One Year Old
It’s official: Mr. Panda’s Video Game Reviews is one year old!
I want to extend my sincerest thanks to you all for your readership and support throughout this year. I’ve been incredibly blessed with a wonderful community of kind, intelligent, and fun gamers, both online and offline. I wouldn’t have made it this long without you all. You’ve all been amazing, and I will be sure to give you proper recognition by the end of this post. But before I do, I wanted to share a brief timeline in review for the blog as well as a special announcement tease.
Timeline
Era of the Blog’s Creation
I first started this blog during a tough time in my life when I just needed to get away. It was a time when I realized I needed big changes in my life, and I wanted to do something more. I wished to follow my dreams. My incredibly supportive wife walked with me every step of the way in my crazy endeavors. I decided to write video game reviews with hope in my pocket and a passion to discuss my favorite pastime.
I already knew which three games to review first, the above 3DS games. Funny enough, I neither loved nor hated playing them. Rather, I had strong opinions about how average they were. As it turns out, though the games are just decent, I love where they brought me. Discussing them at length helped me develop my initial style and tone.
Era of Opportunity
I was happy to finally do something related to video games. Just having them available for others to see made me ecstatic, even if very few people noticed those early reviews. At least one notable person saw it though. None other than the wonderful Mike_Scorpio of Miketendo64 noticed and eventually gave me a big opportunity for collaboration. I am still very thankful for this partnership, and most importantly, that he cared to share my writing. Thank you very much, Miketendo!
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge
Era of Adventure
Even though I love writing these reviews, I wanted to try something new. When Nintendo began making big announcements for upcoming games like Pokémon Sun & Moon and Breath of the Wild, I wanted to write about those, too. This led to some of my most exciting posts, previews, and analyses for these upcoming games. Both games have since released, but it was fun to speculate. Plus I guessed some things correctly, right? Maybe?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Preview
Mr. Panda Meets Mario – Charles Martinet
One of the most memorable moments of my life was meeting my childhood hero, the voice of Mario, Charles Martinet, whom I also wrote about. He’s such a fun guy, and it was a pleasure to see him.
Era of Experience
I soon found myself with even more prospects to write about games with DarkStation. I am very grateful to the site for giving me this amazing opportunity to review games beyond my usual scope. Although I haven’t posted many of them here yet (one day I will!), I wanted to share some of my favorite non-Nintendo reviews with you.
Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book 
Azure Striker Gunvolt (original)
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (original) 
Mutant Mudds Super Challenge (original) 
Era of Questions
There are many times when I post and feel like I’ve made a mistake. Truth be told, there were times when I felt like this wasn’t worth it. These are hard devils to avoid, and although I struggle, I’m grateful for those that support me. I do my best with these reviews, but in the end, I know that they don’t define me. And there are those who encourage me unconditionally.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
Era of Community
As I’ve said before, I owe so much of this blog to the fantastic community. It means a lot that you splendid people are willing to read and discuss video games with me. Even more, you’ve continued to encourage me, nominating me for awards. The internet can be a rough place, so I’m incredibly lucky to have met some of the kindest people on the web. I’m always flattered by the amazing things you say, and it is my hope that we can keep talking about this great hobby. And I hope I can share my own kind words with you all!
Blogger Recognition/Entertaining Blogger Awards
One Lovely Unique Versatile PANDA 
Era of Development
I have since been trying to improve myself and my writing style. With each review, I have felt sufficiently challenged, either attempting something new or changing up the style ever so subtly. I could literally go into the most boring commentary about each individual review, but I’ll just summarize by saying that I am constantly learning. I’m thankful that for every hardship I have come across while doing this, I’ve emerged learning important lessons about life and about writing.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice
Era of Travels
My wife and I took a break a couple of months ago to take a dream trip to Japan. We got to engage in lots of fun shopping, eating, and sightseeing. As huge fans of video games and anime, it was one of the best vacations we had ever taken. We love sharing our adventures here. They’re video game-related, right? I’m still in the process of getting future photo posts up, and I apologize to anyone who’s been waiting for them. I have more planned, so don’t worry!
Tales from Japan – Ikebukuro’s Pokémon Center, J-World, & More
Tales from Japan – Akihabara: Land of Video Games, Anime Shops, & Final Fantasy Cafés
Era of Switch
And finally, we’ve come to one of my favorite periods, a new Nintendo console launch! Having such a big system to write about has been a new source of invigoration, and I get giddy thinking about what surprises are in store for the Switch. Though I’m sure the system will have hardships, some of which I have noted in my articles, writing about it fills me with joy. The Switch has been an excellent system for me so far, and I’m happy to be able to write about it, whether hardware, games, or fun stories. This has culminated in one of my new favorite reviews that I’ve written: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Why I’m Excited for Nintendo Switch 
Nintendo’s Switch Presentation Highlights
Top 10 Anticipated Switch Games 
My Nintendo Switch Launch Horror Story
Nintendo Switch First Impressions 
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Review
From my first review of Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam to my latest review of the most epic Zelda experience to arrive on Nintendo’s newest console, I’ve had quite a year. It’s a very special journey, and one that I am glad to share with you. It hasn’t been the easiest, but it’s definitely been one of the greatest!
Special Announcement
To cap off my first year’s timeline, I wanted to tease a special announcement. Very soon, I will be unveiling my newest project, on which I have been hard at work for a few months now. My goal is to finish within the next week or two. I know I’ve been teasing it for a while, but it’s finally coming and I’m happy to share it. Though I won’t say much about it until then, I hope you all will enjoy it! Look forward to it!
Special Thanks
I want to extend a special thanks to the following people who have been amazing friends and supports for this site! You all mean a lot to me!
Thank you to:
- My wonderful wife, to whom I owe this all. She already knows this, but I want you all to know that this wouldn’t be possible without her support, love, encouragement, and editing. She is an amazing woman whom I am very blessed to have in my life. Thank you CrystalDragon, my Mrs. Panda!
- My friends outside WordPress, whom have not only supported me, but even helped me with various projects. Big thanks to gorgoalmighty, christianrob90, Cherry, ShadJV, Auradis, IsaMaLisa, for supporting my site directly with your readership and comments! Your encouragement and friendship never goes unnoticed, and I hope that I can show it outside of the site. Thank you for reading this!
- Mike and Jack of Miketendo64 for allowing me to collaborate and share my writing to a new audience. Thank you for believing in me and for being great partners!
- The awesome people at DarkStation for noticing me and giving me opportunities that I shall never regret. Truly grateful!
- Rachel and Kris of Double Jump, Kuribo of NintendoFigures, Matt of Nintendobound, and TheManCalledScott of the Wizard Dojo for being great supportive partners, consistent commenters, and active sharers of my reviews. Such regular support means a lot to me!
- The Well-Red Mage for being one of my first followers, for nominating me for several awards, and for being a great gaming friend to discuss the hobby with. Also for the Arcane Trophy for being a regular commenter!
- The Shameful Narcissist for consistently kind words and great gaming discussion, for nominating me as an Entertaining Blogger, and for a 1st Prize Ribbon for guessing characters correctly in her wonderful Final Fantasy Tarot series!
- Pokeninja90, Retr0pia75, benez256, Evil Wizard Esq, vahrkalla, Luvva, Sebby29, and lilsamueljones for your consistent encouragement and for nominating me for awards. I’m truly flattered whenever you think of me for these!
- Hungrygoriya, LightningEllen, defythemajority, YvoCaro, CheapBossAttack, Krystallina, Rich Meister, Athena | AmbiGaming, Shelby “Falcon509” Steiner, The Otaku Judge, Particlebit, iplayedthegame, Andrew Lokken, Jamie Wu, Red Metal, dreager1, retrostatuereviews, cary, Toby Saunders, SpeedySailor, Sam Lilly, Imtiaz Ahmed, Astro Adam, AfterStory, Drakulus, Mr. Gamer, veryverygaming, Geddy, United We Game, Gaming Picks, and Zain Moosa for consistently liking, commenting, and sharing my content! I want to let you all know that I acknowledge you and am very thankful for your support! I appreciate getting to discuss games with you!
- And to all you amazing followers and anyone else reading this! I know I missed some people, so apologies if I did. Please know that it means a lot already to me that you’re here!
Thank you again to everyone! If you’re a first time visitor, please follow me on Twitter @MrPanda2002 and on Facebook at Mr. Panda’s Video Game Reviews. Please feel free to support me by following me on those pages if you haven’t already!
My next post will be about my special project! Please look forward to it! Thanks again for reading!
Mr. Panda's Video Game Reviews 
Congrats on the one-year anniversary! Lots of folks come and go here on WordPress, so being motivated enough to muscle through twelve months is truly impressive. Keep it going! I think I received your friend request on Switch earlier today and I look forward to playing something with you in the near future. ^__^
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Thank you very much! I’m very touched by your encouragement and support! 😀 I did add you on Switch, so I look forward to playing multiplayer games with you on the new system in the future!
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Is it a ******? Feel free to not answer, haha 😉
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Hmm. 😉 I hope you will enjoy it in case it’s what you’re thinking!
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Oh my gosh, CONGRATULATIONS PANDA!! This is fantastic news! I am always impressed by how far you and your site has come in such a short period of time, you are killing the game! I think of you not just as a fellow blogger, but as a friend and I can’t wait to see what new heights you reach in the years to come!
LOL it all started with a comment on a Hotel Dusk review… and blossomed into a fantastic friendship!! Again, congratulations Panda!! You are the real MVP!! 😀
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Awww so sweet! Thank you so much for those heartfelt words. I consider you as a friend too! I’m always grateful for your encouragement and support! And haha, I love that origin story. Starting with a Hotel Dusk review. I guess we should thank Cing for this friendship, or at least the company that made Chase: Cold Investigations! The power of somewhat obscure visual-novel games to bring people together! How wonderful! 😀 Again, thank you so much! You’re making me blush!
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Panda you are one of the best bloggers I know and I am so glad I was able to meet you!! LOL Cing bringing people together since 2016 😛
Aww Panda you are making me smile so hard right now!!
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Awww, thank you so much! You’re so super sweet! And I’m happy that I can make you smile! It means a lot to me that others around me can be happy, and I do my best with what I have to achieve that.
Declaring it now: Cing’s greatest claims to fame are Hotel Dusk, Trace Memory, and bringing us together. 🙂
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Panda you are awesome, you don’t have to work hard to make me smile!
LOL Cing should make that their new tagline XD
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Aw thank you! That’s so nice of you! 😀 Cing should! Well… or the new company that makes Chase: Cold Investigations. 😛
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We should write them LOL share our story!!
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If only the original Cing were still around! The best part about that would be we’d be playing Hotel Dusk 3, haha.
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Ahhhhh don’t remind me! I would have loved a third game… 😥
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My wife and I are currently replaying The Nonary Games, (the rerelease of 999 and Virtue’s Last Reward) and now I suddenly want the remains of Cing and Spike Chunsoft to work on a new point-and-click visual novel together!
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YES!!! That would be so awesome!!
Oh, how does she like it so far? It’s voiced right?
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It’s fun so far! And yes, 999 is now voiced, and the voices are exactly what I hoped they’d be. We’re almost done with the true ending of 999, and wow, there’s a lot I didn’t remember. I can’t wait to play VLR again!
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Please say you’ll be doing a review of it!! Pretty please! LOL There were so many twists and turns in that game, it’s easy to forget stuff.
Oh man VLR!!! I still need to play ZTD too ha ha ha one day!
Awww yeah, I’m glad the voices fit!
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Wow, I had no idea that we started blogging so close to the same time. Here’s to many more years!
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Thank you! And a big Happy Anniversary again to you too! I’m surprised by the number of people that started around this time last year. Here’s to many more years for the both of us! 😀
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Congratulations on hitting the one-year mark. Keep up the excellent work!
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Thank you so much! Truly appreciate the kind words man! 😀
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Congratulations to you! A full year is quite the milestone considering how many people start blogging and give up after a couple of months. More to the point, good on you having content worth reading all this time! Keep it up, I look forward to seeing what you have lined up next!
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Thank you so much! Your encouragement means a lot. It’s thanks to people like you who are willing to reading my content. I’m very thankful that you think that and will strive to keep delivering content worth checking out. I’m glad you look forward to what’s coming up next! Thanks again! 😀
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Congrats on your anniversary! It’s always cool to see which game you’ll discuss next. I’ll bet you’re surprised how much you’ve improved since you started. I know I was when I reached my first full year. Also, thanks for the shout-out!
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You’re welcome! And thanks for being such a consistent reader and commenter! I appreciate your insight! I’m definitely surprised and pleased to see improvement. I like striving to do even better next time, and when I look back at the beginning, I do notice that my writing has changed. Thank you for reminding me of that. It’s such an important thing to remember how I’ve grown, especially since it’s easy to get caught up with everything that’s new.
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Likewise! I always like hearing what you have to say about the games I review. I thank you for your insight.
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Aw thank you! That means a lot! 🙂
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Congrats!!! 😀
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Thank you so much!! Truly appreciate it! 😀
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😁😁😁
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Congratulations on the one year celebration! You’ve come a long way in this relatively short time! Isn’t this blogosphere the best, meeting such wonderful friends?
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Thank you very much! This is such a unique corner of the internet, one that I’m thankful for. I never would have guessed there’d be such supportive, wonderful people here, just based on what I think when I think of internet commenters. This is truly a special community! 🙂
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Awwww, thanks so much for your kind words! ❤ You have come a long way over the past year. I remember when this blog was it was in its infancy. It has grown into something that's not only informative about games, but encouraging and supportive of others. I'm so very proud of you! I can't wait to see how much more the blog will grow in the coming year. And I'm super excited about the big announcement! 😉
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You’ve always been a huge support both online and offline. Thank you so so much! It means a lot that you encourage me through and through. I can’t say enough about all you’ve done, except let’s look forward to the future! 😉
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Congratulations! 😀
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Thank you so much! I appreciate it a lot! 😀
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Congrats on an incredible year here! You have accomplished so much and I’m honored to be a follower of your awesome blog. I’m so glad blogging helped you during a tough time too. I can say this wonderful community has certainly lifted my spirits on many occasions 🙂
Oh and I’m so excited I’ll soon get to find out what the project of yours is! My hype level is way passed max level now. Keep thinking of Link and press on with courage! 🙂
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Thank you so much! Your kind words and encouragement mean a lot! 🙂 And I’m so happy that you’re excited! Your hype is building my hype! I know I’ve been building it up, but I sincerely hope that you’ll enjoy what I have to share. 😀
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Congrats! You have achieved quite a bit in only one year, which speaks volumes about your talent and dedication when it comes to writing and interacting with other people! Keep up the excellent work, and I hope we will be able to keep reading your take on all those games, especially those that will be arriving soon on the Nintendo Switch!
And thanks for the mention! It has been a pleasure reading and commenting on your posts! I am glad to hear writing helped you during that tough time in your life!
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Thank you so much for your encouragement! Your words help a lot. They really do. I’m thankful that you keep reading and enjoying what I have to bring to the table. And you are more than deserving of a motion for both your support and the incredible work you do. It’s great to have such a great community of game bloggers here! 🙂
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You are welcome! I am glad my words help! =)
And I will keep reading and enjoying your posts for a long while, that’s for sure.
And thanks! There is indeed a great community of game bloggers here!
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Thank you! Much appreciated, as always! 😀 A great community indeed!
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☆彡(ﾉ^^)ﾉCongratulationsヘ(^^ヘ)☆彡
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Thank you! Ah, I love the cute emoticons! 😀
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Aww thank you so much for the shout-out! I appreciate it! I enjoy your blog so much and am always really excited when I see you have a new review! 🙂 I am happy to be counted among your blogging friends and I love talking about games with you! Congrats on your one-year anniversary! I can’t wait to see what your special project is, especially since you first mentioned it to me a little while back and I’ve been wondering what it is 😉
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Of course! And thank YOU for your constant support! You don’t know how much it means to me that you’re excited to see my new reviews. And I’m always so thrilled to talk games with you, my friend. Thank you for discussing back with me. 🙂 I can’t wait to share my project, and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy it. I’m not exactly sure how the project will fare, but I’m willing to share it anyway. 😉
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Congrats on your first year anniversary! Just recently hit two years myself.
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Thank you! Congratulations and Happy 2nd Anniversary to you! 😀
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Dangit, Panda! I’ve still gotta be in the dark about your coming project?! Lol just kidding, my friend. I’m so glad you’re a part of this community! Thanks for the shout out and for being a beacon for this past year. I wish you and your family and your work all the best, including your secret project, whatever the heck it is! I hope you have continued success in this next year. Hand in hand, let’s change the world through our words. You have immense importance with the positivity that you bring to the table, so again I can’t express how glad I am that you’re here. You’re an inspiration to me!
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Haha, I don’t mean to be so secretive. I just want to make sure my project is finished before I commit to sharing it. Yes, I teased it, but I could always pull the old bait and switch and pretend I had some other project in the works, haha. I wouldn’t though. I’m just about done. I just want to make extra sure before I share it for real. I sincerely hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Thank you for your incredibly kind words and support Well-Red! Means a lot to this black and white bear! Totally agree that we should change the world! No matter the scale, let’s make differences through what we say and do. I like that. Your words carry a lot, and I’m glad that I have been able to contribute something important to this community. I’m very thankful for those reminders of what I can bring to the table. You’re also an inspiration, one I am happy to have met, and I’m proud to call you friend. You have my immense gratitude.
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Oh no, I don’t disrespect your decision in the least. Make it the best you possibly can! I mean it better be the equivalent of “free candy without weight gain for all citizens of Earth” at this point. Lol! Thanks for the exceptionally kind words, my friend! Know that I say these things to you from the perspective of knowing that you can achieve something totally different and unique to what I can, because of your warm personality. I think the world needs that. In the spirit of the Justice League coming later this year (if you’re a DC fan or if not, who cares), unite!
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Aww thanks a lot! I can’t thank you enough. I will definitely continue to do all I can to help share that warmness with others. 🙂 And the free candy without weight gain thing too. I’ll work on that. 😉
Justice League Unite! I actually like Marvel too, so we can also call it Avengers Assemble! Or we could just pick the currently relevant one. Go Go Power Rangers!
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Get to work on that, cuz I just bought a butt ton of Easter candy and it’s almost all gone already. Wonder Twins unite! (<– retro)
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Oh man, we’re still a month away from Easter too. All right, then I guess I’ll have to stick with my original project. 😛
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Happy Anniversary! Here’s to another great year.
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Thank you for your kind words! Here’s to another great year indeed! 🙂
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Congratulations on making the first year. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and I look forward to your posts as you continue on.
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Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
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Happy blog-birthday, Mr. Panda! You’ve had a fulfilling year and it can only go up from here. 🙂 You’ve accomplished a lot and you create great content. Keep it up!
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Thank you Rachel! Both for your encouragement and consistent support. Absolutely couldn’t have done it without people like you reading and sharing your thoughts. 🙂 Truly appreciate it!
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Happy Pandaversary! You’ve accomplished a lot in the past year! Wow! I’m so glad I found your site and love reading your thoughts on games and, recently, consoles. Thank *you* for always being such a positive guy here; I’m glad writing has been helping you work through things, as well, and am excited to see what you have in store next!
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Thank you so much! I’m so happy I found your site as well! I’m glad we found each other in this part of the Internet. 🙂 I’m grateful to have made some new good gaming friends like you! I’ll definitely do what I can, and of course, I can’t wait to share what I have next! I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy it!
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Congrats on this remarkable achievement 🙂 you’ve been extraordinarily busy this past year and I feel that it’s just the beginning for you! I look forward to playing splatoon or something with you in the future 😛 here’s to another great year for you buddy, and many more after that!
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Thank you! Your heartfelt words mean a lot! So excited for what comes next. 🙂 Definitely look forward to playing games together! I’ll be picking up Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Between those, I’m sure we can find some multiplayer time together, friend. 🙂
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Congratulations! I look forward to watching the your blog grow even more. Definitely an inspiration – to watch a person doing what they love.
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Thank you so much! Means a lot to me. I will definitely keep striving to do what I love! 😀
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Congrats on hitting one year Mr. Panda! It’s not easy putting out consistent content, and I’ve learned myself just how much dedication and time is required to put out even 2-3 significant posts per week.
Developing your own personal style takes time but it definitely shows here, love reading your posts and looking forward to more! Having a gaming blog through a major console launch couldn’t be better timed, either! 🙂
I can’t wait to visit Japan with my fianceé/wife for our honeymoon in a few months, it’s going to be incredible being somewhere where video games are so prevalent!
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Thanks so much Geddy! Means a lot man! I’m glad we’re all in this together. It’s this joint understanding of what it means to produce this content that I appreciate from the community. I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed what I have to give and are looking forward to more! And yes, the Switch launch is such great timing. I feel like I’d been building up last year for this moment, even though we didn’t necessarily know what was going on with the then “NX” back then.
I’m so excited for you, both for your honeymoon and Japan trip! Congratulations and may your marriage prosper! I hope you two enjoy Japan too. What a wonderful place for a honeymoon. It’s a truly amazing place. Do you have any defined plans for where you’ll be and what you’ll do?
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Funny how the “NX” days sound so far back in time now that we’re playing around with what it became!
Thanks so much for the wishes – no plans so far but I’m catching up on your posts from you and your wife’s trip and loving what I see. We will DEFINITELY spend a day in Akihabara! Aside from that, totally up in the air right now.
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Right? I’m so used to saying Switch now! And I’ve grown very accustomed to the name, though it’s hard to resist doing the *snap* sound anytime I say or hear the word “switch,” even outside a gaming context, haha.
Awesome that you will spend a day in Akihabara! I’m sure you’ll love it! I know I haven’t been on top of posting about Japan (guess a Nitnendo console launch can do that, haha). But I will definitely do my best to get at least a couple Japan posts up so they can perhaps give you some ideas on where to go!
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Happy pandaversary! I always enjoy reading your post, can’t wait to see what’s coming next.
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Thanks so much for celebrating with me! I appreciate it! And thank you for reading my stuff and sharing it. Means a lot to me! 😀
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I can’t believe it’s already been a year! You crazy kid! Congratulations! Reading your reviews is always a highlight of my week and I look forward to what’s in store for the future!
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Thanks a lot my good friend! Means a lot to me that my reviews mean so much to you. I’ll keep doing my best to deliver quality content. And I hope you’re ready for what’s to come! 😉
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Congrats on the one year anniversary! I really enjoy reading your posts and i look forward to hearing more about this new project you are working on!
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Thank you! It makes me so happy that you enjoy what I have to give and are excited for what’s to come! Means a lot! 😀
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No worries at all! Keep at it! 🙂
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Thanks for the shout out and happy blogging anniversary. You have had quite a year. In 365 days you have already amassed more followers than my older site!
I see that on Dark Station you had mixed feelings about Atelier Sophie. Hopefully you will enjoy Firis more. From the little I have played it seems to be a much better game.
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Thank you so much! And I am definitely interested in checking out Atelier Firis after playing Sophie. I don’t know much about Firis beyond what I’ve seen in the trailer, but it already looks like it’ll be better. I liked the idea of Sophie (and by extent, the Atelier series), but it didn’t quite hook me, especially during the slow parts. I’ll hopefully give Firis a try sometime though. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Congratulations and all the thanks goes to you my friend! You are a linchpin in this community and your positive attitude and thoughtful commentary about so much that goes on is an inspiration! I can only speak for myself but you are one of the reasons I keep working on my site even when I come home feeling exhausted from work and the last place I want to be is sitting in front of a computer 🙂
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Thanks so much Kuribo! Appreciate the heartfelt words! I’m happy to do all I can, and I’m glad I can support your awesome writing. I always look forward to your stuff. 🙂 Keep on doing amazing work!
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Awesome post Mr. Panda! It sounds like it’s been a really awesome journey over the last year. I’ve definitely enjoyed reading your posts and keeping up with the reviews. I look forward to that super big project you’ve been teasing as well 🙂 Keep up the good work and I hope your next year is just as special as this one!
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Thank you so much for checking it out! And for reading and enjoying my other posts and reviews! Means a lot to me! 🙂 It has been quite a journey, and I’m glad I get to continue it. Hope next year is special too! I’m so happy you’re excited about my project! Can’t wait to share it! 😀
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Here’s to several more years to come!
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Indeed! Thank you!
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I’m so happy I discovered the Pandaverse when I did so I could be along for the ride as long as I was. I wish I’d found you earlier, but I have to thank the Well-Red Mage because that’s how I found you, and The Ink Garden because that’s how I found him. The internet is literally working as an “inter-net” instead of its too often typical troll trap lol. My experiences on WP have been greatly enriched by your blog, and I’m truly grateful not only for your accolades, but also your insightful reviews and opinions. I was just thinking the other day about everyone favorite games/favorite Final Fantasies. No one really has the same one, and I love that. We even dislike some of them, and that’s been enriching, too, because polite disagreement can open up even better discourse than agreement. I used to be so afraid of disagreement because I used to be thrown into virulent arguments of one-up-manship, but I’ve never experienced that here. It’s not about “my viewpoint is better;” it’s about “my viewpoint is different, so let’s compare/contrast,” and that really makes all the difference.
Ugh I’m babbling lol. I’m looking forward to you secret project, and I just reserve the right to say “I KNEW it!!” if it’s what I think it is. To another year and many more!
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Aww thank you so so much! And thanks to the Well-Red Mage and The Ink Garden and everyone else that helped us reach the same corner of the Internet! Fun fact: I remember where I was when I first noticed you follow me. It was at a special steak dinner, so I totally associate meeting you with good things! 😉
I’m also so glad to call you friend, and I’m so happy that I could help enriching your experience. Knowing that fills me with joy, so I appreciate you telling me! 🙂
I’m glad we can discuss Final Fantasy in such detail. You’re one of the most knowledgable Final Fantasy fans I’ve had the pleasure to talk to. It’s fun to discuss what we like and dislike about FF. And I also believe that’s it wonderful that we can have so many different opinions on the franchise. It shows how varied the games have been and how many different experiences Square Enix puts out. And the best part is we can politely disagree which is what I have come to value about the community that I don’t see in other more toxic areas of the web. I’m glad it has helped your outlook on these kinds of arguments too! Truly awesome!
And I am sure with 100% certainty that you know what my project is. Hahaha! You’ve read me as an open book, and I couldn’t even possibly hide it from you at this point. I look forward to your “I KNEW IT!!” when I finally unveil it!
Thank you so much for your kind words! To another year and many more indeed! 😀
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That’s honestly been one of the best things about this little community we have here, the disagreements lol. It’s so odd to say that, but if you can disagree with someone and still want to talk to them, you know you have a good relationship.
Aw, I’m so happy I don’t have to temper my Final Fantasy fervor here, and being associated with a steak dinner is a pretty lofty life achievement!
I can’t wait to have my rightness confirmed with this project. It’s going to be so cool ♥
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Agreed! I’m thankful for these good relationships! 🙂 And I can’t wait for you to confirm your rightness. You and I both know you know what it is anyway, haha! 😉
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Congrats on 1 year of blogging. Here’s to another!
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Thank you for the well wishes! Here’s to another indeed! 🙂
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Congratulations on the one year anniversary, Mr. Panda! It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you and sharing a love of video games! Here’s to another exciting, successful year!
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Thank you so much Kris! It’s been my pleasure to know you and read your awesome writing as well! It’s always fun to discuss video games with you. 🙂 Here’s to another exciting, successful year indeed!
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Congratulations Alex! It is hard to believe it has been a year already. You are a talented reviewer and an all around great guy. I enjoy reading your reviews and it has been a pleasure and an honour to partner up with you. One if the best things I ever done was create my blog which has now grown into a full on news website with talented writers and reviewers that make up an amazing team of incredible people. Thank you for your kind words and the opportunity to get to know you. The WordPress community is by far the best there is and is full of friendly, warm and kindhearted individuals that don’t hide behind the veil of the internet to say nasty things but offer true words of encouragement. Congratulations again on sticking with it for a year, I can’t wait to see what great things you bring to year two.
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Thank you so much Mike for all you’ve done and all you continue to do! Truly an inspiration! Thank you for all your help and encouragement. I appreciate your kind heartfelt words. I’m grateful to work with you and get to know you. May the next year continue to be fruitful!
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Congratulations on your first year of blogging. I liked the way you were able to divide the year depending on the posts being written, it showed how you developed as a blogger. I was interested in how the blog began, I was sorry to find out about your feelings at the time the blog was started, but I found it interesting why you decided to review the games you had chosen as I had a similar experience. I decided to review a series of games which, while I really enjoyed, I was not as familiar with them as other games. I also liked the description of the Era of Questions, it captured the experience of continuing a blog after the initial excitement and optimism ran out and the writer wondered if it was worthwhile.
I am happy that you are so well supported by family and friends and you enjoy being part of a community. I also like the fact you have found a blogging niche. I hope you are successful in your new project and that the Nintendo Switch provides an opportunity to expand your blog.
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Thank you very much for the insightful and kind comments! While I just wanted a fun timeline backdrop to go over my blog’s first year, it really became a history of my growth both as a site and as a writer. That’s awesome that you had a similar experience with a set of games that inspired you to review. My first three reviews, while neither that great or that bad, were excellent muses to stir up my thoughts. And I’m happy that my “Era of Questions” spoke to you. I think it’s something that can be common with starting up anything and continuing it for a prolonged period of time. I’m glad that readers, family, and friends could support me during those moments and push me to continue following my dreams.
Thank you again for the well-wishes! I truly hope that my newest project and the advent of the Switch helps my blog and skills to expand.
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Congrats on the anniversary and great post!
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Thank you very much Jack! I appreciate your kind words! 😀
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Congrats dude 🙂 here’s to more!
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Thanks so much for the wishes! I appreciate it! 😀
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I know I’m late to the party but Congrats on the anniversary 😬
I only just started following your blog about a month or so ago but I have to admit it’s one of the most insightful, passionate driven blogs I’ve seen. And since I do love and share the passion for video games, Tokyo etc, here is to another year for you and all the best in the new project. Truly hope you knock it out the park.
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Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! I value your readership and am glad you think that way about my blog! I’m glad you share the same passions as I do, and I hope we can continue to write and discus about these things that we love so much. Thank you again! Truly appreciate it. 🙂
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I’m surprised I got a shoutout when I’m the most inconsistent with reading and commenting. I feel like I only show up once a month sometimes, haha. You’ve certainly managed to do more in a year on here than I have so kudos, man. I’d say keep it up, but you were probably going to do that already, especially with all the attention and support you get. You somehow managed to turn this into eras of change and improvement and I think that’s probably why you keep getting more people checking the stuff out. Plus you’re nice. So me being a stagnant asshole that posts irregularly might have something to do with my lack of success 😛 Once you surpass my YouTube subscriptions I’ll have NOTHING to feel superior about :O
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Thanks! I definitely do what I can to keep improving!
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