Top 10 Video Games

Hey everyone! First off, I would like to again remind you that these are just my own opinions based on games I've played in my lifetime. This is my top 10 favorite video games/video game series, and why. Please feel free to comment opinions!

Number 10

The Sims (series)

Let's face it. Who doesn't love to be "God" to this world and control what people do and look like. The Sims has always been in my life since my first computer (which was probably like 13 years ago or so.) My favorite part of the game was always making the people and building/decorating the houses however I wanted. It was always a good way to show a creative side. Only downfall, in the original Sims game, you never had a whole lot of choices to choose from. Since The Sims 2, the options and availability of items and customization have increased a lot. I still haven't played much of The Sims 3, but no matter what, The Sims games will always have a place in my love for games.

Number 9

Animal Crossing

Soooo I might have a thing for customization in video games. I'm an artsy type of person, I can't help it! I spent hours playing the Gamecube version of Animal Crossing. I remember putting the time ahead and backwards constantly on my Gamecube just so I could get further into the game because I would get to excited to wait for the next day. This real time based game has so many fans it amazes me that there isn't an actual online computer game for it yet. Sure it's similar to The Sims in some sense, but being able to have your own little house and customize it to your desire isn't even the only thing. In the Animal Crossing world, you can interact with cute animal characters, and even become good friends with them...and the there's Nook. Tom Nook, is by far one of the most annoying characters in the game, and I'm sure most of you can agree with me on that. I haven't gotten the newest Animal Crossing for 3DS yet, but you better believe as soon as I get some money saved up, I'll be back in my own little Animal Crossing world again. Fishing, and catching bugs....and talking to raccoon's..

Number 8

Soul Calibur

Soul Calibur and I go way back. I once had a video game club when I was younger. The neighborhood kids and I would have meetings in a little "clubhouse" and would play video games, and the cub was based of, well you guessed it, Soul Calubur. The club was named Club Calibur, and we would also choose a character to be and beat each other with bats as if they were swords... yes very exciting, I was a strange kid I suppose lol. But back to the subject, Xianghua was always my favorite character from the beginning of Soul Calibur to the latest. She always reminded me of myself with her personality. I have a special place in my heart for fighting games, even though I pretty much suck at most of them, but Soul Calibur always stood out the most to me. All the characters different backgrounds and relations to one another keep the story interesting. Nightmare, such a video game BADASS for sure. If you have never tried a Soul Calibur game, I highly encourage you to try it at least once because it is definitely a classic.

Number 7

The Legend of Zelda (series)

I love the Legend of Zelda games, Ocarina of Time being my favorite one. (Like that wasn't expected though -.-) The stories and timelines behind the series are incredible and very planned out. The adventures are unforgettable to players and the characters are always interesting. I also love the many different creepy aspects of the game ranging from the re-deads, the happy mask salesman, the hand coming from the toilet, a talking boat, the sewers in twilight princess (hey, their dark and creepy to me!), and so many more! I also enjoy the different races such as Gorons, Dekus and the Zoras. They are rather original in my opinion. This game isn't an average "save the princess constantly" type of game either. I love Princess Zelda and her alter egos. It shows she actually has the means of saving herself (unlike other princesses *ahem PEACH!*) So a guy in tights, a bad ass princess, amazing places, and a cast full of unforgettable characters? Sign me up! 

Number 6

Sonic the Hedgehog (Series)

I love the speed of Sonic games! I love how quick paced the classic Sonic games are, and I really enjoyed them being combined in Sonic Generations. Such an awesome game, It's the best Sonic game I've played in a long time. After Sonic Heroes, I feel like the Sonic series went downhill a bit. I mean come on, sonic was a werewolf/hedgehog thing in one of them. Seriously!? Sonic Adventure 2 Battle is by far my favorite sonic game ever and I know it like the back of my hand. Not to mention, I kinda kick everyone's ass I go up against in the multi-player mode of it so that adds to it. (haha) The levels on sonic games are always fun and challenging all in one! The Chao garden was introduced in Sonic Adventure. This also became a favorite part of mine in the Sonic games, which is also a big part of Adventure 2 becoming my favorite. There's also Amy and Big the cat, their just too adorable I love them soo much! Team Rose. 

Number 5

Super Smash Bros. (series)

Kirby is my main. I have loved every Smash Bros. game that has ever come out, and I am so excited for the newest one to come out! I know I said Soul Calibur is my favorite fighting game, but this is on a whole other level than the kind of fighting game Soul Calibur is. Everyone's favorite Nintendo characters come together once every console to fight for... well no reason! There really weren't any stories going on with Smash Bros until Brawl. I really liked the adventure mode put into Brawl, and I think it added a whole lot to the game. It gives me hope for the potential of an even bigger and better adventure mode in the ones to come out for Wii U and 3DS. I haven't got a Wii U yet, but I will be getting one when this game comes out. That was my first incentive to buy a Wii when they came out. I need my smash!

Number 4

Kingdom Hearts (series)

NO! I am totally against the handheld versions of Kingdom Hearts, they kill me. I can't stand that you have to play both handheld and console for the whole story of Kingdom Hearts. However, Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 are some of the most amazing games I've ever played. I am a HUGE fan of Disney and I love Final Fantasy games (even though they didn't make this list, It was a close call). What better way to have two things you love in one! It's like a PB&J Sandwich! I don't know how to describe my feelings for this game. That feeling you get every time you hear Utada's Sanctuary or Simple and Clean. If my life had to be turned into a video game, I would have a really tough time in choosing either this or Pokemon. The graphics and cut scenes are beautiful in this game, as well as the music. Disney has outdone themselves by being involved in this game. It has an amazing and mysterious story line that makes you wanna keep playing, even after the game has ended. Not to mention, there are moogles!

Number 3

World of Warcraft

It's a never ending video game, need I explain more? The amount of things you can do and explore in this game I swear are infinite. Of course the biggest MMORPG would make my list! It almost made top 2 but I'm leaving those for some that are a little more special to me. Wow is awesome, not a whole lot to complain about (besides select idiots in trade chat and the simple fact that you have to pay to play even though you already spend at least $10-$40 on the actual game and expansions.) You get social interaction,customization, exploring and questing, leveling, and now even a pet battling system, similar to the ones in the Pokemon games. The amount of work that had to/still has to be put into the game will never cease to astound me. It's almost like an escape for some gamers to get away from the real world. Also, there is RPing, (please do not mistake this with ERP, that's just horrible!) and with the right group of people, you can make your World of Warcraft come to life in a way. It gives you a fun way to be someone your not. If your scared in real life, on the game you can become a strong, brave warrior or a magical, intelligent mage. The choice is all yours, and that's why I love this game so much.

Number 2

Pokemon (series)

Ever since Red and Blue version, I have been a pokemon fan. Pokemon was a HUGE part of my childhood, at one point my room was covered in pokemon things, posters, stuffed animals, cards, toys, games,etc. I think I may have had a slight obsession at one point of my childhood, but that was then! I have always played the pokemon games, the handheld ones and the console ones, but around the time of ruby and sapphire came out my love of pokemon started to fade. Probably a year later I started to play Sapphire, and there I got hooked on the games again. I never did get back into it as much as I did back in the day, well until recently. Pokemon X and Y was a big step in the Pokemon games, I have been playing it constantly, and it has become the number one game played on my 3DS. I'm so excited that the Pokemon are finally not sprites, but are in 3D instead. It really gives me high hopes for the fute of Pokemon Games, they only get better and better. The Pokemon games explain themselves for why people love them so much. Ages ranging from 6 years old and up! Keep up the good work Pokemon!

Number 1!

Believe it or not..

Harvest Moon (series)

Make fun of me, but the Harvest Moon games do NOT get the benefit of the doubt ever. I fell in love with the Harvest Moon games when I first played Harvest Moon 64. Like most people probably thought before playing the game, I thought it looked pretty lame and I had a gut feeling that I would hate it. My dad convinced me to rent it one time just to see what it was all about, so I did. I loved it! Taking care of animals and raising crops, being able to make someone fall in love with you and marry them, having children, making friends with people in town, it was all there. In the newer games, there's even more customization and even town design. This game is one I will always cherish and love, and hope to keep seeing in the future. I only wish the game would get more fans so the games can continue to stay on the market and keep them improving over time. It really makes me sad how many people miss out on how fun this game really is. Those of you that enjoy playing farmville, you should try this game out, it's kinda like farmville, only a million times better, trust me. It might start to get boring in parts because you may have to wait for things to happen, but it's worth the wait and when things happen in the game it leads to more things happening. I also love how in the newer games you have the ability to choose being a girl.

Hope you guys enjoyed my top 10 video game picks, because believe me, this was touch to pick. Just because certain games didn't make this list, doesn't mean I don't love them all the same! 

If Sailor Moon characters had Pokemon: Inner Senshi

I thought it would be interesting to figure out what Pokemon would the Sailor Senshi have if they lived in the Pokemon World? Well, I made these up using Sailor Moon sprites, Microsoft Paint and Pokecharms Trainer Card Maker. Also included some descriptions about why I chose the Pokemon for each person. Enjoy!

Inner Senshi

Sailor Moon

First off is Sailor Moon. For her Pokemon I have chosen Lopunny, Lunatone, Clefable, Togekiss, Umbreon, and Xerneas. Lopunny, for obvious reasons, Usagi/Bunny is Sailor Moon. Shiny Lunatone, because it is in the shape of a Crescent Moon, and I think the shiny version looks a little less creepy than the original, Usagi wouldn't want any creepy Pokemon. Clefable for several reasons.. she's pink, girly, and evolves with a moonstone. Togekiss was picked because it's one of the Pokemon with known healing abilities and it evolves from friendship, and friendship is one of the things Sailor Moon believes in. Umbreon, I knew I wanted to pick an Eevee evolution for Sailor Moon, and Umbreon just seemed like the best choice. Since it evolves when it's night out (when the moon is up) and I also put her in as a dedication to Tuxedo Kamen. Xerneas, I wanted to avoid giving any of them legendary Pokemon, but I decided it wouldn't be so bad letting the leader of the sailor scouts be in control of one. Obviously Xerneas doesn't always appear though. It's kind of the representation of Sailor Moons royalty in the Moon Kingdom. It also has the attack Moonblast which is pretty strong and reminded me of Sailor Moon.

Sailor Mercury

I have given Ami (Sailor Mercury) Lapras, Starmie, Slowking, Glaceon, Blissey, and Cloyster. I chose Lapras for her because It seems like Ami uses more Ice attacks rather than water, but I see both just like Lapras has both. Also, Lapras can learn sing which relates it to Mercury’s Aqua Rhapsody attack. Starmie was chosen just for the simple fact that she is water and psychic. Psychic pokemon are generally known to have a high I.Q, and Ami being the smart one of the bunch, I decided it would fit. Next I have given her Slowking, also a water/psychic type. Slowking is also known for his I.Q. I was going to add Jynx because of her being ice and psychic, but I really didn’t think Jynx fit Ami whatsoever. Glaceons attacks and Sailor Mercury’s attacks are similar in terms of using ice and freezing their enimies. Blissey…yes, I gave her Blissey! Ami has always dreamed of becoming a doctor, so why not have a pokemon known for its healing abilities. Yes I know it’s cute and pink, not for Ami. NO! It works! Lastly for Ami, I’ve chosen Cloyster. Why you might ask? Because it FITS!

Sailor Mars

Rei (Sailor Mars) has been based mostly around fire type pokemon. Her team consisting of Rapidash, Talonflame, Darmanitan, and Ninetails, with the exceptions on Chimecho and Honchkrow. Rapidash is a fire type, like Mars, and also hold beauty while in battle like Sailor Mars (running around in her high heels in battles!!). Talonflame because what doesn't say Sailor Mars like a fire bird? It's absolutely perfect. Darmanitan kind of has like an ancient legend type feel to him, and Rei is into that kind of thing, plus he's a fire type. Ninetails also has a legend revolving around it's tails. It says that if someone touches the tails of a Ninetails, that they will be cursed. Plus, I feel like Ninetails might be a slight hothead like Rei. Chimecho was picked because of it being based off a Japanese fūrin wind chime. Rei + Japanese culture = There you have it! She does work/live at a shrine. Honchkrow was picked to represent Rei's pet crows Phobos and Deimos. 

Sailor Jupiter

Did anyone else ever have a hard time trying to decide if Sailor Jupiter represented plant life or electricity? Good, because I see her as both. Makoto (Sailor Jupiter) has been given Chesnaught, Breloom, Electabuzz, Sudowoodo, Luxray, and Roselia. Chesnaught and Breloom because their both Grass and Fighting, and we all know Jupiter is a fighter for sure. Electabuzz and Luxray represent her electricity side. The first four are all a representation of the physical strength Makoto has. Sudowoodo reminded me of her attack Oak Evolution. Roselia is there not only because of Jupiters well known rose earings, but also to show Jupiters sweet side. She may have alot of physical strength but she also has the sweet side that loves flowers and cooking!

Sailor Venus

Sailor Venus, known to represent Love and Beauty... I have given her Jynx, Shiny Luvdisc. Milotic, Pikachu, Steelix and Sylveon. Jynx is known for its attack Lovely Kiss while Venus has a lot attacks that come from her blowing kisses. Jynx just seems like a pretty good matchup for Sailor V. I chose Shiny Luvdisc instead of regular Luvdisc because of the gold coloration. Also, Luvdisc is known to bless people with eternal Love, while Venus uses love in her attacks. Milotic is to represent the "beauty" part to Sailor Venus. Now you all are probably wondering why I picked Pikachu for Minako, well it's because Minako has a dream to become an idol/to become famous. Pikachu is the most popular and well known Pokemon, so what better way to show her dream than with the most idolized Pokemon of all. Steelix is because Venus has been known to use the metal element, it also somewhat could represent her use of a chain, I mean sure he's a lot bigger than a chain but the shape can still be fit to represent it. Sylveon is picked because of her cute charm and because of her known bows, like Sailor Venus has been known to have her famous red bow in her hair.

Hope you guys enjoyed, your comments are welcome! Outer Senshi and Other Characters are coming soon!   

   

Video: Sailor Moon The Movie

I found this video a year ago or so, and I think it's pretty awesome for being a fan made video. This is a live action, fan made, Sailor Moon movie. Now, it only goes through what would be like the first episode of the actual Sailor Moon series. Not sure if they plan to add more to it in the future, but if they do I will be super happy! I really enjoy the opening song in this as well.

Recipe: Life Stream

Final Fantasy VII themed drink. This pretty much speaks for itself, of course an alcoholic beverage would become the Life Stream. Anyways here's the recipe for you all to enjoy!

Recipe from: The Drunken Moogle

Ingredients:

4 cl Barcardi Lemon
1 cl Peppermint Green
3 cl Apple Juice
1 cl Lime
Sprite

Directions:
Shake first with the top 4 ingredients. Then top up with Sprite in a Highballs Glass filled with ice cubes.

Recipe: Onigiri

Onigiri, seen in many Anime. More popular on the Pokemon Anime, but has been seen in many other anime series. So what are in these Onigiri that our favorite characters enjoy so much? Well I found a recipe that is sure to help everyone out!

Recipe from: Anime Recipes

Ingredients

• Rice (However much you want to make.  I used 1 cup of uncooked rice for the onigiri in the picture above.  As always, follow this recipe to cook the rice.)
• Salt
• Optional:
• Nori - The thin, paper like seaweed used to wrap up sushi
• Furikake - Also known as rice seasoning, it’s normally just bonito flakes, some nori, maybe some sesame seeds, and flavoring)
• Peas
• Soy sauce
• Fillings - The most common filling for onigiri would probably be umeboshi, or sour pickled plums, however it is quite and acquired taste (my host mother laughed at the puckered face I made after eating my first one), so watch out.  Other common fillings are canned tuna (mixed with mayo and sometimes wasabi), cooked tuna or other fish, fried chicken, a little cooked spam, or just about any kind of pickled vegetable.

Directions

1. Once the rice is cooked and cooled down, all you have to do is shape them.  I have a difficult time with this, so what I’ve learned to do is use some plastic wrap.  Put a scoop of rice in the middle of the plastic wrap and wrap it up.  Onigiri Variation #1:  If you want to make pea onigiri, like in the picture above, or you want to mix in some furikake, you need to do this before you put the rice in the plastic wrap.  Just take your scoop of rice, put it in a bowl, and mix in your ingredients with a utensil.
2. Now, the shaping.  Hold the wrapped up rice in your hand.  Cup your hand so it looks like a “U”, and then cup your other hand, perpendicularly, on top of it tightly.  Gently squeeze the rice.  If you’re doing it correctly, it should start to look kind of like a triangle.  Then, rotate the rice ball in your hands, so a different point is pointing downward and repeat.  Onigiri Variation #2: If you want to add a filling, sometime near the end of forming the onigiri, press a dent in the middle of rice with your thumb.  Add your filling, and cover the hole with more rice, and continue forming.
3. Take the rice out of the plastic wrap and form it a few times with your bare hands.  Then place it on a plate, and sprinkle some salt on them.  Onigiri Variation #3: You can add nori to just about any type of onigiri.  You’ll need to cut up the nori to fit, but you can cut it into any shape you want, be it a larger sheet to cover the entire onigiri, a small little rectangle for just on the bottom, or some cute shapes.  Onigiri Varitation #4: In addition to the salt, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or furikake on top, and press it into the rice.  Onigiri Variation #5: Finally, one of my favorite types of onigiri, yaki onigiri, or grilled onigiri.  Now, I don’t have the appropriate small grill to make these, so I make them in the oven.  Just heat your oven up to a low heat, brush some soy sauce onto one side of the onigiri, place it on a cookie sheet, and put it in the oven.  In 10-20 minutes, flip the onigiri over, and brush some more soy sauce onto the other side, and cook it again.  Just keep an eye on it, and cook it until it’s slightly crispy on both sides.

Recipe: Eggnog Health and Mana Potions

My boyfriend and one of my best friends absolutely loves League of Legends. From the knowledge I know, during this time of year, the regular health and mana potions on the game can be traded for eggnog versions of them. I have found the recipe that involves this festive holiday drink with one of the top games in the world right now.

Recipe from: Gourmet Gaming

This recipe serves 4-6.

What you will need: A whisk, three mixing bowls, a piping bag and nozzle, and a fine grater.

Ingredients:

4 Eggs (Separated & Room Temperature)

75g / ⅓ Cup Caster/Superfine Sugar

500ml / 20 fl oz. Whole Milk

225ml / 1 Cup Double/Heavy Cream

85ml / 3 fl oz. Bourbon

2 Tablespoons Sugar

Fresh Nutmeg

Blue Food Colouring

1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder

To Garnish:

110ml / ½ Cup Double/Heavy Cream

1 Tablespoon Icing/Confectioners Sugar

Blue Food Colouring

1 Teaspoon Cocoa Powder

Fresh Nutmeg

Making the Garnish:

1. Whisk together the cream and icing/confectioners sugar until soft peaks form. Divide the cream in half. Add blue food colouring to one half, and cocoa powder to the other. Mix well and set the cream aside while you prepare the drinks

Making the Eggnog Potions:

1. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks until pale, then gradually add the sugar and continue to beat for about 5 minutes. Add the milk, cream and bourbon, a sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg, and mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then add the two tablespoons of sugar and continue to beat until the peaks stiffen. Whisk the egg whites into the prepared egg yolk mixture until well combined.
3. At this time, divide the mixture in two. One will become the Health potion, the other will be the Mana potion. To one mixture, add a dash of blue food colouring and mix. To the other, sieve in the cocoa powder and mix.
4. Pour the Eggnog Mana and Health potions into individual glasses, top with a piped swirl of corresponding whipped cream and a garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Recipe: Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

So I recently had a Christmas party for my friends and served this Hot Chocolate there. A bar set up with whip cream, chocolate chips, sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate spoons, etc. The Hot Chocolate was a hit! It went really quickly and everyone really enjoyed the set up. Here is the simple recipe I followed for the best Hot Chocolate I have ever had!

Throw it all in a Crockpot on High for about two hours, make sure you stir it once in a while to make sure all the chocolate chips are melting. Also, make sure you put it on warm or low before serving because when I made it, it was scorching hot when I went to serve it, and we don't want people burning their mouths, right??