Game Over, Yeaah!...but the dream lives on

[Jahanzeb]

Yup…you guessed it…it’s another farewell post! And I can assure you, it won’t be the last time you see one.

While I do not have to liberty to talk about what’s going on, I know that it’s starting to become pretty obvious to all of you that some shit is stirring up. Very soon it will become evident.

My reasons for leaving PALGN have partly to do with these events. We all know that the site isn’t what it used to be, as evident by the frustrations (rightfully so) that you have expressed. There isn’t much I can say other than that it’s unfortunately outside the control of the staff and it deeply saddens us also.

My other reason for leaving is because this week has been truly amazing. It wasn’t just about Sonic Generations deservingly getting a positive review, but the story behind it and the events that transpired. It was such an amazing moment, one that I know for sure I will never, ever experience again. So much happened, so many things were resolved. I will leave that story for another day.

That article is something I am so very proud of, even more than that 25000 word thesis I recently wrote. Writing that article, and for it to turn out the way it did, made me truly happy. All the years I spent being a gamer and writer accumulated into that one moment, that one review. It means a lot to me and I’m glad that it resonated with a lot of readers.

Being a gamer wasn’t easy for me, I’m sure you all have similar stories, of people labeling you as an outcast/loser and telling you it’s time to grow up. Well I held on, and so did all of you, and there are times when the criticisms and insults are too much to take, but then moments of pure bliss and joy remind us of why we held on this long and will continue to do so. Add religious pressures to my situation, and you get a pretty good idea of the shit I had to put up with.

Moments like what I experienced this week, however, make it all worth it. I went to a place I haven’t been since that one faithful day at the age of 4 when I played my first video game (Star Fox). For one night, I escaped reality, all the duties, responsibilities, career pressures, religion, and money issues. None of it existed that night, as it was just me and my gaming spirit.

Writing for PALGN has been a fantastic experience, and the community has become a second home to me. It all started with that Persona 4 review, and over the years it was a blast doing all the reviews, event coverage, and writing those Sound Test features. I appreciate all the feedback I ever got from you guys, and enjoyed all the weird Japanese stuff I covered ha.
With all that said, after everything I went through this week, and the way things turned out with Sonic Generations, both the game and the review. I feel extremely satisfied and fulfilled, so much that given the way things are now, I believe it is time for me to leave PALGN, game journalism, and modern gaming.

With that said, I am going to take a page out of Cian’s book and give a shout to all the staff writers.

Jeremy: One of my closest friends and a great mentor. I could write a page about how much you’ve done for me. We’ve had our differences, we fought, but like true brothers, our friendship remained strong. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me as a friend. And thank you for all the hard work you put to help my writing reach the level it is today.

Adam Ghiggino: Wow…umm…you’re such an unique individual…so much that I now often find myself describing things as ‘Adam-ish’. You’re just very…Adam.

I’ve had some interesting dialogues with this guy. You can find some in this Blog I made.

http://feverlution.blogspot.com/

And yes, there were penis jokes too. But yea, fun guy to talk to and hang out with! Hope to see you around Sydney again Mofster.

Denny: The first PALGN writer I met after meeting Jeremy. At the time Denny had his Killzone 2 review and Interview up. What I immediately sensed from his writing was sheer enthusiasm. It was the kind of enthusiasm that defined video game journalism during the early 90s. I enjoy that kind of enthusiasm, and it’s especially refreshing in an era where game journalists are bitter and jaded part time gamers. And yea, he’s pretty damn good at games. His relentless dedication and passionate reviews for Demon Souls and Dark Souls is a true testament. Someday, I will muster up the courage to play these games.

Cody: I met this guy for the first time during a showing of Vanquish at Sega of Australia, and in a matter of moments we become Broskis. He’s a big Nintendo guy, and I’ve always been for Team Sega, but what made the bromance so strong was our pro wrestling fandom. It’s always a pleasure getting into long discussions about all things pro wrestling with you dude, and it was awesome catching that WWE Live event with you earlier this year. CM PUNK TOTALLY WAVED AT US RIGHT!?

Bev: Who among the PALGN staff can say they’ve worked on a video game? Bev can! Really glad that you and your team were able to get a game out and hope you guys get to work on more projects. Bev is the Shmup expert among the PALGN stuff, and it was always cool discussing really niche and obscure Japanese games with her.

Kimberly: I never got a chance to talk to you, but I know you loved those big PC RPGs, and those sports simulators. Not to mention you were one of the big 3 bosses of the PALGN staff! Your dedication to news coverage was fantastic. I will also remember you for that Glee sig you had for a long time (strangely hypnotic that was…O.o).

Anthony: I’ve never met you in person but I consider you as a really good friend. It was fun podcasting with you and I’m glad you’re starting to get into anime. Thanks for sending me those Nintendo reviews. Oh, and you have fine taste

Michael K: You’ve probably heard this before, but you’re a really awesome writer. My personal fav was that Shadows of the Damned review. Takes a lot of talent to make a 7.5/10 score sound so appealing in this day and age! That review certainly got through to me and I love that game.

Jarrod: Ah Jarry, I enjoy our deep and insightful discussions about classic gaming, the current state of gaming, music, religion, food, and just about every topic. You’re a fun guy to talk to. Love to meet you someday and try some of your delicious cooking…and also meet your brother Mick

Cian: well, we already exchanged some words in your farewell. All I can say is that our common respect for Fumito Ueda and Ozzy Osbourne was the only thing that stopped us from engaging in a troll/flame war. We are polar opposites in gaming tastes for sure man . That said, you’re still a fantastic writer sir.

James V: Another awesome guy ive had the pleasure of meeting on more than one occasion. You had that cool hat thing going back in the day, put it back on . Oh and, I too enjoyed your Alan Wake review, It’s one of my favourite games of this console generation .

Adam 2: I’ve met this new guy! He’s a cool dude. Wish there were more opportunities for us to mingle at those gaming events. You’ve been here a short time, but you’ve worked hard and still pumping out them articles. Good job with the interviews!

As for this amazing community, there are soooooooooooo many people I can list, and to avoid the risk of missing a person, I will just say that this has truly been the best online game community I’ve ever been a part of. Everyone in the RPG thread, all those fighting game threads and the pro wrestling thread. It was a lot of fun reading your posts and contributing to discussions. And to the guys on PALGN that I battle on Live, good game my friends! And we shall continue to battle!

Thanks for making me feel like part of the big family, it was a pleasure knowing all of you and truly appreciate all the support I got for my work here.

However, all good things must come to an end, but know that I leave on good terms and on a high note, with nothing but amazing memories.


There was so much more I wanted to say....but just know that I am truly grateful and love you all.

Take care, keep the passion alive

Jahanzeb

What’s next for me you wonder?

[SKIP TO 0:20]

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Now Playing:
Sonic Generations

[Adam]

Trolling you has been an honour and a privilege.

Godspeed young padawan. No. Godspeed, jedi master.
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[mantra79]

Farewell.

WTF is going on here!
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PSN: cjdavis
360: mantra79
Steam: mantra79

[Cyph]

All the best Jahanzeb. Your posts have always been of the highest caliber.

Now, as mantra79 pointed out, what is going on here? Enough of this, something is up and it would be best if it just comes out in the open.

[XtremeXfactor]

Everyone is being replaced by robots, or Good Game Bajo & Hex look/soundalikes ?

[Ramblerun]

Farewell Jahanzeb

Whatever it is must be fairly negative.
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Most Anticipated: Deponia - Kaptain Brawe

[Esposch]

[daishogun]

This saddens me greatly. Loved your articles and posts, will be missed.
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[Cody Giunta]

Thank you for everything Jahanzeb - your contributions to the site, the tips and tricks you've imparted on me writing here, the times you've validated my articles and for being a generally awesome broski yourself. It's truly been a pleasure getting to know you and your work. For everyone here who may not know Jahanzeb as much as we on the staff do, let it be clear that this guy positively oozes passion, principle and integrity in all areas of his life, and that is incredibly rare in this and any other era.

Make no mistake, Jahanzeb is full of surprises! When I first met him I must admit that I would not have picked him to be a wrestling fan, but his knowledge and ability to take it for what it is are above many others. And never will I forget the day that we screamed and shouted like a bunch of hooligans at the Voice of the Voiceless, for him to turn around with a simple wave in the rain. Good times J-dog, good times

But in the end it's all about the games, and despite our differing console allegiances I think we can often have some pretty similar tastes, and I look forward to some more gaming between the two of us soon!
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[Jarrod]

I'd say goodbye, but given the continued regular conversations over MSN and such it would be a lie.

So...hello?

[Pagan's Mind]

Take care Jahanzeb. I've enjoyed reading your articles and posts so it's sad to see you go. I have you on Xbox Live so hopefully I can hit you up for a few rounds in the future (Dead or Alive 5 ).

[StorminNorman]

Kotaku AU/PALGN merger.

Totally calling it right here.
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Twitter | XBL: Tamaaya | PSN: stormo | GameCentre/Steam: StorminNorman

[Smurf80]

Good luck dude, i have always enjoyed reading your posts around here. Seems the theme around here is everyone is getting off a sinking ship.

Obviously no one can speak of what is going on here, but could we have a time frame on when someone will? im sorry if this has already been posted....
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Thanks to segax for the sig!

[emech]

Want to plus this to show my appreciation, but don't want to encourage more ship-jumping.....

As for being patient -- I understand that commercial concerns (negotiations / share price influences etc.) can mean having to keep cards close to your chest but patience comes when there is reasonable expectation of eventual delivery of a desired product. At the moment your "customers" are being kept in the dark and seeing all the signs of a sinking ship. Its VERY poor PR. You can't expect loyalty if we are treated like mushrooms, and its quite evident we are interested in maintaing a PALGN community not a PALGN coporation.
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[Scrav]

Ah sad times... All the best Jahanzeb, I hope things continue to work out for you in the future.

[Jeremy]

[Nietzsche]

Cya, good luck and farewell. Enjoy reading your stuff but I absolutely loved the podcasts.

[David No.1]

Here's to you Jahanz! The guy who got me playing all them crazy Persona games and my gaming brother from another mother! I've enjoyed all of your reviews and I've bought some games just because of them! *ahem... BLAZBLUE. Cheers dude.

I see you often online anyway, so this is a more like a thanks for the PALGN reviews.
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Now Junkying: BlazBlue, Lost Odyssey, Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

[Adam]

Just to address emech and everyone's concerns - we're not playing our cards close to our chests because we have some big surprise planned or something, it's because we have certain obligations we have to fulfill and we don't want to say anything to jeopardise them.

I know that's vague, and I'm sorry, but basically we're all as upset as Jahanzeb and Cian have been, if that's any consolation or help in understanding what's happening.
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[emech]

[Spacecow]

Farewell Jahanzeb, you liked Evanescence so you were a rad guy in my books.
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"Everything's coming up Milhouse"

[MIkes]

Ta ta Jahanzeb, all the best.

Re, losing people.... if this were a horror film we'd get our first glimpse of the monster around about now.

[Hyper the Metroid]

Champ, i've always been a big fan of your written work on PALGN's front page. You will leave a very considerable gap behind. Good luck, man!
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[sobriquet835]

Farewell Jahanzeb. Always enjoyed your reviews and I have to say you have excellent taste in games. Good luck with whatever the future brings.

As to whatever is going on behind the scenes, I just hope it doesn't destroy the site, although I have to say I'm not optimistic.

[Jedi_Amara]

I am sad. Farewell, Jahanzeb.
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Games I'm after | Play-Asia link
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