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Numbers vs. Numerals


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Poll: Numbers vs. Roman Numerals

For games, books and movies which do you prefer?

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#1 Cukeman

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Posted 12 August 2017 - 08:55 PM

In films, books and video games sometimes we will have a series that starts out using numbers, then switches to numerals and vice-versa.

 

Something

Something II

Something 3

 

Something Else

Something Else 2

Something Else III

 

This is annoying. If you could make a whole franchise just stick with one or the other, which would you choose and why? I prefer standard numbers because it can be easy to miscount the number of I's in II, III, VII and VIII when you're scanning through text.



#2 The Satellite

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Posted 12 August 2017 - 09:50 PM

Generally I'd just prefer numbers, but there can be times when numerals feel more appropriate. Medieval-themed franchises, for instance, it would feel almost more appropriate to use numerals, bonus points if it's actually Roman-themed.

 

Admittedly at first I thought this was about the year the product came out in the credits, as many movies used Roman numerals once upon a time, though I'm not sure if this was a thing books or games did. Books, maybe, games, I don't think they did. Either way, I always thought that was stupid, just use regular numbers. :P



#3 Cukeman

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Posted 12 August 2017 - 10:37 PM

I kinda figured the exception would be ancient-themed content (or slashes like Wolverine or Jurassic Park), but at the same time we're not using ancient greek or roman languages, so we're translating the words but not the numbers, I dunno.

 

EDIT: I guess roman numerals would also be thematic for sequels to the game Columns. Roman numerals require you to make a calculation to read numbers you aren't familiar with, so I guess that's a factor too.


Edited by Cukeman, 13 August 2017 - 03:13 AM.


#4 Joelmacool

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Posted 13 August 2017 - 06:41 AM

Roman Numerals, to me, is more formal. So makes those games/movies/books more serious. But, of course, if it's a comedy movie/book, they can use numbers.


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#5 Eddy

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Posted 13 August 2017 - 07:57 AM

I would go for regular numbers, seems easier to read for me since I kinda mix up roman numerals sometimes so I can see a lot of confusion taking place lol. Like what TS said though, numerals would fit more for medieval themed games/movies/books/whatever.



#6 KingPridenia

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Posted 13 August 2017 - 08:04 AM

I personally don't have a preference either way (kind of wish there was a "no preference option"). The only thing I care about is consistency in numbering. In other words, don't do:

 

Game Series

Game Series 2: Insert Title Here

Game Series 3: Insert Title Here

Game Series IV: Insert Title Here


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#7 Nathaniel

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Posted 13 August 2017 - 10:04 AM

I don't have a preference between Roman Numerals and Hindu-Arabic Numerals, although I do prefer that they consistently stick with one.  But if they don't, it's probably about as minor as minor annoyances get for me.  Almost enough to say it's not an annoyance at all.



#8 Timelord

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Posted 13 August 2017 - 01:04 PM

I'm going with Roman numerals. They add a touch of class, and distinction to a title. I suppose in the modern educational system, they may no longer be teaching them, but that is the fault of the system, not the numbers.

 

I wonder how many people realise that bars and double bars are multipliers of powers of 10.

 

On that subject, we might discuss Phoenician numerals, as well. Their system was rather clever.


Edited by ZoriaRPG, 13 August 2017 - 01:08 PM.

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#9 Anthus

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Posted 13 August 2017 - 01:34 PM

Roman numerals are fine if there are only a few entries, but it gets a bit ridiculous when you start using Ms and Ls and whatnot. Like the Super Bowl, for example. I think numbers are more modern, and easier to read, but it is really a choice of style. Final Fantasy uses numerals, but people still will say, or type "Final Fantasy 7" or whatever.


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#10 Architect Abdiel

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Posted 13 August 2017 - 02:13 PM

Numerals. They are basically letters that represent numbers. Like algebra.

It also amuses me to see people get confused by them. Therefore numerals are objectively better.
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#11 Dark Ice Dragon

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Posted 13 August 2017 - 02:36 PM

Numerals. They are basically letters that represent numbers. Like algebra.

It also amuses me to see people get confused by them. Therefore numerals are objectively better.

 

I found it funny too, but for me numbers are better 'cause roman numerals don't have the 0 ! so the need to make a letter for 10,50,100, 1000

 

M is more short  of 1000, but numbers like 1236 should me MCCXXXVI


Edited by Dark Ice Dragon, 13 August 2017 - 02:37 PM.

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#12 Cukeman

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Posted 15 August 2017 - 01:19 AM

Another factor is that roman numerals don't alphabetical sort in numerical order, making them tricky to deal with in Word, Excel, etc.

 

(numerical order)

I

V

IX

X

L

 

(alphabetical order)

 

I

IX

L

V

X

 

Standard numbers don't have this problem.


Edited by Cukeman, 15 August 2017 - 01:21 AM.

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#13 Lüt

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Posted 15 August 2017 - 07:16 AM

I prefer numberals myself.

 

Romerican numberals.

 

However, tonally speaking, i, iiº, III+, iv, V, viº, viiº, and i again are my favorite numerals.



#14 Yloh

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Posted 10 October 2017 - 06:49 PM

This topic reminds me of when I first saw Mega Man X. My best friend and I were arguing if the X meant X or 10. He asked me if I knew my roman numerals and I told him I did. When X2 came out, that ended that argument pretty quickly. Today, I find it hilarious how there is an actual Mega Man 10. Mega Man used roman numerals through out all of their games until 10 because of Mega Man X. To me, it looks weird seeing a video game sequel that don't use roman numerals.  




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