YOURTURN

A lot of that is something I relate to. I was diagnosed with Asperger's in 2005 but ultimately won my SSI case in 2011. By this point of time those tied to the social end of my issues were either long gone, or chose to not care enough to make any changes. The one family member who should have helped make the biggest changes doesn't. For the past 15 years alone they refused to talk about past events that tend to either haunt me or have become part of their pattern. Their excuse up to the point they were ready to discuss it was "It happened in the past. I cannot fix the past." Which is one of many issues I will not get into here since I believe in solutions being more important than sympathy. Between 1985-2020 I was targeted simply because I was different. And virtually all of them got off easy because the wrong people got involved. Because of this I have lost interest in video games for a very long time, cannot enjoy certain series that people still take for granted, and currently believe that others in my life are avoiding me. Which has allowed those who see me as an easy target to those who want to mock me, etc. Hence why I am omitting a lot of what I went through. And instead will point out that if things were different for me, I might be here talking about my Famicom game collection that might also include remakes. And maybe even post photos of video game events in Japan. Things I still want to do. But instead I have a moment where those of the female kind used my nice guy demeanor as an excuse to either directly or indirectly accuse me of being a pedophile, a sexual deviant, etc. I have one family member that openly accused me of being an elder abuser, despite not being present for the event that happened. Another family member will disregard everything they should not do because it inconveniences them, even when I asked them to stop. They even acted like me becoming pre-diabetic because of the stress they contribute was fake news. And have dismissed the idea that being 43 and dependent on a family member is an insult to my life. Among other things they refuse to consider. And atop of that I have gotten zero help from my family when it comes to me starting a business in Japan. Which I have been working on since 2013. Plus one of the family members I have mentioned also sabotaged my engagement because they did not think I knew what I was doing. Here is the catch: They never talked to me about it. And when I was in Osaka, suffering, I shielded them from their mistake. With my reward for doing so is more of the same issues I was facing since around 1989. In the end I lost my fiancee, came off as an ass when somebody made an innocent mistake, and have not dated anybody since the break-up. Again, solutions first. Because I plan to use my past experiences to help others. After I make enough to run my business, own a place, manage a family, and have this be a nothing more than a memory. Which leads me to issues tied to the whole blackface scenario: The issue is not self-entitled, per say, but rather the fact neither side will agree to the way it should be handled. It's like you said, people only want to believe what they perceive to be the truth. And what makes that go from a manageable issue to something we are seeing here is that nobody wants to deal with the truth. Because in reality who would want to do what a person who lives with Autism needs when they have excuses? Or simply distinguish when something can be done without it being a real issue, and when it should be avoided altogether. In cases with me all I need is to simply be heard and have what I said be resolved. If a person does that for the sake of being a leader, then they are a true leader in my book. While the rest, including all forms of -isms and the like, just self-entitled brats that should be ignored for the time being.

Seriously... Seeing this level of sexiness makes me wish WATA will announce their plans to grade PSP and Switch games.

@cartman There is no point of arguing with you. I would like to believe you would have a different tone if you had similar experiences. But since you haven't all you can do is blame the same internet you are using. Which also has people who say it is racist because their family members experienced the darker side of what this has to offer. As well as those who want to either boycott or remove anything they deem "liberal" from this country. With this including those who think that Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists is pure fiction, those who dismiss ROMANS 13:8-10 without reading what it says, and even what our Founding Fathers had to say on equality. Things that are my reasons to not argue with you. And yes... I have experienced racism, sexism, as well other forms of bigotry. My original last name was mocked for years at the school I went to. A former neighbor told others that I was a Satanist because I used to play D&D, as well as made verbal threats of violence if I stepped on his property. I was forced out of sites and fandoms because my preferences were not shared by others. And the list goes on. With multiples of people excusing themselves because I am using my variation of Asperger's as a "crutch" on my FB page. And others at a fansite publicly mocked me, with none seemingly been punished. The list goes on. With every detail explaining why I am here with virtually no real game collection to share. But if you want to say it is not entirely racist because that is how you perceive it as such, use that as a reason. That is the only correct answer you can offer. Because there are historical examples that show it have been socially accepted. But those examples are slim. With others either being a borderline or have managed to offend those they are imitating. Because imitation is not always a sign of flattery. Just like being overtly sensitive regardless of what side you are on will help create a mutual resolution. Hence why I am not arguing with you here. Especially since I side with those who were impacted by this, but will also defend it if the narration of said story will not work if it was not allowed to be included. Plus, for the record after everything I said, a true leader is one that will make needed sacrifices if it will help lead to the betterment of humankind. Or even those who they lead. The rest will range from inviting David Duke to Iran as a means of disputing another part of the Holocaust to creating one gaslight-type narrative after another on social media. Things that have proven that still offer the same type of media that targets any type of minority group. Even if you, me, or anybody else here do not see it. Hence it is still alive no matter what anybody says. Which, again, is why I am not arguing. Because there are way too many recent examples to bring up when it comes to this. Just like there are examples why it is also not 100% racist. Now if you don't mind I want to our "argument" time to victimize myself because Nintendo has not yet announced a physical Switch re-release of the Mother (Earthbound) game series.

In regards to my game purchases... Technically yes. My first sealed game (Final Fantasy VII Remake) is the only one that was shipped from Japan. Every game since that one have all been shipped from Hong Kong. And since I use DHL and FedEx everything tends to arrive between 2-3 days.

I must confess that I like the thought they put into it. What turns me off is the way they decided which color gets which games. Other than that I would have considered getting these if it was not for the fact I am still in the rebuilding/pre-grading stage of my game collection.

Edit: No longer in my collection. It's a long story.

Edit: No longer in my collection. It's a long story.

I found this in a more recent New York Times article: If he is involved in any of this, I can only hope that you and others will feel some satisfaction when the Judge states the punishment for said guilty verdict.

I am not going to disagree with you on the last part because the Democrats were also signed off on things that helped ruin our economy during George W. Bush's time as President. Obama was one of the Senators responsible for not keeping that budget in check. And when he became President he wanted to correct his share of his mistakes. Which would have been great for Republicans if they chose to maintain Reagan's legacy in some form. Because he stated that those who put party lines before the American people should be the last to have a role in our nation's political system. A policy the Democrats are trying to uphold despite having no say on who gets a check, etc. As for the Republicans, the irony here is that those calling them such tend to be more Liberal than Conservative. Their shift from being Reagan Republicans to Trump Republicans is the very definition of being Liberal. And as I said before, his agenda is more anti-Obama than anything else. The only reason he targets the Democrats as a whole is because they dismissed the birther movement (which he was a part of) in favor of making history. And it was easy for him to do this because not only is he a public image, those who have influence got them to combat said former Constitutional Law Professor-turned-Senator-turned-President. Something that puts logic in a tricky position when you want to help the nation maintain its economy. However... With George Floyd, I did point out the Officer-in-question's body language. If you add the report that both he and Floyd used to work at the same night club in the past this is not another police-related incident. Past incidents where death was the result often have the P.O. showing some type of effort that can be aggression or maintaining control. He literally stayed calm and cool to the point that one of his hands appears to be in a pocket. You might have seen officers be like that, but I never had. Hence why I also said, in a separate response, that he is lucky they did not notice this while deciding which degree of murder to persecute him with. Thus my first response has me believe this is not your usual P.O. incident. And the second part has me stating that Trump is doing what he chooses to do for a reason. The follow-up is that agree or disagree, both the Democrats and Independents are forced in a tricky scenario: Look the other way and hope for the best, or contest and become campaign fodder.

There are talks that Derek Chauvin knew George Floyd from the time they both worked at a nightclub. Plus his body language in that now infamous photo not only has me believe that, it also has me believe that this was planned out for some time. So for me I am wondering what can happen if they found out his intent was pre-meditated after he was found guilty of third degree murder. As with the stimulus check, everything done with this Administration was mostly one-sided. Then again Trump has issues with a certain portion of the nation was fine letting Obama be the POTUS.

I live a long distance away from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Long Beach. Plus the rebuilding of my collection (including retroactive replacements) are strictly Japanese imports. And that amount would not cover the amount of gas needed (for a non-hybrid) to find a shop and sell them. So nope... I am not worried. Between the way my life was both before and after my Asperger's diagnosis I get it. And the reality with that does not have the discrimination, bullying, and abuse be the lone issue. That is the part where being yourself allows single player games to become your best friend. And I will say more if needed. But for right now what I can say has me feel thankful we have VGA. As well as feel safe knowing that my collection is not rare or popular enough that it is worth stealing.

Seeing your Paper Mario makes me wish I never sold my GC in hopes of starting a .hack collection. Plus Dark Alliance is my favorite D&D console game to this day! I found the sequel new long ago, and sold it right away. Glad I did since I did not like that game at all.

Man... I really wanted to say something sooner. But between me cataloging what I have successfully gotten and not knowing what to say, all I can say is "Yare yare daze." Mostly because I hate it when my level of bad luck hits others. Because I can handle the annoyance of losing a few rare(-ish) games. But to see this? That is a whole different level! Honestly, if this happened to me I would have been looking for a way to recover. Possibly go as far as look into a way to display the survivors. So I am also glad that you are still hanging in there. And also hope the second half of this year is good for you! If it isn't by the time I do my planned return trip, please let me know. I'll see if I have find a protection charm specifically made for gamers. And as for the gift for your kid, consider putting it in a custom box. Maybe one with a pic where you both are video game characters playing video games together. It's an idea. But I do hope what you do works. With that said... Best of luck!

Excluding variants, there was 30 for the Famicom Mini Series. With variants, there was 31. Volume 1: Super Mario Bros. had a "30th anniversary" variant when it comes to a first print. The second (and beyond) print looks no different than the rest in terms of packaging. It's the one series of games I know I would have completed if I knew you guys in 2012.

Better a dipper than a dip, right? Ha ha ha. But yeah... All my experiences with eBay are pretty much a toss of the coin. Especially when it comes to sealed games. For example, I have a first print PS3 game that looks like a 9.6 or 9.8 with a weak-medium "A+"/medium-strong "A" wrap. A new Japanese seller has the same game, and theirs looks to be a definite upgrade in the wrap department. They also promise to do their best in terms of packing the item. But the chance the shippers (once it comes to arriving at LAX and beyond) will keep it in that condition is a Vegas bet. So even if I want to double dip in hopes of getting an upgrade, not using DHL or FedEx has me thinking that history should not repeat itself. So not a problemo. And expect me to give eBay another shot. There might be a few rare CIB games I want there. Plus I am debating on revising my goal to have a rebuilt arcade cabinet be part of my collecting goals. So choosing which game I want, and buying what I need for that, may result in me using eBay.

I’m more of a triple dipper (kind of). - Bought Final Fantasy VII when the Greatest Hits version was available. Sold these at different points. - Bought Final Fantasy VII when Nintendo had the digital version on sale. - Bought a NFR copy of Final Fantasy VII Remake on eBay. Debating if I should sell it. - Bought a Walmart copy of Final Fantasy VII Remake on eBay. Got rid of it and gave up on eBay (again, which sucks in a way). - Bought a Japanese copy of Final Fantasy VII Remake on CDJapan. I plan to have this copy graded. I am also planning to double dip on Astral Chain. The digital version is on my list. Plus I am debating about multi-console releases of any games I do own. And finally, since I gave up on eBay the chance of me double dipping for potential upgrades are gone.

Edit: No longer in my collection. It's a long story.

Edit: No longer in my collection. It's a long story.

I'm on break with PC gaming since I want to upgrade my used 360 controller to a new XbOne controller. But I am juggling a planned return to Tokyo with the rebuilding of my sealed/graded game collection. So until that day comes... Playing: Animal Crossing: New Horizon (with Dengenki Bunko Crossing Void as smartphone filler) On Hold: Dragon Quest II (Switch) (because I cannot find distraction-free time these past few weeks)

Welcome!

Lets see... Here is my "Top 5" list: 1) Self-entitled people: I don't care what a person collects or how they collect it. And I don't care what type of preference somebody has when it comes to gaming. But I do have issues with those who act like they are superior when it comes to anything they create for themselves. It's both a quick way to ruin a fandom and many have made it my biggest hurdle in the past. Thankfully nobody is like that here. 2) Anxiety: I have a variation of Asperger's that has this pop up from time to time. So it always feels like if I cannot get this goal done within a specific time-frame then it cannot be done. Or if I get really far into what I have accomplished only to find issues, then it cannot be done. Stuff like that just puts me in a position where collecting is not possible in the end. 3) Game hunting in "unknown" stores: I love hunting down games that are on my check-list. Both online and offline. But I absolutely do not like buying games when I cannot determine the overall condition. Or have to rely on a store's grading system. The latter is a perfect counter-argument when it comes to grading companies. And I am dreading the offline part later this year. 4) Grading companies: One of my favorite things about this hobby is seeing well displayed graded video games. What bothers me is how annoying it is to get a game graded these days. VGA no longer offer photos, nor offer a means of knowing that you need to pay extra for a custom case. And WATA needs you to contact them if you cannot use their form. It's... Ugh. 5) Doing a niche focus: All I can say is that I have been doing this for less than a month and it has mentally burnt me out. To the point that I might actually have to change everything I was planning to do if I want to stay in this hobby. And because of that I salute those who have the willpower to not jump ship because it is any level of frustration for them. (Especially those who only collect first print copies of any game for any system.)

^ This. The last time I aimed to do a complete anything it involved all Japan releases of the portable Dragon Quest games. All I can say is that committing to even just a game series can lead to burn out, or even anxiety (in a case like mine). Because the CIB game might have a bonus item that will be extra hard to find or replace. And other games that might allow a set to be complete might exceed your budget's comfort zone. So my advice is that if you are set on continuing the hunt just write down ideas on what you might want. And then test each idea out until you find something that will allow you to continue without any concerns related to your "best of" collection. It might result is something you may not have originally envisioned, but it will allow you to continue doing what you love to do.

Welcome to the X-Men! I hope you survive the experience! forum, @John Riggs!

Man oh man... Looking at this makes me miss the PlayStation Home days. Very nice! And thanks to you I might have to add both versions of Super Street Fighter IV to my PS3 collection. Hope to see more in the future!

Hi! And thanks. I am doing just that.