mysecretsoul

That might be my primary issue with fanfiction. So few participants know how to structure stories, choose a workable tense, or select words which might make it sing with the same voice as the source. I'm particularly frustrated with the current present tense trend, with all the gushing purple prose. It tends to come off as though the amateur writer seeks to manipulate the emotions of the reader, while excusing themselves to flex their own, verbose muscle.

But writing takes tons of practice, experience, and work. So as you say, it's admirable that the stories even get written. Not even I've finished anything in what seems like forever, so my room to criticize is limited to personal taste, haha.

"Fluttery" might be the most difficult response to write, ever. I've never captured it, and rarely have seen or read it. That probably accounts for why I enjoy romantic stories so infrequently ->

Most age differences don't bother me much. I confess to being a big fan of older man/younger woman romances, particularly because my personal taste falls somewhat older. Older female/younger man romances interest me less, but only because the man usually appeals to me less. If the casting is just right though, they can also be very good.

I do become uncomfortable when it's an unusual situation. Say, a man or woman raises a child, then becomes attracted to him/her as she comes of age. That sort of thing doesn't sit well.

Otherwise, I'm never bothered by them at all~

But this cast might be one of the better written ones on the whole, especially in JRPGs. You'll likely fall in love with the others as well, especially since FEMc can form a sisterly bond with the female cast. It's so good to see true friendships being written well between girls, especially when they can be so rare in media today.

The other games in this series are quite good as well, especially Persona 4. Unfortunately, there are is no FEMc available in it, and most characters are more happy-go-lucky than deep. They're still good, but not quite as much as P3; I found the social links more enjoyable, though.

But when you said that you fell from the pan to the fire, I imagined all Epistlettes as unsuspecting eggs. Perhaps we can also have an egg-themed mascot! XD ->

That doesn't surprise me; I find that fanfiction often skews toward sexuality or tragedy. People love to *feel* when it comes to their favorite characters, which is perfectly understandable. That isn't to say that all fanfiction is that way (indeed, there are many fine and unique stories out there). But there are probably that many more who would just devour a tragic "feels" story about Shinji.

Double heck with the canon! After the writer comments and their ultimate choice not to include her in FES, it just makes more sense. Until they say otherwise,

To heck with the canon indeed! After the writer comments and their decision not to include her in FES, it just makes more sense. Perhaps it was their intention to allow people to decide with her, since everything else is so different. But until they say otherwise, I'll just imagine Shinjiro shook her awake and took her for Takoyaki XD ->

While I have seen Elisabeth, it's never been with any Korean cast. It's available on DVD from both Germany and Japan (Takarazuka and Tokyo), which I took a great interest in as a theatre geek, haha. There are clips of Xiah and several other Korean actors taking a stab at the role of Derr Todd (Death), though. I've always found the story crazily romantic, and that quality probably accounts for its popularity. Heck, if they transplanted it, I could see it as a fantastic historical drama.

Ah! That tattoo scene is amazing! It's somehow steamy, even though little happens beyond the actual act. Those two have such great chemistry. :,) The double identity secrets somehow makes the cliche more interesting, ne? Especially when it makes so much sense~

Thanks so much for the wishes! It was fun, if busy, and it's always good to see family. If you also celebrate, I hope the same for you and yours~

Feeling another drama slump coming on? I've noticed lately you haven't been watching at your usual clip.

Unfortunately, yes. Yae no Sakura kicks my butt each time I watch. The lead character makes very few appearances, yet always gets sidelined when she does. With all the focus on Lord Matsudaira, I question why they didn't just make a drama about Aizu. It isn't bad, just odd. And perhaps I'll be proven wrong, but I'm not yet convinced Yamamoto Yae can fill out a taiga.

I haven't started Alice no Toge yet, since I'm weighing my options. Many J-dramas are unexpectedly being picked up, and I'm holding out for Black President just in case. But yes! The subber for Alice is one of my favorites; they do consistent, good work.

Golden Cross seems strongly written, well-paced. The first two episodes were great set-up, and the preview seemed to suggest impending action. I've good expectations~

Because personified, Death was such a kind, gentle soul. Sometimes it's little hard to swing, but in his final lucid scenes, he can confess that he loved the player all along. And whether male or female, he still would have done. Argh ;A;

But I agree, a happy!Shinjiro ending with FEMc is most perfect. It brings the story full-circle, for him especially, and he can have that new start he insists to Akihiko can never be. Ah, now I want to play the game again, just to see Shinjiro again. Definitely with the firm belief that she wakes up, or he'll definitely wake her up. He's stubborn after all~

I'd love a satisfying game like this, too. What stinks is that you just know there are probably a ton of great ones in Japan. With the right type of character, the great seiyuu, strong story, amusing game-play... ;A; Language barriers, ugh!

No problem! It's actually super nice to be able to share, since I've always been passionate about Persona and Shin Megami Tensei in general. They constitute two of very few game series I've bothered to read into the canon, as well as writer opinion; there's just so much material to devour.

With Shinjiro, my ideal ending would be to find happiness together with FEMc, and then they'd both hang out with Akihiko often. He and Shinji share such a sweet friendship, and a long, sad history to boot. Akihiko could almost give Shinji a run for his money in terms of being a boyfriend (that Christmas event of his is a killer). But if I had to pick between them, then Shinji + Friend!Akihiko is the next best thing. XD

Theo is actually rather appealing too, though his scenes are tragically limited by his situation. Death actually breaks my heart ->

Also you should try to track down the scenes where FEMc takes Shinjiro into the dungeon wearing a costume. When spoken to after he's "Boyfriended", he makes comments about them. If the costume is sexy or inappropriate, he gets jealous or upset. "Don't let other guys see you like this, UGH." XD

And when he wears costumes, he gets so upset. Like his butler costume. XD

It wouldn't be a stretch to imagine that her ending could be different also. I almost forgot, there's some hope either way, should FES be included; a character called Theodore (Elizabeth for MMC) goes looking for a way to return the lead character regardless of what happens. Bittersweet, but not a wholly lost cause~

To be fair, I'm kind of a sucker for tragic endings. Sometimes when a game or show ends happily, it disappointing me. Worthwhile tragedy can be crazy fun. XD

Should you ever change your mind, I think you'd still enjoy the game-play (collecting and making demons is awesome) and expanded story-line of FEMc (her social links are much more complete). If not, we can both wear the Shinjiro pin gladly, because he's freaking awesome. I love that you have the same taste as me, when it comes to him XD

Also ->

Not being part of the canon, the events of FES never really touch her. Without FES attached to the ending, whether the main character actually dies or just falls asleep is left up to the player. There doesn't appear to be any plan to include her or expand that "sequel" (I put in quotations as I always felt it was made to capitalize on a popular franchise, somewhat like a bad drama special).

The reason MMC "dies" in FES is so that he can become a barrier between worlds, to stop the big bad from returning. However, funnily enough, there's also a canonical link between Persona 3 and 4--which means there's actually no reason at all for him to do it, since problems continue in a different town. >.>

But as you've said, Shinjiro only lives in her version of the game. Several similar events occur only in FEMc's route, which again have been attributed to her widely different personality ->

Ah! You've had the ending spoiled? I certainly respect your wish not to waste time or money on something you may ultimately find frustrating; goodness knows every gamer risks and despises that feeling. However, I've always felt that FEMc and her story could be more flexible than the male (whose canonical ending is as you've read).

The writers consider FEMc as a wholly different character, a much more personable and loving figure than MMC. These gentler qualities are why characters like Shinjiro feel comfortable opening their hearts, whereas he (and others) never had social links with MMC at all. Despite the broad similarities between their stories, hers always felt more complete (especially as she's the only character that can form links with everyone in the party). But as part of the differences, she's not included in the canon ->

Definitely. Musical-goers in Korea are so lucky, too. He appears on stage all the time, and he often picks shows that showcase his voice (like Elisabeth, what a great show). Ah, I know Young Saeng! Always loved SS501 back when they were more active. Apparently they'll be having a comeback once all the military service stuff has been done away with.

Haha! I love how you describe Dolim. It was kind of surprising that she was the woman in the solarium for me, though. Took me a few seconds then I was like, "OH!" xD Too bad Jinmu keeps getting tread on by others, else he would definitely be a good person.

Steady development, yes! That must be the secret after all. It's difficult to stop watching, but I've had to lately (since I watch it on my television, and it's been in steady use due to Easter and family staying with us XD). You may just catch up with me by the time I can start again~

I feel better about not having seen it then, haha. Every time I say that, people are like "Omo, really?!" You know, I didn't realize the brother in Will It Snow was Song Joong Ki until just now. Guess I've seen him twice~

Just listened to Junsu's solo, and it's lovely! His voice is really unbelievable, especially those higher notes. We have another thing in common, though: Changmin's also my most favorite. A friend actually introduced me to Korean music with DBSK and their variety show appearances. He might actually be my *first* bias, now that I think about it. XD

King's Daughter rarely prolongs things, I've found; multiple times, when I was sure they definitely would, they didn't. Jinmu totally breaks my heart, though. Whenever he plays with that game board alone, I just want to scoop him up and pat him on the back. :,) So glad you like it, though! I'm happy to get to chat about this

Oh, right! What happened with the ferry is truly heartbreaking, and deserves the attention. Should it delay more schedules, it's easy to be understanding (even if slightly disappointed). I find it very moving that the industry gives up its time slots for such things though...very respectful of them.

Ah! I've seen a few of films, and heard good things about others. I'll keep a few of them in mind as priority. Seems like we have a similar taste in Korean film, then! Luckily, Midnight FM was just added to Netflix, so it should be easy to find too.

Thanks so much for the recommendations! It's incredibly helpful.

It can be a little difficult gaining the stats to open up the romantic endings (stats carry over in New Game +). I don't think that it requires two playthroughs for most of them if time is managed well, but for some reason that sounds familiar. Hum. o_o

And the crown prince is sterling. My heart has been fluttering lately. :,) Might carry away a healthy love of Jo Hyun Jae if he doesn't suddenly becoming annoying. Which he always might, one never knows in Korea. XD

Oh! And Sol Hee has become a little more complicated and I want to poke out her eyes a little less, too. I'm surprised, really. Can't wait until I can get back to watching it at a better clip, though life has been busier than usual lately.

It really would look great! Oddly enough, despite not exactly loving them, I think Vocaloid Gakupo might make good representation of our little mascot. Long hair, bishounen appearance, samurai-clothing, etc. XD

That ought to be another badge, ne? Tired Aunts with Adorable Nephews, haha. Luckily for me, my niece is slightly older and helps keep him occupied--though she manages to be quite the handful herself. We'll have them for Easter again, where I suppose I'll get my practice hiding eggs for the hunt. :,) Speaking of that, thank you for your warm wishes! I hope you do as well.

Persona 3 Portable would be the one! There are a huge number of social links, though I think for the female character, only two are *strongly* romantic and "viable"; others have undertones, while one can be slightly unpalatable and another does not lead to an ending. ->

Casshern! I liked Iseya-san there, being a fan of the anime, though I have trouble with adaptations. Definitely staying away from Lost Days for a while. I've been disappointed too much recently.

Speaking of poor dramas, I can safely recommend you away from Fukuie Keibuho no Aisatsu. The last three episodes were somewhat improved, which only served to elevate the joy one has escaping the experience. It feels good to have that stone off my shoulders, and many other shows are being subbed in the interim. I'm looking to replace it with Alice's Thorn or Silent Poor.

Would be great to get The Last Policeman watched, but unfortunately the subtitles have stalled. ;-;

However, lately I've been feeling guilty about not working through Yae no Sakura, but it can be problematic for me. Not even sure why, other than the fact that Yae seems so...uninvolved so far. The boys are stealing the show. >_<

My primary issue with her face is actually her lips; they've been plumped, and when her mouth moves it's extremely unnatural. When you mentioned her eyes, I knew right away what you were talking about--which led me to remember her twitchy eyebrow problem, haha. It makes me wonder why such a decent actress wanted so much surgery; the face is an important tool, and if it doesn't move properly, that's lost.

Oh! I do love a good soundtrack. Always felt Jaejoong and Xiah had pretty voices, though Changmin had the strongest sound. But Joo Won liked it too? That's so cute! XD Also I actually need to see him in more dramas, now that you mention him. Meant to after Good Doctor, then got sidetracked by a million new obsessions.

Ah so Song Joong Ki was in it? I always hear people raving about him, but I've only been able to see him in A Werewolf Boy.

Plastic is such a perfect description! I always try to avoid mentioning surgeries when quibbling about an actress, but oh, my, gosh. You can even see where she's had her jawline shaved down, which just sounds painful. At least her performance is good, but ditto on the eye-poking. XD

The fight sequences with Kucheon were amazing, ne? It gave me flashbacks of Chuno, and I realized he might have been perfectly at home in that drama, haha. Loved the way they choreographed his spins and the like.

Geul-o? I'll keep it in mind for sure! You know my character tastes very well after all. Oddly enough, I've yet to have seen Yoochun outside of anything JYJ/DBSK, so maybe I should start with this one. There's always room for pretty boy fluff~