PJ

My best case scenario for copyright/IP law/etc is you're allowed to take anything off the shelf, but past a point we largely agree not to for direct continuations.

To compare with mythology. It's neat when someone remixes it, or works it into a different project. A follow up though? Perhaps that time has past, we are no longer in the headspace for something so direct. If you really gotta do another Mass Effect perhaps do a Grendel rather than Beowulf 2.

So as the curse of enjoying Edgerunners go I'm trying Cyberpunk again, and my feelings are complicated. But what's really hitting is how boring everyone looks, the unlimited shapes and colours of chrome just to be guys. So little ascending human form for the corp or their own pleasure.

Okay sure maybe not everyone could afford to be an art piece, but that's also an angle. Play into people not being able to afford neat replication of the human form, or parts needed for a job results in the loss of a functional limb. It's a golden ticket for any character design choice.

DanDaDan

Trying to form criticism of DDD always ends up on, but wasn't that always an issue? And like, yeah. Something has been stripped out though. Okarun is so overly shy and power is now rage demon with sword. Momo been either a pixie or amnesia for so long. These characters bounced off each other once.

This is brilliant. I've somewhat avoided linking CSM to Fujimoto's anxiety as a writer. But early CSM never felt secure in Jump's ToC, and that's reflected in Denji haphazardly trying to define his big chance while others shape or simply wish for part of him. The thrill and perverted catharsis.

The popularity of roguelikes shows people do get a thrill out of the runs structure (even if some meta progression is needed), but you can't rely on self control Asking to engage with punishing design as meaningful intent will get some "only cheated yourself/control the button you press" replies

There's also the popularity of challenge runs. If you can get people already engaged, the idea to cut out certain aspects for a challenge is again hugely popular. Perhaps what there needs to be is a social pressure to revaluate how we engage and arcades games haven't had their moment yet.

The popularity of roguelikes shows people do get a thrill out of the runs structure (even if some meta progression is needed), but you can't rely on self control Asking to engage with punishing design as meaningful intent will get some "only cheated yourself/control the button you press" replies

Video game essays can make interesting observations about how Half Life levels feel spooky now or Zelda made me feel less depressed. But so many seem to turn into waxing poetic, without much interest in digging deeper into the game or even the main thesis. Old game good without having to say much.

So much focus is put on Pochita's power, but from his perspective stuff wasn't about that till deep in Part 2. Protecting Denji is nice. But the contract was Pochita liked Denji's dreams of a simple life, he wanted to see more. It wasn't with great power etc, just go live more now.

Asa and Yoru are a parallel here, with more tension between who is roped into the average life of a teenage girl and the allure of power. But it is also worth pointing to Firepunch and how interprets the desire of others. The inability to understand each other is relevant to a lot of Fujimoto works

So much focus is put on Pochita's power, but from his perspective stuff wasn't about that till deep in Part 2. Protecting Denji is nice. But the contract was Pochita liked Denji's dreams of a simple life, he wanted to see more. It wasn't with great power etc, just go live more now.

People's politics rarely extends past mild inconvenience. Sure perfection isn't real, we're on a vibe coded ass website. Hitting 75% though is often a lot of not doing things, die on a few hills to prove you're still alive.

Hate how many leftist platitudes have been taken to mean I don't personally have to change. Maybe if the world around me does I will, and if it affects me everyone is evil not for changing. But most importantly you can't have a bad opinion about someone doing it. It's social not principles.

Fire Walk with Me originally being disliked is hard to grasp. Sure it wasn't Twin Peaks S3 The Answer, but that also feels convenient. You know that going in. It's still good. Being a much more raw look at the abuse of a young woman without the soap opera gawking aesthetic. Might be more honest.