beni

Or is it just me?
 

 
Two words: Fighting games.
 
I've been brought up with Soul Calibur and Tekken, but I've always been a button masher on both. I already know and admit to being a pretty poor gamer, even though I enjoy certain genres more than others, but the mechanics of fighting games goes right over my head. I never know what the heck is going on, but I'll still put this in my PS2/PS3 and kill some time on. I may manage to get through the story mode, but never invite me to a multiplayer match! Unless you want the satisfaction of a win. Even my own mum beat me on Soul Calibur 4... ;; A round of applause to every single person in the world who has these kind of games down!
 
I'm so very tempted to spam as much art I can from these games as I can, but I'll try to resist! 
 

The immediate game that comes to mind that I will always answer this with:
 

 
THE QUALITY CAME OUTTA NOWHERE! I got this game with a batch of others, and this was one I wasn't hyped for, nor bothered about, yet it turned out to me by favourite from the lot. I spent so many continuous hours on this game a couple of years ago, and I'm not even half way through it! It may be pretty repetive to some, if not most people, but the whole worlds you transport to. From the eerily quiet night time of the Ireland village, to the gorgeous, ocean landscape you notice during the day, that's just the setting in the real world! The transporting to the Netherworld is always different, even when switching from the two main characters. There's the underwater world, to an all out war one! Not to mention it's borderline Pokemon but more spooky as you fight with the folks you encounter and collect.

(Aww. Give him a hug!)
 
Even more impressive is that they're all designed as dungeons, yet so varied, and actually leave an impression. Mystery plus adventure, including a gorgeous present day setting mixed with dark fantasy makes this one an unstoppable play.
 
So are there any games you feel the same way about?

I'm happy to announce MH's very first Halloween Contest!
 
The rules are simple to get this community into Halloween mood we want you to show us - for example your super scary costumes, creepy make-up or something else you prepared for this day like some freaking awesome decoration? you're free to chose whatever you want to do just be creative! Of course the winner will get a prize too  He/She will be decided via voting
Deadline for the submissions will be the 10/24. Deadline for the voting will be the 10/31 
 
 
I hope to see many of you taking part in this Contest, enjoy~ & good luck!

 
 
 

Pretty sure this kind of thread should belong in here...
 

 
This makes me oddly satisfied and extremely relatable on a deep level... as deep as it can get. 
 
I really like "zutto/itsumo" for some reason. Probably the way its said, and just the definition of it (pretty much "always"). I'm a sap.

Warpaint - The Stall
 
this song tho GRFGHBDGHJDGNHMEDF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

 

So I gathered the data out of this thread:
https://www.monochrome-heaven.com/topic/26485-your-top-10-favorite-visual-kei-bands/?page=1
and put it into excel, sorted from highest to lowest and have found the top 10 favorite visual kei bands according to the community. Most of this list will surprise no one but I thought there might be some interest.
 
Note: I didn't include 'honorable mentions' on this list just the poster's top 10. I also didn't include rank data in spreadsheet because it would be too much effort and some posters didn't rank their list.
 
1. Dir en grey (28 votes)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It comes as no surprise that dir en grey are number 1. Everyone on this forum knows who they are and they are probably the most influential VK band of the last 15 years. Next.
 
 
2. D'espairs Ray (22 votes)
 

 
 
An alternative metal band loved my many during their time and one of the most popular 2000s VK bands. Sadly their vocalist Hizumi caught a rare throat condition and the band was forced to disband for the sake of his health. Still many people have fond memories of these guys and their music was well liked in both Japan and overseas. Known for their energetic live shows.
 
 
3. The GazettE (19 votes)
 

 
 
Another extremely popular band from the 2000s. Many people love to hate them and many people hate to love them but whenever they release something, the VK community catches on fire. It comes as no surprise seeing these guys here.
 
 
4. Malice Mizer (17 votes)
 

 
One of the most influential VK bands of the 90s and one of the few 90s VK bands that overseas fans have actually heard of. Playing a distinctive style of visual kei, symphonic/gothic rock and neoclassical darkwave, they have a small but legendary discography and there still are many bands imitating their style to this day. They faced many challenges throughout their career that people on this site probably know already (lead singer quitting to become a celebrity, death of their drummer) and eventually disbanded (or "indefinite hiatas"). 
 
 
5. Lynch. (16 votes)
 

 
The most popular 'nagoya kei' band of the last decade or so. They have been churning out multiple releases a year since 2004 and while many people call them mediocre, they still have a lot of dedicated fans who follow their every release. Their concept is "uniting heavy music with beautiful melodies".
 
 
6/7. deadman / Girugämesh (14 votes)
 

 
Deadman were a nagoya kei band from the 2000s. A bit surprising to see them this high but it seems they have a strong cult following on this website. They're music has strong alternative rock influences and they're releases were very well received during their time. 
 
 

 
 
Girugämesh were a 2000s visual kei band who mostly sticked to nu metal and metalcore throughout their career. They were really popular in the international VK community while nu metal was dying in the west but became an internet meme after being featured on a Sakuracon anime convention advertisement. Their newer releases were poorly received but many people hold their early discography in high regard. They broke up in July of this year and it was the biggest VK break up of the year (so far...).
 
 
8. Renter en soi (13 votes)
 

 
 
An alternative metal band from the early-mid 2000s loved my many during their short time active. People praised Satsuki's voice, their atmospheric production, and the band's ability to write strong melodies in an alternative metal style. They broke up in 2008 before is was cool but they still hold an important place on many VK listener's ipods.
 
 
9/10. Buck Tick / DIV (12 votes)
 

 
Regardless whether you think Buck Tick qualifies as a visual kei band, you cannot deny their huge influence they have had on the looks and sound of visual kei as a whole. Forming in 1983, their music includes a wide range of influences including gothic rock, alternative rock, post punk, darkwave and electronic music. They are hugely successful in Japan and many of their releases are regarded as classics. If you like VK than these guys really are an essential listen.
 
 

 
The newest band on this list (formed in 2012) and the only band on this list leaning towards the pop side of visual kei. Honestly I didn't know these guys were this popular but it appears they have caused quite a stir in the community while I wasn't looking. Sadly they are disbanding in October so if you are in Japan this will likely be your last chance to see them live.
 
 
 
And for those interested, numbers 11-20:
- 9GOATS BLACK OUT (11 votes)
- MEJIBRAY (11)
- MUCC (11)
- LUNA SEA (10)
- Versailles (10)
- 12012 (8)
- AvelCain (8)
- Cali Gari (8)
- Kagrra (8)
- Plastic Tree (8)
 
 

I've been sick for the last 2 days doing nothing but laying in bed playing Mystic Messenger.

I regret nothing.

I caved and pre-ordered the collectors/deluxe editions of Persona 5 and Final Fantasy XV for Christmas. >.> Fire Emblem Fates Limited Edition ruined me.

少女-ロリヰタ-23区(lolita23q) will resume their activities after the Oneman at ZEPP TOKYO in 2017/01/15 where they'll also distribute a CD with a new song.
Their official OHP will open on 09/23.
 
Line up: 
 
Vocal … 颯(Sou)
→ Various Ray → 少女-ロリヰタ-23区[5] → レミング 
Guitar … ユ≠キ(Yu≠ki)
→ キューブリック(ユーキ) → 少女-ロリヰタ-23区(ユ≠キ) → LOUD GRAPE 
Guitar … 龍兎(Ryuuto)
→ サルーイン(龍人)[7] → 少女-ロリヰタ-23区(龍兎)[8] → the LOTUS(Ryuto)
Bass … リョヲ丞(Ryo:suke)
→ アンヴレラ(りょうすけ) → 酔奴隷(リョヲ丞) → ジラーチ(サポート) → パヴロ、メイ(サポート) → 少女-ロリヰタ-23区 → WING WORKS
Drums … BAN
→ 酔奴隷(BAN) → (彩-PSYCHO-)(浦和 塙) → 少女-ロリヰタ-23区(BAN) → LOUD GRAPE 
 
(The best 2016 news definitely deserve a topic for it)
 

I feel like I have entered in to grumpy old man territory this month, as there was really nothing here that I really enjoyed.
 
::waves gun in the air:: now get off my lawn!

@herpes, @DESTINYGUY0316, @Manic, @IGM_Oficial, happy birthday you guys!

MUCC (old) - Kermit the Frog sings about his struggles with depression
MUCC (new) - dude did u ever watch anime lol
 
Dir en grey - Sashimi Slipknot
 
sukekiyo - rowdy primate gets accepted into art scool
 
deadman - Chinese Marilyn Manson fronts a grunge band

L'Arc~en~Ciel:
 

Plastic Tree - How much longer will this shell of a doll's collapsing lungs last? PLACE YOUR BETS.
 
PLASTICZOOMS - 
 
supercell - The "rank your favourite guest vocalist and forever be butthurt that they're released out into the big old music world and make lesser important solo efforts after due to newly founded popularity".
 
DOLL$BOXX - The most teasing collaboration to ever happen (ONE ALBUM FROM 2013 IS AN INSULT).
 
DISACODE - The only evidence you need to back up the fact that VK boys look better than girls. Even when it's female fronted VK.
 
D=OUT = I would say put the poor dude out of his misery already. But... I actually quite like his despair...
 
Girls Dead Monster = When LiSA was actually good. The only moe shit you need to make you truly feel like you're the lowest of the low for digging.
 
ORESKABAND =  x 
 
ROCKY CHACK = Engrish which is actually not misplaced.
 
The point of posting this = To reference The Mighty Boosh twice.

THE BACK HORN - mucc for breeders
 
Boris - when you decide to play every style of rock neglected by the rest of Japan.
 
lynch: 
 

 
KINGDOM☆AFROCKS - Japanese students in African Studies class decide to start a band.
 
 

Oyuugi Wagamama-dan x PaRADEiS: Didn't one of them have sex with a minor?
 
SuG:  A bunch of grown men trying to pretend they are still teenagers.
 
NEGA: GOOD LUCK SAYING THEIR NAME IN PUBLIC!

凛として時雨 (ling tosite sigure) - like listening to The Fall of Troy with boku no pico playing in the background.
 
TK from 凛として時雨 - [[epic yaoi sex sounds]]
 
八十八ヶ所巡礼 (88kasyo junrei):

 
ヒトリエ (HITORIE) - your weeb classmate that actually believes he's a vocaloid.
 
sleepy.ab - Radiohead's illegitimate Japanese children 
 
THE NOVEMBERS  - if Japanese indie-rock decided to take a picture of itself with that snapchat flower crown filter. 
 
downy - brooding, cerebral gibberish and time-signature wank for music elitists to pretend to enjoy.

Give a sentence meant to compel someone to try out one of your faves, but do an awful job at it.
 
Versailles: Japanese men in dresses pretending to be French vampires singing in English sometimes.
 
Merry: Ska, but like, sad.
 
Cali=/=gari: If the 80's came back to tell you "I fucked ur mom lol"
 
Jupiter: Versailles in space.
 
LuLu: Tone-deaf man lists medical terms in Japanese.
 
Dir en Grey: huurryguugjgugjh suuuuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKḞ͚͇̠̿͌̍U̸̡̻ͧ͌̆̄C̡̯̦̖ͪ̂̔K̵̡̺̤̩͙̟̗ͤͣͦͭ̐̀̒F̡̪͇͎̣̣̘͕̝̠̖͎͗͐ͫ͛́͌͋̈̇̕͟U̶̢͔̦̳̫̥̣͊̃ͨ͒̍̽̇̓̃͋̐̏ͨͣ̽ͮ̄͐͗̕͞͝C̸̡͇̫̦̠̖̣͓͖̥̲̪̞̘̠̱̄ͦ͐ͫ́̎̋͆ͯ́͜͡ͅK̴̨̝̳͉̙̳̰̺͓̙̝̣͋̿̆ͤ̌̌̀ͅ
 
D=sire: Feelings of love and regret recycled for 25 years.
 
Luzmelt: Ｉ＇Ｍ Ａ ＲＯＢＯＴ ＡＮＤ ＭＹ ＰＡＮＴＳ ＡＲＥ ＭＩＲＲＯＲＳ
 
BLOOD: When you're an asshole and have to get a new group of friends each school year in an effort to not sit alone at lunch.
 
Metronome: **SOUNDS OF DIAL-UP MODEM**
 
Rentrer en Soi: The musical equivalent of a t-shirt that says "I'm turning my puff into tuff."
 
Deshabillz: Social commentary on the averse effects of narcissism on the human psyche, the push and pull of the ego and id, and a grotesque pin-up of internalized desire left to the wayside for the stronger influences of conformist nothingness.
 

When your gf hacks your MAL... 
 

 
 
 
 

If the plan is to get more people involved and get more people to host the tradeoff, why not increase the volume of tradeoffs a bit? I chose 11 months (excluding December, which seems to be a universally busy month) because I think with proper planning, it could be done. There seems to be plenty enough tradeoff ideas to go around and I think this would allow for more specific and varied themes, especially since not everyone will participate each month.  For instance, as things are, most of the tradeoff themes are kept rather broad - which is great, but I think if there are more tradeoffs, that could give hosts a bit more leeway, and they don't have to feel like they're alienating certain users with a more specific theme, since users will have even more chances to participate in future tradeoffs.
 
Not to mention, It might also boost the overall morale of the forum if there's always an event going on. You could have people submit their tradeoff ideas, assess the idea, and if it's approved, add said person to the hosting queue. If someone doesn't want to actually host the idea that they submitted, there's enough staff around that someone on board should be willing handle the hosting duties. If 11 tradeoffs a year is overkill, then chop it down a bit, but I don't think increasing the volume a bit more could hurt either!
 
Just a few thoughts!

How often, in a year, would you like to see a new Trade-Off?
 

 
To submit a poll for the MH POLL OF THE MONTH, P.M @beniwith your poll question, choices, and state whether it's multiple choice or not.

^ My thoughts exactly. I'll be honest and say I'm rather keen in getting some kind of edition of it still just because of the packaging and design, but the more I'm seeing and hearing it, the lower my hype and interest is in it. I'm still tempted to get it for Christmas, but if I keep waiting around, I'll also probably just get it once the price is much lower. That Persona 5 Collector's Edition though... I know I'm going to cave in some time soon.

(I apologize in advance if this isn't the right place to post this)
 
Um... Even as a fan, I don't know how I feel about this...
 

 
I feel happy for him, but at the same time, I'm like "Why???"... I get it, it's a Visual Kei app and stuff, but... I just don't know...
 
EDIT: Found an English Version: