I have recently begun playing Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. Well, I say "recently" - I've managed to build up over 50 hours' gameplay, though, so the "recently" is more like "obsessively for a couple of weeks now".

I wasn't expecting much from DQ8, which equates to MORE FOOL ME. Ohmygod it's awesome. SO much fun, and SO wonderfully detailed, and pretty, and challenging without being controller-breakingly irritating (certain bosses excluded)...

One thing I really like so far is that Jessica, even though she gets the typical, stupid battle costumes (including a freaking PLAYBOY BUNNY OUTFIT) is independent and strong-willed and quite firmly does not respond to flirtation or allow herself to become a damsel-in-distress character. Although I do get freaky incest pings from her.

Money in the game, however, is an issue. And constantly resetting the game to make the casino in Baccarat obey me is really friggin' annoying.

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Sooooooooo. Roz came to mine this weekend and we sat and watched all of Samurai Champloo together. Arrjsghskfjhgfjkghj AWESOME. I got pinged so hard for the Mugen-Jin-Fuu threesome of DESTINY.

Although I did also like the crazy ninja chick who decided she was going to marry Mugen after shooting him down half a dozen times and kicking him in the balls.

Good fics found so far:

The Barbless Hook
Rhythmic Appreciation
Grace
Distance
Crossroads

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I have no idea what this Dragon Cave thing is all about. Nevertheless: .