LordBrian:
You know, you're pretty lucky. Normally I wouldn't print trash like this, but I'm strapped for letters today. Now, which points to address first?

Why is everyone talking about Cowboy Bebop? I hadn't noticed that this was happening more than usual, so I have to assume that either you suddenly started listening to people, or more people now realize that this series exists because of Cartoon Network. All things considrered, though, I'm more tempted to blame you.

Another thing: I don't think there has ever been an instance where claiming that a particular anime series has been the "cool" or "trendy" thing to do. Ever. I mean, come now. I can understand peer pressure causing people to start drinking, smoking, doing drugs, whatever, but saying Cowboy Bebop is a great anime series? That has gotta be one of the stupidest things I have ever heard, and I've heard a lot of stupid things in my time. Of course, this is coming from a person who references Full House to seem cool or trendy, because anyone who wants to be popular watches that show.

A third thing: people say Cowboy Bebop is excellent because it is. If you don't like it, that's fine -- you're more than entitled to your own opinion. However, before making such a judgment that it's only "not bad" and condemning people for liking it more than you think they should, try watching more than one episode. One of the things that makes it such a good show is the way the characters interact with each other, and you can't get a feel for that from a mere 22 minutes. And if someone asked me if I would rather know the meaning of life or watch some CB, I'd probably take the anime too. If I wanted crap, I'd go to the bathroom -- and that's all you'd be able to give me with the offer for the secrets of the universe. Also, I personally have never liked the title "Cowboy Bebop." It's stupid. So sue me. So for at least one person who likes CB, it doesn't just roll off their tongue, their sixth grade (or in this case, collegiate) tongue.

And yet another thing! One of the things I really hate is the type of person whose tastes change because of what other people think. Uh oh, that band went from indy to popular. Can't like them anymore! Uh oh, that video game series suddenly went from 2D cutscene driven storylines to a 3D FMV driven interactive film. Won't even touch that one, because it's the tool of the devil. Uh oh, more than 5 people watch that anime. Get it the hell away from me! Now who's being childish? If you like something, like it for yourself, not because of what other people think. And if you're going to dislike something, dislike it for the product's own fault, not for how other people act about it.

Good final point, though. I'm all for blanket statements that don't make any sense. Now remember, kids, Goog doesn't want to hear your feelings about any of this. Goog wants letters about RPGs, not this. I'm sure you can find some way of directing any mail related to this elsewhere, but not to Goog. Again, don't mail Goog about this. Mail RPG questions.

LordBrian:
Not all that much, actually. Recently, the only ones I can think of have been Tales of Destiny 2 (a surprisingly fun game, with lots and lots of stuff to do), Saiyuki (it's decent enough for a TRPG, I guess, but I found it a little bland), and over the summer, Final Fantasy Chronicles (damn, I love those games). Going farther back, if you haven't gotten around to them yet, there's always Chrono Cross and Valkyrie Profile. If you can wait a bit, there's Hoshigami and Dragon Warrior VII coming up, too.

LordBrian:
I have my fair share of unbeaten RPGs (and perhaps more than my fair share), but if I ever get to the last CD of a game I make the effort to finish it. More often I only get a third of the way through before losing interest. Why do people do this? Probably because the game isn't good enough or interesting enough for them to put in the time and energy necessary to rough through the boring parts, even if those boring parts consist of the whole game. I know that I've quit some games because of what I call "game killers," which are certain parts that are just unnecessarily difficult. If the headache that would result in working past the trouble part is worse than the idea of wasting money on a game, then the game goes into the unfinished pile.

And I keep my games in such good condition, I've honestly never had to deal with cleaning problems. I suppose CD repair kits work for some damage, but it all depends on the extent.

LordBrian:
I guess that's as good an explanation as any. Except for this one: it's a game. Of course, that would be too simple, now, wouldn't it?

LordBrian:
Call it Oroborous (or however you feel like spelling it). You know, the snake that's eating its own tail. It probably isn't a boa when depicted in mythology and RPGs, but a snake's a snake.

LordBrian:
I don't want to see any combinations, actually, and I plan on staying as far from Kingdom Hearts as I can when it comes out. I don't find the idea appealing in the slightest. As for Suikoden III, I can only assume that the helmet-wearing duck is one of those throwaway characters that you use in one battle or less and then store in your headquarters for the rest of the game. At least, that's what I'm hoping. And to have Pilika as an enemy would alone make the price of the game worthwhile, just to be able to kick the crap out of her.