I can't believe nobody's already done this:Let's Play Tokimeki Memorial GS1

Gunna second Nebty's recommendation for Jane Eyre. I'm not into Byronic heroes a good portion of the time, but Mr. Rochester was delightful.

I definitely agree here. Augh, I did not enjoy that book one bit. I'll stay over here in the corner with my Cervantes and Oscar Wilde and let Emily Bronte do her own thing on the other side of the room.

I'm just going to say here that while I enjoyed the romance in P&P, I had a problem with Austen's writing style. I'm (unfortunately) very picky when it comes to writing style, but depending on how good the story is, I'm willing to get over myself for the sake of finishing the book.

P&P is a good romance. Not the best, but it should definitely be read once, if only so you can judge it for yourself.

Yep. Wuthering Heights, while well-written, is a novel about a collection of horrible narcissistic people who are entirely too obsessed with one another. I get that that's what it's supposed to be about, but it's not something I enjoyed reading. I'm always weirded out when I meet someone who claims that it's a romance novel. It...really isn't. The "romance" in Wuthering Heights is more akin to mental illness.

Would it make me weird to say that that's the reason I want to read that novel now? It sounds fascinating.

Go for it. I won't dissuade you from reading it. Just know that I not only found these people horrible, but incredibly boring as well. A lot of that is a problem with the way it's written. The POV character for most of it isn't any of the main players, but just some random dude who's visiting the house. The maid tells him about what happened to Wuthering Heights in the past, which is how the origins of Heathcliff, Cathy, etc are told. We never even see Cathy alive in the "present", and Heathcliff has been reduced to a bitter old man.

I hate this form in story telling. It almost feels like the author was playing favorites with a certain character. I read a manhua where I realized about halfway through that the story is actually about the selfish best friend and all of the characters are selfish really and I couldn't stop reading because there would be so much unresolved tension otherwise so when I finally finished and closed it with great pleasure.

I also dislike how in Greek story telling, everything is told back--not in present form. I know it's meaningful about their beliefs on fate but.

Oh? I didn't have any problems with it. What did you not like?

I'm just really, really picky. I guess I should clarify that it wasn't the style itself that bothered me, just the way she structured her paragraphs and worded her sentences and the like. (I'm having a lot of trouble pinpointing what bothered me, it's been a while. I know it had something to do with the technical aspect of the book rather than the narrative one.)

Ahh, I see why it would be a pain in the ass to read, then.

Dante's Inferno man.


I think I just got reminded about it because of the Kara no Shoujo thread but ... if you want to really scare yourself, read that. You know, for Halloween.


I'm trying to get into Jane Austen...I think I've reread the beginning of Pride and Prejudice three times already. An author that I personally like that hasn't been mentioned is Edith Wharton. Downfall of a indecisive socialite between love and money in the beginning of the 20th century? Beautiful. (The book I'm referring to is The House of Mirth btw).

Also Brave New World for you know happy dystopia.

House of Mirth is like reading an Otome game with a not dense protagonist that nonetheless railroads herself on the BAD END train. That book is good, but hella depressing.
Additionally, the main love interest is kind of an indecisive weenie with regards to an active role in her life. Typical VN protags in ye olden days.

Happy dystopia is an oxymoron.

Fundamentally pleasurable society with little active choice by it's members might be more accurate. As far as dystopian novels go, I have a tendency to love ones where you spend most of the time trying to figure out what the hell happened (Shade's Children by Garth Nix, Blackeye Rising by Manuel Erto).
But enough of this literary discourse. Commence with the hot romance of pixelboys!

I think my computer is dead. I've been trying to revive it AND IT'S JUST NOT WORKING. I might have to completely redownload and replay on another computer or leave this on hiatus til further notice.

A more accurate description would probably be anti-Utopia: A setting that APPEARS TO BE Utopic, but in reality, isn't.

And damn that sucks! D: I hope your computer gets fixed soon, regardless of the LP;;;;

I love you.
As far as dystopian books go, I really liked Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

And dang Para, that sucks. Computers can be crazy expensive to fix. I wish you the best of luck.

My cat's name is Dickens. That should tell you everything you need to know about my reading habits. :) I love gentlemanly snark, and his books have it in spades.

I know what you're thinking--IT'S ALIVE...!

But alas, not an update. I will get back to Kijyou eventually. Christmas break perhaps? I just wanted to share a deviant artist that draws doujinshi for the Tokimeki series.

Looks like I wasn't lying. Currently redownloading all the necessary files to get this LP started up again. I need to replay up to the point we stopped at though so the updates will be a bit delayed.

One more thing, I'm getting kind of tired of narrative style so I hope you guys don't mind me switching back to commentary. At any rate, more Tokimemo coming your way~

Oh goodness, I need help. Stupid Mac. I thought we got over our differences already. Does the patch work on Macs? The patch is appearing as a text file. Is that normal?

Goddammit Mac. Yes, I am actually cursing.

Not sure if this will help, since technically I took it from gokusaishiki's FAQ page and it's for the second game, but I don't really see why it wouldn't.

Thanks! I was using the multipatch thing but it wasn't working.

I hope these work. Like I said, I'm not entirely sure (I use Macs next to never). Fingers crossed.

I fail at computers. Flight to Habataki High has been delayed due to turbulent mind weather conditions.

Sorry to ask this but does anybody have a patched version of the rom that they can upload somewhere to download? I've been trying to figure this out but nothing's working. Desmume remains loyal though.

Question (yes, I am still trying to figure this out. /glares at mac): Does the patch show up as a .patch text file with a bunch of gibberish?

I can only wish you luck finding someone less incompetent than me in this, sadly. I can't even figure out how to make Windows 8 behave remotely normally half the time.

Hi guys! I'm uber excited because after much internet search struggling, I cheated and got a patched rom from Donmai. Praising the ground she walks, er types, upon and showers of gratitude and roses will begin promptly.

Since I have a completely new game, I'll take this chance and hold a vote. Please post votes for any:

-names
-birthdays (please stay within the months late December - early Ferbuary, and no holidays since special birthday dialogue cancels out some of the normal dialogue)
-guys (We were going after Kijyo, friending Hazuki. I prefer this myself but if you guys want to switch out--I'm doing this this to entertain you anyway.)

I think we had our last girl as Ai Yume, 1/15, Kijyo-sub-Hazuki. I'll only change the guys if the votes exceed, let's say 12 people since I remember most of posts getting around 20 likes which means at least 20 people were reading right? That should be enough for a large majority. If you want to give our gal a troll name /glances at Donmai /, now would be the time.

Honestly, I think we should go with what was in place. I guess that counts as one vote for all the old stuff?

I'd praise Donmai, but her avatar frightens me...

Gotta think of a three-letter troll name think Donmai think think think...!
ASS
...
Yes. Name her ASS.
ASS BUT, February 2nd.
Yes.

Edit:

This thread is back in action! Luckily, we didn't get that far last time. I've pretty much caught up to where we last ended. Things of note:

The voice acting on this version of desmume is SO MUCH BETTER. I can actually enjoy all the wonderful voice acting now!



I focused on getting a job earlier this time.



What was Natsumi-chan even doing at the bike sh--wait, what with Kijyo bragging about his bike to everybody...



Doubtful~<3 Crushes hone your perception into a sharp edged knife and desperation and hopeless dreams.




I think I know why your relationship isn't going so well, Natsumi. Yume writes it off as a married couples' spat as protagonists are required to do despite the fact that Kijyo is or going to be our househusband.

Kijyo: No, no, we can't be paired as a peaceful couple.
Natsumi: Yeah, yeah, it's probably more like a comedy duo.

These two are great as friends. I love their interactions.

Kijyo demands Natsumi treat him for kicking his precious bum which makes doesn't bug me at all. I mean, it's not like it's a date right?

Kijyo: Hurry up! Don't act like a short legged woman!
Natsumi: It's because your legs are ridiculously long!

Love these two. They'd make a horrible couple in everywhere but Japan fantasy land though. Yume even agrees with me.

Hey, I even got an email about it!




Pft. So cute~ Which will make the rivalry all the more painful.

I pretty much followed the same plan as last time. Word of advice to everybody: always invite your guy to the Night Parade. I think all of them like it and you get around 10 chances to molest them.

Awww, that's adorable! ... Is it to late to hop on somebody else? D:

For one reason I always have a hard time getting Kijyou its because I really like Natsumi...

And her rivalry is just a quick death for me... One stab and thats it!

I ran into Hazuki coming back from shopping. Wonder what he's here for.



He responds with a noncommittal grunt. Look here, I doubt that's good for you. Don't be like me and accidentally sample your cat's food because it smelled pretty good--oh hey, Hazuki, do you have a cat?

Hazuki: Is that so?

Do you know it's kind of irritating trying to converse with you sometimes? Straight answers please.



So you do own a cat! And several by the sounds of it. And hey, I said straight answers mister.



That smile. How cute~ I should go visit them. Gah, look at the time, I have to go make dinner for Tsukushi. Make sure the cats are the only ones eating the food, okay? I wouldn't put it past you, you dazed prince.



...

Okay, I don't have time for this. See you later~

Oh hey, I thought I forgot what conversing with Hazuki felt like. Turns out I never really knew to begin with.

Curse Natsumi for pulling out that magazine. Himuro-sensei is going to shoot me with his robot laser eyes for being late!

Oh, it's the church from the first day of school. Wow, it's really pretty. I can't really see the stained glass windows though...maybe, if I step back a little bit...



I jump back in fright with my hands raised as if I was about to unleash my ninja skills on that suspiciously fuzzy moustache. Who is this guy? Sensei said there's been a creeper around the school recently; I should probably report him. I mean, just look at the color of his suit--if that doesn't scream pedo-bear, I don't know what does.

He pulls me into a conversation about the church and Puck--which makes no sense even within the context of this world because Puck caused the wrong people to fall in love--while I try to casually edge my way out of the clearing. I'm gonna be late I'm gonna be late I'mgonnabelate!

-------

Geez, Himuro-sensei made me stay after class to clean. It's not my fault a sack of tweed distracted me from class! Oh, is that Kijyo-kun?



Ladies and Gentle-whatever gender you so wish to be identified by, I do believe we have our first CG of the route.

Kijyo: I'm heading to my part time job.



Kijyo: I plan to do some maintenance work over the weekend.

I run my hand admiringly along the handlebars before jerking my hand back and staring in shock as pink hearts erupt from the bike. Okay then.

Kijyo: They have plenty of tools over there, and the owner doesn't mind that I use them.



Kijyo: That's because I don't have a license.

So, you walk the motorcycle around? And work on it on weekends? That seems really troublesome.



Kijyo: It's my farewell gift so it's special to me. I can't ride it now but, once I get the license, I'll surely it a lot. Until then I can't let it break down right?

Wow, you're quite devoted. I wonder if Kijyo-kun misses Osaka...?



Um, what does that have to do with the bike? And that's quite different from the careless attitude you give off.

Kijyo: Those are the promises I made with that sempai.

Oh, so you already straightened out by someone boo, they stole my special snowflake project wow, that's great~

Kijyo: Oh! I can't chat anymore. The manager will be angry if I'm late. See ya!

Mm'kay. Take me for a ride when you get your license!

The conversation was reminiscent of one I had earlier in the day. Hazuki was better than this guy. He wouldn't even respond verbally and refused to answer one of my questions. So, of course, I like him. One of my friends is also like this. She likes to mime her sentences. It's cute until they refuse to respond or answer non-invasive questions.

(Glorious Friday, oh sweet day of joy
Thy merry beams light mine day and permit
Access to this fine site of revelries
Whence previous, the hands of time forbid

tldr; bad iambic pentameter: SCHOOL and other things SUCK MY LIFE INTO ITS GREEDY CLUTCHES more notably through Shakespeare)

There's been a steady stream of customers in the coffee shop for awhile now. I glance up from the cash register to find Kijyo-kun looking back at me.

Kijyou: Working hard, Yume-chan?




Another meeting with Tsukushi


[aw man, it looks like I didn't take a pic of Kijyou's love meter. He's a little below Hazuki at the moment]

Himuro-sensei currently hates me since I can't attend any of his extracurriculars because current goal is to be on friendly terms with Hazuki and Kijyo by Chistmas not a typo and I must arrange at least 2 dates per month and sleep who needs sleep right?

On happier news, progress with the guys is going at an okay pace. They're both at about half until :).

Word of advice: The movie theater has safe options (if you look at walkthroughs because I can't fathom anybody playing without walkthroughs) but minimal skinship points. Same for the live house.



Then, Hazuki shows up at my work. (Forgive me if I've already shown this, I don't remember)

I mix him up a hot mocha.



------A bit later----

I'm frantically finishing up one more problem of math homework when a soft voice speaks behind me. I totally thought it was Morimura for a second but nope, much better:



Arisawa! I missed you~

She artfully dodges my glomping while glancing over my paper. After helping me on an impressive problem (read: WHY HIMURO WHY THESE FRACTIONS AGH), Arisawa coldly dismisses me. Whatever, we'll be besties yet~

On my date with Kijyo, I tell him about my GREAT NEED for that ridiculously large, fluffy, plush bunny in the claw-grabber. His eyes immediately light up.



Cute and convenient~ I shall never lack a fort of adorable animals with Kijyo around.


I buy a cat jigsaw puzzle for Hazuki's birthday.



Any man who loves this type of present gets a thumbs up from me.



Of course! I wished for magical powers. (Answer for the game and real life)



Such a sweet smile.

...Hey, I just realized I haven't been getting any post-date emails from Kijyou. Hazuki sends them from the very beginning. Anybody who wants to psychoanalyze, feel free.

Sorry that this update was just ''look, this happened''.

Oh my goodness, guys, my save page changed.



It's so cute~ I love that Kijyou is trying to casually brag about his bike. Is Yume holding a box of chocolates?

It looks like he's trying to brag and she's happily oblivious due to the giant pile of confections in front of her. That's cute in its own way XD
"So, ya know, I can't ride it yet, bu-"
"-CHOCOLATES. CHOCOLATES. I LOVE CHOCOLATES~"

Hm. Strange. I didn't get any alerts when you guys posted on this thread. Do I need to make a post before the alerts start?

Anyway, we're gunning for Hakuzi this time, with Kijyo for our BBFies?

Shameless double post (and kinda necro-ing old posts, I guess?) but dude, books.

That's exactly why I liked Wuthering Heights so much. It was kinda refreshing to read about horrible people and their horrible, sitcom-worthy misunderstandings!
But I'll have to agree that the style she used to write this book kinda annoyed me. The POV character is so completely unrelated to everyone else that it's just... meh. I think she did this so we could project ourselves on him? But still, I'd much rather read Heathcliff's or Cathy's point of view or something. I understand that if it was done this way, a lot of things would be left in the dark, like how Heathcliff managed to hear only the worst possible part of Cathy's conversation with the narrator lady, but still. There's a way to work around that.


While I'm talking about classic literature and unreliable points of view, may I recommend a book that's considered a masterpiece by an awesome Brazilian author? This was probably the first classic Brazilian literature book I had to read for school that I actually enjoyed.
It's called Dom Casmurro, by Machado de Assis. The book's main theme is adultery and it was greatly influenced by Othello.
The story is told through the eyes of a man called Bento, a paranoid man who firmly believes that his (absolutely awesome) wife, Capitu, cheated on him.

I won't say much more because spoilers and because I'm biased, but I recommend you guys check it out. Machado is considered by many to be one of our best authors of all time, and I don't think he's really well-known outside Portuguese-speaking countries.
There's an English translation in Google Books, should you get interested. I'm not sure if the whole book is available, though.