Why can't I get any of your perfect runs if I sink equally ridiculous amounts of time into these games?
Maybe there's something wrong with your practice, or maybe you're getting burnt out, or maybe you just haven't had that one run yet. There's an analogy that a friend of mine on another forum likes to use; it's a lot like playing an instrument. If you've already mastered a bunch of difficult pieces, you'll be able to pick up another similarly difficult piece with relative ease, whereas if you haven't played anything that difficult or in that style before, it'll probably take you longer to adjust to it and get good at it. So basically, play a lot of different things and play as difficult things as you can manage often, and you'll manage it eventually.
Any games in particular you're talking about, out of interest?
Where are the snowdens of yesteryear?
I didn't get the reference,
so I did a quick search.
If we were to hang out, what would you want to do?
Mmm, the first thing that comes to mind is just to go somewhere for a drink (if you're so inclined) and talk (largely about stupid things) for a few hours.
If we were to hang out, how would you avoid me killing you first?
I... guess I'd go find that avatar. :V
Are you lunatic enough to do a run of any game (any difficulty as well) blindfolded?
This is an interesting idea, actually. I've made it to Cirno on Lunatic with my eyes closed after Donut mentioned this kind of fun/stupid challenge, so maybe EoSD Easy would be feasible...
How well do you know your shmups? Enough to identify a game from my adolescence whose name I forgot?
My knowledge is mostly of relatively modern shmups, but I'll give it a try. I'm hardly one of the encyclopedias over on shmups.org, though, so don't be disappointed if I have no idea.[/quote]
What shmups would you recommend to someone who's only played a few and has only mediocre dodging skills?
Well, really, I'd recommend Touhou - the difficulties are very good for finding something at your level and progressing quickly. With regards to arcade shmups, I'd also recommend Batsugun Special (Toaplan, very fun early bullet hell with ridiculous shot types), ESPGaluda (CAVE, bullet hell, interesting bullet slowing mechanic), Strikers 1999 (Psikyo, manic, very fast paced and fun - a stage including a boss is usually about two minutes long) and Darius Gaiden with autofire (Taito, hori, extremely cool bosses). Honestly though, you shouldn't initially be expecting to 1cc these if you're just starting out, just keep trying to make steady progress - most arcade 1ccs are pitched at
at least a similar level to Touhou Hard modes, with many going far beyond Lunatics especially if you start looking at second loops and the like. Keep at it!
What's your theme song?
If I were to pick one myself... I have no idea, I don't really think you can represent people by something like a single song. If a song I really like works, though, maybe
this. It's not theme song-y at all, but it'd be cool if more people listened to it - I know there are a bunch of you that like at least similar stuff.
Alternatively, popular opinion seems to suggest
this.
I'm having trouble winning over the ladies. I think I need to learn how to speak with a manly English voice like yours. Do you offer tuition?
Sure! The main trick is to get lots and lots of
sulfur hexafluoride.
Disclaimer: I don't actually use sulfur hexafluoride.
Disclaimer 2: I'm not actually any good at winning over the ladies.You have previously stated in the attached file that you do not have a British accent. What do you say about this now?
I say, old bean, I'm must admit not quite sure what possessed me to make such a spurious claim. Must have had a little too much champagne that afternoon, what what?
Do you have any interest in any form of Nico Nico Douga culture?
I watch videos there sometimes, but I can't say I know much of anything about any culture surrounding it.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
The thing that comes to mind is the night of very drunken silliness going around the campus with my flatmates past 2am on the Friday of the first week of uni. Highlights include going swimming in the fountain, taking pictures on top of the stag, our uni's symbol/mascot/whatever you want to call it, before getting chased off by a security car (which I completely failed to notice; I thought we'd gotten bored and gone off to do something else), and losing my keys and spending the night sleeping in the middle of the flat's corridor.
How much honey do your friends make in a month?
Too much.
Can your bees combine their minds with yours to make a super hive mind that could out run a supercomputer?
Unfortunately, neither my brain nor the bees come with USB ports, so it's a no-go.
What do you think of Eddie Izzard?
From the little I've seen, I like his stand-up a lot.
So what am I going to ask?
Why am I your favourite?
Got any serious and sincere advice for life?
Not much, I'm afraid, but if I had to say something I'd say to be confident and take a few chances, and to not procrastinate needlessly. Bear in mind I'm terrible at these myself. :V
What are your favorite top 5 Monthy Python sketches/movie scenes and why?
In no particular order:
Flying Lessons - "OH! AN HOOP!"
The Holy Hand Grenade.
Bigus Dickus - the look on everyone's faces during the second half of this is absolutely hilarious.
Migrating Coconuts.
...I don't know about a 5th one, there are too many to choose from. :V