A new day, a new guide.
This is the hardest one of the guides I wanted to make, because the information is never easy to get, which is weird. So please forgive me if I missed some changes, and by all means tell me if I missed any of them or if any of them are incorrect.
Since this list is really long, this guide is going to come in parts, this part covers:

• Valkyrie Profile (PSX) vs Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth (PSP vs iOS & Andriod).
  
• Chrono Trigger (SNES) vs Chrono Trigger (PSX vs NDS vs iOS & Andriod vs PC).
  
• Star Ocean 2 (PSX) vs Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP) vs PS4 (JP.ver).
  
• The Last Remnant (Xbox360) vs The Last Remnant Remastered (PC vs PS4 & Switch).
  
• Tales of Vesperia (Xbox360) vs Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition (PS4/PC/Switch/Xbox One).
  
• Tales of Symphonia (GC) vs Tales of Symphonia (PS2 (JP.ver only) vs PS3/PC).
  
• Skies of Arcadia (DC) vs Skies of Arcadia: Legends (GC).
  
• Person 3 (PS2) vs Persona 3 FES (PS2 (English.ver)) vs Persona 3P (PSP).
  
• Persona 4 (PS2) vs Persona 4 Golden (Vita vs PC).
  
• .hack//G.U (PS2) vs .hack//G.U. Last Recode (PS4/PC).
  
• Final Fantasy 12 (PS2) vs FF 12: International Zodiac Job System PS2 (JP.ver only) vs FF12 Zodiac Age (PS4/PC/Switch/Xbox One).
  
• Rune Factory 4 (3DS) vs Rune Factory 4 Special (Switch).
  

Important Notes:

• This is made for Ports and Enhanced versions, so No Remakes. So this is about differences between the different versions of Chrono Trigger, and not about the differences between FF7 ps1 and FF7 Remake.
  
• The differences are taken from all over the internet, either from official sources, wikis, youtube, and even forums.
  
• I cover all the changes for a game, unless there is too many, in which case I will highlight the ones worth mentioning.
  

~ Valkyrie profile (PSX US.ver): vs Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth PSP vs iOS & Andriod. ~

Valkyrie profile PSX:

Nearly identical to the Japan version but with minor fixes in the menu screen. In the Japanese version, Characters not in the party were unable to change or learn skills nor were they able change or remove equipment. The US version allowed out of party members to change and learn skills as well as change or remove equipment without being added to the party. Also in the Japanese version, Lenneth would unequip all her skills and equipment when switching between sword and bow. The US version 'remembers' the previous setting when switching weaponry and is automatically equipped with the skills and equip. Another improvement over the Japanese version is an improved item sorting option.
There are a few instances of censoring such as Badrach's smoking.

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth PSP:

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth lacks the improvement made in US version. Rather than re-rendering the textures of the dungeon maps, TOSE cropped and upscaled the pre-rendered images to fit the portable console's screen, resulting in severe blurring in some areas. This version also removes the anime opening movie in favor of 3D CGI, animated movie. Certain key story-sequences were animated in the same style as the opening movie and can be viewed at anytime in the Gallery option in the title screen once unlocked in the story. The animated scenes include:

• Opening Movie
• Lenneth's Awakening
• Jelanda's Transformation
• Alicia witnesses Barbarossa's execution
• Lenneth's encounter with the Lord of the Undead
• Lenneth and the Homunculi
• A chance encounter between "Meril" and Lucian
• Lenneth in Weeping Lily Meadow
• Lucian's departure to Valhalla
• Hrist's Awakening
• The Sovereign's Rite
• A Ending

Other big changes are:

• An enhanced version of the original game's localization
• Square Enix cleaned up the original game's English script and additional voice over dialogue for the CG movies was recorded by New Generation Pictures, rather than the original company, TAJ Productions.

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth iOS & Andriod:

This is the PSP version being ported to iOS & Andriod, with the following changes:

• Enhanced graphics such as character portraits. >* Enhanced Text.
• Enhanced UI.
• The option to skip cut-scenes.
• In-app purchases to unlock collectibles
• Ability to turn on auto-battle.

~ Chrono Trigger (SNES): PSX vs NDS vs iOS & Andriod vs PC. ~

Chrono Trigger PSX:

Anime cut scenes created by original character designer Akira Toriyama's Bird Studio and animated by Toei Animation.
A new Extra Mode Option was added that is divided into different categories of viewable extras, that are unlocked as you finish the game, and just as shown in the picture, they are:

• Theater.
• Art Gallery.
• Music Box.
• Tech Showcase.
• Monster Data.
• Boss Data.
• Endings.
• Treasure Map.

Chrono Trigger NDS:

This version includes everything new in the PSX version, and also has big and a long list of changes and additions, which I will try to condense them as much as possible:

• Ability to play using the two screens and the touch screen, or in classic mode through a single screen.
• Added the Arena of Ages: A monster arena where You pick basic monsters and raise them to fight computer and wireless opponents.
• Added the Lost Sanctum: A sidequest during the main game. It consists of two dungeons in two different eras.
• Added the Dimensional Vortex: A extra Dungeon, available after beating the game once and appears in three different eras. Each dungeon is different.
• A lot of New Items.
• New Enemies in the new dungeons, in the form of palette swaps of old enemies.
• One New Ending after finishing the Dimensional Vortex completely.
• New Translation that changes a lot of names form the original version to something more faithful to the Japanese version.

Chrono Trigger iOS & Android:

Both versions initially were based on the NDS version, but later on got an update to make them similar to the PC version.

Chrono Trigger PC:

Everything on the NDS version is present here except there is No Arena of Ages. What they did add however is:

• Auto-Save feature.
• Higher Resolution Graphics and update UI.
• Support for mouse and keyboard controls.
• Remastered sound and music.

~ Star Ocean: The Second Story (PSX): vs Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP) vs PS4 (JP.ver). ~

Star Ocean: Second Evolution:

• A New Translation that changes almost everything in the game.
• New voice actors. >* New voiced acted scenes; All major story events now have voice acting.
• New recruitable character: Welch Vineyard.
• New Private Actions and 13 new Endings.
• Unlocking the Galaxy and Universe modes now require defeating a specific number of enemies in a single playthrough rather than unlocking voices in the Voice Collection. >>>* Practically all Combat Skills have been refined, some being removed (such as Cancel, which is now automatically implemented).
• The combat system has been slightly refined, now allowing all melee fighters to perform a 3-hit combo as their normal attack.
• The Super Specialty "Bunny Call" no longer allows the player to "climb" on towns and some terrains. The player now will enter a town upon approaching while in Bunny Form, and can even activate private actions.
• All items in the inventory screen are now depicted as 2D icons instead of the original 3D models.
• Many bugs and glitches have been fixed (most notably the infamous random Cave of Trials screen freeze).
• Ring of Lightspeed (called Slayer Ring in Second Story) now works on Dias Flac.
• New character designs and portraits.
• No magic combo mechanic.
• Crafting animations are now replaced by a still 2D image.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution PS4 JP.ver:

This enhanced version was released only in Japan on the PS4, with enhanced graphics and BGM, and a DLC that helps you with the gameplay.

~ The Last Remnant (Xbox360): vs PC vs PS4 & Switch Remastered. ~

The Last Remnant PC:

This version is only available to purchase in the EU SquareEnix online store as of right now:
Battles:

• Turbo Mode is now available, and can be toggled on or off while giving orders to unions in battle. When on, battles play out at double the speed.
• Crimson Flare, a new Arcana, is now available.
• New formations, such as Eremurus Rain, are now available.
• Enemies hit considerably harder.
• Rare Monsters can have significantly higher HP than their XBOX 360 counterparts.
• Arcana require substantially more AP.
• Unique Arts now require AP.
• Remnant Arts can only be performed by union leader, Weapon Arts now require high union morale.
• Offensive Weapon Arts now increase morale when used.
• Additionally, Arcana and offensive Special Arts now raise morale by a fixed amount.
• Likewise, certain Enemy Arts now lower morale by a fixed amount.
• Wards now affect the entire union.
• Attributes required for formation upgrades are vastly different.
• Healing no longer raises morale, and morale increased by Critical Hits has been dramatically reduced.
• Union morale now fluctuates based on more conditions (IE: taking an action, successfully landing a hit, receiving damage, etc.). In the X360 version, union morale stayed somewhat static, usually changing when being healed, being KO'd/terminated, executing a successful Critical Trigger. It also did not drop to 0 whenever an offensive Special Art was executed, whereas it will do so on the PC.
• Linking additional enemies together does not increase your Battle Rank further than having fought them separately.
• Special commands, such as the use of David's Gae Bolg, are no longer interrupted by being raidlocked by a different union or having targeted enemy union defeated by an ally.
• Allies now have the option to cure a friendly union's Curse status ailment via "Cure them even if it kills them!" command. This command is in the XBOX 360 version as well, but is only available when the union is Enthralled; it will not be available when the union is cursed.

Items:

• Items are color-coded in the PC version, and a new preview feature lets you see what the item looks like in battle.
• You can now toggle between viewing the stats of a weapon or shield and viewing a preview of what it looks like in battle.
• Components and consumables are now categorized.
• Items are now color-coded based on their rarity.
• Creation or customization of some items require fewer components.
• New items available via Blueprint 4.
• Various weapon stats have changed.
• Some very rare monster-specific drops can now be split from monsters (e.g., Godwood Timber, Spiritwood Timber).

Units:

• The leader limit is no longer imposed. Unions can be composed entirely of leader units if the player desires.
• Likewise, soldiers can now be set as union leaders.
• The stat cap has been lifted for all characters to allow a maximum of 255 for each stat.
• The Seven are now recruitable after completing Union of the Golden Chalice Task #70: For Our Lord.
• Rush can now be removed from the active party.
• Khrynia can learn the new Unique Art Dual Snowpetal.
• Arts can be disabled, filtering which skills a unit may use in combat.
• Leaders' requested components are displayed when viewing their stats.
• Leaders' wield style can be changed depending on their equipped weapon.
• Shields now prevent style changes mid-battle.
• The following classes now prevent style changes: Guardian, Scout, Hunter, Wanderer, Thief, Alchemist, all Mystic classes, Vagrant, Mercenary, Aristocrat, Djin, Fortuneteller, Sage and General.
• The experience required to advance Wield Style skills has been reduced, and the experience required to advance Weapon Type skills has been increased.
• Three new classes are now available: Ataraxian, Cleric, and Ninja.
• The Guardian, Fencer, and Warrior classes now require non-sovani wield styles, and are thus not available to Sovani.
• The Gladiator class now requires Power Grip and Wards.
• Hybrid classes (Item+Combat and Mystic+Combat) can now be achieved by units who do not start in one.
• Some leaders now have a different weapon upgrade path, which caused some units to learn new Weapon Arts while others lost theirs.
• Leaders can request weapons that do not coincide with their weapon upgrade path as long as they match their equipped weapon type and size.
• Soldiers can now request weapon drops.
• Some units have had their starting Unit BR level, stats, class, equipment, arts, and hiring wage changed.

Sidequests:

• The completion of At Hatred's End is no longer required in order to activate Things Unchangeable.
• Duke of Ghor now has a … icon when you speak with him between the first, third, and fifth base battles.
• The component requirements in The Assistant have lowered.
• The DLC content is now unlocked differently; the majority of the extra content now requires the completion of certain guild tasks.
• The Leader Extraordinaire guild tasks which required three units of a single class now only require one.
• The Monsterslayer guild tasks require different enemies to be defeated.

New Game Plus and Hard Mode: After the epilogue and credits, you can now save your game. When you're taken back to the main menu, you can load this save to begin a new playthrough that carries over certain elements from your previous playthrough. You will also be given the option to start the new game in Hard Mode.
Miscellaneous:

• The PC version will warn you if you cannot leave an area without a fight.
• Auto Save is now available, which automatically saves after having changed zones or having won a battle.
• Battle Rank is now viewable outside of combat, in the party menu.
• Battle Rank progression has been slowed considerably; it takes more encounters/enemy unions terminated to increase in rank.
• Characters with … icons are now identified with markers on the map.
• Enemies can no longer be respawned by saving and reloading an adjacent area.
• New saving opportunities are now available, such as before the base's boss.
• A warning message is now displayed if you attempt to save your game in an area which you cannot leave until you defeat a boss.
• Mr Diggs's digging animations are now much quicker.
• The loading screens that explained some of the game's mechanics have been disabled.
• Many areas of the game have had their spawn tables altered or repopulated.
• Starting battle music now coincides with starting morale in most battles.
• "Turn the Tide" and "Beat the Odds" now play during the second half instead of after entering Elysion.
• Union highlighting during the selection phase has been toned down (ie: ally unions don't look quite as blue).
• Leaders in reserve no longer gain skills via the Rush only skill grind trick.
• Soldiers now slowly improve their stats in reserves.
• Camera in battle doesn't swing around as wildly anymore.
• Mitra soldiers' idle stances now come in 2 varieties: the one shared by both male and female units and the one exclusive to larger male units, rather than just the "large male mitra" stance.

The Last Remnant Remastered PS4 & Switch:

Based on the PC version, also added:

• Graphics now are in Unreal Engine 4
• A new function to run faster on the overworld.
• Extra save slots.

Yes I am salty about this if you can't tell, since they removed the PC version from steam.

~ Tales of Vesperia (Xbox360): vs PS3 vs Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition vs PS4/PC/Switch/Xbox One. ~

Tales of Vesperia PS3:

• Features full voice acting, nearly twice as much voice work as the original.
• New Characters, including 2 new playable characters: Flynn (permanantly playable now), and Patty Fleur.
• New subplots, skits, and main game quests, and sidequests.
• New mini-games
• New songs
• Remodeled towns and new towns and dungeons.
• New bosses.
• The ability to replay boss fights.
• New 8 Mystic Arts.
• New artes, skills, and equipment.
• New item: the "Artes Ball", which allows an additional eight artes shortcuts to be assigned to the previous eight slots combined with the L1 button, which allows for a maximum of 16 artes
• New character costumes

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive editionvs PS4/PC/Switch/Xbox One:

Based on the PS3 version, it has everything from it and all the DLC included for free, with higher resolution graphics depending on the system.

~ Tales of Symphonia (GC): vs PS2 (JP.ver only) vs PS3/PC. ~

Tales of Symphonia PS2 JP.ver only:

• New animated sequences.
• New Mystic Arts.
• New Unison Arts.
• New Arts for playable characters and enemies.
• New Techniques.
• The frame rate was lowered from 60 frames per second to 30 frames per second.
• New customs.
• The "Synopsis" option in the menu displays newer entries at the top
• The Casino in the game is now actually fully playable with it's own mini-games, and chips to collecet and exchange for items.
• The skits are graphically more dynamic. Portraits get larger or smaller quickly, swing from side to side, shake, and so on.
• New Titles
• More post-battle animations.
• Niflheim dungeon extended and 6 new boss characters, fought in 2 new boss battles.
• Bug Fixes
• New events to help raise affection.
• Includes new side quests, new camera angles on some cutscenes, new animated cutscenes not featured in the GameCube version

Tales of Symphonia PS3/PC:

• More customs.
• Improved character textures and improved some environments.
• Dual-audio support: Japanese and English voiceovers, which neither the PS2 or GameCube versions had
• Cutscenes support voice acting in both languages, but skits only have voice acting in Japanese. If you select English, you will just see the subtitles during skits. This is not a porting issue, as this is just how the GameCube version was.
• While the original GameCube version ran at 60fps, the Japanese PS2 port which the PS3 Chronicles HD version is based off of ran at 30fps. The Steam version can run at 40FPS.
• HD graphics

~ Skies of Arcadia (DC): vs Skies of Arcadia: Legends GC. ~

Skies of Arcadia: Legends GC:

• New Ranks for the Swashbuckler Rating system.
• Random encounters occur less frequently and load considerably faster than the Dreamcast version, and EXP offered per battle is adjusted to compensate.
• Graphically, the game sports mild improvements to character models, most noticeably adding individual fingers to the designs. The modifier volume shadows and (weirdly enough) point-mipmapping from the original release are still present.
• One of the new sidequests available is Bounty Hunting. Sailor's Guilds offer information about each person on the bounty list as they are unlocked through story progression. After reading about them, they can be found in a constant location.
• There are a number of new discoveries to be found.
• Two linked sidequests
• "Pinta Quest" minigame was removed
• DLC comes with the game.

~ Persona 3 (PS2): vs Persona 3 FES PS2 (English.ver) vs P3P PSP. ~

FES PS2 (English.ver):

• A whole additional epilogue has been added, The Answer. This chapter is only available in one difficulty setting, which is supposed to be on par with Persona 3's Hard mode.
• New Personas have been added
• Secret videos of the protagonist's dorm mates have been added to flesh them out.
• Koromaru can now be taken on walks.
• Several of the Social Links have been modified slightly, such as Tanaka being available at a different time
• Several new Quests have been added.
• New costumes can be worn in battle.
• A new event involving Chidori Yoshino was added.
• Naganaki Shrine was completely overhauled.
• A hard mode was added.
• Save data from Persona 3 can be transferred into the game,

P3P PSP:

• The Answer is not included in this verion.
• Added a Female Main Character, so now you can choose between the Male and Female MCs.
• The game lacks 3D environments and character models (outside of Tartarus), all anime cutscenes are gone, the graphics and audio quality were compressed,
• The storyline of the female protagonist features many differences from that of the male protagonist, such as new social interactions as well as Social Links.
• New voiced dialogue.
• Players have the choice of selecting Elizabeth or a male-equivalent named Theodore to be Igor's assistant in the Velvet Room.
• The ability to pick who the protagonist spends the last moments of the game with. This feature is only accessible on a New Cycle
• The Desert of Doors from the Abyss of Time seen in The Answer will still appear, however, in an extra feature known as the Vision Quest. In this mode, the party can fight stronger incarnations of the Full Moon shadow bosses — save for Arcana Magician — and partake in special battles that test the party's abilities. When all of the battles have been successfully met, a second optional boss can be fought: Margaret, Igor's assistant in Persona 4 and guardian of the Desert of Doors in P3P.
• There are now two overworld save points; Aside from the log book in the Iwatodai Dormitory, there is also one on the main character's desk at school.
• In Paulownia Mall, the police station is now the only place where the protagonist can buy equipment and sell items. Aohige Pharmacy is now a buy-only store, and Be Blue V is just a part-time work site and hangout to improve the main character's condition
• From previous versions, two difficulty modes have been added: Beginner and Maniac alongside Easy and Normal in Persona 3 and Hard in Persona 3 FES:
• A new tactic, "Direct," has been added to the game, allowing control of the party members, unlike Persona 3 and Persona 3 FES.
• The "Wait" command is replaced with the "Defense" command, and will decrease the damage and any knockdown effects of the next attack the user suffers.
• The game grants "1 More" to a combatant who attacks multiple enemies not knocking all of them down; the original Persona 3 required all hit enemies to be knocked down for a 1 more.
• Party members who have been knocked down no longer spend the turn by getting up and can act as soon as they stand.
• Upon landing a critical hit or striking an enemy's weakness, party members can follow up with a co-op attack.
• Fusion Spells from the original Persona 3 are now activated from items instead of equipping a persona and selecting it like other spells.
• Allies can now take a fatal blow to the protagonist for them if they are able.
• "Dizzy" has been added as a status effect.
• Returning to the main lobby in Tartarus no longer automatically restores the party, and must now be done for a fee via the save point (this cost varies based on the date in-game and status effects currently inflicted on the party)
• Floors can be directly returned to from the entrance of Tartarus instead of being restricted to the restore point like previous versions.
• "Tired" status no longer is inflicted during Tartarus exploration, and is inflicted to all used party members after leaving (this will only drop to "Good" if the character used was at "Great" during exploration).
• Unlike previous versions, money found by party members when split up will now be given to the protagonist.
• Party members' equipment and status can now be accessed at any time from the pause menu, unlike in previous versions, which required the protagonist to speak to them while exploring Tartarus in order to change their equipment or view their status.
• You can now control Party members directly.
• The protagonists only have access to one weapon type (instead of having access to all weapon types like in P3 and FES); the male protagonist wields one-handed swords, and the female protagonist wields naginatas. As a result, the Skills "Fist Master," "Bow Master," "1hdSwdMaster" and similar skills have all been combined into a single skill called "Weapons Master." Its skill card is called "Phys Boost," and all Personas which had learned a "master" ability (like Cybele with Bow Master) now learn "Weapons Master."
• Personas now have the ability to produce a Skill Card when raised to a specific level. Each card can be used on any Persona to teach them a skill.
• The Inari Sushi in Naganaki Shrine no longer grants random bonuses for item gaining and Tartarus explorations. Instead, it offers to duplicate Skill Cards, which will take 5 days to complete

~ Persona 4 (PS2): vs Persona 4 Golden Vita vs Persona 4 Golden PC. ~

Persona 4 Golden Vita:

• Two new Social Links.
• A New Dungeon.
• A New bad ending.
• New Difficulty levels have been added: Safety/Easy/Normal/Hard/Risky.
• Several new music tracks.
• Additional voice-over dialogue.
• Chie and Teddie have new voice actors in the English version.
• New animated cutscenes.
• More Personas, including new Ultimate Personas for the Investigation Team.
• New areas can be visited.
• New events.
• The protagonist can now explore Inaba in the evening when Dojima is not home.
• The protagonist and his friends now have motorized scooters to explore various areas.
• Costumes are now available to buy at Croco Fur, in Okina City.
• New Garden and Bug Catching features.
• The ability to choose which skills can be inherited by the Persona the protagonist is fusing.
• New scene skipping function
• If the necessary criteria for at least the good ending are fulfilled, daily activities are expanded to February 14, 2012, giving more time for events and social links.
• New epilogue has been added for the True Ending.
• The list of Requests and the Fox' emas have been modified.
• Rise can now assist the Investigation Team in All-Out-Attacks.
• Added Tag Team attacks: two members can team up to perform a united attack.
• Added Cavalry Attacks: Attacks from members of the Investigation Team that are not currently in the party.
• Spell buffs and debuffs can now be used on the same character to prolong the effect
• A new gallery menu has been added: "TV Listings." It displays bonus content unlocked through the main game at any time.
• Floors and chests in dungeons can now reset by changing floors instead of leaving the dungeon and TV world, or visiting another dungeon.

Persona 4 Golden PC:

• Bug fixes
• The game will run at up to 4K resolution with 60FPS+ as opposed to the Vita's 476p resolution and 30FPS target
• Includes dual audio language and multiple text language. The anime cutscenes now also include subtitles
• In the Steam version, the player may customize their difficulty setting at any time, in contrast to the Vita version only letting you do so on New Game Plus.The player may select a preset difficulty setting, or individually alter the following parameters
• The player may select a preset difficulty setting, or individually alter the following parameters.

~ .hack//G.U (PS2): vs .hack//G.U. Last Recode PS4/PC. ~

.hack//G.U. Last Recode PS4/PC:

• A brand new episode titled Vol.4//Reconnection, which takes place a year and three months after the events of Redemption
• HD graphical update for the whole game.
• Ability to restart the battle from the beginning if Haseo dies.
• Movement speed on foot has somewhat increased.
• The item stack size has increased from 50 to 99. The maximum number of item stacks in the inventory has increased from 30 to 90
• Item menu shortcuts and sort features
• When using an item in the field, pressing the X button repeatedly will cause the item to be used again without navigating the menu a second time.
• The maximum number of Chim Spheres and Virus Cores the player can possess has increased from 99 to 999
• Platforms now include the Platform Recovery feature, recovering a large portion of the party's HP and SP. It can only be used once per visit to a field.
• Saku and Bo no longer switch the active player based on their level being even or odd. They can instead be selected as separate options in the Party screen.
• Decreased the probability of allies selling the items the player give them.
• Voice clips for returning characters and NPCs between games have been updated to use the Volume 3 clips from the beginning, except where said clips are unavailable.
• Attack power has been increased and hit stops during attacks have been reduced to speed up the battle tempo.
• Learning weapons proficiency increased and acquired experience points increased.
• Awakening scenes can be skipped using the Option/Start button.
• Some of the really tough enemies have been made a bit easier
• Skeith’s general shot bullet speed has increased during Avatar Battles.
• Enhanced battle balance and game pacing to provide an optimal experience.
• Avatar battles now show a stun gauge over the enemy's head. Red diamonds have been added around attacks meant to be deflected using scythe slashes that are in range.
• Added suspend feature during Avatar battle gameplay.
• In Volume 3, the player is given 22 "Promise" greeting cards, meaning it is possible to do the "Forever in Love" / "Best Wishes" events with all party members in a single playthrough.
• A new Cheat Mode allowing players who want to just enjoy the story to start the game with a large amount of items, best equipment, maximum money and chim spheres, and maximum level and affection for the respective volume.
• Save files from Cheat Mode plays can be converted to the next volumes.
• The videos from “The End of the World” Terminal Disc included with the limited edition PS2 release of Volume 1 are included in the collection
• A New Job Form for Haseo with a new weapon.
• A New Form for Skeith.
• Ovan joins the party.

~ Final Fantasy 12 (PS2): vs FF 12: International Zodiac Job System PS2 (JP.ver only) vs FF12 Zodiac Age PS4/PC/Switch/Xbox One. ~

Final Fantasy 12: International Zodiac Job System PS2 (JP.ver only):

• Addition of a "Zodiac Job System" featuring twelve jobs with individual License Boards corresponding to twelve zodiac signs
• Addition of a 16:9 widescreen mode with menus and HUD at 4:3.
• Addition of three new game modes: Trial Mode/New Game+ Strong Mode/New Game+ Weak Mode.
• Pressing L1 will speed up gameplay. Conversations and events continue to play at normal speed.
• Quickening doesn't consume MP. Now they use their own Mist gauge similarly to Limit Breaks from previous Final Fantasy titles.
• UI Changes.
• Playable characters' starting LP, consumables, gil, gambits, equipment, licenses, and base stats have been modified.
• You have more control over Guests now, they also gain EXP/Item/Gold.
• Many magick spells and technicks have been tweaked, renamed and recategorized.
• Obtaining Quickenings no longer affects max MP and Mist charges do not diminish when MP is consumed (unless the player is affected by a reversed Elixir or Megalixir). The player's MP is also unaffected by the depletion of Mist charges. However, effects that recover the player's MP will also restore Mist charges. One Mist charge is granted each time the amount recovered totals the player's maximum MP. Effects that fully restore a player's MP recover all Mist charges.
• You can now fully control Espers, they also require MP to cast magicks
• Almost all attacks now break the 9999 damage limit from the original by default.
• New items have been added, such as Cura Mote, Bubble Mote, Domaine Calvados, Baltoro Seed, Dark Energy and various Meteorites.
• Bacchus's Wine now has 100% chance of inflicting Berserk (previously it was 50%).
• Several equipment pieces were added, while some available in the original release were removed or tweaked.
• New Weapons added.
• Most shops had their assortments changed. Many weapons are now available from shops earlier because of the job system, and were thus made weaker.
• Treasures respawn by moving just one area away as opposed to two. Treasures were moved around, changed the items they can give, or were removed altogether. The "forbidden chest" concept was removed, that in the original prevented the player from obtaining the Zodiac Spear in Necrohol of Nabudis if they opened a wrong treasure.
• Dark Matter can no longer be acquired from the bazaar, and selling the ingredients needed to make it in the original will result in making the Dark Energy instead. The Dark Energy is an item that does not charge up with Knot of Rust or Devour Soul and always deals 50,000 damage to each enemy in range.
• Treasure chests are now in different locations and contain different items.
• There are more traps throughout the map.

Final Fantasy 12: Zodiac Age PS4/PC/Switch/Xbox One:

• Remastered HD graphical upgrade.
• English and Japanese voices (switch between them in the game configuration).
• Original and newly re-recorded background music (switch between them in the game configuration).
• Auto-save functionality added (game saves automatically when moving to each new screen, excepting boss arenas)
• Improved high-speed mode and improved play time operability during high-speed mode
• Ability to invert both the X and Y camera axes
• The game balance has been overhauled to make it easier.
• Each playable character can have two jobs at once.
• Job Reset function added; talk to Montblanc in the Clan Hall to use.
• The Effect Capacity system that limited spell-casting in the PlayStation 2 versions has been removed.
• Fire, Thunder, Blizzard, and Cure only affect a single target again.
• Espers' HP values have been doubled, but other stats kept the same as in Zodiac Job System.
• The animation for summoning Espers is removed.
• A glitch concerning Dyce's character model has been fixed.
• New Game Plus and New Game Minus are now accessible from the beginning of the game.

~ Rune Factory 4 (3DS): vs Rune Factory 4 Special Switch. ~

Rune Factory 4 Special Switch:

• HD Graphics.
• Newlywed Mode.
• Hell Difficulty.
• Additional Movies.
• Another Episode DLC.
• Swimsuit Day DLC.
• Many Town Events are now prioritized if requirements have been met. This includes Memories, which unlocks the last story arc and the events required for marriage.
• The map has been moved to the main screen and can be removed and resized with the press of a button (the Switch has only one screen) or by using the touch screen icon.
• The teleport spell has been mapped to a dedicated button. It can still be used from the touch screen.
• You can now change the voice acting language between English and Japanese.
• Many bug fixes.

This is just part 1, if you have any suggestions for titles to be in part 2, please post them here.

When Steph Curry was drafted , he wasn't exactly highly thought off

Don't get me wrong, Curry deserves all the attention he is getting. He really is a great story. The son of one of the best NBA shooters of all time gets looked over by all the high-majors, goes to a small school in North Carolina, and proceeds to torch everyone in the country from the first day he sets foot on campus. Add to that the fact that he genuinely seems like a good kid and a nice guy, and you have the worldwide leader's dream. No matter how good of a player Curry is, at some point (and we have reached this point) his hype is going to surpass his skills as a player. So the next logical question is, will he be a pro? I actually think he will, although I doubt he will be a star. - Bleacher Report, Janurary 6, 2009 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/107424-is-stephen-curry-overrated

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Comparisons: Best Case: I've seen a lot of people saying Mike Bibby, so I'll go with that; Worst Case: Jannero Pargo, Steve Kerr, and JJ Redick. Bottom Line: Curry is an incredibly smart player. Not only does he understand the game, he understands his limitations. He probably is never going to end up being a star in the league because of a lack of explosiveness (meaning he will be a huge defensive liability). He should be able to hang around the league because of the all-around offensive package he brings to the table. - Bleacher Report, May, 2009 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/183841-nba-draft-prospects-stephen-curry-davidson

Klay Thompson

But, at a career 42.3 % NCAA field goal percentage, this is precisely what worries me about Thompson: He perhaps overachieves on guile and his statistical production could reflect guile’s limitations. The concern is that the Warriors drafted already-realized potential, as opposed to tapping a grower like Kawhi Leonard........It’s this kind of action that draws praise from film-gurus like Sebastian Pruiti. I’m equally impressed by his screen-usage, but more than happy to go negative with a positive: If Thompson is this smart, then why aren’t his numbers smarter? This kid certainly knows how to expertly use picks. I’m just not sure that means Golden State is equally good at it. What does this mean for Monta? It could mean nothing. Number 11 picks don’t usually become starters (Acie Law was picked at 11, for example). I’m less inclined to be reverent towards Jerry West than many out there. He’s had a great career, but the septuagenarian executive left Memphis in shambles. Sorry to be age-ist, but I like West better as a consultant than an ultimate decision-maker. - Warriors World, June, 2011 http://www.warriorsworld.net/2011/06/24/klay-smart-gsws-good/

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In the bigger picture, I have no idea how this arrest will affect Thompson's future. Have we seen him play his last game as a Coug? Even before his arrest, I figured that was the case. Thompson's a junior who was expected to leave early for the NBA, but there's some doubt about that because he's projected as a late-first round or second-round draft pick. Thompson has said if he were projected to go in the second round, he would stay for his senior season. If I were an NBA GM, it wouldn't bother me, but maybe the marijuana charge will hurt his draft status. What would bother me more is the fact that Thompson isn't quite ready for the NBA, physically and I would argue emotionally as well. For as good as he is, Thompson can be surprisingly erratic, both with his shot and the ball. Remember, too, that this is also a kid who was late for the team bus in Tempe two weeks ago because he couldn't find his iPod. But maybe I'm viewing this subjectively as the WSU alum who hopes that Thompson returns. With Thompson, Moore and DeAngelo Casto playing a third year together, the Cougs would be a top-25 team, one with the potential to crack the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Whatever happens, Thompson has been consistent in one respect -- good and bad, he never ceases to make you shake your head in disbelief. - SeattlePI, March, 2011 - http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/moore/article/Thompson-s-erratic-ways-continue-this-time-with-1042357.php

Last for Klay

He reminds me of a less-quick version of Kevin Martin. Thompson is the son of former L.A. Lakers big man Mychal Thompson. ...Can Klay Thompson play in the NBA? Absolutely. But I've read where he is being compared to Reggie Miller and that is just silly. There is a difference between good, very good, and great. Klay Thompson's 3-pt percentage, this season was 39% (good) but not the 44% (great) that Miller's was at UCLA. Miller shot 54% FG (GREAT!) as a Bruin. Thompson's, as we mentioned, is 42% (not very good). Miller, as a junior, averaged 25.9 ppg. (very good). Thompson was 21.6 as a junior (good). ...I think Klay Thompson can be a good starter in the NBA sometime - but I don't foresee stardom. - Hoops Obsession, June , 2011 http://basslinespin.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-dont-hate-klay-thompson-plus-tyler.html

Around this time we also had the Monta Ellis trade

Both acquisitions are good fits with the Warriors' roster, but neither was able to help Tuesday. The team was in shock before Ellis addressed them in a closed-door meeting and said his goodbyes before the game. Ellis has been the face of the Warriors' franchise for much of his seven seasons. He was named the league's Most Improved Player in 2007 and has been among the NBA's top scorers the past three seasons. But he was never a good fit alongside similar-sized Curry, and he started to show his frustration with the organization in the past week. His teammates immediately shared that frustration Tuesday, when Ellis and Udoh were informed of the trade via a scroll at the bottom of the TV. As many players shook their heads in disbelief, Curry walked over and hugged a solo Udoh. Wright said, "I'll talk about the game, but I'm not talking about the trade crap." One Warriors player said, "If we're giving up, I can feel my hip hurting already." "It's time," said a smiling Ellis. "They're moving in a new direction. I can't be mad about that. I was in those shoes at one time, when a veteran guy was playing in front of me. It becomes time for that player to go. It's my time to go." The move opens immediate playing time for rookie Klay Thompson, a shooting guard who is getting rave reviews around the league and is considered nearly untouchable by the Warriors. With a potential playoff run all but lost, the move also opens the door for the Warriors to be more cautious with Curry's recurring ankle/foot injuries. They maintain that they're going to try to win as many games as possible, but they'll be shorthanded and could see a precipitous drop in the standings. - SFGATE - March, 2012 http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Warriors-send-Monta-Ellis-to-Milwaukee-Bucks-3406832.php

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The Milwaukee Bucks need to head on over to their local casino and put some serious bets down on the roulette table, because they are the luckiest bunch of guys in the country right now. With the first big trade of the 2011-12 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to send Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to the Golden Warriors for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown. After reading that, if you're left thinking "why in the world would the Warriors make a trade like that?", you're not alone. There's no doubt that Andrew Bogut is a solid big man when he's healthy, but Golden State didn't necessarily make an upgrade at any position with this trade. Instead of becoming a better team, they sent away solid and consistent production for an injury-prone player, and a player that's well past his prime in Stephen Jackson.
To understand the insanity that exists within this trade, just take a minute and look at the comparison between all the players' combined production for each team in this trade. Bogut and Jackson: 21.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 5.6 APG, 24.8 PER, 40.2 FG% Ellis, Udoh and Brown: 33.7 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 7.2 APG, 41.8 PER, 46.7 FG% Aside from rebounds per game, the Warriors are the clear winners when it comes to every major statistical category. If you take out both players that are currently injured, Andrew Bogut and Kwame Brown, those statistics become that much more lopsided in the Bucks' favor. Not only are the Warriors sending away a significant amount of offensive production, they are also getting rid of three players that are much more efficient than the talent they are getting in return, which will certainly hold Golden State back this year and into the future. - Bleacher Report, 2012 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1103923-nba-trade-deadline-why-the-warriors-trading-away-monta-ellis-makes-no-sense

The Warriors records before the 2012 Season:
- Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson drafted within this time
2009: 26-56
2010: 36-46
2011: 23-43
and then Draymond Green comes

Draymond Green is in a staring contest with history right now, and usually, history doesn’t blink first. For the Golden State Warriors second-rounder, failure is practically assured. But why? How can we be so certain of Green’s fate at such an early juncture in his career? The answer is simple. Green comes from the most historically cursed category of NBA players: He’s a Consensus First Team All-American who wasn’t drafted in the first round. Moreover, scouts are virtually unanimous in saying that he knows how to play and has a terrific basketball IQ. What he doesn’t have is a position. There are concerns that Green, generously listed at 6’8” and 236 pounds, won’t be able to defend either forward spot in the NBA—not to mention that he’s had problems with his conditioning in the past. So, the odds are stacked against Draymond Green. If he puts together a solid career, he’ll buck the trend that no player like him has ever been able to. For what it’s worth, I’m hopeful Green can break the mold into which he’s been cast. Maybe all 30 NBA GMs were wrong to let him slip out of the first round. It’s possible. But history is standing firmly in front of Green, dispassionately staring him down. - Bleacher Report, 2012 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1248077-golden-state-warriors-why-history-dooms-draymond-green

Then Golden State fires Mark Jackson after two straight playoff years

He continued to put his players in the best possible positions to succeed and grow, particularly his young core. Stephen Curry went from a good, young scorer to an NBA All-Star Game starter under Jackson. Klay Thompson went from a timid rookie to a fearless two-way force. Draymond Green went from being a second-round pick to being one of the most valuable bench players in the NBA. Jackson's club was the league's third-best road team. His starting lineup had the best plus-minus in the NBA. Since that article, Jackson's merit has only increased. He almost knocked the Los Angeles Clippers out of the playoffs despite not having Andrew Bogut—his best defensive player and rebounder—on the court. He kept his team together amid nearly unprecedented levels of conflict, deceit and paranoia within the organization. He was endorsed heavily by all of his players. There are only 10 coaches in the league—at most—that did as good a job as Jackson did of maximizing their talent and getting their teams to buy in, compete and execute. Jackson deserved to be the Warriors coach next season, and it is not even close. The problem is that "deserve" has nothing to do with it. Joe Lacob, Golden State's majority owner, did not want him to be the coach, and so he fired him.
That's when the locker room starts to weaken. Curry starts to realize that the reason he wanted to be on the Warriors for his entire career was not something inherent about the team or location but rather the special atmosphere that Jackson had created. Free agents that would have once flocked to Oakland at a discount (such as Iguodala did) start to shy away from signing in a place where the ownership has a history of breaking up successful, potential-laden teams due to ulterior motives. As quickly as Lacob shed the darkness and dysfunction that had been plaguing the franchise for 20 years, the Jackson firing could ultimately trigger a rapid descent back into NBA obscurity as soon as 2017. - Bleacher Report, 2014 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1651457-mark-jackson-firing-reveals-true-priorities-of-golden-state-warriors-ownership

Steve Kerr is hired

Ownership has spun this into the notion that the two-headed combination of Myers and Lacob had had enough of the offense and personal interaction issues. Steve Kerr ostensibly solves both of these problems at once. And yet, this still leaves open the door to the question as to whether the credentials were worth going this high and blind, flying all the way to Oklahoma City after their Game 6, to woo the guy they wanted? Kerr was and is Lacob's guy all along. For whatever reason it may be, he got what he wanted. If the team desired offensive innovation they could simply go with Mike D'Antoni and bank on the defenders to keep playing at their requisite talent. If they wanted a fresh face with coaching experience and a fun offense, there was Fred Hoiberg. Hell, they were even ready to interview Lionel Hollins, a coach that ran into most of the same problems Jackson was a part of near the end of the season. But Lacob's comfortability and connections led him to the glitzy hire of Steve Kerr. We just don't know what was so glitzy to begin with. - SBNation/Warriors , May 2014, http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2014/5/15/5719552/golden-state-warriors-steve-kerr-coach-lacob

In comes Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant could join the Warriors this summer. That is possible because, in the 2016 NBA offseason, almost anything is possible. The $1 billion in salary cap space and the lack of bad long-term contracts around the league open doors that would have been inconceivable in almost any other year. The notion of Durant, the offseason’s top free agent, joining the Warriors, the NBA’s top team, is simple enough, as Sporting News has explained in the past. The notion of Durant joining the other foremost Western Conference power, however, is more complicated and perhaps more interesting. - Sporting News, May, 2016  http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-spurs-free-agency-salary-cap-san-antonio-oklahoma-city-thunder3fhcsyjd0871uosph6652hy9
For the rest of this decade, any superstar has a better chance of making the Finals in the East. The West has Golden State, San Antonio, OKC (for now), the star-crossed Clippers, the savvy Blazers and the precocious T-Wolves lurking like Arya Stark. That’s a murderers’ row. The East has Cleveland (FYI: Year 14 for LeBron next season), Boston’s Collection of Awesome Assets That Can’t Translate to an Actual Contender Yet, Whatever Toronto Is, Whatever Atlanta Was, Whatever Orlando and Milwaukee Might End Up Being, Whatever Pat Riley Might Have up His Sleeve and that’s about it. (Sorry, Knicks fans.) You want an easier road to the title, go East. Or sign with the Warriors.Durant knows this. I promise you. He hasn’t made the Finals since 2012 for a variety of reasons: injuries, cheap owners, shaky coaching, bad luck, a stacked conference, and one dreadfully short-sighted trade (that’s becoming less and less dreadful as Steven Adams blossoms into a Kiwi warrior, but still). You can excuse all of those things and easily land at the following place: We should have won at least one title, it’s amazing that we didn’t, I can’t give up on this team yet. Admirable and understandable, especially for someone as loyal to fans and teammates as Durant has been. - The Ringer, June, 2016 https://theringer.com/kevin-durant-thunder-conundrum-4b1689d4002c

Also keep in mind other teams had a chance at Kevin (Well, at least in thoery

The Thunder, Spurs and Warriors already have meetings set up, according to a report from The Vertical. The Los Angeles teams want face-to-face talks. So do Miami, Boston, Houston, and New York. Another agent thinks, in the case of Durant, the club that wants to pry him away from the Thunder “needs to be a good team, in a better market with a better chance to win than OKC.” “So Golden State and Miami become the only real players,” the agent said. “It's too hard to justify a move to Los Angeles (Lakers) or New York because they are not close to winning. Houston's out.” Durant won't be touring city-to-city. The Vertical reported that Durant and his representation will host meetings at an undisclosed location in NYC, the homebase of Roc Nation. LeBron James had a similar strategy in 2010 when he set up meetings for teams to come to him in northeastern Ohio. Not since James has a free agent been as highly coveted as Durant, to be able to control the entire tempo and pace of free agency. Another agent, however, thinks Durant's free agency will be different from James' in one regard: Durant isn't playing general manager. - NewsOk, June, 2016 http://newsok.com/article/5506480

...and there you have it.
The Warriors built up this so called "Super Team" by players that they drafted. Steph Curry was a first round pick, but there were still mixed feelings about him when he was drafted. Thompson was heralded, but people were worried about the weed arrest. Alot of people thought that neither one these players would be Stars. The trade of Monta Ellis for Bogut and others, was ridiculed at the time. Even I questioned that, because Ellis was really good at the time. The Warriors go the playoffs two straight years , only to have Mark jackson be fired. At the time, I hated it. I thought it was stupid. I thought that the Warriors would regress because of this. Of course that was wrong.
The Warriors have also picked up decent free agents along the way like Andre Iguodala and Shawn Livingston. Both ended up being great additions. The Warriors built their core through the draft and supplemented that through smart , veteran Free Agent picks.

Andre Iguodala won’t ever win an NBA championship until he’s paid correctly and plays with truly better players than himself on offense. It’s inconvenient for whatever team overpays him this summer, but it’s the truth. - HuffPost, July, 2013 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jake-fischethe-incovenient-truth-abo_b_3530424.html
Livingston is a beast of a defender, capable of handling both guard spots and most small forwards. His length, physicality and smarts make him yet another fantastic wing stopper on a Golden State roster that already has one of the league's best in Andre Iguodala. Slotting him into backcourt lineups alongside Stephen Curry will allow the Dubs to hide their franchise point guard on the weakest available matchup. And if the Dubs want to get particularly nasty on defense, they can put a flat-out-terrifying combination of Livingston, Iguodala, Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut on the floor together. - Bleacher Report, July, 2014 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2116632-does-shaun-livingston-signing-make-klay-thompson-more-expendable-for-warriors

The Warriors got to the state that they in by making shrewd moves. Fortunately for them , these moves paid off. Trades, Free Agents, Draft picks, Coach firings, it all could have went either way. This was not a team that went out and constructed a Big 3 in Free Agency. They drafted and groomed their Big 3 organically. Yes, they added Kevin Durant, but Durant had other suitors. He talked to other teams who did not do enough or have enough to wow him. The Warriors had the cap space and they signed the FREE agent.
There was a void. Harrison Barnes was that void. We already know how bad he was in the Finals. The Warriors wanted to be able to beat the Cavs, so they got better. Kevin Durant is available and the job of every team is to constantly improve. The Warriors would be doing a disservice to themselves and their fans if they did not pursue him. He was free to choose and there was nothing wrong with this.
There are fans who are now complaining and saying that the league needs to do something, but the Warriors did nothing wrong and Durant did nothing wrong. The Durant signing was there biggest Free Agent signing in years. This was a team built through the draft and I can't stress that enough. I keep repeating that when Curry, Klay and Draymond were drafted most did not see any of them being stars, so lets not act like these were overly hyped draft picks.
The Warriors built their team the right way Its almost similar to how Jerry West helped build the Lakers in the late 90s/early 00s and then to go to the Warriors in 2011

After a slump in the early 1990s, West rebuilt the team of coach Del Harris around center Vlade Divac, forward Cedric Ceballos, and guard Nick Van Exel, which won 48 games, and went to the Western Conference Semifinals; for turning the team around, West received his first Executive of the Year Award.[49] By trading Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant, signing free agent center Shaquille O'Neal, and signing six-time NBA champion Phil Jackson as a coach, West laid down the fundamentals of the Lakers three-peat which saw L.A. win three NBA titles from 2000 to 2002.[1] On May 19, 2011, West joined the Golden State Warriors as an executive board member, reporting directly to new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber.[52][53] This role also came with an undisclosed minority ownership stake in the team.[54] In 2015, the Warriors won their first championship in 40 years; the championship was the seventh earned by West while serving as a team executive. - Jerry West, Wikipedia

the bottom line is, if other NBA teams want to win, then maybe they should follow the blueprint of the Golden State Warriors. You have a clear vision that you follow, you make smart draft picks, you build team chemistry even at the expense of trading favorite players (Ellis), you put smart basketball people in key positions in your franchise (West), You take chances at the Coaching position even if it doesnt make sense at the time (Kerr), you take chances and add players other teams dont really want (Iggy, Livingston, Javelle), You make your team as a good as possible by going after and acquiring the best player in Free Agency when you have the chance (Durant). None of this "ruins" the league.

By the way, 2D Sonic probably has less room for improvement at the moment.
INTRODUCTION In the aftermath of Anno 2017, in Sonic (and other things as well– never mind), life has been chaotic. Following an explosion of fan games and ideas for “saving Sonic” in the preceding years, we get Mania in August. It blew away the fans like a hurricane, except in a good way. Meanwhile, we receive the Boost game that fans have wanted since ‘11, but despite this, reception is mixed. Shortly after the 25th anniversary, we enter what is somewhat of a crossroads. It was around here that I found the idea to make one of these (at this point, redundant) “saving Sonic” things. I try my best (i.e. unremarkable) to cover key components to a good Sonic games, note influences that I consider worth looking over, and subsequently explain how this odd stone soup ought to be cooked. All suggestions are welcome, and I appreciate those willing to read this.
PRINCIPLES Here, I will list and explain what I think are key to Sonic, and why (Disclaimer: I have drawn from several external sources for this)

• SPEED REWARDS ITSELF: Optimally, if you, the player, are handling the game expertly, you should be able to go quickly and smoothly in all but the tightest of cases. Sonic should handle smoothly and well. The level design should be made around this being possible, and the controls should allow for it.
• SPEED, PLATFORMING, AND EXPLORATION THAT FACILITATE EACH OTHER: The previous applies here for speed. There should also be both smooth and tight platforms to jump around, integrated combat spaces/chains, and exploration should not just be present because of an open hub world. There should be room for everything in each level that such Sonic game should have, carefully stirred together.
• CREATIVE LEVELS THAT ALSO CONVEY DIRECTION: Relates heavily to previous. In general, the game should have open environments that feel less like racetracks/courses and more like environments/worlds that you happen to be in. However, there should be a general sense of what path(s) or route(s) lead(s) towards the goal. The environments should also be creative, beautiful, and just fun to experience.
• NON-CORE LEVEL ELEMENTS SHOULD PURELY BE SUPPLEMENTAL: While automation, spectacle, different level (e.g. 2D) formats and the like all have their place, they should not take away the main pieces. This means a delicate balance between the two. In my opinion, these components should generally have no more than ¼ of the level exclusively to themselves, although changes of pace can work nicely.
• REASONABLE LEVEL CURVE, WITH LEVEL CHOICES AND DESIGN HAVING ADHERENCE: The levels that make sense as easy are easy, and choices in the design mean it all seems sensible. The theme should seem reasonable, given the style of the level. Generally, the levels should gradually increase in difficulty, perhaps with a faster climb at the end [e.g. Adabat and Eggmanland, or Planet Wisp (Generations), or Metropolis onward in Sonic 2, etc.]
• LOW SKILL FLOOR; HIGH CEILING: Most levels should be doable by someone with basic knowledge of the controls, though mastery is rewarded, as in arcade games. The game should be smooth enough that faults are primarily yours, i.e. there is little excuse.
• QUALITY PRESENTATION: It needs to also have visual and auditory appeal. Otherwise, it seems far less interesting (nothing in the past ten years has really had much of a problem here).
• NARRATIVE THAT WORKS WELL: The classics do this perfectly. In the first game, you know who the enemy is, and yet there is only one cut scene in the whole game (It is after Scrap Brain Zone, act 2). You can also do this with a more complex plot, like in Unleashed.
• FOCUS: The game needs to know what it is, rather than try and appeal to all. It should not rely exclusively on “nostalgia”, even if it is a Classic or Adventure game, and even an anniversary game shouldn’t rely on it. The best nostalgia, by the way, can come in feelings.
• COHESION: Now put that all together just right, with help from focus.

GUIDANCE This section shows all of the games I take ideas from for use in a truly amazing Sonic game, and why. The reasons may be small, or large, but they are here. FYI, I have only played a few of these.

• SONIC 1: A great start. This game offers decent helpings of each key piece of a Sonic game. It defines the series continuously, and with Green Hill Zone, remakes are the sincerest form of flattery. Spring Yard and Star Light are also great, and signs of things to come.
• SONIC 2: It took everything in the first game and ran with it, also adding the memorable Death Egg and Casino styles. 1.5 and 2 player modes are important as well.
• SONIC CD: Not a sequel to Sonic 2, being made around the same time. The platform flopped, and the game was somewhat love-it-or-hate-it. The large range of endings later reappeared in Shadow the Hedgehog. The levels were short, but massive. This unique game is, in the end, good with more than a dash of interesting.
• SONIC 3+KNUCKLES: Some will say that this is one of the greatest Sonic games ever made, with the best parts of 2 and CD. They may be right. From the beautiful levels with strong design to the less-is-more cut scenes and plot, it was a masterpiece.
• SONIC ADVENTURE: This game defined the Adventure formula as much as Sonic 1 defined Classic, and puts more emphasis into navigation and exploration than most 3D Sonic games. Perhaps one of the best Modern Sonic games, despite some small problems. Finally, I’d like to see Sonic underwater in 3D again.
• SONIC ADVENTURE 2: Has some of the most refined controls that Sonic has ever seen in 3D. Also, City Escape is one of the best opening levels in a Sonic game, almost rivaling Green Hill. Many say this was the pinnacle of Modern Sonic, although some of the Sonic/Shadow levels are often one-path and self-playing.
• SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (2006): Displays the importance of adequate time and resources, coming to stores as a rushed, confused mess. This is a shame, as it shows some promise with open levels and a cohesive narrative.
• SONIC UNLEASHED: One of the most important 3D Sonic titles. It added the “boost” mechanic that has been so polarizing since then, and the daytime stages preview the best of what was to come. Looks lovely.
• SONIC COLORS: This is basically a 2D game, as 3D parts are only about ⅓ of the levels. However, the Wisp mechanics are quite, well, interesting, and it is overall a good game on its own terms. In addition, the game did the optimal development path: take the best of the last game, and add to it (but, naturally, created some of its own problems). The problem is, as a Sonic game, it isn’t quite as fully realized. I think the platformy feel would be best suited to a custom character.
• SONIC GENERATIONS: Probably the best example of a 3D Sonic game yet. It has a plot that works well. It builds off Unleashed and Colors, and uses nostalgia well. The level choices are rather sensible, and the design is high-quality.
• SONIC LOST WORLD: Not nearly as bad as everyone says, at least in the game itself (maybe not the cutscenes). I could see this style returning, minus the Wisps, and likely sans run button.
• SONIC MANIA: Some will say this is the best Sonic game since ‘94, picking up where 3+Knuckles left off, while others will even call it the best Sonic game ever made. That may be over the top, but Mania just does so many things right. A good model for future Classic Sonic games. Also, it uses nostalgia in the emotion you feel, rather than just the zones you see.
• SONIC FORCES: Good movie, with beautiful graphics and sound. The plot is neat, but fits right into the rest of the game with lousy execution. OC customizations are great, but a bit overdone. The levels… well, while they aren’t horrible, a couple of fans did this part twice as well in Mania. Please, Classic Sonic is its own thing, and Generations was better.
• GREEN HILL PARADISE: While flawed, this was an uplifting proof-of-concept made with Sonic GDK. It had level design that worked well if you were fine getting lost. In addition, it is an okay attempt at combining the formulas, also done with several similar fan-games (with minor differences).
• SONIC UTOPIA: This game took some of the ideas in Green Hill Paradise, and ran with them, making a game that is essentially Sonic 3K plus a z-axis. This should at least be thought of in the next game.

EXECUTION First of all, a good Sonic game can require more-than-adequate and flexible development time and experienced developers. This is one of the biggest mistakes on Sega’s part, as they rarely seem to bring the necessary resources to the job. Secondly, the game needs focus, i.e. don’t try to do everything. Instead, decide on where you will take Sonic (even if with more than one formula). Take everything that was done well before, and make it better. While I should not tell Sega what works, I think they ought to dig deep on new games, and check their consistency with the principles that made Sonic good in the first place. If the team is inexperienced, educate them! If the Sonic actor is confused, for example, show them some Drummond. If the level designer is inexperienced, show them the key elements of Sonic. I know this seems simple, but if Sega can always do this well, it should make a world of difference. Finally, because this is a game, they should keep fun first and foremost.
CONCLUSION Fun. This is why we will waste weeks of vacation straining our thumbs and eyes. It is why we will grow passionate about everything Sonic, and defend our sometimes irrational opinions. We care so much about it. But it’s hard. It is a challenge to bottle that up into a mishmash of 1’s and 0’s. It is difficult to produce fun. Despite all this, with care and focus, it is possible to work out that obscure alchemy. It is possible (contrary to popular belief) to make a great Sonic game. Even in 3D.

Added new section since Draft 1. Otherwise, very similar.
By the way, 2D Sonic probably has less room for improvement at the moment.
INTRODUCTION In the aftermath of Anno 2017, in Sonic (and other things as well– never mind), life has been chaotic. Following an explosion of fan games and ideas for “saving Sonic” in the preceding years, we get Mania in August. It blew away the fans like a hurricane, except in a good way. Meanwhile, we receive the Boost game that fans have wanted since ‘11, but despite this, reception is mixed. Shortly after the 25th anniversary, we enter what is somewhat of a crossroads. It was around here that I found the idea to make one of these (at this point, redundant) “saving Sonic” things. I try my best (i.e. unremarkable) to cover key components to good Sonic games, note influences that I consider worth looking over, and subsequently explain how this odd stone soup ought to be cooked. All suggestions are welcome, and I appreciate those willing to read this.
PRINCIPLES Here, I will list and explain what I think are key to Sonic, and why (Disclaimer: I have drawn from several external sources for this)
SPEED REWARDS ITSELF: Optimally, if you, the player, are handling the game expertly, you should be able to go quickly and smoothly in all but the tightest of cases. Sonic should handle smoothly and well. The level design should be made around this being possible, and the controls should allow for it.
SPEED, PLATFORMING, AND EXPLORATION THAT FACILITATE EACH OTHER: The previous bullet point applies here for speed. Of course, there should also be both smooth and tight platforms to jump around, integrated enemy placement, and exploration should not just be present because of an open hub world. There should be room for everything in each level that such Sonic game should have, carefully stirred together.
CREATIVE LEVELS THAT ALSO CONVEY DIRECTION: Relates heavily to previous. In general, the game should have open environments that feel less like racetracks/courses and more like environments/worlds that you happen to be in. However, there should be a general sense of what path(s) or route(s) lead(s) towards the goal. The environments should also be creative, beautiful, and just fun to experience.
NON-CORE LEVEL ELEMENTS SHOULD PURELY BE SUPPLEMENTAL: While automation, spectacle, different level (e.g. 2D) formats and the like all have their place, they should not take away the main pieces. This means a delicate balance between the two. In my opinion, these components should generally have no more than ¼ of the level exclusively to themselves, although changes of pace can work nicely.
REASONABLE LEVEL CURVE, WITH LEVEL CHOICES AND DESIGN HAVING ADHERENCE: The levels that make sense as easy are easy, and choices in the design mean it all seems sensible. The theme should seem reasonable, given the style of the level. Generally, the levels should gradually increase in difficulty, perhaps with a faster climb at the end [e.g. Adabat and Eggmanland, or Planet Wisp (Generations), or Metropolis onward in Sonic 2, etc.]
LOW SKILL FLOOR; HIGH CEILING: Most levels should be doable by someone with basic knowledge of the controls, though mastery is rewarded, as in arcade games. The game should be smooth enough that faults are primarily yours, i.e. there is little excuse.
QUALITY PRESENTATION: It needs to also have visual and auditory appeal. Otherwise, it seems far less interesting (nothing in the past ten years has really had much of a problem here).
NARRATIVE THAT WORKS WELL: The classics do this perfectly. In the first game, you know who the enemy is, and yet there is only one cut scene in the whole game (It is after Scrap Brain Zone, act 2). You can also do this with a more complex plot, like in Unleashed. FOCUS: The game needs to know what it is, rather than try and appeal to all. It should not rely exclusively on “nostalgia”, even if it is a Classic or Adventure game, and even an anniversary game shouldn’t rely on it. The best nostalgia, by the way, can come in feelings.
COHESION: Now put that all together just right, with help from focus.
GUIDANCE This section shows all of the games I take ideas from for use in a truly amazing Sonic game, and why. The reasons may be small, or large, but they are here. FYI, I have only played a few of these, obtaining the remainder mostly from YouTube.
SONIC 1: A great start. This game offers decent helpings of each key piece of a Sonic game. It defines the series continuously, and with Green Hill Zone, remakes are the sincerest form of flattery. Spring Yard and Star Light are also great, and signs of things to come.
SONIC 2: It took everything in the first game and ran with it, also adding the memorable Death Egg and Casino styles. 1.5 and 2 player modes are important as well. The problem comes with the path style. It encourages you to do everything to reach and stay on the upper path, optimally at speed. This can feel punishing, and hampers exploration.
SONIC CD: Not a sequel to Sonic 2, being made around the same time. The platform flopped, and the game was somewhat love-it-or-hate-it. The large range of endings later reappeared in Shadow the Hedgehog. The levels were short, but massive. This unique game is, in the end, good with more than a dash of interesting.
SONIC 3+KNUCKLES: Some will say that this is one of the greatest Sonic games ever made, with the best parts of 2 and CD. They may be right. From the beautiful levels with strong design to the less-is-more cut scenes and plot, it was a masterpiece.
SONIC ADVENTURE: This game defined the Adventure formula as much as Sonic 1 defined Classic, and puts more emphasis into navigation and exploration than most 3D Sonic games. Perhaps one of the best Modern Sonic games, despite some small problems. Finally, I’d like to see Sonic underwater in 3D again.
SONIC ADVENTURE 2: Has some of the most refined controls that Sonic has ever seen in 3D. Also, City Escape is one of the best opening levels in a Sonic game, almost rivaling Green Hill. Some say this was the pinnacle of Modern Sonic, although most of the Sonic/Shadow levels are often automated to a annoying degree. 2-player battle is at its very best here.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (2006): Displays the importance of adequate time and resources, coming to stores as a rushed, confused mess. This is a shame, as it shows some promise with open levels and a cohesive narrative.
SONIC UNLEASHED: One of the most important 3D Sonic titles. It added the “boost” mechanic that has been so polarizing since then, and the daytime stages preview the best of what was to come. Looks totally lovely.
SONIC COLORS: This is basically a 2D game, as 3D parts are only about ⅓ of the levels. However, the Wisp mechanics are quite, well, interesting, and it is overall a good game on its own terms. In addition, the game did the optimal development path: take the best of the last game, and add to it (but, naturally, created some of its own problems). The problem is, as a Sonic game, it isn’t quite as fully realized. I think the platformy feel would be best suited to a custom character.
SONIC GENERATIONS: Probably the best example of 3D Sonic level design yet. It has a plot that works well, although that has some holes. It builds off Unleashed and Colors, and uses nostalgia well. The level choices are rather sensible, and the design is high-quality. However, the levels have a bit of that same Sonic 2 problem that actually discourages exploration.
SONIC LOST WORLD: Not as bad as everyone says, at least in the gameplay itself (maybe not the cutscenes). I could see this style returning, minus the Wisps, and likely sans run-button-and-poor-design-decisions.
SONIC MANIA: Some will say this is the best Sonic game since ‘94, picking up where 3+Knuckles left off, while others will even call it the best Sonic game ever made. That may be over the top, but Mania just does so many things right. A good model for future Classic Sonic games. Also, it uses nostalgia in the emotion you feel, rather than just the zones you see. The latter, sadly, is used as well.
SONIC FORCES: Good movie, with beautiful graphics and sound. The plot is neat, but fits right into the rest of the game with lousy execution. OC customizations are great, but a bit overdone. The levels… well, while they aren’t horrible, a couple of fans did this part twice as well in Mania. Please, Classic Sonic is its own thing, and Generations was better. In trying to please everyone, but falling short, it pleases no one (although sales are decent)
GREEN HILL PARADISE: While flawed, this was an uplifting proof-of-concept made with Sonic GDK. It had level design that worked well if you were fine getting lost. In addition, it is an okay attempt at combining the formulas, also done with several similar fan-games (with minor differences).
SONIC UTOPIA: This game took some of the ideas in Green Hill Paradise, and ran with them, making an open-world level that is essentially classic sensibilities plus a z-axis. This should at least be thought of in the next game, and I can hardly wait for its completion.
EXECUTION First of all, a good Sonic game can require more-than-adequate and flexible development time and experienced developers. This is one of the biggest mistakes on Sega’s part, as they rarely seem to bring the necessary resources to the job. Secondly, the game needs focus, i.e. don’t try to do everything. Instead, decide on where you will take Sonic (even if with more than one formula). Take everything that was done well before, and make it better. While I should not tell Sega what works, I think they ought to dig deep on new games, and check their consistency with the principles that made Sonic good in the first place. If the team is inexperienced, educate them! If the Sonic actor is confused, for example, show them some Drummond. If the level designer is inexperienced, show them the key elements of Sonic. I know this seems simple, but if Sega can always do this well, it should make a world of difference. Proper scrutiny of every facet, small and large, is key. This ensures the whole thing is handled properly, and I worry Sonic Team has forgot this. Finally, because this is a game, they should keep fun first and foremost.
CONCLUSION Fun. This is why we will waste weeks of vacation straining our thumbs and eyes. It is why we will grow passionate about everything Sonic, and defend our sometimes irrational opinions. We care so much about it. But it’s hard. It is a challenge to bottle that up into a mishmash of 1’s and 0’s. It is difficult to produce fun. Despite all this, with care and focus, it is possible to work out that obscure alchemy. It is possible (contrary to popular belief) to make a great Sonic game. Even in 3D.
ADDENDUM This discusses the limits of experimentation within the principles of Sonic. As we know, Sega will experiment with the blue blur, so we might as well discuss that.
SPEED: It should be important, i.e. at least be either a tool or present in spades. However, everything else should also be significant.
PLATFORMING: The dangers should primarily test your skills, rather than your wits or patience. Also, they should not be virtually absent (cough, Lost Valley, cough).
EXPLORATION: It should at least be allowed a little bit, and the level layout should not be massive and disorganized, leaving the player confused (massive and organized is fine)
SPEED AS REWARD: There should be at least some difficulty in mastering the gameplay, giving the reward of consistent high speeds some weight.
LOW SKILL FLOOR, HIGH CEILING: Mastering the levels should generally require at least 5 run-throughs, and optimally shouldn’t get repetitive quickly.
AUTOMATION: Complete absence of stage gimmicks and boosters can detract from the experience, although the level should mostly be unscripted.
STORY AND NARRATIVE: Make sure everything is internally consistent.
Feel free to discuss all two-thousand-something words here in the comments.

Hi people if Reddit. I've known I should post this encounter of mine for you all on this sub for months. I've been slow to, mainly b/c I usually come here to relax and reap the lessons of your tales. I'm a selfish bitch basically haha. My inner nag though, she just couldnt let me shake the feeling that maybe somebody needs to hear my experience for whatever reason. Maybe not, but I believe in giving back what you can when you can. Manners. I know a couple-o-posts I've read on this sub have changed me, educated me to be careful, & invited me in to see the shit that's keeping them up at night. So... here I type in thanks ye authors of letsnotmeet. I tried too keep it from becoming a novel..
I'll start by sharing the fact that a I'm female living in the Pacific NW so you dont picture some Jon lol. I am 30 something years old now; this happend 15+ years ago. I took a would-be summer job south of the US West Coast boarder in Baja Cali. It was a good 10-15 months after HS. I needed a break from my very tight social/family circle of about 30, and if not then, when? FFWD past the exedus and a slow push of paperwork and I am tan and without a care in the sunny state of Baja California Sur Mexico for about a month's time. I had gone down with another chic from my city, Dessy. She had a decade on me age wise, and was in the midst of what could be discribed as being 'the height of her mid-life crisis'. She was accepting of that fact, Im no jury. Seperated from her husband, and father of her two grade-school aged kids, well lets just say she was down there borrowing trouble at every corner. We both had been set-up with a tourism promoting gig with a prime location at the airport in the town over, San Jose del Cabo. RCI prepaid our housing expenses at a hotel about 8 blocks from the pacific ocean in San Lucas which we would have to repay as we earn commission. This was all set up in advance by our beloved mutual friend Joanne. The trip was (expected to be) for a three month period. For her it was just that. I came home 4.5 years later; and only as a direct result of the tragic 9/11. Its ripple effect on tourism left no other option for me - as a non Mexico citizen. Ironic? Perhaps. Thats another story, for a different sub Reddit.
The Santa Fe Hotel was quaint, not a 5 star by any stretch, but it was away from the party scene and it was clean. It offers a kidney pool/hot tub too, which was a bonus! I took full advantage of the pool by jumping in fully clothed after work each and every day. :) Also, there is a little store street side, with all the basics: milk, bread, deodorant ... Modelo etc. It even had a lavandoria (laundromat) with maybe three washers and a couple dryers to wash our clothes. Heres a pic. [Santa Fe Hotel] https://goo.gl/images/K41KuA BTW I definately dont remember it being nearly as nice as that pic, at least the seating, it has clearly been upgraded from the plastic lawn chairs that were there at the time. And how they caught a photo opp on the only cloudy day they saw all year is impressive. Our needs were beyond met.
Of those first 4-5 weeks in the "Company Housing" my friend and roomate Dessy came home to crash, 3, MAYBE 5 nights in total. I just assumed she was with our mutual friend Jo on most of those nights; they had a history between them dating back to HS after all, and were much, much, closer than I had been to either of them.
That assumption I had on her whereabouts was squashed flat when Jo came looking for Dessy on one afternoon. "Dess?, what the hell?! ..she 's not with you?!" I asked "I haven't seen Dess since I took the both of you to finalize your paperwork at the immigration office a week and a half after you arrived in Cabo!" Jo. Explained. "But... I have heard she hangs out at The Love Shack alot, ..I'll check there." she said carefree, to dissarm my wide eyes no doubt. "Let her know she needs to call me if you do see her drop by, ok?" Asked Jo "Kay" I agreed, skeptically.
People, (..sigh) where she stayed those nights, those weeks, I had no freaking idea. For the most part, I still don't! (I will say though, we haven't seen each other much in the past ten plus years. Not by accident either. When we had crossed paths, I got a glimps of that dress I used to own or my _____ fillintheblank!! Hmmmm I still have her family photos tho?!) If you can tred through these brief connections between us prior to the meeting with human traffic professionals that she arranged, you might understand how the cluessless find danger. Bare with me.
Moving on.... She always showed up to training those first couple weeks, and later on that month she would be there working at the airport. It was in our contract after all. The airport we worked at, the only airport, is 45 min away from the Santa Fe. At times she would show up in the morning to catch the work van in the am with the Villa crew & I, but after the flights were done -poof gone. If she stayed for them all that is. I didnt care really, I didnt know what it was like to be a Mom snd Wife so who am I to judge. She got very defensive and angry when I dutifully probed her about her goings on at night during those first weeks when she did come by The Fe for a change of clothes that afternoon Jo stopped in. Honest. I could have cared less, really! She seemed fine health-wise. Besides, she preferred other Gringos company, and I was there to meet the local people where they were , and they got a kick outta me too lol. However, we often had work obligations, like employment paperwork. The where would be asked.
So, this one peticular Saturday she rolls into The Fe for the sake of her own minimum hygene requirements: shit, shower, & shave. At which time she offers what her day off entailed thus far, and even notes specifically that she had met a very nice couple. Odd, she is pitching me. "I think you would like them!" Dessy Says to me through smiling eyes "I hung out with them yesterday, and again last night.. they are super cool!" She says excited. (...Ok, a pattern? She might be slowing her roll?!) I'm thinking to myself. (Naw... she's probably only chattin' it up about this 'nice friendly couple' because she left in thick dramatics of Novela proportions a few nights prior, and without any dispute she was lookin & being pretty fucking reckless!) Was my inner dialog. Reckless even for her. She stormed out without even changing into fresh clothes. Quick stop cut short of its purpose after an exchange of words between us. Broken record skips to where she complained that I had 'offended her' and 'made her sound like a slut' (her words). What was I supposed to say when I was asked about her whereabouts that would please her? Nothing at all is whats ok thats what. Lol We had a love hate relationship, can you tell? Misfits paired momentarily, and forged only through happenchance through third party bonds each honored by the ither just enough to fudge through our missgivings. Heres the duo lol... she a tall masculine Jamie Lee Curtis likeness with a spot on replicated courtney love personality - to my Ani Defranco no bullshit attitude and look minus the anti men crusade. YES
Anyway, so shes repeating her line about how nice the couple was- "...and they aren't Mexican, they are from Argentina" they came here on thier fishing boat.." She explains (OH, is shes inviting me out?) I started to put the plot together when.. "They want to meet you" Pops outta her mouth.
(Damb. WTF? Why? ...Weird) I'm thinking (A day or three ago we were just in a spat) But Im also kinda relieved so I sucuum to the idea, backing in slowly. It's better to keep the peace. Though I didnt see her often, that doesnt mean she wasnt exhausting to fight with when she was around. On and on she could drag it out with all the 'feelings I gave her' or She '..sees (whatever) emotions I'm emitting' from '(whateva) chakra' blah blah. Yuk. I have three brothers.
(Bitch this is Mexico, Im omitting beans through my ass Chakra haha!)
So anyway, Im trying so hard to be one of the girls at this stage in my life so I bite my tongue alot (that entire year honestly) And I reply "They do?! Well ok, sure when?" Agreeing to go. "In a couple hours" she replies. (Today?) "Ok, where?" I ask. "The little bar a couple blocks down" Dessy explains. (Bar? Near? Hmm where?) Not picturing where she is speaking of I question her further. "On this same street?" To which she confirms "Yeah". Apologizingly I continue "I dont know where you mean?" (Truely, in the 109+ times Ive walked to the beach in the past month; no bar what~so~ever pops up in my mind) She must be mistaken, small town. "You mean, over a block maybe?" I correct, though Dess ends my 10000 Questions with "Nope". Final answer. I agree to let her show me the way in an bit, though still very skeptical its on our street. It cant be far. There was only ONE stoplight in Cabo at that time! Only a few paved blocks beyond the Transpeninsular HWY, all marina side.
We shower, a little makeup is put on the cheeks, I take my hair down for a change, and after a short delay we are off & on our way down the dirt road. Headed south toward the Marina/ocean. When we get a few blocks down Dess, seemingly out of nowhere, stops and announces: "..OoHHhh ..they ..arent ..here yet?" Looking around. (I see only residential in my tunnel vision) hmm (??) "...We ...arent ..there yet either, ..are we?" I chuckle to myself confused. "It's right there -> Dess points to a two story structure 'stuck' between two others - its lost in plain sight. Picture The San Fransico Bay construction style houses. All plastered together. Tight and all but seamlessly; only different, these ones are very very small and duh: Mexico style. So basically you see re-bar rusting at the highest points. The one she is pointing at looks like bottom floor is just one room, but one wall is from the building to its left, and the other is borrowed from the one on the right each its own color. A long bar takes up half the space running from front to back on the right with a tiny opening to get behind it on the far wall which has one shelf with maybe a half dozen bottles. Two/three stools are on the other half of the lower room. That fills the entire bar space. The doorway to enter is on the stool side. Just beyond the stools is a windy circular set of rickety wire stairs leading up to the up to the only other sitting room. It's without the front wall for the most part, gapping hole from about a persons shins to head and te same width. It faces out to us as we stand on the dirt street. No glass window-Hacienda style but with a roof. Painted a drab grey in front, no wonder it was easily missed by me dozens of times over. Easily missed by locals, Im certain of it, solely due to the lifeless grey was painted. A very odd color choice. Thinking back, nothing was accidental about the guise the establishment embodied for its purpose.
Now I clearly see, nope, the couple was in fact not there. I could see the entire establishment from where we stood. Though it was built as what appeared to be an afterthought, it probably used to be a sleek alley recently. Now dubbed a "bar" by the owner with a humble driftwood plank hanging above the entrance. Not unlike a treehouse. No bathroom for its own, though a shared makeshift lou communal between the neighboring structures was tucked behind a clothesline curtain. I doubt water was piped in, but could have been.
We agree to go in and order a couple beers. The downstairs could only fit two, three patrons tops, so we go up to the second floor. There isnt much to it either, one single low to the floor round table, and four leather & wicker bucket seats traditional to Mexico. Thats it, and it filled the entire space. No shit! There's one bartender, who also doubles as the waitstaff. I assume he is also the owner. He offers two beer choices, we point to our selections and without speaking a word he leaves warm unopened bottles of beer one in front of each of us. Not once catching eyes with me. I brushed it off as him being shy and embarrassed possibly too, maybe it was just that. Nah
We get our drinks opened and the couple shows up within a few minutes. Initially they both seem normal as far as appearences go. Picture this: 5'9" or so, olive skin, slender, but not skinny, both of them fit that mold. The pair also shared similar beady eyes, obscured though behind med tinted sunglasses. Like many people we met they had a natural no nonsense hair duo, with no products or perfumes. I doubt deoderant was in there travel packs, either. The woman didnt shave but it wasnt off putting at all. Very heavy accents greeted us. (but from where?) The man was kinda dressed like the crocodile hunter, and the woman who seemed more like a sister than a wife, was also in garb not unlike the Crocs 'Laayydee friend' Tans - khakis - army greens and cargo pockets. Not sure but possibly even workboots or hiking boots, though as I said I cant be sure. As plain and forgetable as the building they had invited us to, so they were -or so they appeared.
My whole body went on high alert within minutes of thier arrival. I know, to look at them as I discribed was not alarming. They also had plane names. I remember them to be something like Pat n Jose or simular. Above all, what I noticed right away, was HOW they spoke. It was... Well it was off. Not the accent, ..well that too - but mainly the fact that their broken English was forced. Let me explain, when you spend any amount of time around people who don't have a common language with you, a time comes when either you need something or visa versa. When ut does humanity finds a way for you to communicate without many/any words. Similar to the game charrades, you use your movements, universal gestures, or draw pictures. Basically anything you can do to fill in the gaps. These two - made gaps- gaps that didn't need to be there, if that makes any ioda of sense.
One partial sentence that burned in my mind from that afternoon was the woman saying " ..In Ingles how do you say!? ..Uuup?!" Bad acting. The conversation, or better said, script they spat (very cunninly) could be chalked up by me, or anyone with any bit of street smarts for that matter, as a ploy to convince (two dumb white girls from the US) that Mexico makes it super hard and expensive to work, so why bother. With them as our friends we could cut our losses (though funny thing is we never complained or discussed our work requirements with them, we just sat down!) Rest assured they pleaded, we should jump for joy as today we just hit a great fortune in meeting them, our worries were now over.
The worries that didnt exist.
They tried diligently to persude us with a confident tone and carefull execution (that was to me clearly rehersed) Skipping town (or in this case country) with themto Angentina was a great opprotunity, and a no brainer. Why? Because we were so lucky to have such GOOD friends in them to be able to do so. (Of course! ..Friends?!) Anyone in their right mind would be gratefull and thrilled to have such a great opprotunity?! Right?!
They dramatically went on, and on, with "We gat lotsa gas in ow boat, we hook you gurls up! Wone even maku cheep in fo gas our boat, we go gas. Imagina, No mas paypur fees (prepaid by our job) and mucho dinero para passaportes day wantchu pay (Really? We pay 100$ every ten years?!) & FM3's, (ok 900$ every six months to work was a bit taxing but also, prepaid by our hotel so again, not like it was out-of-pocket. Besides we chose to be there!) No problemas gettinchu o'er dare eithr wit we boat!" As they reiterate over, and over, the script, what I'm hearing in my head is Bells, Whistles & Sirens LOUD ONES, the spinning red ones like the cops used to place on thier hoods in old flicks like Dukes of Hazzard. Tea kettles steaming. And more than that, I hear a definate question being asked of myself, and by myself I must consider. 'What did we do to get the royal treatment?!')
Jose goes on "... so .. You wone hab tugo tru Customs on mye boat, who like mess wit dem?!" (Easy Peasy huh?!) The Man, this Jose, is about to lose that winning smirk from his olive face as I rebuttle Jose's offer. It's possible yes, that he has mistaken my silence as a surrender to his point. No, actually the fact is now Im in a very, VERY, sarcastic mood -as is my dominant personality in any situation where I am treated like a complete fucking novice.
"OH GOOD?!" Sitting up now "SOoo no Passport?!" I look around the table "Cool! , No Migra! ..No checkpoints, or hell, no record?!" I challenge him, wide eyed. By this time the woman knows Im not falling in line with thier pitch so easily and is speaking fast and a hushed tone behind his shoulder to his opposite and sitting back slightly from my line of sight, clearly in response to his erect arm reaching back over her. He begins humbily apologizing to me explaining that I clearly dont understand what he means. Jose leans over like the 'Good Buddy' he is to correct the situation eye to eye. Why of course, that's the trust infusing stance when in business negotiations right? Now softening his tone dramatically. (No way Jose, Im already onto you) I'm also leaning in, but with a nervous grin. I meet his gaze, I probably appeared as cocky though my heart was racing. Again, I chirp out: "So? My last known whereabouts would still be -Mexico" (check) cocking my head aside, finger up (When in Rome) Wait, -if -I -was like IDK ..sick (pause) ..or hurt!? .. (Pause) o'sumthin, ...anything (like - lost or trapped, possibly fucking DEAD!) My family back home would never...even ...know?! If I lost touch for awhile and they tried to reach me, which Im sure they would, (not really) they'd only be looking -and checking for my whereabouts here. In Mexico. Right?" Silence "I mean .... thats where the trail would lead them. ...but deadend, ..no dice, huh?!" I question " Well, simply because YOUR boats not making a 'special stop' to check us in with Argentina Customs officials, is it? I mean after all you HATE those guys huh?! Pain." I chuckle, again, nervously looking from face to face. Holding myself up arm on leg "..you said right?" I finish my monolog there with a double slap to my thighs as if to not to over step my boundries.
Dess gets a correcting tone asking "Why are you being so rude?" They're seizing the opprotunity of reeling her in, with a glance to each other the moment they realize shes still hooked. Now, swiftly they shift their bodies to face her, and her only. Jose smiling softly like a cartoon villian again, pitching her his transparent lies; weaving a deadly web. Clearly, he is trying to drown me out verbally, I think she notices the change in the air. She must. I down the last swig of my beer & I ask "YOU READY Chica?!" Standing up & already walking toward the windy stairs. But with a - Getty up - Im not leaving alone- ring to my words. Followed up with a wave toward the steps and only exit.
They both look visibly mad, physically pissed I cut them short. Burning eyes through Me and meet me as I glance back over my shoulder. All while they as quickly-as-possible try to finalize and confirm an exact time to meet Dessy and her other girlfriends too, the next AM, Sunday, at thier boat. Gosh, so they can 'at leese tree her to zum ocian fisheen!'
Shit, and wouldn't ya know, this idiot is all 'yups' and 'see ya thens'.
I tell myself (she is not serious. Cant. Nah. Nope. The bells and whistles never churped so f-ing loudly in my life!!) Ive never before, or since, felt so damb close to such saturated evil posed in the human shape and form ever in my entire life. Without a pang of guilt or doubt them two? Man they would sell thier inbred daughters by the hour for a small stack if 25c poker chips at Freddies casino if the chance arose. That is the impression I got.
Dess doesn't delay too long, I hear the sliding push back of her wicker chair beforeI reach the rail. We both descend the steps, and without a parting word from me, we are out the front and only door, and in step begin our walk north. Alias more than before, no better put, part of the same tribe.
At a brisk pace and over 3/4 of the walk back behind us, I proceed to tell her I've got early plans in the mornin with Victor'. Thats when, and I shit you not Redditers, Dess's jaw drops agap, and she snaps her head towards me and with wide eyes in surprise gasps: "You're not going fishing at 11am with us!?"
To which I reply immediately in a deep sure sharp tone "FUCK No!!!!!?" Brows frowed together, I don't bother to meet her eyes "Dess tell me you DIDNT hear a (melodically) little fucking voice in that head of yours saying over, and over (Roboticly) "DANGERDANGERDANGER"!? I then presume to squeel in high pitched sounds of sirons "Weeeeee Ewww Weeeee Ewww - (Mans Voice impression) "Red Alert, I repeat, Red Alert!" Shaking my head I look over now half joking because this shits common sense. But shes blank stares WTF "Are-you-fucking KIDDING ME?" Thowing up my hands, "They PRETENDED -not to-know -English fluently!?" I say with my body as much as my voice in disbelief. Dess's jaw, still agasp. Wow. I look away and proceed to do an impression of the women in her phony accent... 'In Ingles ummm how do you say? ...UupPpp?!"
I wanna throw up.
Still shaking my head, in a haze of equal parts pissed/worried. I knew her radar was broken. Now its clear. Worse, shit it may never have worked properly in the first place, and I seriously worried to myself that that could even possible. Possible? Possible to get through a death luring pitch from those two? Best friends to the Devil, .. no not two lowly bottom dwellers, no way, two well versed slave drivers..?, ... No. Not without a feeling, a deep engrained primal feeling, a physically felt need for self preserverence?
Shock starts to wash over me, but I try to calm down with each disbelieving step, two, three. I turn to Dessy like a mother to her child and I search her eyes for ANY Sign of it all seeping in. A fruitless moment goes by, when finally I retreat and say to her in a delicately kind tone. "Dess, they look at us as 'STUFF' mear 'THINGS' nothing more, not people, surely not thier equals. Each of us is seen as a free commodity at best, and at worst simple minded dumb american girls worth at least a carton of smokes. Well for you a pack of smokes" Joking.
Blank stares and batting eyes is all Dess replies, so I go on: "Dont let them think they can easily exploit you for thier pursposes. Whatever that may be. They will probably in all seriousness make you a sex slave if you get on that boat Dess, or who knows what? ...make your family pay a ransom to get you back, or something worse. If you even have an option to ever come back!" I assure her this is whats up.
After a few more silent moments I put my hand on her shoulder and look at her in the eye searching again. (anyone home?) "You know that right?" My nodding is met by more blank stares.
I surrender. We both retreat to a faster pace.
Later at the Santa Fe I in guilt make one last attempt to try and make her promise me that she would not go meet them at 11am the next morning for "fishing" while Im away.
She wouldnt.
The next day before I leave, (she stayed in our room for a night, wowzers!) She announces that "...after thinkin' it over..." she was going to trust MY gut, since I had felt so strongly about it and all. "There must be a reason behind a strong feeling like that" she said. "...but I still think they were very nice, and you shouldn't have been so rude..." Unable to meet my glare. (God help us all)
To the poeple reading this, I say this. If not entertained in this recount of mine then Im sorry. I will still leave you with this thought to ponder. Think back to an intense moment in your life. Was there a sense of alarm? If so, did you try talk yourself out-of the legitimacy of that feeling? Maybe even rashionalize/dissmiss it? How did it all turn out?
The internal alarm is a phonomenon I believed, up to this point, we were all given within out makeup for a reason. Well, turns out thats true, except when it isnt given to you. I like to hope there's still a chance it can be reset or recovered for a person. Hopeful its always turned back-on just in-the-knick-of-time to keep one safe. SometimesI see it might not be there churping loudly because it wasnt given to you for warning in times of danger, as I so optimisticly assumed. But just maybe, sometimes its there sounding loudly only because the grace of God had given it to somebody else whom he knew would be there at that precise moment to share it with you.. If youre lucky.
So, la pareja mas loca de Agentina,
I will not meet you on your boat, I will not be tricked nope nope nope. I will not depart here by your scam. I will not fall victom in your foreign land!

This post will not be in a traditional format. I wrote the hand down in my notes when I took a short break from the session. It's not my first bluff though it may sound like it since it's a fairly standard hand, but what makes it unique to me is that A) only somewhat recently have l been able to hand read and assign ranges so well during a hand B) it's very unique to live poker, purely exploitation C) I played poker for over a decade and most of that time I have never really opened my game up to these kinds of lines, at least not with this much confidence and surety and D) I am very much open to critique since I am still a student of the game.
3/5 NL 300max at my local casino.
Villain is a bad reg, seen her around. Wears huge headphones. At least she knows to open and 3bet most hands and stays pretty aggro including a lot of donk betting, esp on flops and turns where it doesn't make too much sense. Despite her style of play she doesn't go too crazy (until later when she's tilted we come find out) and doesn't run major bluffs, usually shutting down or wanting to go to showdown. She seems like she wants to preserve her stack (later proven when she doesn't reload. She probably comes with one buy in). So to me this means wider ranges and I can take a strong line against her in a pot where she is unlikely to continue.
~700 effective stacks. Villain min-raises UTG or UTG+1 to 10. Two callers, I 3bet with J9ss to 45 from HJ and she calls, everyone else folds (pot 118 minus $6 drop). Flop comes something like 367 no spades. She checks to me and I continue for $65 (super dry board, betting too large is like never value here and everyone just puts you on AK if you do, plus she could raise and commit her stack and my fold equity starts to go out the window. So betting less than half pot keeps all my value hands in). She calls and an ace peels off bringing in a backdoor club draw.
(Pot 242)(Board 367A two clubs). She donks into me for $50. Normally I expect most small to medium pocket pairs that haven't connected to donk as a blocker bet / where am I at bet / bluff, along with all pairs on the board, straight and flush draws. No way she can have AK here with her minbet pf (her pf value sizing is always 15-30), and a two pair+ hand with an ace in it probably wouldn't lead into the last aggressor, especially not for so little since there are flush and straight draws on board and she's oop, and something like A10 AJ AQ (I also block a lot of those combos with my jack) would probably take a check/call line, though a donk here could fall into the "where am I at" bet with those hands. Any hands she's willing to go with are betting larger if she's taking a donkbet line. All the hands she probably has would make it hard for her to continue unimproved. Good news is when I was clearly considering my options and motioning towards my chips, she busts out a stack and starts counting out chips, a classic "strong means weak" move that bad players will make. In their mind they're trying to convey "if you bet, I'm going to call!" but all they're really thinking is "don't raise don't raise I want to see a river!" Perfect. Up until then I was considering all options and that made it very easy for me to commit to barrelling. She clearly wanted to see a river card so she didn't have pure air, but definitely a hand she did not have confidence in. Unless she catches the card she needs on the river I'm pretty sure I can get her off her hand. Plus the ace hits my range way more than it hits hers, and I've got position yo. I raise it to $135 which is small but I would probably play a set and all my value hands including AK this way, plus sometimes draws and straights, [important] in this specific scenario/hand, with stacks the way they are and my read of villain. Without all of those things working together, I would probably size much larger. But it was moreso that I wanted it not to seem like I'm trying to blast her off her hand and give her a reason to hero call me on the river. My range is heavily weighted towards value as this is not a sizing bluffs would be making. I know this goes against what I just professed about sizing larger with draws on board and in retrospect I could size it just a little bit bigger, but I didn't want her to feel emotionally and financially committed to the pot, plus I don't think she's very good at all at hand reading. She tanks for like a good two minutes and calls. The sizing put her in a weird spot and accomplished what I wanted it to, and pretty much told me that at best she has 67 but highly unlikely, and even if she does she's not feeling good about it. It also eliminated flush draws from her range, as those hands are either calling much faster (literally no one tanks for 2 minutes with a flush draw at these stakes, especially for the price she was getting which was $85 into a pot of $325).
(Pot 410) River is a non-club 8 (Board 367A8), a total blank. She taaaank checks. She's still confused as to what to do. She probably really wants to take a stab at it, or she's trying to convey something so that she can get to showdown with her hand. I take about 20 seconds before I motion towards my chips and this time she doesn't start cutting out her stack. Since the 8 pretty much never improves her hand I feel like she's giving up. I bet $225 into the pot of $410. This accomplishes two things, it looks like value and I only have to get it through around 1 in 3 times to breakeven. She does the thing where she doesn't need to be stiff anymore and starts holding her cards up all high and sigh folds, semi-exposing what looks like a 6. Usually when someone doesn't care if the cards are exposed they had something decent, so I'm guessing maybe she did have 67, maybe even 36 since she plays hands like 23s. Which would be pretty crazy since she blocks a flopped set pretty hard and it's not like I'm 3betting 3's pf very often. And she still blocks Axs two pair combos pretty hard, and I would assume would want to get value from AK once the Ace turns. So ya, pretty weird. But maybe she didn't have two pair. Idk. All I know is she didn't have confidence in her hand and I took a strong line my no showdown value hand.
I end up showing the bluff and she starts to tilt, and after she overplays second pair with the same shitty donkbet line against a guy in position in a bloated pot, she really starts to spew. I make a couple of pretty tight folds later in the session to her because she's ready to play a large pot with any hand that makes it to the flop, and because she's on a swingy 12-30bb stack, making it hard to get implied odds against her when she bets pot and I have a draw or non-ace overs.
Maybe my turn sizing could have been around $150-$180 to put a bit more pressure on her on the river, and make these lines more profitable when I take them. Also open to get my ass handed to me by you guys if my logical is flawed. But seriously, live poker is great and I love the pure exploitation at these levels.