Where SquareTex Likes to Visit
Here's the start of my links page. These are places that I admire, and wish to share with you.
This WAS my jumpstation, but now it's a new project of mine. This site will hold even more music I've written, including pieces inspired by the work of Dragon Quest composer Koichi Sugiyama and other game soundtrack projects. Listen in!
We now return to our regularly scheduled links...:)
Back Up......if you've decided not to leave after all!
My Faith
Bereans.Info
This website is about a year old, and will give you a good idea what Christadelphians, and more specifically the Berean Christadelphians, are about.
Bereans.Org
A TON of Christadelphian information here, Bible quizzes, PLUS...a generator that gives the daily Bible readings for the current day! You really MUST see this; reading three portions of the Bible daily is a great way to get a spiritual boost to your life. Oughta practice what I preach, though... :(
Antipas
Another Christadelphian site. Has a wonderful archive of Christadelphian hymns in MIDI format...plus Handel's Messiah! Lots of other material. The site is under new management, since the original maintainer has sadly been of poor health.
Eliyah's Homepage
This site is very intruiguing to me. This man seeks to make the world know the true names of both God and Jesus. What are they...? Nah, can't tell you...you'll just have to visit him and see for yourself. ;) A great site with religious intelligence, although I cannot agree completely with him on the Law of Moses. He may not be a Christadelphian, but he sure comes close. Go on, take a look at this...it's great!
My Favorite Comics and Cartoons
Cartoon Network
...but of course! :)
Ed, Edd n Eddy Zone
Quite possibly my favorite of the Cartoon Cartoons. And THIS site is absolutely LOADED!
User Friendly
If you work in Information Systems, or are a rabid computer user, there is NO EXCUSE for not checking out this EXCELLENT online comic strip. Illiad, the author, has created a satirical world filled with Internet employees dealing with idiotic customers and their intense hatred of anything Microsoft. :) VERY FUNNY. Be warned though...you'll want to start from the very beginning back in November 1997, and read them all. And that can be Very Bad to Your Productivity. I've warned you. Now...go check it out!!! ;)
Looney Toons Crash Course
Oh, this Wile E. Coyote site is SWEET!!! For a big laugh, read about the Wile E. vs. Acme lawsuit...don't forget to read both sides of the arguement! Other goodies abound as well...must see, must see! ;)
My Game Music Links
The Official Jeremy Soule Homepage
Do yourself a favor and visit this composer's homepage. Jeremy Soule has unfortunately been ignored because he was the composer for the ill-fated Square game "Secret of Evermore." But to this day, I do not find ANY blemish in the music for that game. So go take a look. From his masterpiece called Total Annihilation, to recent fare such as Icewind Dale and Neverwinter Nights, he delivers one thing...TOTAL ORCHESTRAL BLISS!!!
Basiscape
The corporate home for Hitoshi Sakimoto, Masaharu Iwata, and Manabu Namiki. And if the first two names look familiar, it's because they are resposbile for the Ogre Battle and Final Fantasy Tactics music.
Ellsworth Hall
Let's see...he's scored a few computer games, scored as well as contributed material to indie films, and he's also a progressive musician. Quite the resume!
Videogame Music Archive
Here's an ever-expanding collection of MIDI renditions of poular video game tunes!
Game Soundtrack Central
A GRAND site for fans of video game music reviews, and QUITE the lively forum. Here you can meet other fans, read short reviews of soundtracks, and even get helpful information on how to order these import (and a few domestic!) CDs. The maintainer doesn't get to update as much these days, but the community keeps it going. Take a look!
RocketBaby
A recent site with game music reviews, but one great touch above all: composer interviews! :)
Chudah's Corner
Yet another game music review site! And no, I'm NOT complaining! ;)
Game Music Online
Well, if dropping into GSC convinces you that game music is worthy of your listening time, then this is one of the best places to go to get those CDs. Be warned, though; importing these CDs from Japan or wherever can be costly due to customs and all that other stuff. But at GMO, they seem to be the LEAST expensive. See for yourself.
CocoeBiz
Not only is this a great new VGM seller, but also host to several official English pages...chiefly Motoi Sakuraba and Yasunori Mitsuda!
Kabuki Digital
I'm not sure how often this place is updated, but it does have a game music internat radio station. So here it is.
Project Majestic Mix
One of the first VGM remixing/arrangement powerhouses. It all started with a CD compilation of fan-writted remixes of Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu's music! Some of this work is truly wonderful.
OneUp Studios
And here's the other one. Their first claim to fame was the PMM collaboration called SquareDance, which was dance remixes of Square tunes. They then set out on their own with the Mitsuda tribute album, Time and Space. And they're just getting warmed up!
Metroid Metal
A new fan project...heavy metal renditions of the music from this classic NES game!
Relics of the Chozo
A remix project focusing on the stellar SNES title.
Broken Notes
This fan project concentrates on Akira Yamaoka, THE sound man for the terrifying Silent Hill series. And they did a good job, too!
Kinkiness: DooM
This band from Europe gives Bobby Prince's original score for the PC megahit a dark ambient twist...very effective.
GamingForce
A HUGE forum community where fans get together to chat about/argue over a lot of game-related stuff. Especially the music. :)
My Favorite General Gamesites
RPGamer
What was once the wonderfully organized warehouse of all the Internet goodness you can ever want on Square alone is becoming a warehouse for ALL RPG games out there: game walkthroughs and FAQs, MIDI and MOD-type versions of the music in these games, editorials, screen shots and other artwork...oh, you'll just have to see for yourself!!! The updates may not seem so fast these days, but with the mesage boards, who's complaining??? ;)
GameForms
Once the mighty Gaming Intelligence Agency, this site opened in May 2002. Still new, but I'm watching... :)
RPGFan
Yet another great site dedicated to RPG reviews! I love their game soundtrack reviews as well!
IGN.COM
Not just video games anymore.... :)
Videogames.Com
A monster, MONSTER video game site. Reviews and previews galore for the major system, and if you register with them, you can also post reviews of your own. Excellent!
Firefox
Once it was only a comprehensive list of PS2 review links with scores. Now it's starting to include classic PSOne and XBox review scores as well. Very handy!
ClassicGaming
A website mostly dedicated to the "good-ol' days" of gaming. "Game of the Week" is an enjoyable feature.
GameFAQs
If you need a hint guide or a walkthrough for just about ANY game out there, then this is the place to go!!! Fan-submitted reviews and game-related forums make the site all the sweeter. :)
VideoGiochi
Pretty extensive game link site. Categorized links help send you on your way.
Obscure Pixels
I heartily recommend that you go here at least once. A great site remembering the old handheld game days when they were all LED and played only one game (or several variations of one). Very nice!
SHMUPS!!!
Or Shoot-Em-Ups, that is. While I'm mostly an RPG player at heart, sometimes I just get the urge to go BLOW SOMETHING UP. :) This site is a good place to look for reviews of the popular 2-d shooters of all time.
...but where are the updates...?
Starbase 299
Another great shoot-em-up site. Quite a bit, though the poor fellow can't update it as much as he would like...
Dark Legacy
In an unusual twist, I suddenly decided to try out the truly scary game Silent Hill on the PSX. And it certainly delivered in that department! No matter how terrifying it was, I really grew fond of the game, an it wasn't long before I picked up the PS2 sequel. This was my introduction to the game genre called "Survival Horror." This site has become my #1 stop for the spooky stuff.
SurvivalHorror.Info
Here's another place to go to learn about the survival horror genre.
Classic Review Archives
The maintainer of the Castlevania Dungeon also hosts this site, which reviews many NES and SNES games. Pretty good reads here.
The Classic Arcade Museum
Really, do you think you need a better description than this name? ;) A great listing of good-ol'-fashioned arcade games resides here, and the reviews are wonderful. See for yourself!
The History of Home Video Games
Fascinating page about my favorite hobby. This page uses a timeline to categorize when the different game systems came out. If the site doesn't have a wealth of material on the system itself, it usually provides to link to a site that does. Great place to browse and remember the times... :)
The Video Game Museum
Gee, I...don't know what else to say about this site that the name doesn't already... :)
Scrolling Game Development Kit
A project I've been following for a while. The eventual result will be a kit making 2-D game development (like the good-ol' SNES days) possible and easier than from scratch. I wonder if it'll be able to make a Metroid-style game...? ;)
My Favorite Game Series Sites
The Dragon Quest News Network
It's back! One of the best news sites with Dragon Quest/Warrior goodies. Dragon Warrior is perhaps one of the most underrated RPG series in the United States. Not so in Japan...Dragon Quest is HUGE there! This page is for (mostly) American fans who want to find resources on these games. Watch out though...the webmaster can get a litte cranky sometimes...
The Dragon Quest and Dragon Warrior Chronicles
Here's an alternate source of Dragon Quest goodness for you. Plus, it has links to other great pages as well. Just be warned...it hasn't been updated in a LOOOOOOOOOONG time...
The Castlevania Dungeon
This site is trying to assemble EVERYTHING Castlevania...and doing a wonderful job! Info on the games in the series, artwork, music, etc. Take a look!
The Contra Headquarters
The maintainers of the Castlevania Dungeon apply their magic touch to the Contra series! The layout is just as user-friendly as their previous site, and slowly but surely it's getting filled up. Jump on in!
Metroid Database
Let's face it; the Metroid series is in the group of elite side-scrolling action series out there, and deservedly so. One of the best Nintendo product lines by far. When another elite series such as Castlevania pays homage to Metroid, as it did in Symphony of the Night, you know it's got to be good. Drop in and see for yourself!
The Metal Gear Edge
Metal Gear Solid was THE Playstation title to have in 1998, and it was worth it. By far one of the best games ever. And here's a nicely designed page to look at the series up to that game. But it has since not been updated, and thus doesn't discuss the PS2 sequel.
Xenogears: Guardian Angels
And then there's Xenogears, the most intriguing RPG relese of 1998. Never has there been such a complex plot with such religious undertones. Not even the solid story of Final Fantasy Tactics could match Xenogears' convoluted tale. Fantastic game. And it won't be long before we see Xenosaga...
Final Fantasy: Worlds Apart
Now HERE'S a site that covers the Final Fantasy Series from the PSX onwards, in all their splendor! What I like most of all is a review of the FF8 soundtrack...which even goes track by track! (MP3s included!) Gotta see this one!
Nibelung Valesti
A fansite dedicated to Valkyrie Profile, an excellent PSX RPG.
Cherubae's Terrangima Page
And now...a page dedicated to one of the best SNES games NOT to come out in the U.S...Terranigma. It was even translated to English...but then only released in this form in Europe! (lucky people... <;) It's a shame...it is truly worthy competition for Secret of Mana and even Zelda 3! Well, this page will set you drooling...great screenshots and even a COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH!!! Sigh...well, take a look anyways. It coulda been a contender...
Front Mission.org
The Front Mission series is ANOTHER series the United States missed. It's really surprising, for two reasons: (1) It has mech combat, and (2) despite the story being in Japanese, the battle menus are in ENGLISH! Another sigh...but anyways, this is a very thorough page covering the games in the series. Take a look, and pine for what we missed...
SpyroHints.Com
This is a wonderful fan-supported site covering one of the Playstation's most popular mascot heroes...Spyro the Dragon! I love this series! Too bad the site is falling behind...
Grimoire
Alright, hopefully this is the LAST TIME I have to hunt down this page. >;) Grimoire has been in development since ??? But the work in progress DOES look good, so let's keep our hopes up...
Welcome to the Clock Tower
Clock Tower is a terrifying series of adventure games. This fan site gives the series its due.
My Links of Notable Game Companies
Working Designs
Perhaps one of the most prolific translation companies out there, Working Designs seeks out and buys the rights to promising Japanese titles with no solid plans for a U.S. release, and then carefully and lovingly "Americanizes" these titles for American gamers. So lovingly, in fact, that it usually takes forever for them to do it! ;) If names like Lunar, Popful Mail, the Ray series, AND Arc the Lad mean anything to you, then this site is for you!
Atlus
Not only do they make respectable titles themselves, but Atlus also is in the translation business. Thanks to them, PSX owners have tasted Tactics Ogre and Guilty Gear for the first time, and enjoyed a re-release of Ogre Battle, a fantastic game that only had a limited run on the SNES. Great work!
SquareEnix USA
But of COURSE I'm going to put their link on this page! :) On the Square side, Final Fantasy was the first RPG series that really captivated me, and Square's also responsible for other gems like Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger (and Cross), Xenogears...even non-RPG hits like Einhander and Brave Fencer Musashi! As for Enix, console RPG history began with a series called Dragon Quest, known as Dragon Warrior in the States. Now that these two are working together, whatever next?!? :D
Konami
Here's the company responsible for some great game series: Metal Gear, Castlevania, Silent Hill (brrr!), and much more!
AGETEC
If I commend AgeTec for anything, it'll be for releasing RPG Makers 1 and 2 on these shores. They can be frustrating tools sometimes, but a lot of people love them. :)
My Beach Boys Links
The Web Page for Brian Wilson
TONS of Beach Boys info...and there's not much more it could add it seems. Not an update in a couple years, unless I'm wrong...
The Beach Boys
With Web Sounds and PetSounds.Com a long-distant memory, this remains a wonderfully-loaded source of Beach Boy material!
Songcycler - The Music Of Van Dyke Parks
Okay...perhaps he was never an OFFICIAL Beach Boy. After all, he "ONLY" helped Brian Wilson with the writing of the famous unrelased SMiLE album. That's why his link is here, and that's why you should go visit it. :)
My Other Favorite Musicians
John Fogerty
I'm a fan of his work with Creedence Clearwater Revival, and a fan of his solo work as well. Blue Moon Swamp was a great album and a great reason to become a fan all over again. This site is endorsed by John himself, and even has a few words from him! Great site!!!
Journey Digest
What a find! Journey is one of my favorite bands, and here's some fans who know how to write some great editorials about the music!
The Journey Tribute Page
I'm not sure how often it gets updated these days, but this long-standing site is chock full of Journey goodness. :) Drop in!
Led Zeppelin: Electric Magic
Whenever the need arises for good ol' grungy guitar rock, Led Zeppelin delivers. This site is loaded with goodies about the band. Fans need apply immediately. :)
The Tractors
By far one of the most interesting country bands ever. Springing up out of nowhere in 1994 with their catchy Baby Likes to Rock It (Like A Boogie Woogie ChooChoo Train), they captured the airwaves and captivated listeners...like me. :) If you are likewise a fan, drop on by!
La Fantastica Home Page Dei Goblin
Goblin is an Italian progrssive rock band that is mostly known for the wonderfully scary soundtracks they produced for director Dario Argento's films. There's not much music as frightening as Suspiria, for one thing... :)
October Project
It seemed they were gone for good, and for awhile only the November Project hinted at what once was. Now, this enchanting band is back.
The Sweetwater Band Homepage
If you're an avid watcher of VH1 like me, then you've heard of Sweetwater. I was quite surprised to find out that such a page existed!
Rudy's Corner
A&M Records started its life with great bands such as Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass and Julius Wechter's Baja Marimba Band. Finding information on these bands has been difficult...until now. Rudy's Corner talks about these two bands in great detail, as well as other A&M stablemates. Since I grew up on my parents' A&M records, this site is a treasure!
Scritti Crush Connection
Scritti Politti - they may have sounded like many of the synthy NewWave bands of the 80s, but thanks to wispy-voiced leader Green Gartside's uncomparable lyric talents, their music is a lot of fun to listen to! Never heard of 'em...or have you forgotten? This page will tell you where to find the best Scritti info.
My Favorite Movie and TV-Related Sites
The Clint Eastwood WWW Web Site
The name says it all...this is a VERY COMPREHENSIVE site covering Clint Eastwood's entire career! If you're a fan, no excuses...go there now!!!
A Fistful of Leone: The Sergio Leone Homepage
...and what would Clint Eastwood have been if this legendary director hadn't chosen him as the Man with No Name? You gotta see this site..there's more to Leone than the "Dollars Trilogy!" For instance, "Once Upon a Time in the West"...
Schwarzenegger.Com
The official page for Arnold himself! Pretty sweet...
Rotten Tomatoes
Want to tell at a glance what public opinion of a movie is? Here's the place to go! Check the freshness ratings, skim the breif quotes, and click on the reviews you want to read further about. Great resource!
ScreenIt!
One of the best movie review sites I've ever seen. Not only do they objectively review the movies, but they also highlight the things that may be objectionable to parents with regard to children...and they point these things out in a non-spoiler fashion. A MUST for parents concerned with what movies their children watch...very helpful and detailed.
ReelViews
Another movie review site maintained by one James Berardinelli. Pretty good reads here.
The Movie Spoiler
Descriptive enough link, right? ONly go here if you're TRULY desperate... ;)
Dario Argento - Master of Colors
I've just recently discovered the work of Italian horror/giallo director Dario Argento. (Beleive it or not, it was Silent Hill that did it!) Here's a good site to learn about such scary fare as Deep Red, Suspiria, and many more!
Dark Dreams - The Films of Dario Argento
...becuse one good Argento site isn't enough. ;) This is another great entry!
Homepage of the Dead
Right about the same time I discovered Argento, I got acquainted with the work of George A. Romero, whose fame begins with a low-budget classic called "Night of the Living Dead." Go here to read more about his Dead series. (For the record, "Dawn of the Dead" is may favorite.)
Twin Peaks Studios
Dario Argento isn't the only outcome of my Silent Hill run-in. There is consensus around the SH fanbase that David Lynch's Twin Peaks TV series was an inspiration for the game. This is one of the better fansites out there.
Glastonberry Grove
Here's another excellent fansite about the show.
Twin Peaks Online
This site has been around longer, and is purposely "Dehanced for Lynx" (read "non-pretty" ;) so that anyone can get at the loads of info without waiting on graphics. Go on in!
Twin Peaks Brewing Co. - Fully Perked
Yep, another one! The name is a play on the fanatical interest in coffee the townspeople have...well, at least Agent Cooper. :) Good site!
The City of Absurdity - the mysterious world of David Lynch
Learn about the man behind Twin Peaks, as well as films such as Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead, Lost Highway, and more!
Iron Fans Online
Quite possibly the best fanmade site for Iron Chef, the cooking competition show from Japan! Great fun!
My Other Links to...Favorite Stuff
The Weather Channel
...just because. I'm a big weather person, and sometimes I just love tracking rainstorms...especially if they're headed straight for Austin! (Please please PLEEEEASE!!! ;)
EBay
Perhaps the best of the online auctioning systems out there. It's a joy to see what you can find. I've spent many a dollar here... ;)
Deep Discount DVD
A recent discovery, thanks to my brother. Man, what (low) prices!!! :D
Deep Discount CD
...and here's its music-related cousin! :)
Round Rock Express: Baseball
It's great to have a local Minor League team. Too bad 2002 looks kinda bumpy so far...
MontyPython.Net
You're talking to someone here who's very fond of British comedy, so it's only natural that I put up such a link. Beware, though...Monty material walks on the wild side...;)
"The Dark is Rising" Series
Susan Cooper's novel series about Arthurian legends and good-vs.-evil battles in modern times are fascinating reads. Here's a great site to learn about the books.
Hokus' Place
A self-styled "Potpourri of Information and Things to Do". You'll see... :)
Amano's World
If you've played any of the pre-PSX Final Fantasy games, or have seen Vampire Hunter D (See next link), the you know Yoshitaka Amano. Go here to learn more about this great artist!
The Vampire Hunter D Archives
VHD is a splendid anime (Japanese animated feature) about a half-vampire seeking to destroy his full-blooded kin in the distant future. Great style, although the bloodiness you'd expect from a vampire feature is quite evident. It is rumored that the Castlevania game series was inspired by this movie. This site is a great place to go to learn more.
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