Session 2: Shenmue Days 3-4

The insanity never stops! I have been slow to post (but hopefully all will be forgiven when everyone gets to hear the SEGA/Dreamcast album). Despite my delayed posts, I am proud to report I am maintaining my pledge of playing at least once a week, even though I would really like to play more.

Let’s recap
When I last typed, I was searching for The Heartbeats Bar, well I found it no problem. However it required Ryo to wrestle with a few sailors outside of the bar and inside (it all started when the bartender served me MILK). Once I was done laying them out I was told to look for Charlie. As a result, I spent day 4 asking all about him.

He’s a biker that wears a leather jacket and sunglasses, he also has a tattoo.

In a very short amount of time I found out that Charlie is quite the ass, messing with people and giving the owners of many local businesses a hard time. Once night was upon me, I ran into a thug that claimed to know where Charlie was. Since Ryo is a trusting guy, I followed. Well guess what. I was led to a parking lot full of punks. They jumped me and I was forced into my first Free Battle (luckily I spent that afternoon practicing my moves in the park). After a combination of random button presses, in the style of someone playing a 3D fighter for the first time, and a vague knowledge of what I was supposed to do I managed to knock out the thugs without taking much damage.

Following the brawl, I pestered some dudes in the arcade about Charlie. They would only talk to me if I joined their gang, being of solid character and strong ideals; I flatly refused to take part in any illegal activities or organizations. This proved to be a bad move because they would not tell me the location of the tattoo parlor. So I went to seek out the parlor on my own. It was easy enough to find but the tattoo artist told me to return tomorrow. The guy was a creep. He kept gushing about my skin and wanted to ink it up. I told him “no thanks” in a polite yet firm manner. At this point it was late, so I headed home. All the pieces seem to be coming together, on the walk home two great things happen.
1) It started to snow.
2) The kitten was awake and hungry.

Shortly before 11pm, I walked in the front door and went to sleep. The quest to avenge my father’s death will have wait till morning.

Future Plans: My goal is to complete Disc 1 sometime next week. I also want to stream again or at least capture some footage. I really like reflecting on my game play through a blog post but I want to try and make it a bit more interesting… I’ll think about it and you do the same!

Wow, it has been a busy week. Let's recap:

On Monday I went to the Captain #1 show. Luckily Tuesday was not so busy. Then Wednesday Grey Milk, the wonderful Chris Bell, and Captain #1 performed at a house show. Thursday night was spent recording the Captain #1 track for the DC EP, Friday was spent enjoying the comedy of funny man Patton Oswalt at the 40Watt here in Athens, Ga. Saturday and Sunday was more DC EP recording (this time the Pianosaurus track and Bicycles & Gravel). Overall, a very busy week. I got a lot of things done but all the while I could hear Ryo calling for my attention. See, this is why I told people I might need a year to complete both games. Despite all of these things I managed to return to Shenmue Sunday morning. I'm still loving the game. I'll write about the journey tomorrow.

THE DC EP
This week we are setting a date for the release (probably will be the first week of March). On the selected day we will re-ensemble the group, play more Dreamcast games, and all the bands will perform. Think of it as a streaming cd release party. Currently, we are working on sound issues so that everything will be nice and clear during any loud parts.

The Recording Process
So far...
Captain #1 have recorded their track (it just needs some more backup vocals for the sing along section).
The Pianosaurus (DinoPiano) has recorded its track...
Bicycles & Gravel have began recording and should have it completed in the next day or two.
Gemini Cricket are recording themselves and have promised something by early next week
That just leaves Grey Milk (scheduled to record next week), The South Will Rave Again (might record tonight), and I Have Read Other Books Besides The Catcher in the Rye (will record next week).

We'll update you more on the DC EP as it gets closer to release. We'll also post a stream date and times once we set them later this week.

Session 1: Shenmue Days 1-3

After much delay I have finally started my Shenmue Journey. Shortly, after the kick-off of the Super Bowl I began my quest. I had hoped to set up a better streaming image but I was just too lazy Sunday to make it happen. Sorry. I was even a bit uncertain if I'd go through with the stream since most of the Dreamcast crew were at "Beardo's" place watching the Super Bowl and I was enjoying a relaxing Sunday. Then when 6 o'clock rolled around, I checked the website and there were folks hanging out in the chatroom waiting, so I jumped to action!

What followed was a very awesome gaming experience. Currently, I am in day 3 of the Shenmue world. Here is the re-cap:

First, I left my house and found a kitten in a box (I hope this thing isn't left to die). I'm thinking the kitten is there for me to take care of daily. Who knows, maybe I have already set it on a path for death because I didn't name it and it wouldn't take milk on the third day - it just slept. We'll see though, I have plenty of milk, canned tuna, and dried fish for it.

I have knocked on a million doors and I found out a little bit of information about the men in the black car, mostly that they are Chinese and are reckless drivers. I have spoken with members of the 3 Blades and currently I am on the hunt for SAILORS. The sailors in this game are hard-ass, punks! I would know more about the sailors but I suck at pool, so I have to return to the Jazz Bar when it is night time. Also, I couldn't find the Heartbeat Bar before 11 o'clock (Ryo's bedtime) - so I'll check that out too.

Other things I've learned. Buying soda is fun (at least when you get a winning can). The capsules are awesome and very addicting (Maybe I should get  another? There is no maybe involved - I should always get another!). The arcade is a great place to wait for the time of day to change. Talking to any young females is a waste of time since you are just a pervert in their eyes. Oh, and I must win a Saturn game!

So far I'm hooked! Great game and the four hours during the Super Bowl slipped by very quickly (I even missed my planned halftime dinner break). I'll continue playing, blogging, and even streaming. Keep checking back! Lastly, a HUGE thanks to everyone that watched on Sunday. We had a modest audience of hardcore fans and I thank-you for your support. You guys are awesome.