "The Stupendous Jimbo's Guide to Stupendous Flaming," Those people who cry out for attention in "IT'S CALLED FANFICTION!", self-indulgent and self-insertive original characters in OH MY GOD I NEED OCs, and my personal favorite, Oh look, Another Stupid Truth or Dare Story, which tackles those who the hell came up with this idea ToDs.
I'll focus on that one.
The green clad man gave a small sigh. "I understand," he said. Zelda gave Link a peck on the cheek and said, with a smile, "don't worry, you'll find the right girl, and she'll be more lucky than anybody in the world."
Captain Falcon tilted his head in Zelda's direction and muttered "yet you don't want to be that lucky girl."
"Captain Falcon shut up! This is none of your business," Zelda screamed.
"Yeah well if you haven't noticed, you guys have been calling me rude but you've yet to realize I'm trying to watch the race in peace and you three won't leave me alone! So until you get the message you're unwanted, I'm now in official contributor to this conversation!
Peach gave a subtle scoff topped with a cold glare. "And what resilient contribution do you have to offer?"
"First of all, Link, give it up, it's not gonna happen. You have a better chance of going to the romance section of Super Smash Bros. on fanfiction and finding a story that does NOT include a gay pairing. Second of all, Zelda, seriously, Link is the only guy who won't dump you after you sleep with him...Think about it…And last, Peach, do you even know what 'resilient' means?"
You just laughed. A lot.
The story stars Captain Falcon, the frank, brash force in the world of high school drama-esque Smash Mansion, where every other character acts like they're stereotypical insultive to teen highschoolers, which happens A LOT. It's an absolute joy to see Falcon just calling BS on all the story elements that are dismissed as normal a lot. The Truth Or Dare element is short, but it's awegasmic to see Falcon completely tearing down the walls of BS built up in the smasher's lives and the stories that are like that. It was just a moment of "YES! YES! YES!" Just like M Bison.
Long story short, Jimbo says what needs to be said in a way where he doesn't directly say what needs to be said. Enjoy.
10b. The Motley Band Crew by Tealfrog26
Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Humor, Angst, Drama, Dark Comedy
Rating: Late Teen, for pervasive language mostly from one person, drug use, potentially offensive humor, and innuendo
Type: Serial Fic
Status: 4 Chapters In, 12,500 words
Latest Update: July 13, 2011
It took awhile for this fic to truly hit home in my mind, but when it did, I was moved.
This story by a newer writer who doesn't know how great they are. It focuses on Mr. Game and Watch, who, after an out of control series of events, is ousted from the Smash Bros Tournament and forced to live in a crappy garden shed. With the help of the less popular characters, gloriously OOC foulmouthed Olimar, drastically upbeat Yoshi, confused, troubled ROB and drug-addled and unprofessional Dr. Mario, he starts the "Motley Band Crew", a group dedicated to doing good in the world, with the double entende of helping the emotionless Game and Watch truly feel.
WARNING: THE BELOW EXCERPT IS VERY EXPLICIT. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
"The Motley Band Crew." Mr. Game and Watch declared, rather despondently. Mr. Game and Watch stood in a two room shed with Captain Olimar, Rob, Yoshi and Dr. Mario, forming a ring around a small soap box in the center. It was being used as a table and held a file with some papers sticking out. Yoshi had brought it in. The room was completely empty otherwise; the floor and walls were bare wooden planks. Through the door to Game and Watch's left was a bed, a mini fridge and an old black and white antennae based television.
"No, the Fuck Ass Dicks Gang," Captain Olimar said behind the small soap box, "It makes us sound more badass."
"We're here to help people, not…do that," Yoshi reasoned.
"Don't be a pussy Yoshi," Olimar said as he slapped the green dinosaur in the knee cap. Olimar could not reach his head due to his height. "The Fuck Ass Dicks Gang is beast!"
Game and Watch shook his head. "No, that sounds like we want to screw them in the ass. As a collective gang."
"With our dicks," Dr. Mario added.
This story is definitely a comedy, but it is shockingly poignant. From the first lines, you laugh a lot, but you also grow fond of the ousted Mr. Game and Watch and you feel for him. There are many intentionally offensive elements, and those with a thin skin will be up in arms. But the characters are truer than you'd think- even the complete douchebag Olimar has a familiar aura about him. And that's the beauty of it. Tealfrog was inspired by real life people at their best and worst and put elements of realism in every character that if you blink, you'd miss.
You also grow to appreciate the little elements, like the somewhat out of place exquisite prose of the narration and dialogue, and the little characteristics of the characters- naive Nana's pride in her french fries, Luigi's occasional gruff "hello" to Game and Watch when he's not insanely drunk, Rob's uncontrollable of announcing silently every time a taxi passes by- there's just the little moments that strike a chord because they're identifiable and real. It's shockingly beautiful.
My favorite touch? At the end of all chapters except for the first, a character, primarily Game and Watch, ends the chapter with a defeated "F**k." It brings a painful, poignant pang that closes it out quite well.
Really, this story's unlike nothing you've ever read.
11th Best Fanfic I've Ever Read-Royal Survivor: Stars by Mindblower
11. Royal Survivor: Stars by Mindblower
Section: Mario
Genre: Reality TV Game Show
Rating: 7+- a mostly clean story, with occasional censored language and intense scenes.
Type: TV Show Format
Status: Twelve Episodes In, 95,000 Words
Latest Update: April 23, 2011
Starring Characters: An assortment of the most famous Mario series characters, including two OCs as reps of two Koopa Species.
Description: In an original remastering of the Survivor system, Mindblower creates a game show for the most famous characters of the Mario series.
Review: 99% of the time, if you see a reality TV show based fic... it sucks. Sorry, but usually it does, and at the best is forgettable. With the exception of the above mentioned Amazing Race: Dreamland, though, this is perhaps the most intelligent, most realistic and enjoyable without being a guilty pleasure.
There are two things that make this a great experience. One is that everyone is IN CHARACTER, with one exception. (The one exception is huge, noticable, but intended, so it passes.) You don't have blatant overreactions and using Mario characters as vessels for your own stereotypes, you have the actual characters, and that's pretty much an auto-win for me. In fact, the characters are very enjoyable- her OC Bro Mamma, my pick to win, is a ton of fun to read about and frankly should get her own fic. Mindblower even explores and fleshes out what is already there- the intelligent Bowser is more IC, in my opinion, than typical fanfics and is pretty much the archetype I imagined him to be/ plan to base him off of in upcoming fics.
The second thing that makes this successful is that Mindblower creates an original Survivor system, called Royal Survivor, hence the name. Whilst Inspector Brown created an unique world, Mindblower creates original rules, almost entirely dissimilar to Survivor but feels entirely like a Survivor fic anyways. I can't name all the changes (the first chapter has a good introduction), but the most notable include coin challenges, regular auctions, and all three teams living on the same island and therefore interacting.
Perhaps the strongest point, however, is that Mindblower takes full advantage of being in control of the show (something that, presumably, reality TV shows are not) and therefore creates great scenes, moments, twists, ideas, interactions and other such things, making sure that you stay tuned for the next chapter.
Overall, a story that breaks the trend of bad Survivor stories and creates a stakehold and sets an example for its successors.
Section: Mario
Genre: Reality TV Game Show
Rating: 7+- a mostly clean story, with occasional censored language and intense scenes.
Type: TV Show Format
Status: Twelve Episodes In, 95,000 Words
Latest Update: April 23, 2011
Starring Characters: An assortment of the most famous Mario series characters, including two OCs as reps of two Koopa Species.
Description: In an original remastering of the Survivor system, Mindblower creates a game show for the most famous characters of the Mario series.
Review: 99% of the time, if you see a reality TV show based fic... it sucks. Sorry, but usually it does, and at the best is forgettable. With the exception of the above mentioned Amazing Race: Dreamland, though, this is perhaps the most intelligent, most realistic and enjoyable without being a guilty pleasure.
There are two things that make this a great experience. One is that everyone is IN CHARACTER, with one exception. (The one exception is huge, noticable, but intended, so it passes.) You don't have blatant overreactions and using Mario characters as vessels for your own stereotypes, you have the actual characters, and that's pretty much an auto-win for me. In fact, the characters are very enjoyable- her OC Bro Mamma, my pick to win, is a ton of fun to read about and frankly should get her own fic. Mindblower even explores and fleshes out what is already there- the intelligent Bowser is more IC, in my opinion, than typical fanfics and is pretty much the archetype I imagined him to be/ plan to base him off of in upcoming fics.
Jeff met the Hero tribe on the dark side of the island. He handed each member a torch. "Fire represents life. If your torch goes out, so do you.
"Each of you will write a name down on a peace of paper, the name of the person you want most to go home. This person does not have to be the weakest. Keep in mind, throughout the game, that there can only be one Royal Survivor."
The second thing that makes this successful is that Mindblower creates an original Survivor system, called Royal Survivor, hence the name. Whilst Inspector Brown created an unique world, Mindblower creates original rules, almost entirely dissimilar to Survivor but feels entirely like a Survivor fic anyways. I can't name all the changes (the first chapter has a good introduction), but the most notable include coin challenges, regular auctions, and all three teams living on the same island and therefore interacting.
Perhaps the strongest point, however, is that Mindblower takes full advantage of being in control of the show (something that, presumably, reality TV shows are not) and therefore creates great scenes, moments, twists, ideas, interactions and other such things, making sure that you stay tuned for the next chapter.
Overall, a story that breaks the trend of bad Survivor stories and creates a stakehold and sets an example for its successors.
12th Best Fanfic I've Ever Read-Fluff and Circumstance/Happenstance or All By Spontaneity by Ze Dybbuk
12. Fluff and Circumstance or All By Spontaneity by Ze Dybbuk
Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Crack Humor, Romance
Rating: Older Teen for some pretty nauseating detail, crude language, potentially offensive humor and innuendo
Type: Short Story
Status: Complete, 5 Chapters, 25,000 Words
Finished: December 6, 2010
Starring Characters: Pit, Ike, Samus, Pikachu, Link
Description: In the sequel to Fluff and Circumstance: The Cult of Ario, the uncouth, deadpan Ike 'Fatty' Greil is thrown into a quandary by his criminally insane metaphorical tumor of a 'friend,' Pit, when he declares to him his love for she-devil Samus Aran, and dragged on a madcap adventure to help him get the girl, and get off his back.
Review: When you finish reading All By Spontaneity, a critically beloved crackfic by the slightly insane Ze Dybbuk, you will feel many things. Among them would be nauseated, confounded, and a pain in your throat from all the raw laughter. Ze Dybbuk pulls no punches with her (right? her?) zany crackfic, or, a humorous fic with many unrealistic and random elements. You will get many icky details about what a slob Ike is or what a psycho Pit is, but you accept it and laugh because of it.
It's not driven by gross humor alone- the real star is the priceless dialogue between the frankly patronizing Pit and the pissed-off get-the-hell-away-from-me Ike, and the "I'm-almost-breaking-the-fourth-wall-but-not-quite," sarcastic and witty narration of Dybbuk herself. (Watch- I could be completely wrong about the genre and look like a fool. Where did I read her gender again? o.o)
Overall, the bottom line is- the story has priceless, indescribable, signature humor in a style that is entirely traceable to none other than its author. You will laugh your ass off. No other way to put it.
Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Crack Humor, Romance
Rating: Older Teen for some pretty nauseating detail, crude language, potentially offensive humor and innuendo
Type: Short Story
Status: Complete, 5 Chapters, 25,000 Words
Finished: December 6, 2010
Starring Characters: Pit, Ike, Samus, Pikachu, Link
Description: In the sequel to Fluff and Circumstance: The Cult of Ario, the uncouth, deadpan Ike 'Fatty' Greil is thrown into a quandary by his criminally insane metaphorical tumor of a 'friend,' Pit, when he declares to him his love for she-devil Samus Aran, and dragged on a madcap adventure to help him get the girl, and get off his back.
Review: When you finish reading All By Spontaneity, a critically beloved crackfic by the slightly insane Ze Dybbuk, you will feel many things. Among them would be nauseated, confounded, and a pain in your throat from all the raw laughter. Ze Dybbuk pulls no punches with her (right? her?) zany crackfic, or, a humorous fic with many unrealistic and random elements. You will get many icky details about what a slob Ike is or what a psycho Pit is, but you accept it and laugh because of it.
' "Fatty!" Pit barked, snapping his fingers and gesturing for Ike to get his bum ass off their nasty couch. "You're gonna help me with somethin', mmkay?"
Ike swatted a rogue Cheetoh off his knee. With the level of dignity that can only follow an action such as this, he replied, "No." '
It's not driven by gross humor alone- the real star is the priceless dialogue between the frankly patronizing Pit and the pissed-off get-the-hell-away-from-me Ike, and the "I'm-almost-breaking-the-fourth-wall-but-not-quite," sarcastic and witty narration of Dybbuk herself. (Watch- I could be completely wrong about the genre and look like a fool. Where did I read her gender again? o.o)
Overall, the bottom line is- the story has priceless, indescribable, signature humor in a style that is entirely traceable to none other than its author. You will laugh your ass off. No other way to put it.
13th Best Fanfic I've Ever Read-Error Code 39 by Kattheamazing
13. Error Code 39 by Kattheamazing
Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Zombie/Possession, Adventure
Rating: Teen for some graphic scenes, language, and intense moments
Type: Full Length Story
Status: Complete, 25 Chapters, 70,000 Words
Finished: January 8, 2011
Starring Characters: All the characters get a sizable role, but perhaps the most prominent is Lucas and Master Hand.
Description: When a deadly, insanity-inducing virus rapidly spreads through the mansion, an all-out war is induced to fight off the virus, and the friends that are possessed it that are attempting to kill the healthy. Who will be infected, and who will remain sane long enough to fight the oncoming nightmare?
Review: This is perhaps the fastest I have ever read a full fic- all 70,000 words were knocked out in about two hours, I was so addicted to this story. And with good reason- Kattheamazing has created a fast-paced, heart pounding, intense, immersing story that rivals many zombie flicks.
The premise is simple- one smasher catches a horrendous virus that drives one mad, into a zombie-like state, and the mansion and all its inhabitants are thrust into a life-or-death Humans vs Zombies story. Simple, basic fare, really. But pulled off with expert precision by Kat.
The story is excellently paced- even though it goes by like a flash, things are slowly revealed. But what will really get you is the amount of action, and the excellence of the action scenes. Let's be honest- usually when you're reading a story you skim the action scenes. However, Kat has accomplished the rare feat of making action scenes not only readable, but enthralling. Damn the fact I'm reading it from a phone, I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of it, tapping my foot and incurring odd glances from the 'rents. I think we were even watching some sort of action show, and all I could focus on was Error Code.
The only weakness mentionable is that while character development is present, it could be increased a tad bit more. But, in reality, this story has a lot more character than most monster flicks, and with vivid, gripping action to boot, Error Code is a worthy, excellent homage to horror thrillers that is actually better than most of them.
Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Zombie/Possession, Adventure
Rating: Teen for some graphic scenes, language, and intense moments
Type: Full Length Story
Status: Complete, 25 Chapters, 70,000 Words
Finished: January 8, 2011
Starring Characters: All the characters get a sizable role, but perhaps the most prominent is Lucas and Master Hand.
Description: When a deadly, insanity-inducing virus rapidly spreads through the mansion, an all-out war is induced to fight off the virus, and the friends that are possessed it that are attempting to kill the healthy. Who will be infected, and who will remain sane long enough to fight the oncoming nightmare?
Review: This is perhaps the fastest I have ever read a full fic- all 70,000 words were knocked out in about two hours, I was so addicted to this story. And with good reason- Kattheamazing has created a fast-paced, heart pounding, intense, immersing story that rivals many zombie flicks.
The premise is simple- one smasher catches a horrendous virus that drives one mad, into a zombie-like state, and the mansion and all its inhabitants are thrust into a life-or-death Humans vs Zombies story. Simple, basic fare, really. But pulled off with expert precision by Kat.
"An unbearable sick feeling tethered him down. It crushed his lungs, so that every sharp breath he drew in was agony. It caused his stomach to churn, the air around him to freeze, and dizziness to seep into his mind.
I'm going to die."
The story is excellently paced- even though it goes by like a flash, things are slowly revealed. But what will really get you is the amount of action, and the excellence of the action scenes. Let's be honest- usually when you're reading a story you skim the action scenes. However, Kat has accomplished the rare feat of making action scenes not only readable, but enthralling. Damn the fact I'm reading it from a phone, I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of it, tapping my foot and incurring odd glances from the 'rents. I think we were even watching some sort of action show, and all I could focus on was Error Code.
The only weakness mentionable is that while character development is present, it could be increased a tad bit more. But, in reality, this story has a lot more character than most monster flicks, and with vivid, gripping action to boot, Error Code is a worthy, excellent homage to horror thrillers that is actually better than most of them.
14th Best Fanfic I've Ever Read-Second Chance by Skullfox
14. Second Chance by Skullfox
Section: Star Fox
Genre: Psych Thriller, Time Travel, Action, Romance
Rating: Older Teen for violence, language, death thematics, sexual references and nudity.
Type: Full Length Story
Status: Twentyfour Chapters In, 150,000 words
Last Updated: May 21, 2011
Starring Characters: Fox McCloud, Krystal, James, Katt, Fara, Falco, Vivy, Cerinian OC Mahlay
Description: After the entirety of the Star Fox crew meets their death, Fox McCloud immediately awakens in his teen years through a force unknown to him. Determined to correct his mistakes of his past life, prevent the deaths of those close to him and find his true love again, whatever it may take. However, he will learn that fate and time is a tricky thing to mess with...
Review: This is perhaps the most recent entry to my list. After a bored afternoon I decided to look through my friends' favorite lists, and found this and started marathoning it through the next week, and I'm almost finished with what is up so far. And truly, it's remarkable.
The idea of time travel isn't a new topic, but the idea of living your life over again is a pretty fresh take, and Skullfox doesn't squander the potential. He creates an enigmatic story of Fox, a forty year old in his teenage body, trying to make sense of his life after he is forced to start most of it over again after his untimely death. His emotions and pain are detailed, but most notably his undying, unshakable determination to fix all that went wrong in his life. The day he wakes up, he saves his mother from certain death from Andross' bomb.
And although it is slow to build up, every moment counts in this story. Fox learns more about the temperamental tapestry that is time and life, and the story creates a literal alternate universe, where things start to change- with him, those he loves, and the course of his life. The story periodically switches to Krystal's home planet, where a force of evil starts to grow in a young male whose mind starts to corrode under the control of a mystical object, and although it's confusing at the time, it starts to all add together in an intense mid-story climax.
There are some problems- the story has the tendency to jump through the progression of time almost randomly, making it hard to follow, and there are some confusing points, but the positives outweigh the negatives, especially later in the story as Skullfox's writing skills increase. It's a long read, but well worth it.
Section: Star Fox
Genre: Psych Thriller, Time Travel, Action, Romance
Rating: Older Teen for violence, language, death thematics, sexual references and nudity.
Type: Full Length Story
Status: Twentyfour Chapters In, 150,000 words
Last Updated: May 21, 2011
Starring Characters: Fox McCloud, Krystal, James, Katt, Fara, Falco, Vivy, Cerinian OC Mahlay
Description: After the entirety of the Star Fox crew meets their death, Fox McCloud immediately awakens in his teen years through a force unknown to him. Determined to correct his mistakes of his past life, prevent the deaths of those close to him and find his true love again, whatever it may take. However, he will learn that fate and time is a tricky thing to mess with...
Review: This is perhaps the most recent entry to my list. After a bored afternoon I decided to look through my friends' favorite lists, and found this and started marathoning it through the next week, and I'm almost finished with what is up so far. And truly, it's remarkable.
The idea of time travel isn't a new topic, but the idea of living your life over again is a pretty fresh take, and Skullfox doesn't squander the potential. He creates an enigmatic story of Fox, a forty year old in his teenage body, trying to make sense of his life after he is forced to start most of it over again after his untimely death. His emotions and pain are detailed, but most notably his undying, unshakable determination to fix all that went wrong in his life. The day he wakes up, he saves his mother from certain death from Andross' bomb.
And although it is slow to build up, every moment counts in this story. Fox learns more about the temperamental tapestry that is time and life, and the story creates a literal alternate universe, where things start to change- with him, those he loves, and the course of his life. The story periodically switches to Krystal's home planet, where a force of evil starts to grow in a young male whose mind starts to corrode under the control of a mystical object, and although it's confusing at the time, it starts to all add together in an intense mid-story climax.
-"Fate
The most laughable concept in history, or something we could never hope to understand? The ideas of fate and destiny have been alive since time itself. People will bend to believe that they are drawn into their decisions by the hand of God or some other unseen force…in this most of them simply try to deal, by blaming these forces for their own mistakes. Perhaps fate does exist, and perhaps it does not, but in the end we only have ourselves to blame..."
There are some problems- the story has the tendency to jump through the progression of time almost randomly, making it hard to follow, and there are some confusing points, but the positives outweigh the negatives, especially later in the story as Skullfox's writing skills increase. It's a long read, but well worth it.
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