The Real Reason

      Pocky & Rocky is damn good game. Great graphics, smooth play control, easy playability, and a lot of fun. But that's not why I decided to write this article. When the game first came out, I rented it and was fortunate enough to get the manual for it too. Unfortunately, Vimm.net doesn't have this manual, so I can't show you, but at the back of the booklet, near the warranty page, it said something along the lines of 'If you complete this game, take some pictures of it and send them to us. If you're one of the first 100 people to beat the game, you'll get a Natsume prize.' It even had instructions on how to take good pictures of a television screen. Well, I was inspired, so my brother and I sat down and beat that game like only a 5 and 11 year old could. We took some pictures, got them developed, and sent them on their way to Natsume HQ. (I'm sure there was some S&H in there too, but I think my parents paid it). 6 to 8 weeks later, I got this in the mail:


      It was official. I was a Natsume Game Master. At the time, the shirt was way too big for me. But I grew into it, and it still fits me to this day. Now, you may think that a sweatshirt from a video game company would be poor quality right? Think again. I've put this shirt through more crap than I care to think about. From hours of work, to numerous games of paintball, the only wear and tear it shows is a little stitching coming apart on the sleeve. And even after countless washings, the logo hasn't cracked. I've since decided to retire the sweatshirt. It will be a trophy for years to come.

      I actually e-mailed Natsume recently to ask if there are still any of these shirts around, or if it was a rare piece of Natsume memorabilia. I would show a screen shot of the response, but it was only four words. They said 'You are the rarity.' I was pissed! I still don't know what they mean by this cryptic reply, but you'd think if it were something really old-school they might want to have a picture of for some promotional gig. Oh well. Maybe I'll try again some day.

      So the next time someone tries to tell you that they're a game master, ask for their creds. I got mine.



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