Social NintenZone Social 4 - Bring It In, Guys!

[CyberHyperPhoenix]

YES! OUR FOXTEL PLAN HAS ESPN2!

WE OUT OF THIS TWITCH PLACE BOYS

 

[Coricus]

Let me ask everyone here:

1) What qualities do you personally look for in a good main protagonist?
2) What do you think distinguishes a good main protagonist from a bad main protagonist?
3) Who is your favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?
4) Who is your least favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?

Just thought I'd create start some discussion for once and see how it goes.

To start the ball rolling for people answering because I'm legitimately curious on this. . .I wouldn't know because my tastes are trash.

I guess I feel a character is good if they don't just go all "blah" and through the motions with how they act. If they have a personality, if you can get a feel for what they like and dislike without just taking a shot in the dark.

Like, as far as Smash goes, for example, someone like Mario is kind of a blank slate, but with someone like Sonic or Pit if you've played their games and read up on them you get kind of a feel for what they do in their spare time and how they act around different types of people. It's not just "oh, I exist" with them.

Of course, there's also a matter of whether or not their judgement calls are completely stupid or not, but that's more on a case-by-case basis.

I have too hard of a time narrowing down favorites and if I had a least favorite they probably left so little of an impression that I forgot about them already, so *shrug*.

 

[Soul.]

Great set. Congrats to Hbox! R E S T B O Y S

Armada though, FeelsBadMan. He did pretty good.

Time to see if SFV is as emotional as USFIV last year.

 

[ElectroLightning]

Sorry, I can name four animal species that much dumber than humans that are widely known by most zoologists.

Pandas, kakapos, cane toads, and turkeys are easily the less intelligent animals on this planet. That's right, these four animals are in actuality dumber than even smallest insects because of their weak thinking capacity or poor diet (in the panda's case).

Wild Turkey are actually one the smartest birds in North America. 4th I think, but domestic turkeys suck.

 

[AreJay25]

Bob returns to Tekken 7.

Looks like he just came back from vacation.

Edit:

And I guess Raven's been replaced lol

 

[CyberHyperPhoenix]

EVO Japan = RIP US Players

 

[Chrono.]

Bob is back, as well as a new character.

 

[IceBreakerXY]

Champ Gold
@SMX

Draft rules were revealed.

Spoiler

So 6 NXT guys will get called up.

Balor,Bayley,American alpha,Austin Aries,Tye Dillinger. There probably the most likely to be called up. Especially balor and bayley who at this point just need to walk around wearing "we're leaving" signs around there necks

 

[AreJay25]

Juri is the next DLC character for SFV. To be released by the end of the month.

... So expect her in August.

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

Sorry, I can name four animal species that much dumber than humans that are widely known by most zoologists.

Pandas, kakapos, cane toads, and turkeys are easily the less intelligent animals on this planet. That's right, these four animals are in actuality dumber than even smallest insects because of their weak thinking capacity or poor diet (in the panda's case).

Kaola's are the dumbest animal I think

They eat a food that's poisonous...even to them

And they don't realize that the leaves they eat ARE leaves unless they pick it from the tree themselves

 

[Volga]

Bob is back, as well as a new character.

This makes me wonder what happened to the other Raven.
this is Eddy/Christie all over again. she looks cooler than those 2 though.

 

[SegaNintendoUbisoft]

Let me ask everyone here:

1) What qualities do you personally look for in a good main protagonist?
2) What do you think distinguishes a good main protagonist from a bad main protagonist?
3) Who is your favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?
4) Who is your least favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?

Just thought I'd create start some discussion for once and see how it goes.

1.) Personally, I want a protagonist to be someone who you can identify with. They have positives, but also some flaws. One of Pixar's rules to storytelling says it best "you should admire a character more for trying than for their successes.

2.) I think the difference between a good protagonist and a bad protagonist depends on their likeability and relatability. If you can't relate or like a protagonist, they may be seen as a bad one. Though in some cases, this is subjective.

3.) If it hasn't been made clear already, I love Sonic as a character. Sure he doesn't have a compelling backstory, but he doesn't need one. He's cocky, impatient, and a bit short-tempered, but he's always willing to help those in need. He may not take things seriously most of the time, but he knows when a situation is serious. He follows by his own rules, and fights for what he believes in, even it could be considered "bad". This cutscene from Sonic and the Black Knight around the 16 second mark perfectly explains it.

4.) It honestly takes a lot for me to downright hate a character, let alone a protagonist. But if I had to pick one, it would be Tatsumi from Akame Ga Kill. I didn't hate him, but he certainly didn't interest me. I was more intrigued with the other characters, even though I know we're supposed to focus on him.

 

[Chrono.]

Balor,Bayley,American alpha,Austin Aries,Tye Dillinger. There probably the most likely to be called up. Especially balor and bayley who at this point just need to walk around wearing "we're leaving" signs around there necks

Balor had his "goodbye" match with Nakamura and hasn't been on tapings since so I think he's a lock. Bayley's probably one too. Tye because they need lower card guys. I can also see them calling up Nia Jax (though I'd like Alexa),

My wildcards for those 6 is either Mojo Rawley (been working with the main roster on house shows) or Billie Kay (wrestled on Smackdown).

 

[Champ Gold]

*Muffled Sounds of Silence plays in the distance*

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

Bob is back, as well as a new character.

Female Raven?

This is my new favorite character

 

[NonSpecificGuy]

I just gotta say I rewatched Iron Man 1; now you can not like Marvel movies or whatever but I don't think anyone can deny that the first Iron Man is a phenomenal movie. Superhero movie or otherwise.

 

[CyberHyperPhoenix]

EXCELENT ADVENTURES OF GOOTECKS AND MIKE ROSS ON ESPN WHEN?!?!?!?

 

[Chrono.]

I'm watching EVO on ESPN.

Those are words I never thought I'd type.

 

[CyberHyperPhoenix]

This intro is hype af.

We made it boys.

 

[ChikoLad]

Let me ask everyone here:

1) What qualities do you personally look for in a good main protagonist?
2) What do you think distinguishes a good main protagonist from a bad main protagonist?
3) Who is your favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?
4) Who is your least favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?

Just thought I'd create start some discussion for once and see how it goes.

Just keep in mind that for each answer, I'm not trying to portray that "this is the only way to do it". There's many ways to go about good and bad protagonists, and the good and bad ways really depend on the kind of story/genre you want to write, as well as the medium. I'm also being a bit brief here.

1) I like main protagonists that feel like they have a background to them. Doesn't have to be super detailed and there can be mystery to it, but I like feeling like they come from somewhere, as it makes them easier to relate to. They should also have lessons to learn, but also lessons to teach others (both other characters, and the reader/audience/player/etc). I also think it's good to give them some "normal" interests, even if they star in the most bonkers, over the top production. Like "oh hey, he's a guy that's tasked with fighting menacing demons with his superpowers - but he also likes to play basketball, and he works as a carpenter when things are quiet". Again, it adds to them being someone you can relate to. In more over the top, fictional stuff, like superhero comics or fantasy anime or anything like that, the main character should feel powerful, but not infallible. If they are invincible, then there is no weight to the challenges they overcome. The main character has to feel like they are always taking on greater challenges in stories like this, and their abilities should be applied in interesting ways that don't get repetitive. Main protagonists should also have a strong sense of identity - outside of just selling the merchandise, a strong sense of identity from the main character can help convey what your story is about. Like a clumsy or mischievous main character portrays your series is more comical, for example.

2) For at least some of the points I mentioned above, I do feel doing the opposite is strictly a bad thing unless it's a case of being a work of satire. Definitely avoid making a character totally unlikable, as I won't root for someone I don't like. Definitely avoid making them super powerful with no real challenge to overcome, because then there's no tension. Definitely make sure their abilities are used in interesting ways and put to the test. I don't want to see a character win the same old strategy or OP move every single time. And in general, a main protagonist should feel like part of the world, unless you are going for the opposite extreme where they are stuck on an alien planet and they have to adapt (in which case it's fine if they come off as a bit detached, as we can relate to that in this context). Also, while you can't make a main character too OP with no challenges, it's also bad if the main character feels like they are one-upped by every other character. They have to feel significant.

3) Sonic, mainly because of the fact he ticks all of the boxes in point one in his best portrayals, and partly just because he's been there in my life for so long. I can legitimately say that Sonic's existence has played a large role in my life. Not just the existence of his games, I mean the character and the way he is, what he represents and the messages he conveys. I cannot imagine what the franchise would be like or indeed, my own life, if his general character had even been slightly different, let alone effectively a different character.

For a non-video game example, I think Koro-Sensei from Assassination Classroom is an excellent main protagonist. You get the impression he's way too powerful at first for a main character, but then you realise that his main challenge comes in reaching his students and his subordinates. He may be a super being, but that isn't gonna help him teach the E-Class. And even on the note of his powers and abilities, those do end up being challenged by various rival characters, and even the class he is trying to teach come within literal inches of killing him. They are also challenged in situations where he can't use an ability for a particular reason. And he teaches his class and the audience so much about life. He's also relatable in that he has a lot of normal interests, like cleaning, fine cuisine, and even his fetish for big boobs can be argued as something makes him easier to relate to. He's an overall really well rounded protagonist, and very likable.

4) To be honest, I can't go so far as to say there is a particular protagonist I hate that much. I'm gonna say that I don't think Mario is a very good protagonist, though. It isn't because I hate him, though. My reason for this is because while he does have a few traits that should make him relatable and should help flesh him out, they are so rarely displayed I forget they exist, which means he lacks a sense of identity. Furthermore, pretty much every other Mario character is better than Mario. While characterisation preference is a matter of a opinion, the fact is that Mario's main ability is jumping - something every other playable character in his series can do, and they all have unique powers and better stats that make them feel strictly superior to Mario when I play as them.

So when I see stuff like Mario Galaxy, where Rosalina arbitrarily has to not use her own god tier powers to deal with the situation with a swish and a flick, just so she can tell Mario that he has to save the day, I CAN'T get invested in Mario as a character. I feel less like he's taking on a big challenge, and more like everyone is staging everything for him so he can be the "big hero", and it takes me out of it. I sit here wishing someone else was the main character because there are way cooler characters and I want to use their powers and they have more interesting personalities (and in Rosalina's case, a back story I can strongly connect with).

And most of all, in contrast to Sonic, I would have enjoyed Mario games just as much, if not more, if the main protagonist was different. He's not at all a factor in why I enjoy the games. I don't hate him and I find him goofy enough and fun to impersonate, but that's about it. Mario is only able to be revered as "one of the greatest gaming characters/icons" because of seniority, because he came when the industry was blank. If he made his debut today though, I don't think he'd get very popular at all. He'd have way more interesting characters to compete with, like Shovel Knight, and he would be grouped with generic mobile game mascots and what not that are so common these days.

And for the record, this isn't a case of bias or me not having Mario in my life long enough. I only got heavily into Sonic when Sonic Heroes came out (before that I played a bit of Sonic 1 at a neighbours, and watched a bit of AoStH because I had a video tape of it). On the other hand, Super Mario Bros. was the first video game I ever played, and Super Mario Land and it's sequel were two of my favourite games for my Game Boy growing up. I even had a Pinball game for the Game Boy with Mario in it, I had Dr. Mario, and I had the Game & Watch Gallery that had the Mario remakes of Game & Watch games, which I generally liked more than the originals. So Mario has been with me way longer than Sonic. I'm also wearing a Super Mario t-shirt right now. But like I said, Mario himself was never part of why I enjoyed his games, and every other one of his friends were more interesting to me.

 

[Champ Gold]

WE SPORTSCENTER NOW

BA NANANA NANANA

 

[Erureido]

Great to see Bob is returning for Tekken 7. He was one of my favorite characters to play as.

Master Raven looks pretty cool. I like the whole sci-fi ninja aspect going for her (and I love having ninjas in fighting games). I have a feeling she could be Raven's daughter.

Also, here are Bob and Master Raven's reveal trailers for those that missed out.

 

[Aetheri]

I guess I was mistaken about Pokemon Go not being compatible with my phone (since that's what it frikkin told me, as opposed to saying 'It's not available in your area,' way to almost make me buy a new phone!!)...

anyways...decided to give it a try so I went for a nice hour long stroll after installing it...(after an hour of trying to find a name since everything I tried was already taken)

Caught quite a few pokemon actually...
Zubat, Spearow, Pidgey, Weedle, and Paras...
constantly taunted by nearby Krabby's and Shellder's....even Jigglypuffs and Meowths appeared...

Currently still at Level 3 while my strongest pokemon is a CP 45 Spearow...

I could make a habit of playing every morning, gets some decent exercise in as well as wakes me up before work...shame this wasn't available earlier today as I had some decent routes planned...

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

I literally JUST got my strongest pokemon by evolving my third eevee

It's a level 1012 vaporeon

My top 3 pokemon are all eevee's evolutions.

Then a sandshrew

 

[Volga]

This intro is hype af.

We made it boys.

I'm gonna hope someone posts that Rap on youtube.
dat fire

 

[Deleted member]

Let me ask everyone here:

1) What qualities do you personally look for in a good main protagonist?
2) What do you think distinguishes a good main protagonist from a bad main protagonist?
3) Who is your favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?
4) Who is your least favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?

Just thought I'd create start some discussion for once and see how it goes.

Spoiler

1-They need to be an enjoyable character, it's the guy we'll be seeing for god knows how long but it'll surely be the most time out of anyone in the series.
Give me a reason as to why THEY are the protagonist and not someone else, why are we watching this from their perspective after all?
And most importantly, they have to be relatable, they can have whatever characteristics the wroters want as long as they have flaws and feel human

2-Well, this ties a little to the first part but simply put, a bad protagonist is someone the audience can't relate to, the worst offender to this are the "edgy" protagonists, I can't watch something if not even the main character doesn't give a ****. This can be worked into some character development but some shows have proven that to not be the case(*cough*SAO*cough)

3-Favorite main protagonist? That's hard.
Not because there are a lot I like but because most are either bland or don't stand out too much, most of the time the supporting cast takes the spotlight.
I'd say it's either Joseph from JJBA for being the opposite of his grandfather(who was 'the classic hero'); Josuke also from JJBA for being an extremely caring person that gets angered by those who offend him, his friends or, especially, his hair and for also having a great sense of style; Midorya "Deku" from BnHA for, while having a lot of Shonen protag characteristics, being really relatable by being just some kid that wants to realize his dream despite not being born able to do it; and Oz Vessalius from Pandora Hearts for being able to keep a smile despite everything that happens around him and being so loyal that he usually ignores reasoning for it
Shoutout to the last one because it got me by surprise on how enjoyable he is and is the main reason I'm reading the manga
And also, don't mess with his friends

Spoiler

4-I already mentioned Kirito with SAO but I also really despise the usual shonen protagonists and that includes the most famous ones like Goku, Naruto and Luffy, they're boring and that's all I need to put them with the likes of KIRITO

 

[Chrono.]

Some post I saw.

GG: here's dizzy for free!
Tekken: guess what? bob and master raven!
KoF: look! a story trailer, the trailer for our new baddie and a demo for everyone on tuesday!
SF: **** you pay me

Sigh.

Spoiler

SFV is still a pretty cool game, but man there's already $55 worth of DLC if you buy both passes and the game hasn't even been out for a year and barely half a year.

Then there's how there's DLC not even included in either pass.

Just feels tiring.

 

[Champ Gold]

We got a Tekken 7 ad on freaking ESPN

 

[Chrono.]

Side note: Holy crap, the ESPN2 salt on Twitter is hilarious.

Why is there Final Fantasy on ESPN 2?

— Aaron Pennington (@MAPennington5) July 18, 2016

ESPN 2 is currently showing a video game competition. Call me old school, but that doesn't belong on the worldwide leader in...SPORTS!

— Alex Bertolotti (@alexbmusic) July 18, 2016

There's way more but I can't post it due to bad language.

 

[Schnee117]

Let me ask everyone here:

1) What qualities do you personally look for in a good main protagonist?
2) What do you think distinguishes a good main protagonist from a bad main protagonist?
3) Who is your favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?
4) Who is your least favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?

Just thought I'd create start some discussion for once and see how it goes.

Spoiler

1. I'm usually after them having some actual personality beyond being the main protagonist. They also need some kind of charisma to them that makes them enjoyable, especially if they're a protagonist that acts like a **** to others. I also like them to be competent whilst showing signs of improvement so it's a character that's enjoyable to watch grow.
I do like characters I can relate to on some level as well.

2. Bad main protagonists for me end up being completely bland and near unrelatable with a distinct lack of charisma. I don't want protagonists that give watching paint dry a run for it's money in blandness on top of being ridiculously powerful (Saitama from OPM) or incompetent to the point of being painful (Ash in B/W).

3. It's hard to pick favourites really so notable main protagonists I like:
Steve Rogers (MCU) - He's that scrawny pathetic kid to start with that's bullied until he's given a chance because someone sees all of the good in him. He's willing to sacrifice himself for others, particularly his friends who he will defend to the last breath. He refuses to give up when nearly beaten ("I can do this all day") but that's also a flaw that will get him killed someday. He's a natural leader with all the goods and bads of being a leader whilst still just being a "regular" guy at heart (Start of Winter Soldier when he's running with Sam).

Weiss Schnee and Blake Belladonna (RWBY) - I can relate to both of these characters fairly well and that gets very personal.

4. Again some notable examples.
Kirito (SAO) - Gary Stu the character. When the only people capable of harming him are those with access to developer tools there's a problem. All sense of danger is lost when Episode 4 had him stand there unaffected by an assault from multiple players. He's also really, really bland. As in watching paint dry levels of bland.

Roy (Fire Emblem) - Really bland. There's little that needs be said here. His character is just dull and unrelatable.

Kratos (God of War) - "RAWR THE GODS MADE ME MAD! I WILL GET REVENGE!" That's Kratos in a nutshell pretty much. Completely unrelatable at the moment (GoW4 at least looks to change that) because he's some really angry guy that can kill Gods. He's a complete **** and lacks any charisma.

 

[Champ Gold]

Side note: Holy crap, the ESPN2 salt on Twitter is hilarious.

Why is there Final Fantasy on ESPN 2?

— Aaron Pennington (@MAPennington5) July 18, 2016

ESPN 2 is currently showing a video game competition. Call me old school, but that doesn't belong on the worldwide leader in...SPORTS!

— Alex Bertolotti (@alexbmusic) July 18, 2016

There's way more but I can't post it due to bad language.

I wonder if you see this much ******** if it was LoL, DOTA, CoD or Starcraft

 

[Wario Bros.]

I can't stop watching the Eyedol trailer. He looks friggin' beast!

Too bad he won't be silly like he was in his classic series ending:

(Note his ending is a parody of both musician Billy Idol & Blanka's Street Fighter II ending)

 

[Champ Gold]

REAL AMERICAN HERO


LI JOE

 

[Chrono.]

LI Joe moves forward.

Murrica F Yeah.

 

[IceBreakerXY]

Balor had his "goodbye" match with Nakamura and hasn't been on tapings since so I think he's a lock. Bayley's probably one too. Tye because they need lower card guys. I can also see them calling up Nia Jax (though I'd like Alexa),

My wildcards for those 6 is either Mojo Rawley (been working with the main roster on house shows) or Billie Kay (wrestled on Smackdown).

idk if nia jax is ready for the main roster.She has the look and has no doubt earned it im just ify on her.Also isnt billie kay even on NXT or is she in there developmental program still

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Joe is the hero we need.

Joe, do it for your dad.

 

[CyberHyperPhoenix]

Side note: Holy crap, the ESPN2 salt on Twitter is hilarious.

Why is there Final Fantasy on ESPN 2?

— Aaron Pennington (@MAPennington5) July 18, 2016

ESPN 2 is currently showing a video game competition. Call me old school, but that doesn't belong on the worldwide leader in...SPORTS!

— Alex Bertolotti (@alexbmusic) July 18, 2016

There's way more but I can't post it due to bad language.

The same people who are complaining about SFV on ESPN2 are the same people who switchedon said channel to sit on their asses and watch Baseball

 

[PushDustIn]

The New Hampshire Police Used Pokémon GO To Lure Fugitives To Their Headquarters https://t.co/Yggvhhi9IS pic.twitter.com/r33cdc4oHk

— My Nintendo News (@MyNintendoNews) July 17, 2016

I suppose that's one way to catch them all.

The article really should be titled, "Manchester Police Department Promotes Names of Wanted Fugitives using Latest Craze" but I guess that would be too long

 

[Volga]

Let me ask everyone here:

1) What qualities do you personally look for in a good main protagonist?
2) What do you think distinguishes a good main protagonist from a bad main protagonist?
3) Who is your favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?
4) Who is your least favorite main protagonist in a work of fiction (video game/book/movie/TV show/anime/etc.) and why?

Just thought I'd create start some discussion for once and see how it goes.

oh boy! I don't think I can make paragraphs about this but i'll answer (in terms of anime) anywho.

Spoiler

1.they gotta click with me. usually I'll watch a new series for about 3-4 episodes before I give my judgement on the main guy/girl.
if they're relate-able,or just a hoot to watch,then chances are I'll enjoy their company.
oh,and I don't want them to be nigh invincible. it just makes it boring to watch.

2. the way they handle certain situations. This is one of the main reasons I like Jojo's in particular.the way the problem's handled can be unexpected because of the nature of the show. where else can you say that the hero needed to Punch Spaghetti in order to solve the conflict? If failure happens,how does that hero bounce back? these things can determine a good/bad protag in my eyes.

3.hmmm..this is a tough one actually. if I really had to pick it'd be between Josuke and Mugen.
Mugen because of how he contrasts to the cool headed Jin,and his stance on his life. its even made me question some of my choices too. If I see Mugen I'll question"what would happen if I didn't do this,or that",because Mugen's the type of person who's never hesitant about practically anything,and it shows in his reckless but effective fighting style,which is very cool to watch.

I liked Josuke right off the bat because of his look. it looked like JJBA took an art shift from the general shounen bulk look,so a slimmer approach,and I liked it. it made Jojo's more distinguished than it already was. Josuke's quirks,powers,and sweet personality added on to this. Josuke's challenges actually feel well...challenging! He's not invincible,and he knows this within the first few episodes of Part 4,but he finds a way to make it work.

4.My least favorite...I can't say. I'm open about the anime I watch.
*thinks for sec*......
THE SCHOOL DAYS GUY! IDK HIS NAME BECAUSE I DIDN'T WATCH IT BUT I SAW ARKADA'S/GIGGUK'S REVIEW AND IT MADE ME HATE HIM....ARGH!

I would've typed this sooner,but ESPN's got my full attention.....never thought i'd type that.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

I have no words for this "professional" video gaming stuff on ESPN2 right now. I'm almost sweating in anger as I type this. Like, seriously?

— Adam Prescott 😎 (@APrescott614) July 18, 2016

This is amazing.