Use the Falchion

Waiting for Expansion Pass Wave 4 of Fire Emblem Engage to drop before I start a new playthrough. (Wave 3 drops this upcoming week, and Wave 4 is theorized to drop in early-April.) Currently just grinding for supports on Playthrough 2. I also started a playthrough of Fates Revelation that I was really excited about last week (so excited that I planned out two playthroughs!), but all motivation just seems to have disappeared since then. It's weird too, since I got most of the terrible Early-Game maps out of the way, so there's nothing holding me back. Maybe I'll jump back into Mass Effect 2 to romance Miranda, but I'm not missing the game either... I'm hoping to buy a PS5 over Spring Break, so maybe Horizon: Forbidden West or Hogwarts Legacy or even Forspoken will keep me occupied, but until then, I don't know what to play...then again, until this upcoming Friday, I probably won't have the time or energy to play much of anything anyways... Bah, I'll just read a book. EDIT: I ended up downloading some Fates and Echoes: Shadows of Valentia DLC before it's gone from the 3DS eShop and ended up playing some of the latter. It was a fun throwback, considering that I haven't really played SoV since 2017.

Defiant! I think that's the best cover since Skyward.

How do you like it so far? It's a game I've been looking forward to getting and playing once I get a PS5! (Which should be happening this month!) Finished my first playthrough of Fire Emblem Engage this morning. My initial impressions are the same to my ending ones for the most part - this is a Saturday Morning cartoon of a game that wraps the soul of Awakening through the lens of Fates with some of the best gameplay the series has seen. For fans of the 3DS era, this game is a MUST BUY. For fans of Three Houses, this game is a "take it or leave it," as it's very antithetical to Three Houses by design. Solid 8.75/10. I S-Supported Yunaka, but since several of the supports had romance taken out due to localization issues (as in, most of the cast is underage), her paired ending with Alear, despite the supports and confessions leaning romantic, was completely platonic. No Me Gusta. I've started Playthrough 2 today in order to romance Ivy (properly this time rather than just a save-scum file) and use different characters. After that, I'll take a break until more DLC drops, and then I'll play as F!Alear (aka Allriane) and romance Alfred.

I noticed that too, but I'm not entirely sure either. Maybe we both missed something when he slipped it in, but it might just be a goof.

Fire Emblem Engage now that it's out. The game is like a Saturday Morning Cartoon, and I love it for that.

It was actually the moment where Christina hears the audio of the interview with the scientist! I think I thought it was going to go where someone else was looking into it and forgotten, but it turned into that she had forgotten the interview and the musician. I honestly thought it was going to play a larger role than it did.

Just finished! Gonna be honest, I like this more than Secret Project 1. I need to reread the graphic novel now, because this was a blast. I've heard Dan's stuff before, but this novella cements that Dan is exactly the type of author Brandon needs as a collaborator and second brain IMO. Dan is a master of auditory stories. Zero-G was delightful, and I can't wait for more, and Dark One: Forgotten is exactly what I've been looking for in Brandon's auditory works. As much as audiophile and music lover that I am (I literally cannot live without it), I'm not a giant fan of audiobooks. I don't like it when stories are read to me, as I want to experience them, if that makes sense. Sanderson's auditory works always feel like books being read to me, rather than me experiencing the story. But Dan's stories are different. Between the full voice acting, the in-world audio cues and sound effects, and the snappy dialogue, even if there is a narrator (as is the case with the Zero-G books), I never feel like the story is just being told to me. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, the voice acting feels authentic and very natural, and the tension is built up well in all of Wells' stories. But onto the story itself: Dark One: Forgotten is a supernatural murder mystery and it shines in this area. I loved the procedural aspects of it, and the two main leads were quite fun characters. One part of the story (that is woefully undeveloped IMO) gave me literal chills, and the tension was great. The dialogue was snappy and pretty realistic (which makes me wonder about the writing process), and I could easily see the story play out in my mind. The real-world references were really fun, including those that I could personally relate to such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Criminal Minds, and the unnamed Avengers reference. My one downside is the ending. The ending isn't bad, but it's not as snappy as other endings. I feel like it sort of breaks Sanderson's First Law, but does so in a way that we're supposed to question...which is fine, but having to wait until 2025 to see said question be answered IMO isn't going to be a fun wait... Overall, I think this story was a great and fun read for fans of Sanderson and Dark One, and a very soothing piece for those worried about what Dan will do to Sanderson's stories and brand. Dark One is a smaller Sanderson property that, despite the fact that it hasn't lived up to the potential that Brandon sees in it, still has that potential. I think he should be focusing more on this than any more Legion stories. Fortunately, between the second volume of the graphic novel and the novel itself coming out in the relatively near future (I'd say 2024 for the GN and 2025 for the novelization), I think there's a good chance that we'll see some genuine growth in the series. 8.75/10.

Whichever song is in your head and won't allow you to go to sleep.

There wasn't a thread for this yet, so here it is! I'm almost two hours into the story so far, but those who have finished, feel free to post thoughts below!

Since I can't name just one, I'll do it by category and for things releasing in 2023 proper, not things that I need to get to in 2023. Shows: Ahsoka, Secret Invasion (MCU), Echo (MCU). I'm also excited for the Gotham Knights CW show - not relation to the game - because it's going to be a hot mess and want to be there for every second of this trainwreck. Movies: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is my most hyped movie, but I have a LOT of other movies I'm excited for: John Wick 4, Fast & Furious 10, Aquaman 10, Creed 3, The Little Mermaid remake, Dune Part 2, Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1, etc. If they all fire on all cylinders, this is going to be a phenomenal year for the action/adventure/superhero box office. Games: Fire Emblem Engage, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (my most hyped right now), Insomniac's Spider-Man 2. Forspoken also makes the list, but I'm very cautious about it, so it's a step below the other games. Books: Secret Project 3, Defiant, and maybe Dragonsteel Prime. Empire of Ruin by Django Wexler probably should be on the list, but I need to finish the Infernal Campaigns series, and then do his YA series, and then start the Burningblade & Silvereye trilogy proper, of which this book is the finale off. I'm still waiting for the second book in the Glass Immortals series by Brian McClellan, but I'm pretty convinced that won't come out until 2024. (Maybe if it comes out during Stormlight Season (aka the preview chapter period of Stormlight), Brandon can promote Brian's book and ask fans to check out the series.) Comics - Superman Action Comics post-Issue 1050. I loved reading Superman's Warworld story in December, and I'm curious about how the reset will affect the story going forward. I also hope the twins stay around for a while. If Dark One Volume 2 was to come out this year, I'd add it to the list. Manga - Usually a discovery, but I've heard of a manga called Clock Striker, which has shonen manga's first black female protagonist reportedly, so I want to support it and check it out. Music - Always a discovery.

Ok, I've never heard of them but the fact that they're so prominent you had to exclude them from your song list intrigues me. They're a progressive rock (slash-Math Rock) band that was recommended by my brother-in-law AND one of my best friends separately, so I had to look them up. I heard G.O.A.T, and then O.D. and Goose, and I fell in love. And then they started releasing singles for their latest album (Remember That You Will Die), and it was masterpiece after masterpiece. It was like Band-Maid in 2020 all over again. (Also like Band-Maid, I'm not the biggest fan of their older stuff, but I'm happy it's there.)

Beat Xenoblade Chronicles 3 on December 31, and it was easily my GOTY. Now I'm just playing Three Houses (Blue Lions, M!Byleth, either romancing Hilda or Manuela [EDIT - I've decided on Manuela. Hilda will stay with Caspar as always]) until Fire Emblem Engage comes out. I should do Scarlet Blaze in Three Hopes, but I really don't care about Edelgard... (...and NG+ means I can cheese through most maps with half of my cast, given that I recruited everyone during Azure Gleam...) I also have Pokemon Scarlet since I want to wait until I have a new computer before playing Infinite Fusion now, but I just beat Violet...decisions, decisions...

That's certainly controversial! What do you mean by gatekeeping? Because maybe there's a nicer way to put it and look at it? I'd say that guiding and assisting is necessary for a community at times, but gatekeeping never really is. I don't think I've been a fan of any community where gatekeeping - where saying "you MUST do things this way" or "you HAVE to do these things first" has been actually beneficial or positive. Gatekeeping also benefits those keeping the gates rather than the community at large IMO. If someone wants to try, say, a book series by your favorite author out, you can say "here's where I recommend starting and why, based on what you've said or not said," but saying "YOU NEED TO READ THIS FIRST OR YOU'RE NOT A REAL FAN" isn't where it's at. Anyways, my controversial opinion for the day - When an actor dies, a character doesn't have to die as well. There are several viable options on what to do. You can replace the actor and keep on going (Spartacus: Blood & Sand), you can finish the production and retire the character (Fast & Furious), you can CGI said character in (Rogue One). Killing off the character to "honor the actor" does nothing more than kill their legacy in most cases, and deny the fans of the character a chance to see said character live on in their imagination.

Unleash! The song has grown on me, as has the music video, but I had to listen to the song on its own for that to happen, weirdly enough. Ay Polkadot Stingray! I discovered them in 2022 and I've liked what I've heard. I haven't listen to this song yet, so I'll add it to the list!

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS! ...I just haven't been on the Shard long enough to look for it... Music 2022 let's go! Artist of the Year: Polyphia Retroactive 2021 Winner: Glass Animals (for "Gooey") Best Newly Discovered Bands: Polyphia Refeeld Otyken Polkadot Stingray Brasstracks Top Albums of 2022: Polyphia - Remember That You Will Die Meet Me @ The Altar - Model Citizen EP Utada Hikaru - Bad Mode Band-Maid - Unleash Against the Current - fever Best Music Videos: “群青讃歌” by Eve (Ultramarine Blue) 「私以外私じゃないの(Remix by PARKGOLF)」by ゲスの極み乙女 ("Nobody's (not) me except me)" by Gesu no Kiwami Otome) “Light Switch” by Charlie Puth “G.O.A.T.” “Neurotica,” “Playing God,” and “Ego Death” by Polyphia “From Now On” by Band-Maid “No Reason” by Bonobo “Storm” by Otyken "Heaven is Here" by Florence + the Machine Best Songs of the Year (Excluding Polyphia and songs mentioned elsewhere): “Sunset” by Plini and Tim Henson “Skipping on Rain Clouds” by Kerusu “The Other Side of Paradise” by Glass Animals “Elevate” by Papa Roach “Blasphemy” by Bring Me the Horizon “Now Or Never” by Meet Me @ the Altar “Ah Yeah” by Robert Glasper “Indigo” by Niki “Die Young” by DJ Fixx “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic “SOAP! Ft Vicki Vox” by This Song is Such a Classic “Say U Won’t” by Brasstracks “Peru” by Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran “Love Nwantiti” by CKay “Max’s Garden” and “Asmo” by Loafy Building Songs I Want to Sing in Choir: "IDK + So Good" by Tye Tribbett "Great God" by LXW Workout Songs: “N95” by Kendrick Lamar “What A Life” by Big Sean "Survivor" by Desiigner Songs that say MOOD: "Clouds" and "Castles" by Paper Idol "Earl Grey" by F.N. "Dreamland" by Glass Animals "First Fires" by Bonobo ft. Grey Reverend "No Reason" by Bonobo "Numb & Getting Colder" by Flume "I spoke to the devil in Miami" by XXXTentacion "Oceans (Philosophical Sessions" by Jacob Lee "Swim" by Chase Atlantic Best Cover Artists: Brasstracks (XO Lif3 Tour, What's Next) Christina Rotondo (Paramore and BMTH covers - special honors to "My Heart" by Paramore and "Parasite Eve" by BMTH)

I don't like Michael Kramer and Kate Reading. When I try to listen to them, I fall asleep, which is the exact opposite of how I want to be when listening to a book.

I saw it the night of release and I haven't seen it sense. I was personally hoping that T'Challa would be recast after his unfortunate passing, as I believe that while there may be a best person to play a superhero, they don't own the role. Chadwick brought T'Challa to life, and it was a shame to see the character die with him as well. The movie only reinforced this belief, as I found it to be a great tribute wrapped in a mediocre movie. Namor wasn't the villain Shuri needed, nor was the plot interested in answering all of the questions it asked or themes it brought up. (I.e. Shuri makes a plea to Bast at the beginning of the movie - one we've all sort of made when we're believers or in a crisis - and it isn't answered. She then derides her mother's spiritual experience a little while later. But neither of these are brought up again, as if the question of whether or not their god truly cares or if there are spirits after death can or should be answered...despite Wakanda LITTERALLY HAVING AN ANCESTRAL PLANE FOR THE FORMER LEADERS AND BLACK PANTHERS.) Riri Williams was a nice addition and solidly acted but far too goofy for the somber tone of the movie. Namor was well done, but he couldn't quite needle the thread between understanding antagonist and crazy villain. And don't even get me started on the final fight or the pacing (especially towards the end). All of that said, I loved the focus on the women of Wakanda in this movie and the soundtrack was solid. I do hope that when I revisit this movie, I can do so after a few more MCU movies come out so I can see the movie in context and with a greater appreciation - I want this movie to age like Age of Ultron has IMO.

Bittersweet but not surprising. I'd rather wait than rush it. Besides, 2023 is going to be PACKED in terms of entertainment anyways; and this will give us all more to look forward to in 2024! Anyways, Andor is a mostly great with one major but understandable flaw to me. Andor is easily the most cinematic thing in Start Wars since TLJ (standouts being "The Eye" and "One Way Out,") and one of the unquestionably good choices by Lucasfilm since JFO. Andor reminds me a lot of Game of Thrones in its prime (I haven't watched HotD), where sometimes the most interesting scene in an episode would be two characters simply talking. The ability to have that be such a tense and engaging scene is a rare and powerful thing. But Andor misses one of the key aspects of Star Wars IMO - hope. Star Wars always has hope, and Andor doesn't really. Andor isn't about hope, it's about revenge, justice, and retribution. It's about making things right, not making them good, if that makes sense. And yes, I get that Andor (both the character and the show) need to get to a place where they have hope, as this is the first step on the journey, but that understanding doesn't make it better. Anyways, Andor's one of my top shows of the year and I can't wait to see what my dad thinks about it.

Rotating between Pokemon Violet, Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation, and KOTOR on my iPad. In Violet I have three badges, have beaten three of the Titans, and have done one of the Starfall raids. Once I finish the game I'm going to play a rom-hack called Pokemon Infinite Fusion before heading into Pokemon Scarlet. In Fates Revelation, I have one final character to recruit and then I should have everyone but Flora (whose recruitment is weird) and Rhajat (who I'm not getting this playthrough). Then I need to buy Conquest on my Birthright save, buy some of the DLC classes, finish some of my quirky builds, and we'll call it a day. (I don't plan on revisiting Fates until LONG after Engage comes out.) In KOTOR I just finished Taris and am at the Jedi Temple. I'm going for a full Light Side playthrough and Bastilla romance if possible.

Congrats!

Crackpot Theory: Dalinar dies in Book 5 doing weird stuff, and the Stormfather is killed. Dalinar becomes [Stormlight Kickstarter Spoilers] In order to save the Stormfather, Sigzil uses a Dawnshard, expecting his Oaths to overpower any problems. They don't, and his Spren is killed in a weird way. But the Stormfather is revived and now bound to Sigzil. Maybe that's how he can use Connection? ...yeah, not likely. Still, I do think there's a kernel of something in this theory... Or maybe instead of the Stormfather, Sigzil hilariously bonds Ishar instead? Or a potentially simpler solution: Sigzil's Spren is supercharged by the Dawnshard and becomes something more, like the Cognitive Shadow equivalent of a mortal picking up a Shard and Ascending. However, this was reaching dangerous levels, and so Sigzil ended his Oaths. This...didn't have the effect either wanted or predicted, and it resulted in Sigzil's Torment and Auxillary's weird state.

Great interview! For stuff I'd like to see in future Cytoverse books, the top thing would probably be more human civilizations. These were teased in Skyward (not intentionally, but as a logical conclusion when it came to worldbuilding) and explicitly mentioned in Starsight, but we haven't seen any yet. I'd love to see these in a future book!

While I also think that Dalinar is a Dawnshard holder (or rather, is becoming a Dawnshard*), I don't think that the "we killed you" points to that. I think Rayse's rant still has to do with Honor and his death and his Cognitive Shadow and power. Although that does raise (heh) an interesting theory - what if one or more of the Heralds helped splinter Honor, and that's part of why they're all insane now? *My crackpot theory is that Ba-Ado-Mishram is/was a Dawnshard and but since she's trapped (and Unmade), the power of a Dawnshard and its Spiritual component sought out a new host in the form of Dalinar. (My other Crackpot theory is that Lift may also be or hold a Dawnshard.)

RAFO on Lirin, but he does get some light shed on his view of things later on in the book. But the gist of it is that Lirin is a broken man who is trying to protect who he loves in a broken way. In a very similar way to how Kaladin has trouble letting go of people and accepting their own decisions, Lirin has trouble letting Kaladin accept his choices, and it's worse because it's a son he's failed to protect once before. Lirin and Kaladin's disagreements are also fundamental to the core message of the story, or at least what I personally found the core message of the story to be in 2020. Personally, I find Lirin to be a bit more nuanced than what other people see. Maybe that's because I never disliked him (most of Kaladin's Oaths from the first two books are based off of what Lirin taught him after all), maybe it's because I never had to worry about having a relationship with my own father like one Kaladin has with Lirin - my father is my top fan and supporter in life, and he's the first person I go to when I'm troubled or have a problem. My point is that it's fine to hate Lirin, as I think doing so means that Sanderson did a good job in writing him. At the same time, I don't think that Lirin is a bad person or even a bad father overall. (And honestly, he's one of the best fathers Sanderson has written, despite the flaws...that being said, the bar for good fathers is pretty low...) Like Kaladin, he's on a journey, and it's far from over.

I was able to get the book a tad earlier than I probably was supposed to, but I asked and received! Overall, I liked this book! It made me genuinely laugh at times. It also felt incredibly short compared to the other Alcatraz books*, which made me feel like something was missing.** But the change of pace and quick pacing were appreciated, and I'm happy that we got to see the ending from Bastille's point of view. I will say that the "skip to the end of the book" gag was not as well placed this time around. I tried it and slightly spoiled myself instead of receiving the punchline of a funny joke. Overall, this was a quick and breezy read, worth the time, but not one I'll probably go back to visit a lot. I do think that this book laid the groundwork for Janci and Brandon's Skyward stuff, and I'm excited to see where their collaborations go in the future. *That being said, I read 2-3 Alcatraz books a day when I first read them, so who am I to judge? **I think this was Alcatraz himself, and this was intentional. That doesn't fix the feeling, but it does explain it to me.