Catherine is a Crazy Game

Good afternoon everyone,

Last night's stream featured only Catherine, namely the Xbox 360 version of it. It's a story driven puzzle platformer, and even on easy difficulty it's a nutty game. The plot is that Vincent ends up cheating on his long time girlfriend named Katherine with a woman named Catherine right when he's starting to have nightmares based on his fears (commitment, being a father, etc). Being a game published by Atlus, there is a ton of surreal imagery including some 'what the fuck' moments.

In terms of progress, we cleared the first five stages (Underground Cemetery, Prison of Despair, Torture Chamber, Inquisition and Quadrangle), and more often than not, it was my own mistakes that lead to me falling to my demise... except  when it comes to the fifth boss, that Hell Bride certainly threw in some pain in ass mechanics that caught me way off guard. In fact that was where I had the most trouble... so I can imagine how the remaining stages are going to go.

At this point, I think I'll slot Catherine in for Next Saturday's stream instead of trying to finish it on Monday, because I have a feeling it'll take me a while to finish it! 

On a side note, I did notice the Teddy plush in the Stray Sheep bar for obvious Easter Egg for Persona 4. Which makes sense because from what I understand, the team that worked on Catherine also worked on the Persona games (or at least Persona 5).

For the raid, we dropped in on Kalenal while they were playing Final Fantasy XIV over at twitch.tv/kalenal!  

Catherine Achievements

• The Nightmares Have Just Begun.: Conquer Stage 1.
• The Great Escape: Conquer Stage 2.
• Play It Again, Vince...: Use the jukebox to change the music.
• Let My Sheep Go: Conquer Stage 3.
• No One Expects the...: Conquer Stage 4.
• Push It to the Limit!: Push 5 blocks at once. (Golden Playhouse)
• Crossing the Courtyard: Conquer Stage 5.

Stream Clip Links

• Well we die!
• I'm doomed! 
• Whoa... Well That happened!
  

While going through some boxes to see what is going to go to the trash, I found a bunch of games of the Sega Genesis, which were NBA Jame, Sonic & Knuckles, Mortal Kombat 3, Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, X-Men, Ghostbusters, Madden '94 and NCAA Football. We have the carts and the cases... just not any of the manuals! Still what a find! I know we had more, so I wonder if the others will turn up?

Spoke to mom a few times yesterday, the weekend staff of the facility where she is at for physical therapy wasn't exactly on the ball... hope they'll do better today. We are raising funds in her fight against lung cancer, if you'd like to help out please visit: https://gofund.me/6adf8354

My hot streak of completing short story commission continued with the finishing writing another Dragon Ball story featuring Future Trunks, and I have another request in the works.

Today's Fitness Boxing 2 daily workout featured Intermediate Combo #1, Defensive Combo #2 and Triple Combo #2 for 31 minutes. 

I'm afraid for the calendar. Its days are numbered."

Song of the Day: Someone You Loved by Lewis Capald

For tonight's stream, well you know what day it is, its Sunday night which means its time for Overwatch 2!

So on that note we'll see you later over on twitch.tv/fredcasden!

The True Ending Of P4AU Was Perfect

Good afternoon everyone,

Last night's stream of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, picked up in the middle of the P3 version of the main story, with a big focus on Labrys. We got a lot more backstory as it pertain to the character of the main villain Sho as to why he is the way he is, saw the return of Shadow Labrys and even learned more about Labrys herself. The personalized endings for the P3 cast were great, particularly the ones for Aigis and Labrys which hit a little close to home.

To my surprise, I was able to get access to the True Ending, which actually leads to Sho getting his head straighten out a bit, and the tease that Elizabeth could potentially be a future main protagonists considering her goals. But the real treat was the big part featuring the Shadow Operatives and the Investigation Team. Considering I haven't played Persona 3 or Persona 4, it certainly made me even more interested to see how these characters were during those games.

Now I'm already considering P4AU a finished game for this year's tour because we got the True Ending... however, there are still a few more things I want to do on stream, so next Friday we'll feature the Adachi chapter to see the story from his point of view, since he does has some direct involvements.

For the raid we dropped in on Mystery Science Theater 3000 while the episode for Catalina Caper was playing over on twitch.tv/mst3k!  

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Trophies

• Shadow Operative: You completed Story Mode from the P3 perspective.
• A New Journey: You witnessed the story's True Ending.

Stream Clip Links

• Shadow Labrys vs Sho - Story Mode Fight
• Kanji Did What?! 
• Yu Vs Sho - True Ending Battle
  

Update on my mom, as I figured out why I wasn't able to reach her when I took breaks during my last few broadcasts, its because she was getting her medication at a time which makes her sleepy. I do know she had a physical therapy session yesterday, and they had her walking a bit more. We are raising funs to help cover her medical expenses, if you'd like to help out please visit: https://gofund.me/6adf8354

Finished the one commissioned short story based on Dragon Ball and featuring Future Trunks, and I did such a good job that the client wants follow up right away.

I did get some very good news concerning something I was denied that takes some pressure off my shoulders.

Today's Fitness Boxing 2 daily workout featured Difficulty Challenge Combo #3, Biceps Shape Focus COmbo and Difficulty Challenge Combo #1 for 34 minutes

What to hear a joke about paper? Never mind, it's tearable.

Song of the Day: When The Party’s Over by Billie Eilis

For tonight's stream, well it's Saturday so we'll play some different games, and we'll start with playing Catherine, a game published by Atlus Games. I have seen others playing it and since it's been in my backlog for a while, might as well give it a spin right?

Still we'll see you later over on twitch.tv/fredcasden!

Zero is so freaking cool, love the new 6.3 MSQ in FF14

Good afternoon everyone,

Last night's stream of Final Fantasy XIV was totally focused on the new Main Story Quest content, and I loved it... mostly because of how gave a big push on developing Zero's character, with her gradually regaining her forgotten humanity. The scene with her having the dumpling was really cool, and I can safely say I will easily ship Zero with Alisaie as they have perfect character chemistry. And yes I was more than happy to see Alisaie involved with the main story, since of all the scions she is my favorite.

The new dungeon and trial were surprisingly straight forward, which I can greatly appreciate considering how some in the past have featured some really bullshit mechanics and gimmicks to deal with. 

Now one of the side quests I came across last week was one that gave lore and context to two of the archifiends that were faced in a previous update, so after I was done the MSQ, I went and did the side quests for the two that were in update, which certainly added a lot more flavor to the motivations... and the whole deal with Golbez (the big bad of this story arc). It's really a tragic story, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it eventually plays out down the line!

For the raid we dropped in on Kalenal while they were playing Final Fantasy XIV over at twitch.tv/kalenal! 

Stream Clip Links

• I think she likes Dumplings!
• We got him! First Try! 
• I'm dead! Nope I'm Not Dead!
  

Happy birthday to long time friend of the channel Felkimchi! 

So the update on my mom is as follows, she was deemed strong enough to begin chemotherapy on January 19th, with subsequent sessions every three weeks. Not sure when she'll be able to come home because there are concerns over mobility and she only had two physical therapy sessions. 

Featured two Mass Effect short story commissions yesterday, which surprised even me considering it takes me a couple of hours to write a 2000 word short story. Next commission request was for a Dragon Ball story involving Future Trunks.

Today's Fitness Boxing 2 daily workout featured Straight COmbo #2, Difficult Challenge COmbo #2 and Block Combo for 31 minutes

What do you call a boomerang that never comes back? A stick.

Song of the Day: Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd

For tonight's stream, we're resuming the P3 side of the Persona 4 Arena Ultimax story, and we'll be going through that till the very end. Way I figure we'll get in at least two more full streams with the game because of the requirements to get the true ending and doing the Adachi DLC story.

So on that note we'll see you later over on twitch.tv/fredcasden!

We had a fun night

Good afternoon everyone,

Last night's stream opened with Fall Guys, and we had several good runs, making it to the final round a few times and coming fairly close to winning. To my surprise, we did get an achievement to pop when it came to qualifying from 500 rounds. I didn't realize that was a goal to accomplish, if I did, I would've been pushing for it a while ago! Big thanks to Felkimchi for joining in lot for a lot of the shows!

Following the break, we switched over to Fallout 76, with the big goal being in helping Iceman finish the Steel Dawn / Steel Reign story arc, and I did forget at how many Super Mutants there were around and inside of the West Tek facility. Still, it lead to a comedy of errors but the mission was accomplished. Will be interesting to see what is the next quest on Iceman's list of things to do.

For the raid we dropped in on the twitch channel for Mystery Science Theater 3000 over at twitch.tv/mst3k!  

Fall Guys Achievements

• Veteran Status: Qualify from 500 rounds

Stream Clip Links

• Live Long and Prosper Rhinos!
• Following A Coffee Table worked! 
• Why?! COME ON?!
• I got 'em! 
  

Mom had a 2nd round of physical therapy yesterday, and was very tired. Not sure if it was because of the medication. When I called to check on her his morning, she was being taken on oncology appointment... so here's hoping for some good news. If anyone would like to donate to her gofundme dedicated to covering medical related costs, please visit: https://gofund.me/6adf8354 

Finished up the 16th chapter for the series of Mass Effect related commission requests, and there are for sure two more planed for the Mass Effect 2 era. Rather glad folks have been enjoying these little tales. That said, I am seriously considering opening up an subscribstar account since I have been doing so many commission short stories.

There was a Windows update that actually seem to fix some of the issues created by the previous one with a lot of sudden freezing. Well at least I think it fixed that.

Today's Fitness Boxing 2 daily workout featured Sway Back Combo, Hip Shake Focus COmbo and Intermediate Combo #2 for 31 minutes.

I'm not a big fan of stairs. They're always up to something.

Song of the Day:  Deja Vu by Olivia Rodrigo.

For tonight stream, we're playing Final Fantasy XIV, and I believe there is new main story content that came out. So we'll focus on that to take a break from the usual side quests that I've been working on.

So on that note we'll see you later over on twitch.tv/fredcasden!.

 

Bayonetta's Story Makes No Sense, But It Was Fun!

Good afternoon everyone,

Last night's stream of Bayonetta certainly drove home the point that the plot of the game makes no sense what so ever. Between apparent time travel shenanigans, the resurrection of a 'god' to destroy and remake the universe, lost memories and more plot holes than an Ed Wood film, it makes my head hurt trying to have it all make sense. Also didn't help with the number of long cut scenes in Chapters 14, 15 & 16 that tried to justify everything.

Still, it was a lot of fun, the boss battles got more over the top, and the reuse of earlier bosses made for a great call back, even if that is a bit cliche. The music in the later half of the game certainly was awesome to listen to, and this certainly was a game that justified my usual 'watch through the credits' because of the 'extra fights' that take place during it, and the dance video at the very end.

Now will I play Bayonetta again? More than likely yes, as there is the Xbox One version, so if and when I play this game again, it'll be that version, just to play it with superior visuals! Real question is, do I feel like I could handle the game on normal difficulty.... I'm not sure, I got dodging down pretty good, but combos could be a pain to pull off.

Question is, what will be the next Monday-Tuesday game, at this time I'm not completely sure as of yet, as I do have plenty of options!

For the raid we dropped in on PowerThumbZ while they were playing Prey over on twitch.tv/PowerThumbz!   

Bayonetta (Xbox 360) Achievements

• Commander Of Magic: Purchase all techniques.
• Treasure Collector: Discover half of all the Umbra Witches' final resting places.
• Iustitia, Giver Of Life: Defeat Iustitia on any difficulty.
• Feels Good, Doesn't It?: Execute 50 Torture Attacks.
• Sapientia, Controller Of Seas: Defeat Sapientia on any difficulty.
• Double, Double, Toil And Trouble: Create 20 Concoctions.
• Master Of The Heavens: Defeat Father Balder on any difficulty.
• Taste Of The Witching Hour: Complete all Chapters on any difficulty.

Stream Clip Links

• Stylishly Cool!
• So sorry! 
• We just punched it in the face!
  

Mom had an okay first day at the nursing / rehab facility, she is getting along with her room mate. She had her first session of physical therapy, they had her walking a little bit, which is good. If anyone would like to donate to her gofundme dedicated to covering medical related costs, please visit: https://gofund.me/6adf8354

Had a 45-minute telephone conference that could probably help resolve a few worries I've had since mid-December, fingers crossed!

I've been really working on knocking out these series of Mass Effect short story commissions, and now gradually working to where things can reach the Mass Effect 3 era of the franchise, but there are some lingering tales the client wants based on Mass Effect 2.

Today's Fitness Boxing 2 daily workout featured Advanced Combo #1, Beginner Combo #2 and Uppercut Combo #1 for 34 minutes.

What did the drummer call his two twin daughters? Anna one, Anna two.

Song of the Day: Malibu by Miley Cyrus

For tonight's stream, we're playing Fall Guys and Fallout 76, if Iceman joins in, we'll be wrapping up his run of the Brotherhood of Steel story arc!

So on that note we'll see you later over on twitch.tv/fredcasden!

Bayonetta certainly has style

Good morning everyone,

So last night we finally started Bayonetta, and yes, we are playing it on the Easy difficulty, since the three available difficulties were Very Easy, Easy and Normal. Still I'm amazed at the pace of play, as we cleared the first seven chapters of the game. Now after playing it, I can safely see why Bayonetta as a character connected with players because of her rather raw, unapologetic personalty and..'unique' way of showing off her looks... it does make me wonder... how the hell did she end up in Super Smash Bros other than Nintendo basically owning the franchise.

But if there is one draw back to Bayonetta as a game is that I'm not a fan of the camera, as there were a few instances of me falling off ledges, not being able to see if there are side paths and not being able to see enemies from different angles. There's also not being able to fully tell where exactly I have to go, despite the linear nature of each section.

For the raid we dropped in on MerlynTemple who has decided to start streaming again, last night they were playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons over at twitch.tv/MerlynTemple! 

Bayonetta (Xbox 360) Achievements

• I'm A Bit... I Mean Witch.: Execute a Torture Attack.
• A Primer In The Magical Arts: Complete the Vestibule.
• You Want To Touch Me?: Engage Witch Time successfully 10 times.
• Just In The Nick Of Time: Dodge the runaway streetcar during Chapter 2.
• Wicked Weaver: Execute a Wicked Weave attack while using Dodge Offset.
• Seeker Of Magic: Purchase three new techniques.
• Platinum!: Earn 10 Platinum Medals. Must be earned in 10 different battles.
• Fortitudo, Bringer Of Flame: Defeat Fortitudo on any difficulty.
• Record Collector: Obtain three complete Angelic Hymn Gold LPs.
• A Mother's Love: Defend Cereza during the out of body experience, ensuring she takes no damage.
• Temperantia, Manipulator Of Wind: Defeat Temperantia on any difficulty.

Stream Clip Links

• Neat!
• So stylish man! 
• Finishing The Boss Of Chapter 7
  

Mom is out of the hospital and is at a nursing & rehab center, it'll be tougher for me to visit her, but at least now she'll be able to start working on getting some strength back.In fact she has her first physical therapy session today. If anyone would like to donate to her gofundme dedicated to covering medical related costs, please visit: https://gofund.me/6adf8354

Finished another short story Mass Effect  commission request, and picked up another one, that will be set during the Arrival DLC for Mass Effect 2, which should be a bit of a challenge.

Today's fitness Boxing 2 daily workout out featured Hook Combo #1, Waist Shape Focus COmbo and Weaving Combo #2 for 28 minutes.

Did you hear the rumor about butter? Never mind, I shouldn't spread it.

Song of the Day: Paradise by Coldplay.

For tonight's stream, we're continuing Bayonetta, and there is a possibility we might be able to finish it tonight, which would be really cool if we can pull that off!

So on that note we'll see you later over on twitch.tv/fredcasden!

Off to a good start this week,

Good morning everyone,

Last night's stream got off to a slightly late start due to outside circumstances, but we ended up having a pretty solid night of Overwatch 2, particularly when we were joined by PandaSweet, which meant I could go ham a bit. We certainly hard carried quite a few goobers to victories over the course of the night, ending on a stretch of seven wins out of the final 10 matches played! Even had one matches

Had a pretty good night in terms of earning Plays of the Game, with four, three as Junker Queen and one as Orisa. Also hit level 120 on the Battle Pass, so I think I'm in good shape to get to level 200 over the next 29 days.

For the raid we dropped in on starvexia while they were playing Pokemon Violet over on twitch.tv/starvexia!  

Clip Links

• Hammer Down!
• Time for the rampage! 
• Think we won
  

Mom is doing alright when the nurses get her medication to her on time, and there is a chance she'll be discharged to a rehab facility today, but we'll see how that plays out. If anyone would like to donate to her gofundme dedicated to covering medical related costs, please visit: https://gofund.me/6adf8354

Finished up the 13th chapter of the series of Mass Effect short story commissions I've gotten as of late, I think there were only be a few more set in the Mass Effect 2 era, depending on what the client wants.

Today's Fitness Boxing 2 daily workout featured Triple COmbo #1, Straight COmbo #1 and Double Combo #2 for 31 minutes.

Why can't a nose be 12 inches long? Because then it'd be a foot.

Song of the Day: Levels by Avicii.

For tonight's stream, well, we're starting up Bayonetta for the first time ever. With all the controversy surrounding the voice actor who portrayed the titular character, I'm sure this is going to raise a few eyebrows, but it is a game I've never played.

So on that note we'll see you later over on twitch.tv/fredcasden!