Play On, Philippines.

[Solemn_In_Berlin]

THE CULT OF PERSONALITY

Alright, just want to introduce myself.

I'm Solemn_In_Berlin (you can just call me Solemn) from the Philippines and I'm very humbled to be here. The username's actually the name of my band and it came from three things: 1) Our main inspiration for our music is Anberlin (which I believe is the greatest band in the world right now) among others, 2) we're (my bandmates and I) usually described as "calm and solemn" by friends and family and 3) Berlin's always been that place that I'd like to visit given the chance. So yeah, that's also why I chose "Play On, Philippines" as the title. Because I play (both as a musician and as gamer) and I'm a Filipino.

In gaming, I'm a racer and Gran Turismo has always been my favorite racing game series. I also love platforming and action RPGs and for those particular genres, LittleBigPlanet and Dark Cloud are what always come to mind first. I'm actually versatile and can be good at all genres but that doesn't mean I love all of them. For example, I don't like FPS that much and if there are three games that I could name that will make me enjoy FPS games, Call of Duty and Battlefield don't make the list. They're Deus Ex, Bioshock and System Shock.

Top 5 Games: Dark Cloud 2, System Shock 2, Bioshock, Deus Ex: The Conspiracy and Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten.

What I find most wrong about the video game industry today is the lack of personality. I mean, whatever happened to unrivaled narratives and compelling storylines? I miss those stories that let you immerse beyond the art and gameplay. Stories like Deus Ex 1, System Shock 2, Planescape: Torment, Chrono Trigger, Ocarina of Time, Dark Cloud 2, Pander Dragoon Saga and Grim Fandango among others. Final Fantasy VI only had little sprites with expressive eyes yet it stands today as the greatest Final Fantasy ever made (yeah I said it) because of the story. Most video game stories nowadays are chewed up and spat out for flashy graphics with little-to-no substance at all. That's the saddest part. I mean, it's okay to have style, but don't forget the substance.

Alright, I know that the main purpose of this forum is to introduce as a collector and not as a gamer. Well the problem is, I still have a very little and very humble collection. I only have three CEs right now: R1 LittleBigPlanet 2, R3 Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Pack 2nd Edition and R1 Bioshock 2 Special Edition. The Bioshock 2 SE and the Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Pack 2nd Edition are the only ones I have sealed (I don't keep my CEs sealed unless there's a window box to view the collector's item).

Oh yeah, the reason why I have such a small collection is:

1) The Philippines is a third-world country so we don't get as much CEs as we could. And because video game stores here get their CEs from America (they don't get CEs exclusive to Europe), they tend to get more expensive than they should. I know I could import, but I'm afraid of how pristine the condition will be once I get it. Besides, Philippine customs would kill me.

2) I just started at the start of 2011. The CE that got into collection video game CEs is the LittleBigPlanet 2 CE because of that adowable wittle Sackboy.

3) Most of my savings go to my other collections. Particularly my and my dad's 1:18 diecast collection. In contrast to my video game CE collection, that is one big and proud collection. If there are no good diecast models out, then I go buy Koto statues or a new guitar.

4) This is the main reason why I have such a small and humble collection. I'm only 15. Which means my student budget is not even close in sufficing the price tags for all these collector's editions. I could buy at most only three collector's editions a year, and that's such a small number since I only pay 50% of a CE's price tag. The other half goes to my mother.

Well that's that. tl;dr I know, but I'm very happy to be here and I hope my collection will grow as big as yours.

Pics (My room's too small so I had to take pics while they're laid on my bed). Looks sloppy here, but rest assure that I care for my CEs.

Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Pack 2nd Edition






Bioshock 2 Special Edition