Chapter 444: Quadruple Trouble II
Caveats that are actually obvious enough when someone thinks twice about it.
One can even think quadruply for good measure. But that's just in keeping with the theme.
Not that this overindulgence in quadruples and fours has some semblance of sense to it.
Anyways, for something to truly take note of... it's actually what the content of this TMNT the arcade game-based video game is going to be about.
The original had Rocksteady, Bebop, Baxter Stockman. Granitor, General Traag, Krang, and Shredder.
But, given all of their lack of presence in the content that both the first comic arc and first season had, this would prove to be quite the complication.
Not really that much, just quite.
As Alexander simply stuck with what he had.
Gamifying the enemies and situations of said first arc and first season... which is actually more than enough.
Yet a contradiction to the avoidance of over-the-top plot re-hashing that he had just pointed out.
He's going to do it sooner or later, and since it actually worked out, he can afford to be hypocritical about it.
Not that anyone really significant raised their brows to give a care, since what they truly cared about... is the fact Quadruple Trouble can essentially be played by up to four players.
This proved to be truly troublesome in its own right, given that the Creed Chaos System standard set is just a maximum of two controllers.
Ironically and jokingly dubbed as Choas controllers, as if chaos could even be controlled.
Which brings up the caveat, wherein the very first Chaos unit add-on or accessory is introduced.
Comparatively, the NES takes the lead in this category.
With the likes of the NES Zapper and the R.O.B.
Even with R.O.B. being useless, it's still one of the very few things that the small Nintendo fandom could be proud of.
Fortunately, it would seem that Creed Games is well on its way to crush that as well.
With its debuting and accompanying console accessory... also named Quadruple Trouble.
Perhaps for ease, simplicity, and to relate to the game that it was meant for. Yet it's also named Multi-Chaos.
A multi-tapping device that plugs into both controller ports of any Creed Chaos console and allows the input of up to four Chaos controllers.
Weirdly enough, there's actually still an option to switch between two-player and four-player modes.
But apparently, it's because it can also be used as a controller extension cable, because the wire which taps the accessory to the console... is several feet in length.
Providing a method to extend the connection so that up-close floor squatting is out, and couch lounging is in.
Essentially, quadrupling the wire length...
So, again and again... Quadruple Trouble.
And clearly, it isn't just exclusive to what the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles presents now.
There's more to it.
It shows potential.
Potential-ly, more four-player video games to come.
A gaming development that was more than welcomed but most likely alarmed game developers.
Either way, it's all accounted for.
Alexander could even list a number of intellectual properties that fit that bill already.
Properties that he's intellectually prepped to plunder, after plundering what is technically his own version of a multi-tap akin to NES Satellite and NES Four Score... and that weird SBom that had a Bomberman head.
So... yes... this is the biggest drawback and limitation for most who want to buy and play this latest four-player or four-turtle game...
This, and the fact that two more Chaos controllers need be bought too.
Pooling with other Creed Chaos System owners for the extra controllers is also an unrestricted option.
Granted, it just segways to the other caveat that needs to be considered... wherein having four friends is a big necessity.
Even family members could be counted on, for family fun.
At the very least... with all this... the complaining parents and parent associations should give some leeway on the supposed socializing liability that video gaming is.
Even though they're not really an answer to the trouble that that is... these Quadruple Troubles are still a step toward considerable solutions, right?
Wrong and left, at the same time, most probably.
Alexander didn't put much hope in it.
In any case, he's thoughtfully done with thinking through all these new games he has.
It's a good refresher and all, but ruminating about quadruples and troubles has got to end eventually.
He's not even that willing to extend it to the fact that four new and special arcade cabinets are going to be popping up in certain arcade spots.
Out with un-arcade-able Dragon Quest and in with Wonder Drew, of course.
Even going as far as arcading Castlevania and Pre-Mystical Adventure, for extra publicity and teasing the general public.
With the last highlight again being TMNT's Quadruple Trouble...
For four times the consumption of quarters...
And yes... these overly forced fours are troubling indeed.
Then again, Alexander figured that it should be out of his system in a few days.
Or so, he hoped...
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Consequently and inevitably, the March days eventually passed as they should... with Creed Games dominating the very genre they are delving into.
And the end of Creed Animations' first seasons could not be any more made known.
However, as March 30th drew close and eventually arrived, all those efforts were overshadowed by the attention that the Oscars had.
Or the 59th Academy Awards to be exact.
Albeit constantly criticized, the grandeur of these Awards is a spectacle that unfolds like a blooming garden of cinematic excellence, where stars twinkle on the red carpet, and the air is filled with anticipation.
As the sun sets over the Hollywood Hills, the stage is set for a night of glamour, celebration, and the recognition of artistic achievement.
As the doors of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion swing open... a sea of elegantly attired luminaries flood the auditorium.
Nominees, draped in couture masterpieces, exchange excited glances, their hearts pounding in unison with the orchestra tuning up for the crescendo of the evening.
The ceremony commences with a flourish, as the host Chevy Chase, and others take center stage... their wit and charm serving as the morning dew that settles upon the blossoms of the assembled crowd.
Deadpan unamusement or laughter ripples through the audience like a gentle breeze, setting the tone for the enchanting evening ahead.
The first award is handed out with a sense of reverence. The winner ascends the stage, their emotions cascading...
And then the next awards, then the next nominees and winners...
Speeches unfold like poetry, expressing gratitude and inspiration. Or so... onlookers hope.
It's actually quite dull for the most part.
More so as the night progresses... with each category being presented with meticulous but boring care.
The Best Actor and Actress awards are among the main events... with Paul Newman and Marlee Martin taking on the honors... embodying the allure of their performances that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Their acceptance speeches resonate, kind of, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who bear witness.
Directors, the architects of these visual wonders, are also honored with awards, for their creativity and vision. But Oliver Stone takes top spot.
Through cinematography, the canvas upon which the stories are painted, receives accolades as well. Each frame is a testament to the artistry that brings tales to life.
The supporting cast members, like the sturdy stems that uphold the blossoms, are acknowledged for their contributions.
The technical awards, akin to the roots that anchor the entire cinematic experience, receive their due recognition, ensuring that every facet of the filmic garden is celebrated.
They are plentiful and mostly unimportant, however, so it's best to not name names. It's bound to be forgotten anyway.
Moving on, a symphony of musical performances punctuates the ceremony, with each note weaving through the air like the song of a lark in a sunlit meadow.
The original song category is a radiant sunflower, standing tall amidst the other blooms, symbolizing the unique and indispensable role music plays in the storytelling tapestry.
Weirdly enough, the winner of this category couldn't come, and a pretty little songstress had to represent him, or whomever is in that bucket.
In any case, this procession isn't all highlights as adverts and the slow progression of hours are really quite draining of enthusiasm.
Fortunately, the evening was finally drawing to a close, the Best Picture award was unveiled, the pièce de résistance of the cinematic garden.
The winning film is a majestic bouquet, comprised of diverse and exquisite blooms, a reflection of the collective artistry that has graced the silver screen throughout the year.
Love it or hate it, Platoon lulled the Academy members to make it win.
And so... the curtain falls, and the stars disperse into the night, carrying with them the echoes of an enchanted garden of cinema.
This is the 59th Academy Awards, a celebration of 59 years of artistic brilliance, leaving an indelible imprint on the landscape of film, much like the fragrance of a bloom that lingers long after the garden has been admired and adored.
Obviously, Alexander didn't bother attending such a flowery farce.
But, with Creed Pictures racking up nominations for Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Effects, and Best Original Song... he still had to watch it on the "telly".
As a form of courtesy, according to a certain old British man.
And with the four awards he had to sit through, it would seem that a lingering curse of quadruple actually still troubled him.
Making it a good thing that Drew stayed at home with him... her mouth and glib-tongue have gotten kind of handy with soothing his frustrations, after all.
Of course, for talking it out. And for those dirty-minded folks out there, in no way was it anything perverted... for the most part...
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Even Milla herself wasn't too keen on leaving her Alex and that shrew by their twosome...
Miss Consigliere was actually also there... but still...
What can she do... especially with her being tasked as the one to receive and hold onto this coveted Oscars trophy she had in hand.
An Academy Award for Best Original Song. Won by her but mostly accoladed to Marshmello, through Top Gun's "Take My Breathe Away".
Despite all that, Milla couldn't help but frown as she looked at it...
Old Sullivan, who's her chaperone for the night, couldn't help but ask. "Is there anything wrong, little Milla? Too heavy for you? Or do you want one that's exclusively for yourself?"
"It's nothing, grandpa." The girl appeased. "I just thought about how Alex probably wouldn't care much for this."
The old man could only grimace at that. His grandson had distinct interests in other things and an equally distinct disdain for awards like these.
Though, he wondered. "Whatever happened to that Golden Globes he has then?"
Milla shrugged and simply stated. "With all of the papers that are stacking in his room, he's using that one so that they don't blow over."
"This new one will probably be used the same as well." She actually had no doubts about this matter of fact.
Still, Old Sullivan's whitening brows twitched. "So, it's essentially paperweight..."
The girl nodded while the old man had a lot to say... but it's better left unsaid.
He didn't want to meddle too much anymore, especially with what's going on in his grandson's room.
A lot is probably happening in there and respecting that privacy is pivotal.
All he needed to keep in mind was that Alex had Milla and Drew lulled in a taboo romance, and probably that assistant as well... but he wasn't too sure.
Old Sullivan was just spoilingly supportive enough to let their quadruple into whatever trouble they wanted to get into.