I’ve been back from my four day stay in Auckland for a few days now. I had a great time at Armageddon although mostly just due to hanging out with friends and having some fun. I didn’t really buy much, but finding loot has not really been part of what I enjoyed about the convention for a long time. Having said that, finding something rare or a bargain is always good. 
Friday evening I met up with Carl and Kyle and we ate at Tanuki’s on friday night, I’ve always found the food there a little so-so but they did make some of the best miso soup I’ve had a in a long time. Sake wise, nothing really stood out but I did like the atmosphere in their downstairs area. The next night Carl suggested the three of us go for pizza at a place across the road from his hotel called Toto’s. When we walked in the door it seemed kind of blah and just like any other restaurant but Carl spotted a doorway and we went out to find a lovely outdoor Mediterranean style dining area with the setting sun as a backdrop and vines growing up the wood work. We ordered a different pizza each to get a good sampling of the selection and Carl ordered a delicious bottle of Vigoner. It was about then we found out a second Tanuki’s dinner with other friends was happening but it was too later and twice in a row would have been a bit much. So our pizza arrived and all I can say is that their house pizza is the best pizza I ever remember having eaten. I can still imagine that perfect crust and flavour as I type. To top it off, as we sat out there absorbing the atmosphere, good food and good wine, we heard the sounds of a live operatic choir wafting out from inside the restaurant. What more can I say? The combination was magical.
On Sunday I went for a big walk to Newmarket and then back through Parnel and saw a lot of interesting shops on the way. We had the official Madman forums dinner later that evening. A friend from work had driven up for the day to attend and I met up with him just as I got back from my walk. All in all it was a very nice dinner. The evening seemed to go very fast though and I didn’t get to chat to all the people I’d wanted to (mostly friends from Wellington), I guess I’ll have to make it to the Wellington Armageddon then.
On Monday I was helping asgard to run the anime related events at Armageddon along with lythinae, lyraethe and sefilin (all lovely, intelligent and fun women). The five of us had gone through Armageddon together early on Satuday looking for the afore mentioned rare items, bargains and freebies. It might seem odd that actually having to work at something and being tied to specific events might be a good thing but it really was. It meant I got to see some events that often I’d miss for some reason or another as well as other things most people don’t get to see (such as the Cosplay judging). Initially I really didn’t know what to expect in terms of what I’d be doing but now I have much more of an idea
As far as loot goes, I came away from Real Groovy with a stack of CDs, Armageddon with a Maya figure (Tenjho Tenge) and some graphic novels and other figures bought in various stores. I will post some photos soon for those interested. Amongst the graphic novels I got was the entire series of RahXephon manga, I really enjoyed the original series. I had this ordered earlier in the year but it never came in stock. It’s quite interesting in comparison because it’s quite different to the anime. The story itself is different and they explain a lot more than in the anime. What is also of interest is that Reika Mishima (My favourite character in the anime) is a real, materialized person in the manga rather than a spirit being like in the anime. The other big difference is the mangaka’s penchant for panty shots. ^_^ I also picked up all of the Keroro Gunso manga (Sgt. Frog) and am enjoying it a lot so far, I hope the anime lives up to it.
I’ve been mostly relaxing and gaming since getting back (and when not busy with other stuff), I managed to beat 99 Nights with one character but the story is different for each character and I still have to unlock some characters too so I’m sure I’ll play it more. I’ve also been playing some Caesar IV but it’s too soon to talk much about that yet.
I checked out the new trailer for Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 that showed up on Xbox live while I was away. It’s interesting in a number of ways although mostly as a graphics tech demo.
Some things that stood out for me:
* The great “cloth blowing in the wind” effect as a character dragged a silky wrap behind her. I’ve seen many attempts at this but they always looked fake until now.
* Self shadowing that actually looked convincing.
* Water ripples reflecting not only on other objects but directly on the characters themselves.
* Water distortion affecting bodies under the water. (i.e. the effects of light refraction are actually simulated)
I did notice though that each of these were only done on specific scenes whereas in other scenes they just weren’t there. I’m hoping this is just because they haven’t finished applying these effects across the whole game as of yet. One other related comment on the trailer though, why is Kokoro tormenting that poor crab? The SPCA would have a field day…
