Aion Classic

I miss the old days… And I’m not the only one. NCsoft has launched a “new” version of Aion, and by new I mean the classic Aion that was released back in 2009.

Relive an Age of Wonder

Although I have not actively participated in any online gaming since 2015, for some reason I immediately went to the official site and downloaded the NC Launcher. While I was there, I noticed that there was very little promotional material — a brief animation simply shows the title screen with a clock winding back. Apparently there are the basic core classes only, with the original content and dungeons. Yet some of this might be new to me, since I didn’t start playing Aion until it had been out there for a few years.

What to do… Can I make time for games again?

Raya and the Last Dragon

Looks like Disney is making good use of their time. Yesterday, while glancing through the news, I was surprised to see the trailer for a new animated movie set to release in 2021. Curious despite my disbelief, I watched. What followed was more surprise — and smooth graphics with great choreography reminiscent of a video game, rather than the fairytale-esque fare I’ve come to expect from Disney Studios.

edit: Original video clip not available — here’s a nice featurette instead (added 6/29/21).

I won’t make any judgements about the story yet. Can’t wait to see this new feature next Spring!

Guild Wars 2 Third Expansion 2021

Cantha concept art

As I live and breathe, I do believe that I will see Shing Jea Monastery again…! Back in March 2020, ArenaNet confirmed that they’re working on a third expansion.

Then on August 25th, 2020 (Guild Wars 2’s 8th birthday), they released a trailer listing 2021 as the launch date. Not much else is known about the expansion at this point, but long-time fans will recognize some familiar territory. Nostalgia, be still. There are still many months to go.

Other news for November of this year involve a Steam release. Although this may be very cool news to people who love sharing on Steam, veteran players who launch from GW2 directly should be wary. There is no way to convert existing accounts, so if you have characters that you’re dearly attached to it’s best to stick with your current launch client.

Also, there are underwater mounts! Can’t speak from personal experience yet, but it looks like a good way to bypass those pesky nagas.

Pucca and Garu

Garu practices his running skills

Pucca and Garu are simple but cute characters from East Asia, as well as protagonists from a series called “Pucca: Love Recipe” — cooking + martial arts + romantic quandaries. The character Pucca first appeared in a series back in 2006, followed by a second season in 2008. Apparently the creators decided to revisit the Pucca Universe and wrote a third season, released 2018-2019. By chance early this year, we found “Love Recipe” on Netflix.

I’ve watched most of the season, though I may have missed an episode here and there. Oddly neither Pucca nor Garu speak, yet somehow the show goes on. The rest of the cast of characters do help flesh out the narrative with their dialogue, so there’s a fairly normal amount of talking. If you feel like watching something lighthearted and silly, I see no reason not to check it out.

The Lifespan of a Dream

“I have a dream…!” Someone very famous once said. This man had a belief in his dream, and an intensity and drive to make it reality. One might say that his dream lives on today. Sometimes I think of people who have become legends and admire their strong qualities, the good they brought to the world, and the honor they brought to their tribes. And I look to the younger generation. The emerging heroes of our future must be there, hidden amongst their peers. Let the world’s need for you be the fuel that keeps your dream alive.

Perhaps the diversity of our society makes it harder to peg the “greats” of our time. We have days to honor mothers, presidents, saints, and war veterans. There is no day yet, on which we celebrate the unsung, unknown champions of our race. Whoever you are, we know you’re there. When your burden becomes heavy and those closest to you don’t “see” you, we know you’re there. Keep your dream alive.

note: Featured on Whisper of a Memory Legacy (3/15/2007).

Pinterest

Ji Kikotsu
“Protecting yourself is self-defense. Protecting others is warriorship.” ~ Unknown

In today’s world where so many things are connected, I find it refreshing to be able to say that I don’t participate in social media. And yet, as someone who tends a blog, it doesn’t entirely make sense. Here’s my middle ground: I have a Pinterest account! I can freely save images that interest me and have others view my collections, without having to overshare my personal life.

Also, lest I give the wrong impression, I have yet to return to Guild Wars 2. I’ve logged in, claimed a storage panel (6^^), and taken a screenshot. The book is not forever closed, but I’m not decided yet on what future games look like for me.

More updates as time and energy allow! And Happy New Year to you!

Extra Life – Play Games – Heal Kids

Extra Life

November 2nd is national Game Day! I never realized there was such a thing until a close friend of mine who has been playing Guild Wars 2 lately mentioned something about it. Apparently when you login to the game, there’s an event announcement for Extra Life 2019. This event highlights a new mission for ArenaNet — it’s about giving our kids a safe place to play, and helping kids that need medical care. Follow the link to read more about Team ArenaNet and their contribution to the Children’s Miracle Network.

It looks like joining Extra Life is mainly for gamers who stream — if that’s not you, there are still ways to help. You can simply donate to a fundraiser participant, or directly to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

And if you’d rather contribute through the Guild Wars 2 game itself, there are Black Lion Trading Post donation items available. Each purchase helps Team ArenaNet reach their fundraising goal.

Extra Life Donation Bundle:

  • Mini Guardian Angel Aurene
  • 5 x Extra Life Karma Boosters
  • 5 x Temporary Selfless Potions

Also, players will receive an achievement and title called “The Extra Life” for logging in between October 25th and November 4th. Read the official Guild Wars 2 News and Announcements page to see the details.