Ben Cook

@dafiercediety @ProfNoctis

@ProfNoctis Futurama covered this

I’m newer to Stranger Things, but I think I’ve realized the recipe: Everyone: “Oh no we have a problem, we’re doomed.” “But what if… [overly complex explanation].” “WTF are you saying?” “It’s like this…” [use a stupid prop to explain a dumb concept that could’ve been easily understood]. “Oh that makes sense, but it’ll never work bc…” [insert argument, and maybe another prop] [all characters fight and argue] “guys GUYS… what if…?” [slightly move one of the props] Everyone: “Oh shit, that might work.” Lather, rinse, repeat.

For the third consecutive year, every Trussville City Schools campus has earned an A on the 2025 Alabama State Report Card — and the district scored an impressive 96 overall! School Highlights: • Cahaba Elementary – 99 • Magnolia Elementary – 98 • Paine Elementary – 99 • Hewitt-Trussville Middle – 92 • Hewitt-Trussville High – 96 Congratulations, Trussville! Excellence in Academics, Athletics, and the Arts continues to shine across our district. Go Huskies!!

Yes, but defying destiny can also be understood as defying the power of destiny. For example, let’s say a person has a debilitating disease that ends in death. “Destiny” may not change, but does death necessarily have the final word? Well, no. There’s a path where dying well is possible. This may be how the characters defy the fate that awaits them. This was the message during the trials of Rebirth.

@ProfNoctis 1. Puff out your chest. This will make you seem more attractive as a friend and more threatening as a foe. 2. Make—and do not break, even for an instant—eye contact. 3. Slowly and articulately say, “I would like to be platonic friends with you.” This establishes expectations.

My “how to make friends” advice for freshmen. 1) Be nice. 2) Don’t make it weird. That second one is so hard for people of any age.

@ProfNoctis The “Whee–Whoo” dichotomy.

Okay enough time has passed. What sequence in Expedition 33 plays continually in your head? For me, I think it’s this one.

@ProfNoctis That’s exciting. I’m in the canyon!

This has been my experience of DK Bananza so far. It starts good, then just keeps getting better.

Roman numeral puns are great and I for one will continue to make them

@ProfNoctis Same. Em dashes are NOT the same as hyphens, and I’ve used them for decades!

It’s unfortunate that em dashes are associated with ai now because I literally use them in writing everyday. This will only make me use them more.

@ProfNoctis Oh, that’s a tough call. I probably lean toward Expedition 33, as it feels more like a complete product. Still, World is an absolute blast.

Boy this feels very weird for me to say, but right now it’s probably Mario Kart World.

@ProfNoctis The pig level was bizarre in a way that I loved, but I’ve hated most of it. The writing is so bad.

@CptOppositional You are lying and you know it

Besides Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PC: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Mario Kart World Split Fiction Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

@ProfNoctis It’s also clear why those women are unpublished: their stories are as awful. I’m not sure if that’s intentional, because every scenario and bit of dialogue are poorly written. It has to be intentional, right? It’s hard to write that poorly.

@ProfNoctis We call it “Divorce Game 2”

@ProfNoctis Having said all this, it’s mostly frustrating because the core of the game is so very, very good.

@ProfNoctis Right? Vs. mode essentially lets us create a custom Grand Prix, so the tools are there. It seems like a grand slam and OBVIOUS feature that was left on the table. As expensive as it is, it’s gobsmacking how feature-incomplete it is.

The Mario Kart World update to limit course choice is divisive, sure. Personally, I like the “intermission” courses, but then again, I also love Free Roam mode. 🤷‍♂️ I’d like there to be both options in online— a Cross Country mode and traditional Vs mode. Best of both worlds.

@ProfNoctis 3. 15 was excellent at launch. If the release order of 15 and 16 had been reversed, 15 would’ve been more appreciated at launch. 4. 5 is an excellent game with a dumb story and you’re a hater.

@ProfNoctis 1. FF7R… could go either way. I think you’re right now, but that series doesn’t exactly give off big “consistent plan” vibes. 2. 9 has above average plot and above average play propped up by spectacular music and encounter design. Still mid-tier to me.

I see you’re all beginning to see my general gaming hot takes. You thought you dismissed me just because I think FF7R is a real remake of OG, FF5 and 9 are supremely overrated, and FF15 is a complete game at launch? It’s far worse than that lol

@ProfNoctis TotK is amazing. One of the best of all time. BG3 just happens to be better.

Honestly, give this game its flowers. Take back what Baldur’s gate stole.

@ProfNoctis I recall enjoying it in Remake, but in Rebirth, it just seemed off. It had depth, but it didn’t feel good to me. Avoiding damage felt inconsistent (maybe a skill issue for me), and I never felt a good sense of attacks connecting.

Really? The battle system was mostly good for me but launched into “best ever” territory when I did the Chadley hard mode missions. That’s when all the strategy came in to play. I like the interplay between the characters and active swapping. But then again, I do prefer an active combat in RPGs. I am curious if anything would have been sacrificed by making the 7R series turn based.

Absolutely not. The FF7R battle system is so unique and engaging, I honestly think it’s the best out there. E33’s is great and innovating, too. But FF7R’s is so dynamic and thrilling, I would never want to trade that for a simpler system. I’m fine having both exist.