Andrew Long - 19:57 EST

SO ANYWAY, I have a big surprise in store for you guys that will be announced soon. Stay tuned to find out what it is! I'm now done with all the applications for Q&A, so your new host should be introduced to you by Monday, if all goes well. Anyhow, let us move on to this clutch of open-topic goodness.

As for FFXII's battle system, IGN indicates it is still much the same as it was in the demo that was playable at E3 2003, so it's not precisely action, but it's not precisely turn-based, either. In any event, yes, I see the trend continuing because any games that don't involve some sort of twist on conventional turn-based action are going to face a tough uphill battle in winning support.

1. What's the deal with those ytmnd sites?

ANDREW Your guess is as good as mine, compadre. I don't usually seek them out, but every so often, a good one pops up, and that one there was good enough, and near and dear to my own campaign to stamp out voice-acting forever, that I felt it deserved a hyping.

2. What did you think was the best RPG of 2004? I thought Tales of Symphonia was the best.

ANDREW I'm gonna have to disagree with you there and go with Shadow Hearts: Covenant. While ToS certainly had its moments, in addition to a well-executed battle system, it also came saddled with a laughable plotline. Because of that serious shortcoming, I have to give the nod to Covenant, which, in addition to the rich atmosphere, excellent gameplay, and tightly constructed soundtrack, also had a most satisfying storyline.

3. Who did that guy think he was, insulting Zelda games? Blasphemy!

Believe it or not, not everyone likes every Zelda game. It's crazy, I know, but it happens.

I've never sent an e-mail before, but after seeing the title for your last Q&A colum I had to speak up.

"Now, Bear my Artic Blassst!" ( I always thought it was feel, but eh.) is from the tremendous Shining Force 3 for the Sega Saturn. This used to be a running joke between all my friends and I. Common, that had to be the worst bit of voice acting I've ever heard in a game. Who could be afraid of a wizard that sounds like Charles Nelson Reily! Also, how about the voice-over when you die? That had to be one of the funniest things I've ever heard. It sounds like they hired that guy who played Corky on Life Goes On to say"Is dis de end?" Wow.....

ANDREW Yeah, I was blown away by its awfulness. It's almost like you can see them standing around in a circle, bored, chainsmoking as they tiredly read lines out of the game's script while glaring sidelong at each other. It's compellingly terrible, and it cracked me up.

Ok Question...... hm..... Well, since I'm on the topic of voice acting. What are your views on hollywood talent pretty much being gone from games for the forseeable future? Personally I don't think it is that big of a deal (especially in the RPG market), but it is always cool to be playing a game and recognize a big time actor. (My fav. was Chris Walken in True Crime. He's always one to bring a bit of hilarity, even when he doesn't try!)

Peace out,
Blade Cuttingham
"The Best there is, was, and ever will be"

Eh, it's not a total vanishment. Oblivion, for instance, is going to have plenty of big name talent, including the incomparable Patrick Stewart, among others. I suspect that there will always be a few games out there willing to shell out the big bucks for big-name actors, although obviously, the failure of the SAG and the Voice Actor's association will continue to be a fairly large sticking point.

Wow! It took three months, but someone was finally foolish enough to ask this question! So, what does this honour win you? DEATH! That's right, cold, hard death is on its way to your home right now, in the form of a spiky brick which I will launch through your front window forthwith. I hope you enjoy your sojourn with eternity! <3

If you can't take the time to make this into a real letter, I can't find the time to answer you. Learn how to speak proper English, you twit.

So for tomorrow, let's talk about sex, baby. Let's talk about you and me. Let's talk about all the good things, and the bad things, that may be. Actually, let's just talk about the DS price drop. Buy one last week and feeling bitter? Does this make you more likely to buy one now? Looking forward to Nintendogs? I crave your questions and comments!

Andrew Long is feeling salty, but also pepasome.

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