Alternative Pokémon Names

2/28/2016 Update: For the 20th anniversary, I have updated this article (originally posted on March 21st, 2012) with improved names. Now that Red, Blue, and Yellow have been re-released for 3DS, it is an even better time to use this list of ideas or inspiration.

One of the most rewarding experiences in the Pokémon series is giving your newly obtained companion a good nickname. However, this can often require much thought, to the point of just wanting to move on. To help the creatively challenged (or those with little time on their hands) I have compiled a list of my favorite nicknames for the original 151 Pokémon. Keep in mind that I am only including the fully evolved forms. Now then… The following is a list of some of the coolest and funniest nicknames for the first generation Pokémon. I even made sure that they fit within the 10 character limit, resulting in some intentional misspellings.

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Tim Winsky and TatsuSoft

If you’ve been on the internet as long as I have, you might have heard of a little fangame called Legend of Smelda: Macarena of Time. This game was created by Tim WInsky and his then company, TatsuSoft. Although WInsky is still making games, his new company, TwinSky Games, has taken over the website that used to host both this game and another parody fangame, Super Smashed Bros. Maybe he will reupload these titles in the future. In the mean time, I was able to search the catacombs of the internet to find working download links for both of these games. They are silly and oozing with 90s nostalgia. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, please click away. I assure you that the gameplay is actually decent.

My First RPG, Dangit Quest

My first RPG, Dangit Quest, is now finished. You can download it, as well as 1 other game currently at https://1drv.ms/f/s!AvFZUEcyTS1ghOtn8CbCHIovDruAmg.

Short Description: In this comical fantasy RPG, a perverted king goes on a quest to conquer boredom and slay the Demon Lord. He is joined by his sarcastic queen, their naive prince, and the royal horse.

Everyone plays video games!

I don’t mean that every individual in the world is a gamer or even plays games on a semi-regular basis. Rather, I mean that every type of person can find a piece of electronic entertainment to fit their interests. This thought crossed my mind today when I was sitting in a doctor’s office waiting room. I overheard a senior citizen woman playing a CSI game on her tablet.

Easily securing your 8-year-old or older Windows XP PC

By many people’s standards, myself included, Windows XP is now a retro operating system. Released by Microsoft in 2001, it is most certainly obsolete. However, many users have yet to upgrade their old workstations. As the old saying goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. There are many reasons why upgrading could be a potential nightmare for the average user. Software incompatibilities, outdated device drivers, and other similar dilemmas can eventually be overcome. However, coupled with hardware that is too old for Windows Vista and its successor, it would not be a bad decision to stick with Windows XP. The only concern is security, as Microsoft has stated that they will no longer be providing security updates for their Windows XP operating system.

So, what can you do? If at all possible, the safest route is to disconnect your XP machine from the Internet. If you truly need Internet access, do not use Internet Explorer. The version of Internet Explorer that Windows XP supports is bound to have several undiscovered security flaws. To be on the safe side, use a third-party web browser like Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. The latest versions of these alternatives still work on XP and they are continually being patched and updated.

As for antivirus and antimaleware, my choice for faster machines would be the free version of AVG, in combination with a regular Malewarebytes scan. However, for a machine that is approximately a decade old, AVG will slow down your computer to the point of near uselessness. A valid alternative for older hardware would be the free version of AVAST.

These are just my opinions on the matter. feel free to use or dismiss any of my guidelines. Just know that, without adequate precautions, running a Windows XP computer on the Internet is ill-advised.

It’s been a while…

Hi everyone!

I know that it’s been almost a year since my last post. Well, college will do that to you. I recently graduated with a degree in Network Administration for IT and I have been very busy before and since my graduation. This is why I have only been able to provide you with a few quick YouTube videos in 2014.

This brings me to another point. I have three main interests: video games, movies/theater, and technology. Expect more posts about the latter two on this website and YouTube. Until next time, this is Screath signing out.

The Surreal World of EathBound

So, I finally beat EarthBound for the first time. WOW! What an amazing game. If you’re looking for a review, there are thousands out there on the Internet. Rather than focusing on the gameplay elements, this article will explore just how crazy the world of Shigesato Itoi can get.

*Beware of spoilers!

The Problem with Online-Only Consoles

As I am sure you are aware, the next Xbox console is all but confirmed to be only usable online. Likewise, I am most definitely not the first to tell you that this poses a problem for the many people in the world without high-speed Internet. In the U.S. alone, approximately one third of people lack broadband. However, even if you ignore these figures, requiring an Internet connection to play your single and multiplayer games will still be problematic. Consider the recent SimCity debacle. Now, imagine your entire console game system acting in the same manner. Having trouble? Here’s a picture to help.

The Wizard NES Cartridge Label

Earlier today, at a local pawn shop, I purchased Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Much to my dismay, the game would not work. I even cleaned the connectors four times. This is a very rare problem. Only twice have I seen 100% dead video game cartridges. The other was Kirby’s Star Stacker for the GameBoy.

Instead of chucking the game to the moon, I channeled my frustration into something positive. Using Photoshop, I transformed the shell of a Ninja Turtles cartridge into The Wizard for the NES. Every retro video game fan should know what the deal is with this movie. If not, click here. Below is the label if anyone wants to undertake a similar endeavor. Either print it onto a real label for sticking or follow my cheapo example by covering it with clear packing tape. Now your broken or unwanted NES cartridges can become faux pieces of gaming history.

The Misuse of DLC

I’m sick of people associating dlc with expansion packs. Most of the time, this analogy is like comparing apples and oranges. If the last two sentences describe you, either The Sims has blinded you, or you’re truly out of the loop. Downloadable content in video games is supposed to enhance the experience. On the PC, retail expansions have served the same purpose for years. It is only in the online era that video game consoles have finally gained the same functionality.