All right, so those of you who know me know about the naming thing. ALL about the naming thing. If you don’t know me, here’s a quick rundown.

I like to name things in video games. ALOT. This is almost the main selling point with me when it comes to video games. The more input I have into a game, the better in my opinion. I think that’s why I’m so drawn to little big planet, actually. Not only can you name things in little big planet, but you pretty much can make and customize EVERYTHING.

Those of you who know me also know that I almost went blackhawk on folks at Square Enix when they dropped the bomb on me that I would be unable to name my characters in Final Fantasy IV for the ds. And why? Voice acting, on a handheld system?

That’s all been discussed before, and if anyone is interested in THAT rant, it can be found here: http://www.kappacino.com/wordpress/?p=297

Not everyone is going to share my opinion on this, and I realize that. I know most people like the default names or don’t care. I realize I’m in the minority. I grew up in a time where naming characters was commonplace though, and with voice acting, that sort of thing, that sort of creativity, has been all but taken away completely.
Anyway, I own Final Fantasy IV, but it was just sitting on my shelf since it’s release date. I heard the first “Cecil” spoken and I turned it off. I couldn’t do it.

That being said, I made a vow that I wouldn’t play a version of that game where I couldn’t have the names that I used back in the day when I had first played that game back in 1991 or whenever it came out. Rydia was always Sara, Cecil was always Karl, and I just can’t play it without those names.

Well, Christmas was a few days ago, and all I have to say is that I have the best husband in the entire world. Why, might you ask? Well… this was the present he gave to me:

My name is Sara. It’s not Rydia. See, I’m a firm believer in immersion into a story. People thought I was nuts when I ranted and raved about not being able to rename my characters in a game that always let you in the past. I’m sorry if it’s weird or something, but I don’t really care. I want to feel like I’m a part of a story, rather than just watching from afar. If I’m going to play a game, it’s going to be as Sara, with the help of Robbie, Terry, Jeremy and Karl. Not with the help of Cecil, Edward, Rosa and Yang. I really thought that Square Enix had defeated me this time…

…but they didn’t. They failed.

Yes, he IS Karl. Cecil is a stupid name for a Dark Knight. Actually so is Karl, probably, but I like it better, so there! (no offense if your name is Cecil. lol) Actually, Karl is named after Karl Mueller from Soul Asylum. He was my favorite member of the band. He died a few years ago on my birthday. Wow, that’s morbid. lol. I love the name Karl, though!

And so, Karl, Sara and Robbie can now go on an adventure together!

Sparky is named in honor of my grandfather (Sparky was his nickname) who purchased me the game for the super nintendo when it first came out. This was the last christmas present that Sparky would ever give me. Ironically, he died right after this, just as Tellah does in the game.

Edward has evolved into ROBBIE! Robbie is named after a character in my comics. I can’t ever see this character as “Edward” or “Gilbert” as the Japanese game calls him. He will be Robbie forever!

And finally, to express disapproval for Namingway giving up his naming profession to become the Cartographer Mappingway… Namingway has become Dumbingway. ^_^ (i know, very original, right)

So, in conclusion, I can finally play this. This is the way I’ve always wanted to see this game. When I was a kid I dreamed of the day when they’d remake this game and I could see what the characters would look like if they had the graphical capabilities to make it really nice. I know this version is supposed to be extremely hard, but I have a feeling I’ll enjoy it none the less.

Oh, and add this gift pictured below to the pile of things that make Larry the best husband ever, too!

A real honest to goodness SACKBOY!  ^

Thanks Larry! This was the best Christmas EVER!