"Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them but when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years passed and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar: An airbender named Aang, and although his airbending skills are great, he still has a lot to learn. But I believe, Aang can save the world."
"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before."
In the year 199X, the world was engulfed in nuclear hellfire. The seas ran dry, and earth split open, and all life seemed to be scoured from the planet's surface...but the human race continues to live on!
Hydaelyn - a vibrant planet blessed by the light of the Crystal.
Amid azure seas, encompassing the westernmost of the Three Great Continents, there lies a realm embraced by gods and forged by heroes. Her name...Eorzea.
The annals of Eorzean history are chart the rise of a succession of great civilizations, each one enjoying an age of peace - the Astral Eras.
To date, all have proven ephemeral.
In the year 1572 of the Sixth and most recent Astral Era, the northern empire of Garlemald amassed a great army at the heart of Eorzea, seeking dominion over all. Rising in desperate resistance, the forces of the Eorzean Alliance met their would-be conquerers in the field.
Yet, even as the battle raged, the lesser moon, Dalamud, was plucked from the heavens through imperial machination. From its core emerged the elder primal Bahamut, who unleashed his fury upon the realm.
The devastation brought Eorzea to its knees, and the era to its end.
Five years have come and gone. The light of life still shines upon Eorzea. Man labors tirelessly to raise himself from the Calamity's ruin. The realm is forever changed, a stranger to him once more. Yet heedless of what lies ahead, he shall press on, spurred by the promise of peace and prosperity.
Amid this period of great change, an adventurer arrives in Eorzea, one whose tale is yet unwritten.
May he ever walk in the light of the Crystal.
Amid azure seas, encompassing the westernmost of the Three Great Continents, there lies a realm embraced by gods and forged by heroes. Her name...Eorzea.
The annals of Eorzean history are chart the rise of a succession of great civilizations, each one enjoying an age of peace - the Astral Eras.
To date, all have proven ephemeral.
In the year 1572 of the Sixth and most recent Astral Era, the northern empire of Garlemald amassed a great army at the heart of Eorzea, seeking dominion over all. Rising in desperate resistance, the forces of the Eorzean Alliance met their would-be conquerers in the field.
Yet, even as the battle raged, the lesser moon, Dalamud, was plucked from the heavens through imperial machination. From its core emerged the elder primal Bahamut, who unleashed his fury upon the realm.
The devastation brought Eorzea to its knees, and the era to its end.
Five years have come and gone. The light of life still shines upon Eorzea. Man labors tirelessly to raise himself from the Calamity's ruin. The realm is forever changed, a stranger to him once more. Yet heedless of what lies ahead, he shall press on, spurred by the promise of peace and prosperity.
Amid this period of great change, an adventurer arrives in Eorzea, one whose tale is yet unwritten.
May he ever walk in the light of the Crystal.
— Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
"In this time of absolute darkness, we must unite to bring forth the light of hope! The time has come! Yes, this is the dawn of a new age!"
And so, the Milites Empire, home to the White Peristylium, invaded the neighboring Dominion of Rubrum.
As soon as the declaration of war was made, the Militesi main fleet swarmed into all corners of Rubrum. At the same time, a separate fleet was charged with a sneak attack on the Vermilion Peristylium. A l'Cie accompanied this task force. Using a l'Cie to invade a sovereign state was a direct violation of the Pax Codex, a treaty created by all four Crystal States of Orience.
The besieged peristylium attempted to repel Milites's magitek armor with powerful magic. Not even the mighty warships could withstand the awesome power of the summoned Eidolons. It seemed that the Militesi offensive would fail.
However, the l'Cie Qun'mi led a special unit past Rubrum's defenses and activated a new weapon, the crystal jammer, neutralizing the power of the Vermilion Bird Crystal. Severed from the source of their magical powers, the Rubrum forces were quickly overwhelmed and overrun.
Imperial Marshall Cid Aulstyne demanded of Chancellor Khalia Chival VI, the leader of Rubrum, that he surrender and transfer control of the Vermilion Bird Crystal to Militesi control.
"Your Crystal cannot protect you. Resistance is no longer an option. You have six hours. You must comply with our demands, or face the full might our forces - in which case, I promise you, the streets of Rubrum will run red with the blood of her people."
And so, the Milites Empire, home to the White Peristylium, invaded the neighboring Dominion of Rubrum.
As soon as the declaration of war was made, the Militesi main fleet swarmed into all corners of Rubrum. At the same time, a separate fleet was charged with a sneak attack on the Vermilion Peristylium. A l'Cie accompanied this task force. Using a l'Cie to invade a sovereign state was a direct violation of the Pax Codex, a treaty created by all four Crystal States of Orience.
The besieged peristylium attempted to repel Milites's magitek armor with powerful magic. Not even the mighty warships could withstand the awesome power of the summoned Eidolons. It seemed that the Militesi offensive would fail.
However, the l'Cie Qun'mi led a special unit past Rubrum's defenses and activated a new weapon, the crystal jammer, neutralizing the power of the Vermilion Bird Crystal. Severed from the source of their magical powers, the Rubrum forces were quickly overwhelmed and overrun.
Imperial Marshall Cid Aulstyne demanded of Chancellor Khalia Chival VI, the leader of Rubrum, that he surrender and transfer control of the Vermilion Bird Crystal to Militesi control.
"Your Crystal cannot protect you. Resistance is no longer an option. You have six hours. You must comply with our demands, or face the full might our forces - in which case, I promise you, the streets of Rubrum will run red with the blood of her people."
"Almost a millennium has passed since the last great plague of humankind had been wiped out from the solar system and its precious blue pearl planet Earth.
"It was a plague so dangerous, a threat so grave, that it spread throughout the infinity of space and eternity of time almost effortlessly to infest the stars. It spread its pestilence to civilizations unknown, devastated the galaxy as if it was just an ordinary body made of flesh and bone falling prey to a mindless virus.
"And in a sense it was really a virus, a virus created by humankind. One made with the best of intentions, but a virus nevertheless.
"Von Neumann probes, self-replicating machines, Terraformers, Xenon, even the Enemy of God. But at its core, it was really only one thing.
"Artificial general intelligence, or AGI. Mechanical minds capable of making themselves even more intelligent, and then again, and again. Recursively forever. The greatest threat to biological life that ever existed throughout the whole universe. The Terraformers were cast out of the solar system by sheer luck, just barely, with billions upon billions dead in their wake. The Earth Jumpgate was dismantled, legislation was put in place never to allow AGI to be created again, ever.
"Humankind never forgot the lesson of AGI, never ventured to try out this concept once more, not in a thousand years, but then it was discovered that species from outside the solar system thought differently. The plague of AGI was being released on the universe once more. Again perhaps with the best of intentions and again however, with the deadliest of results. The government of Earth had to intervene, even if it meant cold war, even if it meant a cold war between brothers, and intervene Earth did.
"This escalating conflict would be given a name by historians. Terran Conflict."
"It was a plague so dangerous, a threat so grave, that it spread throughout the infinity of space and eternity of time almost effortlessly to infest the stars. It spread its pestilence to civilizations unknown, devastated the galaxy as if it was just an ordinary body made of flesh and bone falling prey to a mindless virus.
"And in a sense it was really a virus, a virus created by humankind. One made with the best of intentions, but a virus nevertheless.
"Von Neumann probes, self-replicating machines, Terraformers, Xenon, even the Enemy of God. But at its core, it was really only one thing.
"Artificial general intelligence, or AGI. Mechanical minds capable of making themselves even more intelligent, and then again, and again. Recursively forever. The greatest threat to biological life that ever existed throughout the whole universe. The Terraformers were cast out of the solar system by sheer luck, just barely, with billions upon billions dead in their wake. The Earth Jumpgate was dismantled, legislation was put in place never to allow AGI to be created again, ever.
"Humankind never forgot the lesson of AGI, never ventured to try out this concept once more, not in a thousand years, but then it was discovered that species from outside the solar system thought differently. The plague of AGI was being released on the universe once more. Again perhaps with the best of intentions and again however, with the deadliest of results. The government of Earth had to intervene, even if it meant cold war, even if it meant a cold war between brothers, and intervene Earth did.
"This escalating conflict would be given a name by historians. Terran Conflict."
"When I was a kid, whenever I'd feel lost or lonely, I'd look up and see the stars, and wonder if there was life out there. Turns out I was looking in the wrong direction. When alien life first entered our world, it came from deep beneath the Pacific. A fissure between two tectonic plates, a portal between two worlds... the Breach."
—Raleigh Beckett, Pacific Rim
"In the 19th century, people are strong believers of superstition and legend. Adventures who seek the world for fortune and glory, and a legendary treasure which has the power to make dreams come true. That treasure is known as...the POWER STONE!"
"It is now 2201. Radical advances in transportation technology have transformed the world. Interplanetary travel has put mankind in touch with new planets, new lifeforms, new dangers. And a thrilling new sport grips the galaxy, fueled by fans across the universe, and driven by the need for speed!"
"This is a superhuman society, with 80% of us possessing some uncanny ability. Cities swirled with chaos and confusion following the appearance of these powers, and a new profession emerged. We call those who fight for justice and help others in need heroes. Oh, by the way! This is the story of how I became the world's greatest hero!"
—Izuku "Deku" Midoriya, My Hero Academia
I know a lot of gamers out there don't have much patience...least that's what Bishop, the dude at the video store said. So I'm at the register and I realize I got no money. I was seriously broke! Why? 'Cause I met this smoking-hot chick at the Death Match bar last night. Man, she smelled good! So, being the gentleman that I am, I bought her a drink. Anywho, I decided to get a job. The gig: assassinate the drifter. So I went where I was supposed to and waited for the guy to show up. And there he was, this cat: well dressed, cool, couldn't tell if he was the shit or just plain old shit. Yeah, so he's styling, fast, aggressive, packing heat, badda-bing! Or at least it was supposed to be...'til she showed up. Her name: Sylvia Christel, an agent with this whatchamacallit association...
"Congratulations, you are certified as the 11th best hitman! How about getting rid of the ten killers above you, and aim for the top?"
I wanna be Number 1. How's that, short and simple enough for you? It's gonna be a long, hard road...but who knows? Could kick ass! Could be dangerous! Could totally suck...Whadaya say, bro? Join me! Let's see how far we can take this! And for you there holding the Wii Remote right now? Just press the A button!
Let the bloodshed begin!
"Congratulations, you are certified as the 11th best hitman! How about getting rid of the ten killers above you, and aim for the top?"
I wanna be Number 1. How's that, short and simple enough for you? It's gonna be a long, hard road...but who knows? Could kick ass! Could be dangerous! Could totally suck...Whadaya say, bro? Join me! Let's see how far we can take this! And for you there holding the Wii Remote right now? Just press the A button!
Let the bloodshed begin!
—Travis Touchdown, No More Heroes
Once a God-forsaken city where the bodies of angels littered the streets, much has changed in Santa Destroy. Giant corporations, rampant city development, the assassins' underworld has become a commodity, a chance for profit and entertainment for the masses. But shadows from the wilder days still linger: Travis, a man who slashed his way to the top, then walked away, has become an urban legend many even doubt was real.
Here, the strong devour the weak, the weak kneel before the strong, and those who wield true power watch and count their gold. And in this mass-produced savagery, one truth is constant: with each shattered life, the same vow is uttered, "I will have revenge", and no assassin could ever walk away from that. He must draw his blade and stand against the madness.
This is Travis Touchdown's desperate struggle.
Travis: Hold it, ya violence-loving bastards! Before you start your "desperate struggling", you should drop a nice save!
Here, the strong devour the weak, the weak kneel before the strong, and those who wield true power watch and count their gold. And in this mass-produced savagery, one truth is constant: with each shattered life, the same vow is uttered, "I will have revenge", and no assassin could ever walk away from that. He must draw his blade and stand against the madness.
This is Travis Touchdown's desperate struggle.
Travis: Hold it, ya violence-loving bastards! Before you start your "desperate struggling", you should drop a nice save!
"Years ago, a child of the monstrous Saiyan race was sent across the galaxy to Earth on a mission of destruction. However, his Saiyan programming was erased when he fell from a high cliff into the greatest adventure of all time!
That boy was Goku, and armed with his otherworldly Saiyan powers, he embarked on a quest for the seven magic Dragon Balls, one that pitted him against the strongest fighters on the globe. Goku honed his skills under the watchful eye of the legendary Master Roshi, but when his strength quickly surpassed that of his teacher, he set out into the world - not as its destroyer, as the Saiyans intended, but its greatest defender! Goku traveled far and wide, battling the evil forces that sought to take control of the Dragon Balls for their own selfish desires. With the power of right on his side, he defeated the notorious Red Ribbon Army, and when the Demon King Piccolo rose from the shadows bent on world domination, Goku was once again there to save the day!
Now, a new threat has emerged, and Goku stands ready to face the challenge: the evil Saiyan Raditz has come to Earth and kidnapped Goku's son, thus setting in motion a chain of events that will take Goku far beyond the world he has sworn to protect, and force him to test his might against the most powerful villains the universe has ever known! Will Goku prevail against these deadly foes?
It's all up to you, as the adventure continues..."
That boy was Goku, and armed with his otherworldly Saiyan powers, he embarked on a quest for the seven magic Dragon Balls, one that pitted him against the strongest fighters on the globe. Goku honed his skills under the watchful eye of the legendary Master Roshi, but when his strength quickly surpassed that of his teacher, he set out into the world - not as its destroyer, as the Saiyans intended, but its greatest defender! Goku traveled far and wide, battling the evil forces that sought to take control of the Dragon Balls for their own selfish desires. With the power of right on his side, he defeated the notorious Red Ribbon Army, and when the Demon King Piccolo rose from the shadows bent on world domination, Goku was once again there to save the day!
Now, a new threat has emerged, and Goku stands ready to face the challenge: the evil Saiyan Raditz has come to Earth and kidnapped Goku's son, thus setting in motion a chain of events that will take Goku far beyond the world he has sworn to protect, and force him to test his might against the most powerful villains the universe has ever known! Will Goku prevail against these deadly foes?
It's all up to you, as the adventure continues..."
It is the year 0079 of the Universal Century. A half century has passed since Earth began moving its burgeoning population into gigantic orbiting space colonies: a new home for mankind, where people are born and raised...and die. Nine months ago, the cluster of colonies furthest from the Earth called "Side 3" proclaimed itself the "Principality of Zeon" and launched a war of independence against the Earth Federation. Initial fighting lasted over one month and saw both sides lose half their respective populations. People were horrified by the indescribable atrocities that had been committed in the name of independence. Eight months have passed since the rebellion began. They were at a stalemate...
With high expectations, human beings leave Earth to begin a new life in space colonies. However, the United Earth Sphere Alliance gains great military powers and soon seizes control of one colony after another in the name of "justice" and "peace". The year is After Colony 195: "Operation Meteor". In a move to counter the Alliance's tyranny, rebel citizens of certain colonies scheme to bring new arsenals to the Earth, disguising them as shooting stars. However, the Alliance headquarters catches on to this operation...
"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one — and only — truth."
—Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
"Alchemy: the science of understanding, deconstructing, and reconstructing matter. However, it is not an all-powerful art: it is impossible to create something out of nothing. If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is the law of Equivalent Exchange, the basis of all alchemy. In accordance with this law, there is a taboo among alchemists: human transmutation is strictly forbidden, for what can equal the value of a human soul...?"
The winds of adventure blow over the Taisho cherry blossoms.
Once, legendary maidens protected Tokyo. Maidens who would dance on the stage, and fight, too. They were known as the Imperial Combat Revue. Over a decade has passed, and a new Imperial Combat Revue: Flower Division has been born!
Once, legendary maidens protected Tokyo. Maidens who would dance on the stage, and fight, too. They were known as the Imperial Combat Revue. Over a decade has passed, and a new Imperial Combat Revue: Flower Division has been born!
There once was a man named Gold Roger, who was King of the Pirates! He had fame, power, and wealth beyond your wildest dreams! Before they hung him from the gallows, these were the final words he said:
"My fortune is yours for the taking, but you'll have to find it first! I left everything I own...in One Piece!"
Ever since, pirates from all over the world set sail for the Grand Line, searching for "One Piece", the treasure that would make their dreams come true!
"My fortune is yours for the taking, but you'll have to find it first! I left everything I own...in One Piece!"
Ever since, pirates from all over the world set sail for the Grand Line, searching for "One Piece", the treasure that would make their dreams come true!
—One Piece (4Kids version)
Alright, let's do this one last time.
My name is Peter Parker. I was bitten by a radioactive spider, and for ten years, I've been the one and only Spider-Man. I'm pretty sure you know the rest.
I've saved a bunch of people, fell in love, saved the city, and I've saved the city again. Again, and again, and again. And, I did, uh....I did this.
(cue Spider-Man dancing like a doofus ala Spider-Man 3)
We don't really talk about this.
Look, I'm a comic book, I'm a cereal, did a Christmas album, I have an excellent theme song, and a so-so popsicle...I mean, I've looked worse!
But after everything, I still love being Spider-Man. I mean, who wouldn't? So no matter how many hits I take, I always find a way to come back, because the only thing standing between this city and oblivion...is me!
There's only one Spider-Man.....and you're looking at him!
My name is Peter Parker. I was bitten by a radioactive spider, and for ten years, I've been the one and only Spider-Man. I'm pretty sure you know the rest.
I've saved a bunch of people, fell in love, saved the city, and I've saved the city again. Again, and again, and again. And, I did, uh....I did this.
(cue Spider-Man dancing like a doofus ala Spider-Man 3)
We don't really talk about this.
Look, I'm a comic book, I'm a cereal, did a Christmas album, I have an excellent theme song, and a so-so popsicle...I mean, I've looked worse!
But after everything, I still love being Spider-Man. I mean, who wouldn't? So no matter how many hits I take, I always find a way to come back, because the only thing standing between this city and oblivion...is me!
There's only one Spider-Man.....and you're looking at him!
War...war never changes...
The Romans waged war to gather slaves and wealth.
Spain built an empire from its lust for gold and territory.
Hitler shaped a battered Germany into an economic superpower.
But war never changes...
In the 21st century, war was still waged over the resources that could be acquired, only this time, the spoils of war were also its weapons: petroleum and uranium. For these resources, China would invade Alaska, the US would annex Canada, and the European Commonwealth would dissolve into quarreling, bickering nation-states bent on controlling the last remaining resources on earth. In 2077, the storm of world war had come again. In two brief hours, most of the planet was reduced to cinders, and from the ashes of nuclear devastation, a new civilization would struggle to arise. A few were able to reach the relative safety of the large underground Vaults. Your family was born of that group and entered Vault 13. Imprisoned safely behind the large Vault door, under a mountain of stone, a generation has lived without knowledge of the outside world.
Life in the Vault is about to change...
The Romans waged war to gather slaves and wealth.
Spain built an empire from its lust for gold and territory.
Hitler shaped a battered Germany into an economic superpower.
But war never changes...
In the 21st century, war was still waged over the resources that could be acquired, only this time, the spoils of war were also its weapons: petroleum and uranium. For these resources, China would invade Alaska, the US would annex Canada, and the European Commonwealth would dissolve into quarreling, bickering nation-states bent on controlling the last remaining resources on earth. In 2077, the storm of world war had come again. In two brief hours, most of the planet was reduced to cinders, and from the ashes of nuclear devastation, a new civilization would struggle to arise. A few were able to reach the relative safety of the large underground Vaults. Your family was born of that group and entered Vault 13. Imprisoned safely behind the large Vault door, under a mountain of stone, a generation has lived without knowledge of the outside world.
Life in the Vault is about to change...
— Fallout
War...war never changes...
The end of the world occurred pretty much as we predicted: too many humans, not enough space or resources to go around. The details are trivial and pointless. The reasons, as always, purely human ones.
The earth was nearly wiped clean of life. A great cleansing, an atomic spark struck by human hands, quickly raged out of control. Spears of nuclear fire rained from the skies. Continents were swallowed in flames and fell beneath the boiling oceans. Humanity was almost extinguished, their spirits becoming part of the background radiation that blanketed the earth. A quiet darkness fell across the planet, lasting many years...
Few survived the devastation. Some had been fortunate enough to reach safety, taking shelter in great underground Vaults. When the great darkness passed, these Vaults opened, and their inhabitants emerged to begin their lives again. One of the northern tribes claims they are descended from one such Vault. They hold that their founder, an ancestor, one known as the "Vault Dweller", once saved the world from a great evil. According to their legend, this evil arose in the far south. It corrupted all it touched, twisting men inside, turning them into beasts. Only through the bravery of this Vault Dweller was the evil destroyed...but in so doing, he lost many of his friends and suffered greatly, sacrificing much of himself to save the world. When at last he returned to the home he had fought so hard to protect, he was cast out...exiled. In confronting that which they had feared, he had become something else in their eyes, and no longer their champion.
Forsaken by his people, he strode into the wasteland. He traveled far to the north, until he came to the great canyons. There, he founded a small village, Arroyo, where he lived out the rest of his years. And so, for a generation since its founding, Arroyo has lived in peace, its canyons sheltering it from the outside world.
This home - your home.
But the scars left by the war have not yet healed...and the earth has not forgotten...
The end of the world occurred pretty much as we predicted: too many humans, not enough space or resources to go around. The details are trivial and pointless. The reasons, as always, purely human ones.
The earth was nearly wiped clean of life. A great cleansing, an atomic spark struck by human hands, quickly raged out of control. Spears of nuclear fire rained from the skies. Continents were swallowed in flames and fell beneath the boiling oceans. Humanity was almost extinguished, their spirits becoming part of the background radiation that blanketed the earth. A quiet darkness fell across the planet, lasting many years...
Few survived the devastation. Some had been fortunate enough to reach safety, taking shelter in great underground Vaults. When the great darkness passed, these Vaults opened, and their inhabitants emerged to begin their lives again. One of the northern tribes claims they are descended from one such Vault. They hold that their founder, an ancestor, one known as the "Vault Dweller", once saved the world from a great evil. According to their legend, this evil arose in the far south. It corrupted all it touched, twisting men inside, turning them into beasts. Only through the bravery of this Vault Dweller was the evil destroyed...but in so doing, he lost many of his friends and suffered greatly, sacrificing much of himself to save the world. When at last he returned to the home he had fought so hard to protect, he was cast out...exiled. In confronting that which they had feared, he had become something else in their eyes, and no longer their champion.
Forsaken by his people, he strode into the wasteland. He traveled far to the north, until he came to the great canyons. There, he founded a small village, Arroyo, where he lived out the rest of his years. And so, for a generation since its founding, Arroyo has lived in peace, its canyons sheltering it from the outside world.
This home - your home.
But the scars left by the war have not yet healed...and the earth has not forgotten...
War...war never changes...
It was the inevitable result of the path humanity had chosen.
Everyone who entered into the conflict expected victory. Everyone was optimistic. But as the hostilities escalated, optimism faded, and society began to collapse.
The great Vaults were built to house the wealthy, the powerful, the influential, and those deemed necessary to their survival. Inside, resources and technology were stockpiled: a final defense against the coming holocaust. With the past behind them and the present destroyed, they looked to the future.
The sturdy Vault 0 was to be the nucleus of the Vault network: housing the greatest leaders, artists, and scientists, the inhabitants of Vault 0 were to reunite the Vaults and lead the people to a new life, a new world. But after the bombs, the world would be a harsh one. To ensure the creation of a post-nuclear utopia, the Vault dwellers would need help. Machinery was constructed to tame a land hardened by the ravages of war, then tempered by nuclear winter.
The plans were barely in place when the first missiles left the silos. During the destruction, communications between the Vaults ceased. Entire Vaults were lost. Those that survived were on their own.
Not all Vaults succumbed to the machinations of war. On North America's west coast, one group of military Vault dwellers emerged almost unscathed. They surveyed the wasteland and squared their shoulders for the task ahead. These dedicated survivors salvaged the technology from the Vaults: technology that was studied, replicated, and fiercely guarded, for they knew that while their power came from numbers, the future lay in scientific knowledge. In time, they formed the Brotherhood of Steel.
The Brotherhood used their knowledge to drive back the atrocities of the wasteland, proclaiming themselves the technological saviors of mankind. They scoured the land in search of more technology, raiding mutant camps, bandit towns, and the broken remains of the Vaults.
But even they could not keep pace with the high tolls demanded by life in the wasteland. The Brotherhood found themselves at odds with their need for new blood versus their code of technological secrecy. The debate was lengthy. Finally, the elders ruled against sharing their technology with outsiders, convinced that they would endure as they had before. Further discussion was discouraged. The elders ordered the minority on a mission across the wastes.
Super mutants, the footsoldiers of a conquered army, had been forced into a retreat across the mountainous barrier to the east. The Brotherhood constructed airships and dispatched the minority to track down and assess the extent of their remaining super mutant threat.
But disaster struck while crossing the great mountains: a great storm hit the main airship, and flung it far from its course. The mighty ship was badly damaged. The smaller sections were torn from the main craft, never to be seen again, and many of the exposition's leaders were lost to the winds.
The fraction of the crew that still survived struggled to keep their ship aloft before finally crashing on the outskirts of a once-thriving metropolis: a city once called Chicago. Broken, scattered, and scarred, they took stock of the situation, and once again squared their shoulders to the task ahead.
The Brotherhood had much to offer to the surrounding villages. They traded advanced medicines in exchange for food and labor. They traded protection from bandits in exchange for new recruits. In time, their ranks began to swell.
Separated by distance and ideology from the main Brotherhood forces, the minority was free to forge a new Brotherhood of Steel: one that had reflected the ideals they strived for all along. However, one's future in the wasteland is never certain, for an old power has awakened, bent on also making this land its own.
Life in the Brotherhood is about to change...
It was the inevitable result of the path humanity had chosen.
Everyone who entered into the conflict expected victory. Everyone was optimistic. But as the hostilities escalated, optimism faded, and society began to collapse.
The great Vaults were built to house the wealthy, the powerful, the influential, and those deemed necessary to their survival. Inside, resources and technology were stockpiled: a final defense against the coming holocaust. With the past behind them and the present destroyed, they looked to the future.
The sturdy Vault 0 was to be the nucleus of the Vault network: housing the greatest leaders, artists, and scientists, the inhabitants of Vault 0 were to reunite the Vaults and lead the people to a new life, a new world. But after the bombs, the world would be a harsh one. To ensure the creation of a post-nuclear utopia, the Vault dwellers would need help. Machinery was constructed to tame a land hardened by the ravages of war, then tempered by nuclear winter.
The plans were barely in place when the first missiles left the silos. During the destruction, communications between the Vaults ceased. Entire Vaults were lost. Those that survived were on their own.
Not all Vaults succumbed to the machinations of war. On North America's west coast, one group of military Vault dwellers emerged almost unscathed. They surveyed the wasteland and squared their shoulders for the task ahead. These dedicated survivors salvaged the technology from the Vaults: technology that was studied, replicated, and fiercely guarded, for they knew that while their power came from numbers, the future lay in scientific knowledge. In time, they formed the Brotherhood of Steel.
The Brotherhood used their knowledge to drive back the atrocities of the wasteland, proclaiming themselves the technological saviors of mankind. They scoured the land in search of more technology, raiding mutant camps, bandit towns, and the broken remains of the Vaults.
But even they could not keep pace with the high tolls demanded by life in the wasteland. The Brotherhood found themselves at odds with their need for new blood versus their code of technological secrecy. The debate was lengthy. Finally, the elders ruled against sharing their technology with outsiders, convinced that they would endure as they had before. Further discussion was discouraged. The elders ordered the minority on a mission across the wastes.
Super mutants, the footsoldiers of a conquered army, had been forced into a retreat across the mountainous barrier to the east. The Brotherhood constructed airships and dispatched the minority to track down and assess the extent of their remaining super mutant threat.
But disaster struck while crossing the great mountains: a great storm hit the main airship, and flung it far from its course. The mighty ship was badly damaged. The smaller sections were torn from the main craft, never to be seen again, and many of the exposition's leaders were lost to the winds.
The fraction of the crew that still survived struggled to keep their ship aloft before finally crashing on the outskirts of a once-thriving metropolis: a city once called Chicago. Broken, scattered, and scarred, they took stock of the situation, and once again squared their shoulders to the task ahead.
The Brotherhood had much to offer to the surrounding villages. They traded advanced medicines in exchange for food and labor. They traded protection from bandits in exchange for new recruits. In time, their ranks began to swell.
Separated by distance and ideology from the main Brotherhood forces, the minority was free to forge a new Brotherhood of Steel: one that had reflected the ideals they strived for all along. However, one's future in the wasteland is never certain, for an old power has awakened, bent on also making this land its own.
Life in the Brotherhood is about to change...
War...war never changes...
Since the dawn of humankind, when our ancestors first discovered the killing power of rock and bone, blood has been spilled in the name of everything, from God to justice...to simple psychotic rage...
In the year 2077, after millennia of armed conflict, the destructive nature of man could sustain itself no longer. The world was plunged into an abyss of nuclear fire and radiation...but it was not, as some had predicted, the end of the world. Instead, the apocalypse was simply the prologue to another bloody chapter of human history, for man had succeeded in destroying the world...
...but war? War never changes...
In the early days, thousands were spared the horror of the holocaust by taking refuge in enormous underground shelters known as Vaults, but when they emerged, they had only the hell of the wastes to greet them.
All except for those in Vault 101...for on that fateful day, when fire rained from the sky, the giant steel door of Vault 101 slid closed, and never reopened.
It was here...you were born. It is here you will die...because in Vault 101, no one ever enters...and no one ever leaves...
Since the dawn of humankind, when our ancestors first discovered the killing power of rock and bone, blood has been spilled in the name of everything, from God to justice...to simple psychotic rage...
In the year 2077, after millennia of armed conflict, the destructive nature of man could sustain itself no longer. The world was plunged into an abyss of nuclear fire and radiation...but it was not, as some had predicted, the end of the world. Instead, the apocalypse was simply the prologue to another bloody chapter of human history, for man had succeeded in destroying the world...
...but war? War never changes...
In the early days, thousands were spared the horror of the holocaust by taking refuge in enormous underground shelters known as Vaults, but when they emerged, they had only the hell of the wastes to greet them.
All except for those in Vault 101...for on that fateful day, when fire rained from the sky, the giant steel door of Vault 101 slid closed, and never reopened.
It was here...you were born. It is here you will die...because in Vault 101, no one ever enters...and no one ever leaves...
War...war never changes...
When atomic fire consumed the earth, those who survived did so in great underground Vaults. When they opened, their inhabitants set out across the ruins of the old world to build new societies, establishing villages, forming tribes. As decades passed, what had been the American Southwest united beneath the flag of the New California Republic, dedicated to old world values of democracy and the rule of law.
As the republic grew, so did its needs. Scouts spread east, seeking territory and wealth in the dry and merciless expanse of the Mojave desert. They returned with tales of a city left untouched by the warheads that had scorched the rest of the earth, and a great wall spanning the Colorado River. The NCR mobilized its army and sent it east to occupy Hoover Dam and restore it to working condition.
But across the Colorado, another society had arisen under a different flag: a vast army of slaves forged from the conquest of eighty-six tribes...Caesar's Legion.
Four years have passed since the Republic held the dam - just barely - against the Legion's onslaught. The Legion did not retreat. Across the river, they gathered strength. Campfires burned. Training drums beat.
Through it all, the New Vegas strip stayed open for business under the control of its mysterious overseer, Mr. House, and his army of rehabilitated tribals and police robots.
You are a courier hired by the Mojave Express to deliver a package to the New Vegas strip.
What seemed like a simple delivery job has taken a turn for the worse...
When atomic fire consumed the earth, those who survived did so in great underground Vaults. When they opened, their inhabitants set out across the ruins of the old world to build new societies, establishing villages, forming tribes. As decades passed, what had been the American Southwest united beneath the flag of the New California Republic, dedicated to old world values of democracy and the rule of law.
As the republic grew, so did its needs. Scouts spread east, seeking territory and wealth in the dry and merciless expanse of the Mojave desert. They returned with tales of a city left untouched by the warheads that had scorched the rest of the earth, and a great wall spanning the Colorado River. The NCR mobilized its army and sent it east to occupy Hoover Dam and restore it to working condition.
But across the Colorado, another society had arisen under a different flag: a vast army of slaves forged from the conquest of eighty-six tribes...Caesar's Legion.
Four years have passed since the Republic held the dam - just barely - against the Legion's onslaught. The Legion did not retreat. Across the river, they gathered strength. Campfires burned. Training drums beat.
Through it all, the New Vegas strip stayed open for business under the control of its mysterious overseer, Mr. House, and his army of rehabilitated tribals and police robots.
You are a courier hired by the Mojave Express to deliver a package to the New Vegas strip.
What seemed like a simple delivery job has taken a turn for the worse...
War...war never changes...
In the year 1945, my great-great-grandfather, serving in the army, wondered when he'd get to go home to his wife and the son he'd never seen. He got his wish when the US ended World War II by dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The world awaited Armageddon...instead, something miraculous happened: we began to use atomic energy - not as a weapon, but as a nearly limitless source of power. People enjoyed the luxuries once thought the realm of science fiction: domestic robots, fusion-powered cars, portable computers...
But then, in the 21st century...people awoke from the American Dream. Years of consumption led to shortages of every major resource. The entire world unraveled...peace became a distant memory...
It is now the year 2077. We stand on the brink of total war...and I am afraid...for myself, for my wife, for my infant son...because if my time in the army taught me one thing...
...it's that war...war never changes...
In the year 1945, my great-great-grandfather, serving in the army, wondered when he'd get to go home to his wife and the son he'd never seen. He got his wish when the US ended World War II by dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The world awaited Armageddon...instead, something miraculous happened: we began to use atomic energy - not as a weapon, but as a nearly limitless source of power. People enjoyed the luxuries once thought the realm of science fiction: domestic robots, fusion-powered cars, portable computers...
But then, in the 21st century...people awoke from the American Dream. Years of consumption led to shortages of every major resource. The entire world unraveled...peace became a distant memory...
It is now the year 2077. We stand on the brink of total war...and I am afraid...for myself, for my wife, for my infant son...because if my time in the army taught me one thing...
...it's that war...war never changes...
War...war never changes...
In 1776, this great nation accepted that armed conflict was the only way to preserve our rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. If our Founding Fathers could only see us now...
From Antietam to Amiens, Okinawa to Anchorage, we have fought...and now, the Red Menace is at our doorstep. Democracy, itself, is under threat of annihilation. That is why today - July 4, 2076, 300 years after our great nation began - we gather together to honor the completion of Vault 76!
This sprawling underground shelter may have been engineered by Vault-Tec, but it was built by you, the good people of America, so that if the bombs do come...if the end does come...our way of life will endure.
...but not everyone will be saved. Those chosen to enter this vault must be our best and our brightest, for when the fighting has stopped, and the fallout has settled, you must rebuild. Not just walls, not just buildings, but hearts, and minds, and ultimately...America, itself.
So as we stand here today, we pray that the world will know peace...but, if that is not our destiny, if war must come, we stand together knowing that here, in Vault 76...our future begins.
In 1776, this great nation accepted that armed conflict was the only way to preserve our rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. If our Founding Fathers could only see us now...
From Antietam to Amiens, Okinawa to Anchorage, we have fought...and now, the Red Menace is at our doorstep. Democracy, itself, is under threat of annihilation. That is why today - July 4, 2076, 300 years after our great nation began - we gather together to honor the completion of Vault 76!
This sprawling underground shelter may have been engineered by Vault-Tec, but it was built by you, the good people of America, so that if the bombs do come...if the end does come...our way of life will endure.
...but not everyone will be saved. Those chosen to enter this vault must be our best and our brightest, for when the fighting has stopped, and the fallout has settled, you must rebuild. Not just walls, not just buildings, but hearts, and minds, and ultimately...America, itself.
So as we stand here today, we pray that the world will know peace...but, if that is not our destiny, if war must come, we stand together knowing that here, in Vault 76...our future begins.
Death is everywhere. Most people try to avoid it...others can't get out of its way. Every day, we fight a new war against germs, toxins, injury, illness, and catastrophe. There are a lot of ways to wind up dead...the fact that we survive at all is a miracle, because every day we live, we face...a thousand ways to die.
"This could be the room of any small boy, this it just so happens to belong to a boy named Christopher Robin. Like most small boys, Christopher Robin has many toy animals to play with, and they all lived together in a wonderful world of make-believe. But his best friend was a bear called "Winnie-the-Pooh," or "Pooh" for short. Now, Pooh had some very unusual adventures, and they all happened right here in the Hundred Acre Wood."
"Three friends become the guinea pig of a brilliant inventor. Their goal: To create the greatest webtoon of all time!...They failed. Now witness the failure! BONUS STAGE!"
—Bonus Stage, in its final seasons.
So, I've been thinking about strength, man. Strength, might, the power to fight. Is it money? Authority? A cool job? A ton of Likes? Heh heh heh, OK, OK, let's keep it simple. I wanna be strong. Can you believe it? We got self-driving cars, the time's coming we'll be taking rockets to Mars! And yet, you still got folks out there, using their fists and bodies to seek strength! Yeah, I hear you, man! We're all a bunch of fools, but y'know...If you wanna know about strength, you just gotta get to it! We fighting fools are all getting to it on the streets!
— Street Fighter 6, World Tour mode
"These are the dragons, the five multi-millionaire investors on their way to the Den. There tonight, they will once again make or break the dreams of dozens of budding entrepreneurs and inventors."
— Opening narration to the UK version of Dragons' Den
"These four people have never met before, but by working as a team, they have the chance to win thousands of pounds. There's just one thing standing in there way: The chaser. The Chase is on."
It is a truth universally acknowledged that every now and then, a situation arises: one that defies explanation. So it was with the ascension of the Third Street Saints: when the Saints made their presence known to the world in 2006, they were decried for being pretenders to the throne. The people were confused. Were the Saints sociopathic killing machines hellbent on destruction, or puckish rogues living a life of mirth and whimsy? The Saints needed clarity of purpose, and so the course was set: more fun, less mercy-killing. This simple choice revitalized the saints, transforming them from a degenerate street gang into beloved pop culture icons.
But even then, the Saints weren't satisfied, for it's one thing to be revered as a hero. It is another to be a hero. And that, my friends, is where out journey begins...
But even then, the Saints weren't satisfied, for it's one thing to be revered as a hero. It is another to be a hero. And that, my friends, is where out journey begins...
I clawed my way out of Willamette. I fought hard to uncover the truth of what happened at that mall. And things were good...real good...for a while...then, I let things get to me. I let things get out of control. I think deep down, I knew I had to uncover what was really going on...
...things got pretty dark...but this is my chance...to get back in the game.
...things got pretty dark...but this is my chance...to get back in the game.
—Frank West, Dead Rising 2: Off the Record
Our world is in peril! Gaia, the spirit of the earth, can no longer stand the terrible destruction plaguing our planet! She sends five magic rings to five special young people...
From Africa, Kwame, with the power of Earth!
From North America, Wheeler, with the power of Fire!
From the Soviet Union, Linka, with the power of Wind!
From Asia, Gi, with the power of Water!
And from South America, Ma-Ti, with the power of Heart!
When the five powers combine, they summon the earth's greatest champion, Captain Planet!
From Africa, Kwame, with the power of Earth!
From North America, Wheeler, with the power of Fire!
From the Soviet Union, Linka, with the power of Wind!
From Asia, Gi, with the power of Water!
And from South America, Ma-Ti, with the power of Heart!
When the five powers combine, they summon the earth's greatest champion, Captain Planet!
Announcer: What you are about to see is based on real case. The names and faces were changed to protect the innocent. (Two kids would argue what their situation problem is). Having an situation problem? Need to sound off? Take your kids to Nickelodeon Kids' Court. This is a first show where kids rules. And now, Here is your host: Paul Provenza!
Charlie Eppes: We All use math every day. To predict the weather, to tell time, to handle money. We also use math to analyze crime, reveal patterns, predict behavior. Using numbers, we can solve the biggest mysteries we know.
— NUMB3RS
Announcer: The Bozo Show, Starring Bozo, The World's Most Favorite Clown. Kookie the Chef, and Professer Andy. And the most famous game show of all Bozo's Grand Prize Game. Live from Chicago, The Bozo Show is on the air.
Audience: WHEEL! OF! FORTUNE!
Charlie O'Donnell: Look at this studio, filled with glamorous prizes! Fabulous, and exciting merchandise, including... (shows us the prizes). Over [various amounts of money, often in six digits] just waiting to be won on WHEEEEEEEEEL OF FORTUNE! And now, here is our host. Pat Sajak.
Pat Sajak: Hello, Welcome to Wheel of Fortune. This is most watched game show on television. Before we interview the contestants, Please welcome my co-hostess, Mrs. Vanna White.
*Fanfare plays when Vanna White appears*
Johnny Gilbert: THIS! IS! JEOPARDY! Now entering the studios of today's contestants (new 2 contestants and 1 returned contestant and show how much money total the 1 returned contestant has), And now here is host of Jeopardy!, Alex Trebek!
Gene Wood: Behind these numbers is a rebus puzzle. Can you solve it? (Shows the rebus puzzle example) If you can do that, You would win a brand new car. As we play (Audience says along) Classic Concentration! And now, Here is the host of Concentration, Alex Trebek.
MacDonald Carey: Like sands through the hour glass, so are the Days of our Lives.
*Theme song plays*
Announcer: Welcome to Love Connection! Where old fashion romance meets modern day technology. Where you all the details of the first date. Sometimes, It has a happy ending. And sometimes, a sad ending. But it only predicts when two strangers meet each other, and try to make a Love Connection. And now, Here is the host of Love Connection, Chuck Woolery!
Announcer: Today, Our 8 players will be winning up to $1,Million. Only one will leave with $1,Million, While the others leave with nothing. As round by round, They are voted out as The Weakest Link.
George Gray: Welcome to The Weakest Link. Any of our 8 players will will up to $1, Million. Only 1 will win the money while others leave with nothing. At the end of each round, We eliminate the players as The Weakest Link. Let's interview our players now!
Ben Stein: Hello, I am Ben Stein. And today, I am going to make History. I am putting up $5,000 that says I know more than you. So, If you are smart enough, Fast enough, And if you got the guts, You can WIN BEN STEIN'S MONEY!
Announcer: Let's talk, Whether the subject is (Random name of categories), It's something you will hear about when we all play, TalkAbout! And now, Here is the man who has all of us talking, WAYNE COX!
Chief: Today's episode: (Insert episode title)
*Rockapella scatting*
*Chief gives out the information to a gumshoe about a criminal who stole a national landmark from that country*
Chief: All of these people want to know......
Rockapella: (singing) Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
Chief: And one of these gumshoes would find her!
*One of the members of Rockapella calls out the contestant's name*
Chief: And now, here is The ACME Secret Agent in Charge of Training New Recruits: GREG LEE!
— Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego, Season 2
Child, tuck yourself in bed
And let me tell a story
Of Lemuria, a long lost kingdom
And a girl born for glory.
Long ago, when the pyramids were still young, Egyptian kings played a game of great and terrible power. But these "Shadow Games" erupted into a war that threatened to destroy the entire world...until a brave and powerful pharaoh locked the magic away, imprisoning it within the mystical Millennium Items.
Now, 5000 years later, a boy named Yugi unlocks the secret of the Millennium Puzzle. He is infused with ancient magical energies, for destiny has chosen him to defend the world from the return of the Shadow Games, just as the brave pharaoh did 5000 years ago...
Now, 5000 years later, a boy named Yugi unlocks the secret of the Millennium Puzzle. He is infused with ancient magical energies, for destiny has chosen him to defend the world from the return of the Shadow Games, just as the brave pharaoh did 5000 years ago...
—Yu-Gi-Oh! (4Kids dub intro for the first season of Duel Monsters)
Long ago, in a distant land, I, Aku, the shapeshifting master of darkness, unleashed an UNSPEAKABLE EVIL!
But a foolish samurai warrior, wielding a magic sword, stepped forth to oppose me.
Before the final blow was struck, I tore open a portal in time and flung him into the future, where my evil is law!
Now the fool seeks to return to the past, and UNDO THE FUTURE THAT IS AKU!
—Aku, Samurai Jack (seasons 1-4)
Fifty years have passed, but I do not age.
Time has lost its effect on me...
...yet, the suffering continues.
Aku's grasp chokes the past, present, and future.
Hope is lost.
Samurai Jack!
—Jack, Samurai Jack (season 5)
"My name is Oliver Queen, and I am the fastest man alive. After we blew up those Time Masters, I was sent to Earth to protect my cousin."
—Honest Trailers has some fun with the Arrowverse
In the early 1900's, a dark shadow covered a small country town in rural America. At that time, a young married couple vanished mysteriously from their home.
The man's name was George, the woman's name was Maria.
Two years later, as suddenly as he left, George returned. He never told anyone where he had been or what he had done. But, he began an odd study, all by himself.
As for Maria, his wife… She never returned.
80 years have passed since then.
My name is Michael Weston. I used to be a spy, until...
"We got a burn notice on you. You're blacklisted."
When you're burned, you've got nothing: no cash, no credit, no job history. You're stuck in whatever city they decide to dump you in. You do whatever work comes your way. You rely on anyone who's still talking to you: a trigger happy ex-girlfriend, an old friend who used to inform on you to the FBI, family, too (if you're desperate). Bottom line: as long as you're burned, you're not going anywhere.
"We got a burn notice on you. You're blacklisted."
When you're burned, you've got nothing: no cash, no credit, no job history. You're stuck in whatever city they decide to dump you in. You do whatever work comes your way. You rely on anyone who's still talking to you: a trigger happy ex-girlfriend, an old friend who used to inform on you to the FBI, family, too (if you're desperate). Bottom line: as long as you're burned, you're not going anywhere.
My name is Calypso. Exactly one year ago, on Christmas Eve, my Twisted Metal contest destroyed the City of Angels. Down below, life has come to a halt as survivors struggle to stay alive...
"CALYPSO! CALYPSO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"
With the city awash in flames, nothing left to destroy, I face a dilemma: Where will this year's Twisted Metal contest take place? Fourteen of the world's best combat drivers have already been chosen, ready to battle to the death in the hopes of becoming the victor, and claiming whatever prize their brave hearts desire...but where will the contest be held...
...ah! The world will be my battleground! Paris, Hong Kong, even Antarctica!
There will be no safe zones this year, no places to hide! In the next twenty-four hours, the entire world will know my name! They will see my beautiful work of art firsthand! No one will be safe, I promise you that!
Good luck, driver! Welcome to Twisted Metal!
"CALYPSO! CALYPSO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"
With the city awash in flames, nothing left to destroy, I face a dilemma: Where will this year's Twisted Metal contest take place? Fourteen of the world's best combat drivers have already been chosen, ready to battle to the death in the hopes of becoming the victor, and claiming whatever prize their brave hearts desire...but where will the contest be held...
...ah! The world will be my battleground! Paris, Hong Kong, even Antarctica!
There will be no safe zones this year, no places to hide! In the next twenty-four hours, the entire world will know my name! They will see my beautiful work of art firsthand! No one will be safe, I promise you that!
Good luck, driver! Welcome to Twisted Metal!
I am Calypso. Each year, I gather the twelve worthiest drivers to face off in the Twisted Metal competition. They must face each other, and some of my friends, to claim the ultimate prize: I grant a single wish, whatever the winner asks for. To the losers: death!
Welcome to Twisted Metal!
Welcome to Twisted Metal!
Stories tell of a carnival that would travel from town to town. At its head was a man surrounded by mystery who was known only as Calypso.
One day, this carnival came to my master's town. It was unlike anything he had seen before! In it, contestants would battle in vehicles of their choosing for a chance at winning a mysterious prize. Some said this prize was a single wish, anything the victor could possibly desire! But they also said that the stakes for playing were high. The cost of losing: one's immortal soul!
My master also tells me he did not start life out as a clown. He was once a boy. A boy who dreamt of fire, destruction, and twisted metal!
Word of the deadly travelling show spread like the plague! Great was my master's skill in battle, but in the collection of souls, he was but a pawn! Days turned into months, months into years! Desire turned into envy, and envy turned into a plan!
Calypso's time as the carnival's master of ceremonies came to an end! My master was ready to take his rightful place: SEATED AT THE THRONE OF THE TWISTED METAL EMPIRE!!!
One day, this carnival came to my master's town. It was unlike anything he had seen before! In it, contestants would battle in vehicles of their choosing for a chance at winning a mysterious prize. Some said this prize was a single wish, anything the victor could possibly desire! But they also said that the stakes for playing were high. The cost of losing: one's immortal soul!
My master also tells me he did not start life out as a clown. He was once a boy. A boy who dreamt of fire, destruction, and twisted metal!
Word of the deadly travelling show spread like the plague! Great was my master's skill in battle, but in the collection of souls, he was but a pawn! Days turned into months, months into years! Desire turned into envy, and envy turned into a plan!
Calypso's time as the carnival's master of ceremonies came to an end! My master was ready to take his rightful place: SEATED AT THE THRONE OF THE TWISTED METAL EMPIRE!!!
—Melvin (servant of Sweet Tooth), Twisted Metal 4
Wenja. Our blood. Our people. Long ago, many Wenja travel far. Then some Wenja find the land of Oros. Full of life. A home for Wenja. But danger comes... Udam. Flesh-eating warriors. Izila. Masters of fire. They bring darkness to Wenja! Now light comes. Our lost Wenja brothers. They walk with a strong spirit... searching for Oros, searching for us.
This is the world of Bushido
To cross over mountains of corpses and rivers of blood
This is the way of the sword
To end lives as blood upon my steel
Shall I walk the path of warriors?
Or demons?
To cross over mountains of corpses and rivers of blood
This is the way of the sword
To end lives as blood upon my steel
Shall I walk the path of warriors?
Or demons?
—Samurai Shodown V Special (translated)
Fearsome monsters.. Exotic creatures... Vast riches... Hidden treasures... Evil enclaves... The word “unknown” holds magic. And some incredible people are drawn to that magic. They are known... as Hunters!
—Hunter × Hunter, 2011 anime
I have broken the spine of the galaxy.
Nearly a hundred years ago, the Yuuzhan Vong invaded, plunging the galaxy into deep chaos – bleeding and weakening it. Patient in the Force, I waited, as the galaxy grew darker.
I watched as the invaders, finally defeated, were allowed to live in exile on the sentient planet Zonama Sekot. A folly designed by the Jedi. But ultimately, that too served my purpose.
Lingering hatred festered on worlds that had suffered heavily at the hands of the Yuuzhan Vong. That hatred gave us our opening.
I made an alliance with the reborn Empire at Bastion. We manufactured a cause for war, making the Vong seem responsible. Split, the Galactic Alliance began to fight itself. And so died.
I know the Jedi from old. They could never share my vision. Two days ago the Jedi Temple on Coruscant fell. Today, at their academy on Ossus, the last of the Jedi will die.
Sometimes, things must be broken in order to be rebuilt. As I have bent the Force to my will, so I will bend the galaxy and it will know order. My true work is about to begin.
Once in a great while, mankind unlocks a secret so profound that our future is altered forever: fire, electricity, splitting the atom... At the dawn of the 31st century, we unlocked another. It had the potential to change humanity's role in the universe. We called it the Titan project and it was a testament to the limitless power of the human imagination. Perhaps that's what the Drej feared most, for... it brought them down upon us without warning, and without mercy. Cale, that day, the day the Drej descend from the sky, the only thing that mattered was keeping you safe.
—Sam Tucker, Titan A.E.
What would happen if every human being on Earth disappeared? This isn't the story of how we might vanish — it is the story of what happens to the world we leave behind.
Welcome to Earth. Population: Zero.
"In this world, is the destiny of mankind controlled by some transcendental entity or law? Is it like the hand of God hovering above? At least it is true that man has no control, even over his own will."
—Void, Berserk (1997)
"This is me — Eliza Thornberry, part of your average family. I got a dad, a mom, and a sister. There is Donnie —- we found him. And Darwin, he found us. Oh yeah, about our house — it moves, ’cause we travel all over the world. You see, my dad hosts this nature show, and my mom shoots it. Okay, so we’re not that average. And between you and me, something amazing happened... and now I can talk to animals. It’s really cool, but totally secret. And you know what? Life’s never been the same."
— Eliza Thornberry, The Wild Thornberrys
make…no mistake… i am a sociopath… god that sounded evil…let’s rewind a little…
i grew up all over costal america, house after house after restraining order everything just kinda blends in… if the divorce rate is 50/50 my mom landed on tails like eight times.
so by time i was 14, right? i moved from different houses and attended six different school districts.
after a while you don’t see a point in making friends. the vitamin C graduation song? yeah can’t relate.
but then one year all of that almost changed? for the first time ever i found myself in a school with two consecutive years years, going on three.
and then i like…started turning pretty a month into high school so the “guys hitting on you” social leverage was really awesome.
the popular girls would talk to me all the time. AND THEY WERE JUST STUPID. like they had always been pretty… never left out, never alone.''
and when i think about it, all the thinking i’ve ever done was when i was alone. i was nice about it and i thought i’d always be nice about it.
finally in one place to build a steady reputation.
my piece of shit gamer brother got us evicted for pirating breakbeat mixtapes. it’s like not even good music! anyway so mom was crying packing up the moving boxes and that’s when she told me we’re moving out of state! and i JUST got settled!
i said “FUCK YOU I’M LIVING WITH DAD!” he’s just a neighborhood down.
i put the boxes down. go over. knock on the door and
BOOM! A GUNSHOT! my second christmas killed himself!
i walked in..floor looked like a whole ass video game just blood everywhere.
and get this! his suicide note was stuck to the fridge with a cookie monster magnet. all he wrote on it? “NICOLE'S FAULT”
i’m Nicole by the way, hi WHAT THE FUCK DID I DO TO HIM!?
maybe i missed the office softball game? men are so into this revenge suicide thing.
but whatever…it doesn’t matter…nothing matters…
i’m moving…AGAIN… city, county, state…all the same fate…
but i’ve always said that while leaving…this time…
IT’S ON ARRIVAL
— Nicole, Class of '09
"There's an evil new force in the universe. A monster planet that devours everything in its path. And it's heading for the small planet of Cybertron where a unique race of transforming robots continues to fight a civil war—a war between good and evil that has raged for millions of years.
The evil Decepticon Transformers, led by the maniacal Megatron, have sworn to crush their enemies, the Autobots. To this end, they have relentlessly pursued them across the galaxy from planet Cybertron to planet Earth and back again. But the heroic Autobot Transformers and their courageous leader Optimus Prime are not easily defeated."
The evil Decepticon Transformers, led by the maniacal Megatron, have sworn to crush their enemies, the Autobots. To this end, they have relentlessly pursued them across the galaxy from planet Cybertron to planet Earth and back again. But the heroic Autobot Transformers and their courageous leader Optimus Prime are not easily defeated."
— The Transformers: The Movie (UK release), accompanied by an Opening Scroll
"I come from the Net, through systems, peoples and cities to this place - Mainframe. My format: Guardian. To mend and defend. To defend my newfound friends, their hopes and dreams. To defend them from their enemies.
They say the user lives outside the Net and inputs games for pleasure. No one knows for sure, but I intend to find out."
They say the user lives outside the Net and inputs games for pleasure. No one knows for sure, but I intend to find out."
— Guardian Bob, ReBoot (seasons 1-2)
Let me tell you about the man I met when I was still young... Ten years ago, our country faced the greatest threat it had ever known. The FSA was attacked by the Imperials: a military group of fascists who respected nothing — not even the laws of life and death. A soldier was sent in and managed to stop them...he saved us all. He saved me...but people forget. At first, the public was grateful...then they grew distrustful...before long, they turned on people like him: mechanically enhanced soldiers — bionic commandos. They called them dangerous, crazy, not fully human. Bionics became a public menace. Eventually, the politicians pulled the plug: bionic soldiers were "purged" -- stripped of their bionic parts like they were machines. Some of them died, others ran, and the man who saved my life...he ended up on death row for the murders of men I had sent him to kill. Sentenced to death, and ready for the end...This is where our story begins.
— Joseph "Super Joe" Gibson, Bionic Commando (2009)
