The Etrian Odyssey II MEGA-Contest we partnered with Atlus on came and went. Prizes were handed out, and good times were had. And yes, I'm totally over the jealous fit I went through over the prize load. Working at Destructoid definitely has its perks, but we're not eligible for the amazing prizes you readers get.
One of our winners, Jayson Napolitano, took issue not with his prize, but the accompanying letter. He felt that this error-filled letter might have been computer generated and impersonal. If you ask me, it's the best contest letter ever created, and knowing Atlus, intentional:
Dear CONTEST WINNER NAME HERE,
Thank you for your participation in the ETRIAN ODYSSEY II: HEROES OF LAGAARD MEGA-CONTEST!
Your entry, entry # 27,923, was deemed to be satisfactory. A team of qualified Atlus judges found its greatest qualities to be QUALITIES NOT FOUND.
We appreciate your interest in ATLUS U.S.A, INC and ETRIAN ODYSSEY II: HEROES OF LAGAARD, and hope that you continue to support future ATLUS U.S.A, INC titles, such as GAME TITLE HERE.
Enjoy your special prize.
Sincerely,
Atlus A.R.A.M
011000010111010001101100011101010111
001101100001011100100110000101101101
ATLUS Advertising, Resources, and Marketing
See the real deal after the jump.
What do you think? Best letter ever? Atlus, care to comment?
Contest:
11:59 AM on 07.22.2008
| 
I think skynet has taken over, only its called Atlusaram
It's good to see that there are companies out there that are able to put out polished, quality products but still have a great sense of humor.
If Square did something like this, You people would be up in arms about how they don't care about their customers and about how they're a soulless corporate entity who can't be bothered with dealing with people other then slapping a form letter into a box with the prize.
But when Atlus does it, It's funny and cute and they have a great sense of humor.
Nice.
Atlas = win.
The only way that anyone could fuck up a mail merge that bad is no purpose.
Also look at the language. Do you REALLY think they would call winning entries 'satisfactory'?
Look at the signature area, it's signed ATLUS A.R.A.M in binary...
If you can't figure out the joke, well... Deary me. It's funny and shows actually more effort has gone into this than a generic congratulations letter.
that was epic
I thought it was awesome. Props to Atlus for having a laugh. I agree, get this sucker framed.
And then I'd get the joke.
Amusing...both that the winner took issue with it and that they did this.
Seconding manasteel88, absolutely epic.
Now you can make copies and send them to your friends by filling in the blanks!!
Do I sense a NEW Wii game!?
http://www.cosplay.com/shoot/120185/
Greatest letter of all time.
QUALITIES NOT FOUND bwahahaha.
Because you'd typically expect something a bit more personal and congratulatory, with your name addressed. Replace that with a purposefully sterile letter that can't even remember why you were great, and lulz are had.
At least I loled at mine :)