Blog Posts from "Limit Break"

I'll Miss You All So Much

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:49:06 -0400

In a year when I was too sick to go out, I found a whole world here online. It's time though, to reclaim my happy life. For all of the tremendous, thoughtful, and lovely individuals I have met here, too much online participation has made me pessimistic, reclusive, and less courageous. Limit Break has been a dream for me, and so many of you helped that happen. But my bigger dreams are of health and kindness and genuine purpose.

This is, in no way to say that I am better than or not fond of everything I have found online. More accurately, it is to say that it gives me too much of a free pass in neglecting the relationships and goals that stand in front of me.

To all of the amazing Gameriot writers and publishers, I promise I will follow you and support you quietly. You are dear to me in ways you do not know, and you have given me a great deal of faith in this big world. I am not great at giving anyone as much attention as they deserve, but understand you have had a big hand in restoring my old self.

Sol, Flower Chucker, Ag, Proj, Idol, Heretica, Dizko, Slapnuts, Cue, Benks, Vir, Cleric, Extremist, Lonethar and a hundred others--thank you, thank you. You are so talented and so inspiring. Thanks also to the amazing graphics team at GR--every new set of images was like a little chest of gifts.

Most importantly, I wanted to say thank you to my darling Evan--who reads all my silly posts, listens to all of my silly dreams, and laughs at all my silly looks. Five playful, dynamic, beautiful years are a great start, and although, as my readers will note, I am too opinionated, too fragile, and far too mercurial, you still smile at me, treat me to bubble tea, and never complain when I scream along to the Pixies.

Please all do keep writing and reading at Hellforge. It's growing every day because of hard work and total collaboration. Keep challenging one another, trying harder, and enjoying it all. Games are fun, but not as fun as all of you.

With the absolute best wishes,

Snail

A Note To EA Regarding Inferno, Sex, and Poetic Justice

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:07:53 -0400

All appropriate greetings EA,

By way of epigraph, let me quote your vapidly diplomatic response to this PR storm.

"We understand there's a lot of debate right now around our ‘Sin to Win’ promotion at Comic-Con and wanted to clarify a few things. We created this promotion as part of our marketing efforts around the circle of Lust (one of the nine sins/circles of Hell). Each month we will be focusing on a new Circle of Hell. This month is Lust. Costumed reps are a tradition at Comic-Con. In the spirit of both the Circle of Lust and Comic-Con, we are encouraging attendees to Tweet photos of themselves with any of the costumed reps at Comic-Con here, find us on Facebook or via e-mail. ‘Commit acts of lust’ is simply a tongue-in-cheek way to say take pictures with costumed reps. Also, a ‘Night of Lust’ means only that the winner will receive a chaperoned VIP night on the town with the Dante's Inferno reps, all expenses paid, as well as other prizes.”

Ironic that this swirling mess of criticism perfectly parallels the punishment of the lustful, according to Dante. Ruled by lust, the loveless lovers were fated to forever blow in a zephyr of tormented passion. Those on the ground below were fated never to be taken up, even by the evil tempest above, because their lust, while felt, was never realized. You picture us gamers and comic lovers as those below, no doubt.

But your punishment lies in the more sinister second ring—that piece of Inferno reserved for those who commit violence against themselves. Because you have taken a tremendous gamble in adapting one of the pillars of Western culture, and because you have betrayed any chance of being taken seriously by the serious among us, you have committed artistic suicide. Through missing the nuance, irony, and poetic justice of Dante’s magnum opus, through telling us lust is a shallow game with playful consequences, and through assuming that all of us happy sinners need your good hand in playing at sin, you’ve told us what is to come. A game that breathes in all that is superficially sexy and adventurous, while suffocating the philosophical.

What’s more, you have identified your audience. Poor and lonely boys who first and foremost seek a lay, and lament utmost their poor, nearly throbbing virginity. Many of us were willing to suspend our disbelief for your commercial benefit, and perhaps you will succeed still in every way that you had planned. As for me, who had held out hopes for one more game with a bit of artistic integrity, I’ll now bow my head and burn among the wrathful.

Express all regrets for errors in rhetoric, as you have mentioned, “We apologize for any confusion and offense that resulted from our choice of wording, and want to assure you that we take your concerns and sentiments seriously.” But my good friends, when it comes to Dante, words are the thing that matter most.

Your sister in eternal torment,
Nichole

Mario: The Later Years

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 02:56:47 -0400

Looks like it's game over for Mario. Out with a whimper and not a bang. Poor guy.

The Tonberry Murders

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:07:55 -0400

Original here.

MySpace Gets in on Gaming? Good Luck.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:29:08 -0400

Remember when MySpace was cool? Me neither. But like it or leave it, there was a time when MySpace was worth a pretty choice chunk of change. News Corp was banking on that profit when they bought it out from the likes of Tom and company, but today, MySpace simply can’t compete against the Facebook Empire.

According to comScore, Facebook had more than 307 million unique visitors in April, while MySpace had less than 125 million. This leaves News Corp execs scrambling for solutions, and they seem to think gaming is the answer.

From Reuters, “News Corp digital head Jonathan Miller said . . . he saw opportunities to make MySpace's gaming platform better geared to videogame suppliers who then will want to launch their products on the site and employ its user data to better develop games.”

Miller went on to say, “MySpace is and will be more in the future a gaming platform, a space for people to meet and play games.”

I imagine the sector of the market they’ll be after is casual—E-Scrabble, E-Chess, E-Get Unwittingly Solicited by Pedophiles—but I’m trying to imagine a MySpace that could actually embrace hardcore games. Would publishers, like today’s well-behaved record labels, be obligated to draw up profiles for today’s top games?

Imagine . . .

Name: Left 4 Dead
Age: 1
Location: Riverside (but it’s a bust)
Relationship Status: In a four-way highly committed situation
Favorite Music: The Zombies
Favorite Food: Brains
Likes: Vests, Pills
Dislikes: Doctors, Lawyers, Vans, Sewers, Planes, The Woods, Cops, Churches, Elevators, Stairs, Walking, Train yards, Small towns, Helicopters, etc.
Would like to meet: A tank driver/helicopter pilot/plane pilot/tugboat captain that won’t turn infected mid-ride
Quote: “Almost theeere, almost theeere!”

Feel free to make up your own MySpace game profiles and share them in the comments.

Snail's Gamer of the Week #7: You Sound Like the Guy From Linkin Park

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:39:35 -0400

Ventrilo is like a gift from god, especially for braggarts, trolls, and inexcusably juvenile bystanders. Goody, goody, this recording has all three! Put your headphones on and stay for the whole show (it gets epic after the six minute mark), just be warned it's NSFW. I apologize for the appalling content . . . just put me down as an inexcusably juvenile bystander. Congratulations to the whole crew--you're my gamers of the week.

Anime Spotlight: xxxHolic Resists Genre Constructs

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:49:51 -0400

In a compartmentalized, identity obsessed world, it’s rare to find a TV series that’s not blindly loyal to its genre. xxxHolic, on the other hand, is a show that never declares itself in tone, and consequently embodies everything I adore about anime.

Spooky, morbid, light, bouncy, and deadly serious, xxxHolic shifts atmosphere frequently and unpredictably. The story follows Yuko, a wish-granting witch who employs high school student Watanuki to work in her shop. Watanuki is plagued by the presence of spirits and works for Yuko with the understanding that eventually she’ll grant his wish and protect him from his supernatural pests. Watanuki is often forced to team up with his rival, Domeki, all the while competing for the love of the beautiful Himawari.

Though most episodes include classic scenes of comic relief, they vary greatly between comedy and drama. Themes include love, loneliness, self-mutilation, human suffering, and above all, destiny. In one episode Watanuki faces grave danger trying to rescue the body of a long-dead child, and in another competes in a decidedly fantastical snowball fight directed by Yuko and her machine-gun toting snowman.

Happy endings are not a given, though you can always count on a few laughs. The characters too, can seem obnoxious, pompous, shallow, and stoic, but ultimately as they grow and change, this makes their vulnerabilities feel significant.

Anime has the ability to change from plot arc to plot arc, in the middle of a season, or in the middle of a single scene. The stakes range from life or death to totally trivial, because after all, isn’t that how life is? xxxHolic pays tribute to the freedom granted by the anime form. You can watch the first season for free on Hulu.

Bust a Moogle

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:15:15 -0400

The song may grate on your nerves a little, but this Moogle's got moves! Of course, I'm sure he'd welcome competition if any of you want to animate a chocobo gettin' his groove on.

Haters Beware: FFVII Fangirl Strikes Back

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:33:58 -0400

A Bombguts blogger is claiming that your favorite Final Fantasy VII heroes have all the depth of a child's doodling. You can check out his illustrations here. In his defense, I really like these masterpieces.

By way of rebuttal I want to propose two lists (which I welcome you to expand upon in the comments).

Why FFVII characters are so beloved to begin with
1) They change and adapt throughout the story
2) They experience self-doubt, courage of conviction and everything in between
3)They aren't invincible
4) They have loved ones, imaginative homes and havens, and personal stake in their adventure
5) Characters have specific music and dialects to create almost audible voices

Why it's hip to say FFVII is overrated
1) Because many fans hold the game as sacrosanct
2) Because it makes people feel insightful to bash what everyone else adores
3) Because many people think the fact that there are other equally amazing games somehow diminishes the quality of this one
4) Because it was such a mainstream success--if it has mass appeal something must be wrong with it
5) Because they have giant sword envy

What do you think?

Geeky Ice Cube Trays

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:59:25 -0400

In these hot days of summer, we're all looking for a way to cool down. Good news for geeks--you can do it in style!

Freezing all the numbers would be . . . well, endless. Luckily there's this convenient Pi symbol to factor into any beverage equation.

Tetris: Stack 'em high, just stack 'em even!

Dr. Who, that's who.

You don't have to travel to Easter Island to get a head--just add water.

Rubik's Ice Cube.

Ice Invaders, invading an otherwise boring drink near you.

Han may be in a bind, but at least when he's frozen he can chill a soda.

And of course, what geek doesn't love a lolcat, or dog, or penguin.

FFVII Marathon For Charity

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:03:13 -0400

What's better than a FFVII marathon just for the hell of it? A FFVII marathon that benefits Autism Care and Treatment. Now in its 80th hour (as of posting), it goes on until Monday night. So far they've raised more than $20,000! Check out the footage here (with lots of silly banter and victory music), and be sure to read up on The Speed Gamers. So far they've put on 11 marathons and have members all over the world. Just goes to show many gamers have hearts of gold.

Image originally here.

Fine Art Fantasies

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:50:32 -0400

Hi everyone!

Here at Limit Break we have a troupe of talented artists who sometimes blog, but rarely show off their other talents. Luckily we have Dizko who draws some of my favorite game-themed comics online, but I know that lurking in the e-shadows we have bakers, photographers, painters, and musicians who also have a lot to share. That's why I'm inviting all readers and bloggers to start submitting some truly creative content. Bake a game-themed cake, make a photo essay about gaming and society, or put together an awesome video inspired by a game. Songs, fiction, drawings, and interpretive dance are welcome--just so long as they've got style. Blog them yourself, or PM me with any questions.

I can't wait to see what you all come up with! Let's make our portal the most colorful, dynamic place on the web.

Love,
Snail

Light Up With a FFXII Zippo

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:37:08 -0400

Dear readers, smoking is bad. But if you have to smoke (or just light **** on fire) why not do it in style? I bring you the FFXII Zippo! This puppy originally sold for $120 bones, but now that it's sold out it will set you back even more when you find it on EBay.

Of course, Zippo is pure class and this lighter's no exception. Made of shiny, polished steel and etched with the imprint and relief of the Judgemaster, it also comes with a lifetime warranty. That means that this final tobacco fantasy never has to end.

Do you smoke? Did you like XII? Would you buy it anyway?

Wizard of Oz Coming to DS

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:05:01 -0400

A new turn-based RPG re-imagines Dorothy's journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Along with the Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow, Dorothy and her ruby slippers will face off against four Ozian witches. Unlike most JRPGs, this game will feature first-person battle perspectives. Shadow Hearts publisher XSeed says we can expect the fairytale title on shelves this fall.

Already released in Japan, the The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road strays far from the original movie's plot. But rest assured, Toto's still there! Developed by Media Vision, the game is totally stylus controlled.

Would you play a Wizard of Oz handheld adventure?

Put Your Game Down. It's Time for Pink Pony.

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:22:08 -0400

Pink Pony is a game about ponies. Who are pink. You may have guessed as much. Said ponies leave trails of hearts and flowers which other players must evade. Trap them in your sinister (but adorable) path and you'll claim victory. It's like Tron meets Snake meets . . . well, ponies. The multi-player fun can be found here--please take the time to give us your review in the comments.

Final Fantasy IV Tribute Album

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:14:07 -0400

Started in March, 2008, "Echoes of Betrayal, Light of Redemption" is a compilation tribute to the music of Final Fantasy IV. Just released July 18, 2009, you can find the epic music for free here.

Artists inspired by Nobuo Uematsu's whimsical, moving score have come together to create 46 arrangements inspired by IV's musical narrative. Divided into three acts, Betrayal, Strife, and Redemption, the album seeks to simulate the player's emotional journey through the game.

Here's a sample, called "Full of Courage and remixed by Nutritious.

Big Chocobo?

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:29:51 -0400

More like a COCOAbo. Found here.

Snail's Gamer of the Week #6: Give This Kid an Oscar

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:05:15 -0400

All of us love a good gamer freakout vid--that's why so many people fake them to get traffic. Usually I try to avoid posting the obviously staged gaming fits, but the acting in this one is so deliciously camp, I couldn't help myself. These kids, who sound Canadian to me, won this week's title fair and square--they make me giggle, and that's what it's all about. Good job guys!

A Love Letter to Valkyria Chronicles

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:59:34 -0400

My love,
They say that absence makes one grow fonder and oh! how I searched for you with a bouncing heart. But when the Gamestops and little shops and big box stores all kept me looking, I figured it wasn’t in the stars for us. They told me that Sega stopped making you, that in North America you underwhelmed with disappointing sales. It’s not your fault my darling—they released you here right as Resistance 2 came onto the market. Don’t despair, I know today that you, you, you are the better game. The more original, the more dazzling, the one with real heart.

And how many times do we see a game with heart anymore? That sinewy emotional center that beats in time with magical music, human heroes, and natural, appropriate gameplay. Aesthetically, emotionally, and personally, you prove what Resistance doesn’t. That war is about more than death—that in fact, it is also about life.

How happy I was to finally find you in that urban sprawl strip mall an hour south of here. Playing a game that asks me to be tactically smart, twitch ready, and emotionally present continues to be the best gaming hours of my recent memory. Sure there were others before, but Valkyria, nobody is quite like you.

Always yours,
Snail

Gush About Games Friday

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:37:13 -0400

Limit Break is excited to bring you the first Gush About Games Friday! This is an open invitation for all bloggers and readers to post about their favorite games. Make quick forum posts or mini-blogs proclaiming your love for one game, exhaustively record the details of an all-time fav, or make a list of the best games you've ever played! Post here all day tomorrow and be sure to check out the love fest.

Wallpaper here.

The PAX 10: Indie Game Winners

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:14:06 -0400

Now in its second year, The PAX 10 is Penny Arcade's recognition of the best indie games around. Check out this year's winners, selected by a panel of industry experts from over 150 submissions. Penny Arcade announced today that The PAX 10 for 2009 are (in alphabetical order):

    * CarneyVale: Showtime by the Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Games Lab (Xbox 360)

    * Closure by Tyler Glaiel and Jon Schubbe (PC)

    * Fieldrunners by Subatomic Studios (iPhone/iPod touch)

    * Liight by Studio Walljump (Wii)

    * Machinarium by Amanita Design (PC)

    * Osmos by Hemisphere Games (PC)

    * Puzzle Bloom by Team Shotgun (PC)

    * Tag: The Power of Paint by Tag Team (PC)

    * Trino by Trinoteam (Xbox 360)

    * What is Bothering Carl? by Story Fort (PC)

The PAX 10 are invited to display their efforts at the sixth annual PAX gaming festival to be held Sept. 4 - 6 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

Nominate the Best FPS Ever

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:43:13 -0400

Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, Goldeneye, Half-Life—these are games that make up the heart of the industry. Fast, challenging, and pretty darn ruthless, hardcore gamers all around the world consider the FPS the mother of all genres. So it’s no surprise that FPSs constantly hog the commercial spotlight. On the other hand, they bear the brunt of criticism from outraged policy-makers and parents who decry any and all polygonal brutality.

The fact that many of us take our knowledge of firearms straight from our game libraries certainly proves there is a strong link between the FPS and real-world violence, but who’s to say a little outlet shootout (simulated always) isn’t healthy?

So which are your favorites to twitch to? Nominate your most beloved shooters below and then we’ll put it to a vote!

Hope Estheim: Worst FFXIII Name Yet?

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:14:40 -0400

Hope Estheim might sound about as wacky and sentimental a name as a Hollywood newborn might be given, but it's actually the newest FFXIII character detailed in Jump Magazine. Hope is that silver-tipped adolescent from the previews and word has it he fights, in typical Dennis-the-Menace boy hero fashion, with a big ole' boomerang. He carries a grudge against Snow for getting his mother involved in battle and I personally see him as a convenient love interest for Vanille. Time will tell.

Original scan found here.

Site Update

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:31:07 -0400

Hey all you wonderful gamers! I've missed working on Limit Break everyday, but my new schedule is really brutal. I'm hoping to find a way to get back to updating everyday soon, but please feel welcome to make this site exactly what you want it to be. The beauty of Limit Break is that it is an open collaboration, so if you have posts or opinions you'd like to see, why not make them a reality yourself? I'll be seeking new writers all month, especially for early week submissions, so please PM me with interest.

Beyond that, enjoy the forums and comment threads too! We have an amazing, warm community and it's growing everyday.

Thursday I'll be back with some fun new articles and a brand new podcast! So please keep coming back and supporting us--I promise lots of goodies. Thanks for all your enthusiasm and patience Limit Breakers, you make the interwebs just a bit brighter.

Big props to benjaminmaier at DeviantArt for the post pic. Wow!

Top 5 Online Gaming Communities

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:45:09 -0400

The best places to be a gamer online? Here's my Top 5, rated for quality of community. Keep in mind the comments were kept intact, errors and all.

Brainy Gamer is everything an internet community should be: welcoming of feedback, audience-driven, and small enough to maintain a clear perspective. BG readers, happy to feel respected, seem inclined to treat each other with mutual respect as well. Candid, clever writing engenders spirited discussion and keeps trolls (ever intimidated) at bay. Keep it up Brainy Gamer!

Sample Comment:
“I like the game well enough, but the clock is an issue for me. It's an interesting gameplay mechanic, and I congratulate Nintendo for taking a chance with it. However, it's the only Zelda I refuse to replay, simply because it takes the exploration aspects of the previous games and puts a limitation on them.

People hate being timed. I don't have the studies handy, but if you time someone doing simple tasks, there's a marked increase in tension in that individual. My brow was furrowed for the entirety of Majora's Mask for that reason.

Still, I wouldn't call it the mutt. I reserve that status for Adventures of Link, which has as little in common with Zelda as sheep have in common with limestone.”
-Michael Rousseau

Where else do you love to hang out online?

4 Reasons to Love Death Note

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:27:29 -0400

1. You aren’t sure who to root for
Not one character in the whole damn manga has simple virtue. Words like justice, morality, and the greater good rarely apply because Light, Misa, L and company all straddle the fence of good and evil. I never chose a side on my Death Note journey, and that made the experience that much more challenging and enveloping.

2. Comic Relief
In many mangas, the comic relief is short, sweet, and a little contrived. In Death Note, the comic relief comes blended into tense scenes and scenarios without any abrupt distraction. From L or Near stacking sugar cubes and playing with action figures, to Misa throwing herself at Light in the most outrageous Lolita-wear, to Ryuk jonesing for one more apple, the respite is built into the panels both visually and verbally. This means the tension is never fully broken, but the reader still gets the chance to chuckle.

3. Loveable Death Gods
Before Death Note, reapers never seemed so cuddly. While Shinigami are tasked with killing humans and doomed to a life of idle gambling in a desolate wasteland, they’re still a pretty colorful crew. Death Note death gods aren’t meant to choose sides, but throughout the story many of them make or break the fates of their human counterparts. Experiencing love, confusion, and hesitation, these Shinigami assimilate to the complexities of the human world, and it makes them a whole lot more accessible to readers.

4. Good and Evil both win battles
I don’t want to give too much away, but this is one story where nobody is safe. Lead characters can die, evil can prevail, and in the end moral ambiguity is the true victor.

Love it or hate it, tell us what you think of Death Note!

New Square and Capcom Toys!

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:37:01 -0400

Good news gamers!

Square Enix and Capcom are bringing us some totally detailed, seriously fun new toys. From the cutesy chibi Final Fantasy sets (about $20 for a set of four), to a Chris and Sheva with muscles and booties to boast about ($39.99 each), there’s not one of these action figures I wouldn’t proudly display. More than any, I’m tempted to buy the Amano-inspired Terra, perched atop her cage of Magitek Armor ($39.99 set of five).

Will you shell out for some shiny new toys?

Scooped at Kotaku

Cats Playing Video Games

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:17:33 -0400

Disclaimer: Be nice to your kitties people. They just want love.

Nan des ka indeed! This kitty pounds his paws away at Taiko Taiko Drummer--a totally adorable percussion fest.

Don't fear the reaper Matt, Tigger just owned you at Rock Band.

You'll get him next time kitteh.

Risk may not be a video game, but when Sheeba rolls the dice, it's totally hardcore.

Hellforge Hitpoints: Episode 004

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:00:20 -0400

Boy oh boy it’s another episode of Hellforge Hitpoints! This week, we tackle casual gaming and its future in the industry. Are casual and hardcore appeal mutually exclusive, or are games like Braid and Portal paving the way for new industry foundations? Plus we fill you in on site news and announce a brand new contest. Sol goes off on MMOs again while I talk about slacking off at work—it’s quality programming you can’t afford to miss!

If you’d like to be a special guest on our show, please PM me—we always love guest hosts. Got an idea for future shows? Tell us about it in the comments.

Special thanks to Seattle-area band Head Like a Kite for their song “Noisy at the Circus,” one of my favs.

Commenter of the Month!

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:02:00 -0400

With International perspective, articulate opinions, and a sweeping knowledge of the industry, our commenter of the month is none other than South Africa’s The Extremist. This month he blogged, guest hosted our podcast, and commented his big heart out with total tact and careful critiques. Check a selection from the gamut of comments:

Gold Star for cultural perspective:
“Luckily I don't have the disposable buckazoids to be faced with the same quandary as you. I'm quite a Guitar Hero and Rock Band fan and might be persuaded into getting a PS3 for those, God of War, and its Blu-Ray player.

The problem is the recurring costs on consoles are much higher than on PCs. Down here we pay USD80+ per game. It also looks like it's going to be a trend to charge console owners for "DLC" (not 5 years ago we just called those "patches") whereas PC gamers get the patch for free.

Maybe once the PS3 slim is out (despite my better judgment) . . .”

Gold Star for a reality check:
“You answered your own question. If the company isn't delivering the perfection you demand then don't buy their game.

Also, keep in mind that $50/$60 doesn't buy a whole lot of perfection. Does that mean we excuse Valve from making good on their promises? Should we accept barely functional products (i.e. buggy-as-hell games) that might be sold at low prices? On both counts: Of course not. Whine! *****! Blog! Comment.

But this culture of entitlement is poisonous. On that point Sessler and I can agree. Is anything ever good enough anymore? There are far more constructive (and by extension mature) ways of dealing with unmet expectations and other disappointment than making demands and trying to convince the creator that you, the consumer, somehow deserve better.”

Gold Star for candor:
“I think fairly many LANners have lost their cool, whether they're playing an FPS or strategy game. I know I have (though never at a large LAN, only among friends) and it's never been pretty. A higher standard of behaviour is expected of competitors I reckon, but even when just socially gaming it can really ruin an event for everyone involved when someone flies off their rocker.”

Thanks Extremist! You make our community better! And thanks to all our great commenters for making this an extremely tough choice.