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      <title>Games and Technology - Penny Arcade Forums</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/categories/games-and-technology/feed.rss</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 00:41:18 +0000</pubDate>
         <description>Games and Technology - Penny Arcade Forums</description>
   <language>en-CA</language>
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   <item>
      <title>Report to the [Mass Effect] thread ASAP - we'll bang, okay?</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/177468/report-to-the-mass-effect-thread-asap-well-bang-okay</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:58:27 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Maz-</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">177468@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfLEc09tTjI" rel="nofollow"><br />
<img src="http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4579/cerberuslogo.png" alt="cerberuslogo.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G8f4m2y9_k" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2841/unledpev.png" alt="unledpev.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Mass_Effect_Wiki" rel="nofollow">Mass Effect Wiki</a> -  <a href="http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/105/index/5855452" rel="nofollow">Suicide Mission Guide (ME2)</a> - <a href="http://www.masseffectsaves.com/" rel="nofollow">Import Saves (ME1/2 <b>PC &amp; XBOX ONLY</b>)</a> -<br />
<a href="http://www.masseffect2faces.com/" rel="nofollow">Face Codes (ME2)</a><br />
<br />
*<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJvrN6JijuU" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2175/300pxme3logo.png" alt="300pxme3logo.png" /></a><br />
<i>Earth is burning. Striking from beyond known space, a race of terrifying machines have begun their destruction of the human race. As Commander Shepard, an Alliance Marine, your only hope for saving mankind is to rally the civilizations of the galaxy and launch one final mission to take back the Earth.</i> <b>Available Everywhere NOW.</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoeHXkVgpajKdENHOTkwV3RFODh0dkt6M2d0dVVPNEE#gid=0" rel="nofollow">List of Origin/XBL/PSN names here!</a></b> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JH8zaIeEY53i3qMTRKN1AO3cY7FZN4IWTzwlPS2a2rc/viewform" rel="nofollow">(Join here!)</a><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://steamcommunity.com/groups/Wanguards" rel="nofollow">Join the Steam group!</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Xbox Metatag = <a href="http://live.xbox.com/en-US/Profile?gamertag=PennyA%20ME3" rel="nofollow">PennyA ME3</a></b><br />
<br />
<b><span>ME3 Pre-Release Videos</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.computerandvideogames.com/video/1479881621001/mass-effect-3-complete-tour-of-the-normandy/?mode=hd" rel="nofollow">Normandy Tour 2</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKK_8mCwglY" rel="nofollow">Normandy Tour</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwpuae0PWL4" rel="nofollow">Hijacking an Atlas</a> - <a href="http://www.g4tv.com/videos/57518/mass-effect-3-x-play-palaven-exclusive/?quality=hd" rel="nofollow">Palaven Gameplay</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DSCFQcR08E" rel="nofollow">Live Action Trailer</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7D-CAc-NZo" rel="nofollow">Mars Gameplay</a> -  <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb_WX_Osgk4" rel="nofollow">Galaxy Map</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBktyyaV9LY" rel="nofollow">CG Trailer</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pShKKOV_gA" rel="nofollow">FemShep Trailer</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szIkBoj1G7s" rel="nofollow">Ruthless and Intelligent Enemies</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_STuujNowGg" rel="nofollow">Adrenaline-Pumping Gameplay</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJu-u3zFMyk" rel="nofollow">Integrated Storytelling</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L8NOHSC9ww" rel="nofollow">Customizable Arsenal</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfvo5ueKJY8" rel="nofollow">Voice Cast</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyy5fAFw6UM" rel="nofollow">Multiplayer Trailer</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6QlALINcPY" rel="nofollow">James Vega</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q10u2SIQ4pw" rel="nofollow">Tuchanka Gameplay</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SoGlDpzFuQ" rel="nofollow">Squad Leader Gameplay</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJvrN6JijuU" rel="nofollow">E3 Trailer</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdHWBBC3h3A" rel="nofollow">Earth Demo</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4TA1W4UslA" rel="nofollow">Sur'Kesh Demo</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLX8q6K8q3M" rel="nofollow">Reaper Base Demo</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBjoi5BiKoc" rel="nofollow">Kinect Demo</a><br />
<br />
<b><span>ME3 DLC Videos</span></b><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYjenu-f_3g" rel="nofollow">Leviathan</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEJ48aU--sg" rel="nofollow">Omega</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y7xk1_x8ko" rel="nofollow">Extended Cut Interview</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BasebmHiqIo" rel="nofollow">Resurgence</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJfr5CT0-Q" rel="nofollow">Rebellion</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bkKPqOUvsE" rel="nofollow">Earth</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZqwuHFIgIA" rel="nofollow">Retaliation</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7nk13M1H4Y" rel="nofollow">Reckoning</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiQRP9PNxng" rel="nofollow">Citadel</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcrDWAuyqtc" rel="nofollow"><span><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">More Mass Effect</span></b></span></a><br />
<br />
<span>Games!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_6ZMr2bMco" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/1633/200pxmasseffectoriginal.jpg" alt="200pxmasseffectoriginal.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mass-effect-galaxy/id320095701?mt=8" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/9477/masseffectgalaxylogo.jpg" alt="masseffectgalaxylogo.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjOEmHEd2XM" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8605/200pxfinalboxartme2.jpg" alt="200pxfinalboxartme2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<span>Comics!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Redemption-Mac-Walters/dp/1595824812/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/2383/180pxmasseffectredempti.jpg" alt="180pxmasseffectredempti.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://io9.com/5720894/glimpse-the-secrets-of-mass-effects-mysterious-illusive-man/gallery/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/5595/180pxmasseffectevolutio.png" alt="180pxmasseffectevolutio.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&amp;id=33269" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2575/180pxmasseffectinvasion.jpg" alt="180pxmasseffectinvasion.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/20-458/Mass-Effect-Homeworlds-1-Anthony-Palumbo-cover" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5038/73322203.png" alt="73322203.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://comics.ign.com/articles/110/1100605p1.html" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/4241/200pxme2aria.png" alt="200pxme2aria.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-10-25-masseffect25_ST_N.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/4176/43458948.png" alt="43458948.png" /></a> <a href="http://biowarefans.com/2011/09/mass-effect-conviction-is-free/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8328/vegat.png" alt="vegat.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<span>Books!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Revelation-Drew-Karpyshyn/dp/034549816X/ref=pd_sim_b_3" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7482/230pxmerevelation.jpg" alt="230pxmerevelation.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Ascension-Drew-Karpyshyn/dp/0345498526/ref=pd_sim_b_2" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4272/190pxmeascension.jpg" alt="190pxmeascension.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Retribution-Drew-Karpyshyn/dp/0345520726/ref=pd_sim_b_1" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/9465/190pxmeretributioncover.jpg" alt="190pxmeretributioncover.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Deception-William-Dietz/dp/0345520734" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5683/190pxmasseffectdeceptio.png" alt="190pxmasseffectdeceptio.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<span><a href="http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2010/05/mass-effect-video-game-on-way-to-movie-screen.html" rel="nofollow">A motion picture!</a> + <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Freddie-Prinze-Jr/dp/B008HUSFCU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1357238167&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=paragon+lost" rel="nofollow">An anime!</a></span><br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9-dLzzQuVM" rel="nofollow"><span><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Community Sundries</span></b></span></a><br />
<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/TychoCelchuuu">@TychoCelchuuu</a> has been kind enough to provide peeks at Commander Shepard's facebook page:<br />
<a href="http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9078/masseffectbook.jpg" rel="nofollow">one</a> |<a href="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6421/masseffectbook2.jpg" rel="nofollow">two</a>| <a href="http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3806/masseffectbook3.jpg" rel="nofollow">three</a> |  <a href="http://img807.imageshack.us/img807/4292/masseffect2book.jpg" rel="nofollow">FOUR!</a> | <a href="http://a.imageshack.us/img237/9613/masseffect2book2.jpg" rel="nofollow"><b>FIVE!!</b></a><br />
<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/GoodKingJayIII">@GoodKingJayIII</a> provided the following way to skip much of the introduction for the PC version of ME2:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>A lot of people don't like the opening 10 minute intro movie, but there is a way to get rid of it. Go to:<br />
<br />
C:....mass effect 2\BioGameMovies<br />
<br />
Change the extension of the following files to .bak:<br />
<br />
Opening_End_Seq.bik<br />
<br />
Opening_End_SeqFM.bik<br />
<br />
Opening_Seq_INT.bik<br />
<br />
ProCer_300_FirstFlight.bik<br />
<br />
ME2_Opening_SunMid_INT.bak<br />
<br />
ProNor_Pod2.bik<br />
<br />
ProNorEscape.bik<br />
<br />
ProNorEscapeAsh.bik<br />
<br />
ProNorEscapeKaid.bik<br />
<br />
ME2_Opening_SunMid_ESN.bik<br />
<br />
ME_EAsig_720p_v2_raw.bak<br />
<br />
BWLogo.bak<br />
<br />
ProNor_Shepard_Rebuilt.bik<br />
<br />
This will not get rid of everything, you still have to watch the non-CGI cutscenes and Save Joker. But it does cut down quite a bit. If you want those movies back just rename them to .bik again. If you're worried your renaming the wrong thing, you can download a BIK palyer and confirm the files.<br />
<br />
3. For those who hate planet scanning and hacking, there is an easy ini file edit floating around. This is just a colaseced editor that you guys have already been playing with but this one seemed pretty idiot proof to me. This again needs an external program but is non-excutable.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?yjjzlzzzmyj" rel="nofollow">http://www.mediafire.com/?yjjzlzzzmyj</a><br />
<br />
This has all kinds of stuff like god mode, extra weapons, infinite ammo etc., but if you just want the money, just use it to get your resources, save, then exit the game and revert to the non-hacked state.</div></div>
<br />
<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/korodullin">@korodullin</a> has kindly offered some R&amp;R with a wonderful game of bingo!
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><br />
<img src="http://a.imageshack.us/img842/9684/bingofinalv2.jpg" alt="bingofinalv2.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Spoit">@Spoit</a> has a far more simple variation:<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/Spoit/me2bingo.jpg" alt="me2bingo.jpg" /></div></div>
</div></div>
<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/curly%20haired%20boy">@curly haired boy</a> strikes back with awesome wallpapers taken from the ME2:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><br />
<a href="http://a.imageshack.us/img704/4620/thecore.png" rel="nofollow">Galactic Core</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://a.imageshack.us/img810/6485/illium.png" rel="nofollow">Illium</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://a.imageshack.us/img638/3719/thecitadel.png" rel="nofollow">Citadel</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://a.imageshack.us/img291/9671/omegaw.png" rel="nofollow">Omega</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://a.imageshack.us/img16/505/bekenstein.png" rel="nofollow">Bekenstein</a></div></div>
<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Orca">@Orca</a> has kindly complied all of the <a href="http://fuckyeahmasseffect.soup.io/" rel="nofollow">shamelessly awful pictures posted in this thread.</a><br />
<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Orca">@Orca</a> explains how to transfer ME1 to Origin:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>From the other thread, enter your info here:  <a href="https://activate.ea.com/gameactivation.do" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://activate.ea.com/gameactivation.do</a><br />
<br />
then create or link an existing EA classic account.  Origin should figure out what's up without you doing anything more at that point.<br />
<br />
*If buying ME somewhere other than Origin and it doesn't contain BDTS or PS, contact Origin CS and they can get it fixed for you.</div></div>
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-bG2mdZ23eP8"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=bG2mdZ23eP8"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/bG2mdZ23eP8/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />

<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/54048/-Tal">-Tal</a> wrote: <a rel="nofollow" href="/discussion/comment/22463785#Comment_22463785"><span>»</span></a></div>
<div><span><span id="youtube-_-MSuVTzsg8"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=_-MSuVTzsg8"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/_-MSuVTzsg8/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Massive.  End.  Spoilers.  DO NOT CLICK.  <b>SERIOUSLY.</b>
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><br />
From <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Yougottawanna">@Yougottawanna</a> a Brilliant dissection as to why the ending is so bad in Red Letter Media Style:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><span><span id="youtube-7MlatxLP-xs"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=7MlatxLP-xs"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/7MlatxLP-xs/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span></div></div>
<br />
And a followup:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><span><span id="youtube-tJ5qPIcuMZA"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=tJ5qPIcuMZA"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/tJ5qPIcuMZA/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span></div></div>
<br />
From <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/manwiththemachinegun">@manwiththemachinegun</a> SECRET TRUE ENDING HHEYYYYAAA!!!!!<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><span><span id="youtube-JAmVVAjZZeM"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=JAmVVAjZZeM"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/JAmVVAjZZeM/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span></div></div>
<br />
True Last Boss!
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><span><span id="youtube-467pmIX-oZo"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=467pmIX-oZo"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/467pmIX-oZo/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span></div></div>
</div></div>
<br />
<a href="http://blog.bioware.com/" rel="nofollow">Bioware Blog</a> Where official announcements about pending Multiplayer weekend events are made.<br />
<a href="http://narida.pytalhost.com/me3/classes/#00BAAAA" rel="nofollow">MP Build Simulator</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgoNSTctMEekdHIwa081S0FBVS1ZZzdWeXRnbGRDYnc&amp;output=html" rel="nofollow">Mass Effect 3 MP Weapon Data</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgoNSTctMEekdEJZUFQ0R1pid0JsY25QRUZrbE50QlE&amp;output=html" rel="nofollow">Mass Effect 3 MP Wave Composition Chart</a><br />
<a href="http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/347/index/9822648#13558922" rel="nofollow">Bioware Resistance Multipliers Thread</a><br />
For a list of your obtained equipment and their respective levels, check your Bioware Social account.  Go to "My Games" and click Mass Effect 3 in the pop-up box and then choose Multiplayer Manifest.
</div>
<br />
Special thanks to <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/-Tal">@-Tal</a> for putting together an awesome OP.<br />
The OP has been stolen <i>so many fucking times</i>.  We're gonna fill up the OP with credits.  <img src="/plugins/Emotify/design/images/4.gif" width="" height="" alt=":D" title=":D" /><br />
OP Shamelessly stolen from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Dragkonias">@Dragkonias</a> who stole it from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/forar">@forar</a> who stole it from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/The%20Dude%20With%20Herpes">@The Dude With Herpes</a> who stole it from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/jdarksun">@jdarksun</a> who stole it from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/forar">@forar</a> who stole it from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/jdarksun">@jdarksun</a> who stole it from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/-Tal">@-Tal</a><br />

<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/105/Taramoor">Taramoor</a> wrote: <a rel="nofollow" href="/discussion/comment/22991264#Comment_22991264"><span>»</span></a></div>
<div>The following was posted by a BioWare mod as an apology for the online pass issue, which they're working on.<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m28k0axzRD1rq5i6do1_500.jpg" alt="tumblr_m28k0axzRD1rq5i6do1_500.jpg" /></div></div>
</div>
</blockquote>

<div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PjTuSQNLI4" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8868/830pxinterrupticons.png" alt="830pxinterrupticons.png" /></a>
</div>

<div>
And last, but certainly not least: The <i>TRUE</i> Hero of Mass Effect
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://i.imgur.com/u8BWP.gif" alt="u8BWP.gif" /></div></div>

</div>
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>The Xbox One Thread in which we don't discuss Used Games.</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/178819/the-xbox-one-thread-in-which-we-dont-discuss-used-games</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 20:07:47 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Rorus Raz</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">178819@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
INSERT XBOX ONE IMAGE HERE]
</div>
<br />
Welcome to the Xbox One thread! It's going to be a bit...empty for now, I'll fill this OP out around E3 time.<br />
<br />
<span><b>The Rules Which You Better Read</b></span>
<ul>
<li>This is not a thread to defend your favorite hardware maker, nor is it one to shit over other hardware makers. This forum tends to be better about fan-silliness, but a lot of you tend to get all hot and bothered if anyone besmirches the House of Plumber. Appropriate and sincere comparisons are fine, but we don't need any dramatics. This includes tired memes like "lolsony" and the dreaded "M$".</li>
<li><b>WE ARE NOT DISCUSSING THE XBOX ONE'S PURPORTED INABILITY TO PLAY USED GAMES.</b></li>
<li><span><b>This thread is not intended to be permanent.</b></span> The most likely situation is that we'll give you the holiday season to enjoy the new toy Santa got you, and then this thread gets shut down. Exceptions have been made for hardware that's been struggling and cannot maintain a lot of active threads on specific games. The XBox One is likely not going to have that problem, so don't get attached to this thread.</li>
<li>These rules are to be posted in every subsequent thread.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span><b>Facts</b></span><br />
<br />
TBA<br />
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>Show off your [Screenshots] thread [NSF56k]</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/154829/show-off-your-screenshots-thread-nsf56k</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:07:37 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>SmokeStacks</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">154829@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Hey G&amp;T, have you ever come across a beautiful vista, a hidden easter egg, a cool moment, or a humorous glitch in a video game? Did you cap it?<br />
<br />
We haven't had a screenshot thread in a long time, but the mods gave the go ahead for a new one, so hooray us. There are some ground rules though:<br />
<br />
<b>RULES:</b><br />
<br />
- You can only post screenshots <i>you</i> actually took yourself. Nothing you find on IGN or GameFaqs or  Dead End Thrills or whatever.<br />
- Vanilla doesn't resize images or scroll when they're in a spoiler, but it will resize images that are posted inline, so don't worry about raping anyone's h-scroll. However,<br />
- Any screenshot that spoils a game <i>must</i> be in a spoiler.<br />
- No NSFW screenshots.<br />
- Limit your shots to ten per post. Multiple posts in a row are fine, but a softlimit of ten large images per post should help break up the pages better.<br />
- If you're posting a shot from a console game, make sure you crop out any borders or titlebars that could get you into trouble.<br />
<br />
<b>HOW DO I SHOT SCREEN?</b><br />
<br />
For PC games, there are a number of different methods you can use. A lot of games have a built in screenshot capability (usually bindable) that will output a shot somewhere in the game's directory. You can also use a capturing program like Fraps to take shots (this will allow you to alter the output format, which will determine your quality and filesize). Lastly, you can take screenshots in any Steam game that supports the overlay (default key is F5).<br />
<br />
For console games, you're basically limited to owning a development system, or running your console through a capture card. There are some rare games that allow you to save screenshots, and there are some tools that will allow a PSP owner to take screenshots of games running on their system as well.<br />
<br />
<b>HOW DO I GET RID OF THAT STUPID HUD?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
For Source Engine games:<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Here's a shot of Half Life Source:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/ThermalGoguh/PA%20Junk/hl22012-01-2712-51-26-66.jpg" alt="hl22012-01-2712-51-26-66.jpg" /><br />
<br />
If I pull down the console and type "cl_drawhud 0" without quotation marks the HUD will disappear:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/ThermalGoguh/PA%20Junk/hl22012-01-2712-51-42-14.jpg" alt="hl22012-01-2712-51-42-14.jpg" /><br />
<br />
If I type "impulse 200" the weapon model will disappear:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/ThermalGoguh/PA%20Junk/hl22012-01-2712-51-51-89.jpg" alt="hl22012-01-2712-51-51-89.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Typing "cl_drawhud 1" will turn your hud back on, and changing weapons will bring your weapon model back.</div></div>
<br />
<br />
For Unreal Engine games:<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Generally, pulling down the console and typing "ToggleHud" without quotation marks once will remove the HUD, typing it again will return it. Examples from Unreal 2:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/ThermalGoguh/PA%20Junk/Unreal22012-01-2717-05-38-58.jpg" alt="Unreal22012-01-2717-05-38-58.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/ThermalGoguh/PA%20Junk/Unreal22012-01-2717-05-48-81.jpg" alt="Unreal22012-01-2717-05-48-81.jpg" /></div></div>
<br />
<br />
For Skwandaaaaarrrrlooobumpyytoo:<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>To remove the HUD in Skyrim, pull down the console using the ~ key, than type "tm" without quotation marks and press enter. This is the "toggle menu" command. When entered, your HUD will disappear, but so will the console. Press the ~ key again and the invisible console will close. Then, after taking your shot(s), hit the ~ key again (it will still be invisible), type tm, press enter, and your console and HUD will be back. Then press ~ again to close the console.<br />
<br />
Also, Skyrim has a command that will allow you to enter a free camera mode, which will pause the game and let you move your camera using WASD independent of your character to set up action shots. The console command for this is "tfc" (for Toggle Free Camera). Entering "tfc 1" into the console will activate it, and entering "tfc 0" will return the game to normal.<br />
<br />
I don't have any demonstration shots because my rig can't handle Skyrim, but if you have any images you'd like to volunteer let me know and I'll add them.</div></div>
<br />
These are some of the most popular game engines today. If you have info on cleaning up shots for other games or game engines, let me know and I'll add it here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I TOOK A COOL SHOT OF A BANDIT GETTING SUCKED INTO AN ANOMALY IN STALKER, HOW DO I SHOW IT TO PEOPLE?</b><br />
<br />
The easiest way is to find a free image hosting website and create an account. Photobucket, Imgur, Imageshack, and TinyPic are some of them. If you're only posting a shot or two and don't want to bother signing up for anything you can always use Imageshack, then get the forum code, and then remove the url tags to get the image link.<br />
<br />
A note on linking images from your Steam Cloud:<br />

<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/69102/Gaslight">Gaslight</a> wrote:</div>
<div>To make Steam cloud shots work with the img tags on the Vanilla forum, you need to add "?.jpg" after the final slash in each one's URL.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
So, if you saw anything cool in a game, documented something unusual, or just want to flex your e-peen with a 2048x1152 shot of Metro 2033 running at 90fps than go ahead and post it so we can all check it out and talk about it. I want to stress that this thread isn't just for highrez money shots, anything that is interesting or cool or amusing should be posted, no matter what the resolution or graphical settings you were running at the time.<br />
<br />
I'll kick us off:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/2346/autumnring1n.jpg" alt="autumnring1n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/9836/portal22012012717162630.jpg" alt="portal22012012717162630.jpg" />]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[Mechwarrior:Online] We'll make our own Patch Tuesday!  With Blackjacks &amp; Hooker Mechs!</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/178461/mechwarrioronline-well-make-our-own-patch-tuesday-with-blackjacks-hooker-mechs</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 20:58:37 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Mvrck</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">178461@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<a href="http://khush.smule.com/autorap_508618129ccd1&amp;v2" rel="nofollow">Our Anthem</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mwomercs.com/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3425/logojy.png" alt="logojy.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<span><b><a href="http://steamcommunity.com/groups/PennyArcadeMechwarriors" rel="nofollow">Join the Steam Penny Arcade MechWarriors Group for hot 'Mech wang action!</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkaCounEkSb2dGdQUl9lenVuSEphRC03UVY0LWo3YWc" rel="nofollow">Sign up on the Oosik Irregulars roster and see who else is playing!</a><br />
<a href="http://theoosiks.com/mechlab" rel="nofollow">Behold the official Oosik Irregulars Online Mechlab!</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gA47gph1hcGRPS_irzvjnj4Ugh9PW_QqBqz_Whm8ciw/viewform" rel="nofollow">Submit your mech builds here!</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aj12sAkAZL97dGJuMHZuS3lRMmlfOUlFM1lnNHZkZkE#gid=0" rel="nofollow">Browse submitted mech builds!</a><br />
Please visit <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/176397" rel="nofollow">MWO Strategy Discussion</a> for the updated <b>Oosik Recommended Builds Master List.<br />
Join the PA vent to play with fine people of discerning taste!</b></b></span><br />
host: vent20.gameservers.com<br />
port: 4384<br />
password: you should probably know already<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-zO2iNFmESQ0"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=zO2iNFmESQ0"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/zO2iNFmESQ0/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span><a href="http://twitter.com/InnerSphereNews" rel="nofollow">Inner Sphere News, the twitter feed for all your official MechWarrior needs</a></span></b><br />
<b><span><a href="http://twitter.com/Outreach_news" rel="nofollow">Outreach News, the twitter feed for up to date MWO News.</a></span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
Welcome pilot to the new Mechwarrior Online OP.  I understand that while some of you are seasoned veterans who know better, a decent lot of you think a futuristic, sci-fi, guided missile should be able to go further than a kilometer.  Well rookie, I'm glad you're here because in this thread, common sense is lostech.
</div>
<br />
<b><span>What is Mechwarrior Online?</span></b><br />
Mechwarrior Online is a free to play, PC based, online shooter produced by Piranha Games Interactive.  MWO places you in the command seat of a heavily armed and armored walking battle machine that you pilot in team based matches against other Mechwarriors.  At the end of each match you earn C-Bills, the in game currency that is used to buy more items and mechs, and experience that is used to enhance your piloting abilities of your mech. Between matches, you can customize your mech with a variety of engines, weapons, subsystem modules, and chassis enancements until you have your chosen mech tailored to your liking.<br />
There are two game modes currently; Assault and Conquest.  In Assault, you and your team attempt to either capture the enemy team's base without losing your own base, or eliminate the enemy team.  Conquest is a traditional domination mode where you and your team are attempting to reach the point total first or eliminate the enemy team.  Later in the year, Community Warfare will be introduced that will pit player based Merc Corps and PGI operated houses against each other for control of entire planets.  We don't have much information about the Warfare mode yet, but the op will be updated with it as we find out more.<br />
<br />
<b><span>What about that old Mechwarrior Reboot trailer?</span></b><br />
<span><span id="youtube-wzge4Wc3zfw"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=wzge4Wc3zfw"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/wzge4Wc3zfw/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
Basically this:
<blockquote>

<div>The initial incarnation of Piranha Games' MechWarrior reboot, which was revealed yesterday to have become the free-to-play PC exclusive MechWarrior Online, was stymied by "a Microsoft restriction" blocking a PlayStation 3 edition. This, according to Piranha, played a big part in publishers not wanting to pick the game up.</div>
</blockquote>
If you'd like to know more, Shacknews has the whole story: <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/70879/mechwarrior-reboot-was-derailed-by-microsoft-blocking-ps3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.shacknews.com/article/70879/mechwarrior-reboot-was-derailed-by-microsoft-blocking-ps3</a><br />
<br />
<b><span>I played MechAssault for the Xbox and it was boring.  Why should I care about this?</span></b><br />
Yo <i>fuck</i> MechAssault. No, really.  That game was a bastardization of Mechwarrior that turned a quality series into a trashy arcade experience that changed a lot about the setting's mechanics for the worse.  MechWarrior is a venerable PC franchise that dates back to 1989's Mechwarrior 1 which was based on the even older pen and paper wargame Battletech.  Each game in the series was at the cutting edge of technology when it was released and each game has received massive amounts of praise for having fantastic gameplay and surprisingly quality plots.  If you'd like to try out one of the older games Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries is <a href="http://www.mektek.net/index.php/home/articles/mechwarrior-4-free" rel="nofollow">FREE TO DOWNLOAD FOR EVERYONE</a>!  It's not a bad idea to play it at least a little bit before jumping into MWO so that you can get the hang of things against an AI before throwing down against real people.<br />

<div>
<img src="http://www.epicslash.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/mechwarrior3_banner.png" alt="mechwarrior3_banner.png" />
</div>
<b><span>The New Player's Guide to Getting Started in MWO</span></b><br />
1.) Download the client at <a href="http://www.mwomercs.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.mwomercs.com</a> and install it.<br />
2.) Before launching the game, click the "Visit Training Grounds" butting in the top right corner of the launcher.  Watch those videos to get at least an initial grasp of what to expect.  This game has a bit of a learning curve to it and while it's not super steep, it's definitely not just a jump in and click things until you win sort game.  Be sure to watch the Weapon Grouping video as it'll do the most to help keep you alive.  Chain fire is god.<br />
2a.) <a href="http://mwomercs.com/pennyarcade" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://mwomercs.com/pennyarcade</a>  Penny Arcade also did some Pilot Safety Posters and while they're humorous, they do have some good information in them.<br />
3.) When you start the game you will have access to four trial mechs that rotate out for new mechs every couple of weeks or so.  These are non-customizable mechs with set loadouts based on their canon setups.  After twentyfive matches you will have earned an extra 8 million C-Bills on top of your winnings and will easily be able to afford a proper mech of your own.  When choosing a trial mech to start with, you will want to avoid the assault mechs at first because of the four, they're the hardest to drive.  Their slow speed and tendency to get primaried instantly by the enemy team means tactics are paramount and for a rookie player they're kind of a death trap despite being the most heavily armed and armored.<br />
4.) After each match you will earn some C-Bills, pilot xp, and general xp.  C-Bills are the in game currency used to buy everything except cosmetic items.  Pilot XP is specific to the mech you earned it on and is used to by piloting enhancements like faster torso rotation or faster turning.  To unlock elite skills you will need to get all of the basic skills for at least three variants of a specific chassis.  General XP can be used on any mech and is also used to unlock modules.  Pilot XP can be converted into General XP by spending Mech Credits.<br />
5.) Mech Credits (MC) are the in game currency that you purchase with real money in order to shortcut your way to a new mech.  MC is also used to purchase premium account status and cosmetic items for your mech like new paint jobs and items to put in your cockpit like bobblehead dolls.  MC CANNOT be converted into C-Bills or XP meaning everyone has to earn their arms and armor equally the same.<br />
<br />
<b><span>How much is Premium time and what do you get for it?</span></b><br />
Premium accounts get an additional 50% of earned XP and 50% of earned C-Bills.  In the future, Premium accounts may get bonuses and features in Community Warfare that free accounts don't but nothing firm has been actually said.<br />
<br />
Premium time costs are as follows:<br />
1 Day - 250 MC<br />
3 Days - 650 MC<br />
7 Days - 1,250 MC<br />
30 Days - 2,500 MC<br />
180 Days - 13,500 MC<br />
360 - 24,000 MC<br />
<br />
<b><span>Outreach Broadcast News</span></b><br />

<div>
<img src="http://mmoattack.com/uploads/mechwarrior-online-banner.jpg" alt="mechwarrior-online-banner.jpg" />
</div>
<b><span>Additional Links and Info</span></b><br />
<a href="http://mechlab.theoosiks.com/index.html" rel="nofollow">MWOOSK!  The official Oosik Irregulars Online Mechlab!</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gA47gph1hcGRPS_irzvjnj4Ugh9PW_QqBqz_Whm8ciw/viewform" rel="nofollow">Submit your mech builds here and browse other people's creations!</a><br />
<a href="http://mwowiki.org/wiki/Main_Page" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://mwowiki.org/wiki/Main_Page</a> - Tons of useful information about most of the game's assets.<br />
<a href="http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/27065-ohms-quick-reference-sheets-for-all-mech-hardpoints-weapons-engines-pilot-lab-images-pdfs-excel-inside/" rel="nofollow">MW:O user Ohmwrecker's</a> master list of all the information you're curious about (this will probably answer 99% of your questions once you understand how to read it)<br />
<a href="http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/68530-how-to-make-usercfg-work-again-patched-sys-spec-files/" rel="nofollow">Not happy with your framerate or graphics quality?</a> Here are some tweaks and work-arounds you can try<br />
<a href="http://mwowiki.org/index.php?title=Category:Confirmed_Mechs" rel="nofollow">List of confirmed battlemechs</a>, with hardpoint layouts for each variant (Updated to include all playable variants)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Having technical issues?  Try these things out!
<blockquote>

<div>1. A reinstall can do wonders if you're having problems with the bootstrap launcher (the patcher thing that pops up before you get the login window). Sometimes the uninstall goes wrong (because of course), so go here if it won't reinstall.<br />
<br />
2. Try manually deleting the shader cache (MWO should do this automatically, but sometimes fails and it gets corrupted). The post in the link also gives steps to set up a batch script to force the deletion each time MWO loads.<br />
<br />
3. This is a weird fix, but some people found that moving the install directory to another physical drive solves crashes. Literally cut/paste the directory and update shortcuts manually. Not sure if moving to another partition on the same drive helps.<br />
<br />
4. Force your video card to stop power-save throttling and disable ambient occlusion. If ambient occlusion is listed "unsupported" for Nvidia cards, try this sub-post to import a fixed game profile for the control panel.<br />
<br />
5. Force multi-threading, in case the game isn't using all available cores.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<b><span>Hey I want one of those swanky Oosik Irregulars sigs! How do I get one?</span></b><br />
PM <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/TOGSolid">@TOGSolid</a><br />
<b><span>How do I get a code for the PC Gamer skin?</span></b><br />
PM <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/DaMoonRulz">@DaMoonRulz</a><br />

<div>
<img src="http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/images/2012/03/mwo.jpg" alt="mwo.jpg" />
</div>
<b><span>I Just Can't Get Enough Mech Stuff!</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>MechCommander</b><br />
<a href="http://www.shacknews.com/file/20900/mechcommander-gold-free-game" rel="nofollow">MechCommander</a> and <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/file/20899/mechcommander-2-free-game" rel="nofollow">MechCommander 2</a> are <b>free</b>. They're pretty fun; you basically load out your 'mechs and command them in battle. They're pretty good recreations of the MechWarrior games, actually. Certainly worth a look if you enjoy strategy and mechs.<br />
By popular request:<br />
<span><span id="youtube-t8mOiRLQB6E"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=t8mOiRLQB6E"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/t8mOiRLQB6E/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>MechWarrior: Living Legends</b><br />
<a href="http://www.mechlivinglegends.net/" rel="nofollow">Living Legends</a> is a kickass Crysis Wars MechWarrior mod. It's almost professional quality. The graphics are stupendous and they've done more than just add 'mechs: you get a bunch of the air vehicles and ground vehicles, too, plus Elementals if you're silly enough NOT to want to pilot a giant walking tank. The mod is multiplayer only and it even has Solaris arena matches in there. Definitely check this out if you have Crysis Wars, because it's free (as long as you own Crysis Wars, duh). <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/164658/mechwarrior-living-legends-0-6-beta-bas-hovercraft-vtols-tanks-and-oh-yeah-mechs" rel="nofollow">Here is the Penny Arcade forum thread for this game</a>.<br />
UPDATE:  This mod is no longer being developed but is still available to play.<br />
<br />
<b>MechWarrior 2</b><br />
MechWarrior 2 is not free but if you own a copy already (like, say, MW2: Mercenaries woooo) you can get it running on Windows XP (and Vista and 7?) with <a href="http://www.mechvm.org/" rel="nofollow">MechVM</a>. Install MechVM, put your CD in, and tell MechVM to install from the CD. Bada-bing, it runs fine. An alternative is to use <a href="http://www.warp13.co.uk/mech2" rel="nofollow">MW2hook</a> which works pretty well but is a bit of work to figure out.<br />
<br />
<b>MechWarrior 3</b><br />
<a href="http://www.mechwarrior3.org/" rel="nofollow">MechWarrior3.org</a> should have everything you need to get up and running.<br />

<div>
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/MUbLe.jpg" alt="MUbLe.jpg" />
</div>
<b><span>Odds and Ends</span></b><br />

<ul>
<li><a href="http://steamcommunity.com/groups/PennyArcadeMechwarriors" rel="nofollow">Steam Penny Arcade MechWarrior Group</a></li>
<li><a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/160662/mechwarrior-tactics-this-game-is-hexy-register-on-forums-for-closed-beta" rel="nofollow">Our MechWarrior Tactics thread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/164658/mechwarrior-living-legends-0-6-beta-bas-hovercraft-vtols-tanks-and-oh-yeah-mechs" rel="nofollow">Our MechWarrior Living Legends thread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.deter.com/mech/download/mech2wav.zip" rel="nofollow">Almost every MechWarrior 2 computer sound file, so that you can make your computer say "Shutting Down" when you shut down</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.noblefusion.com/graphics/mw/nominal.wav" rel="nofollow">The all important REACTOR, ONLINE, SENSORS, ONLINE, WEAPONS, ONLINE, ALL SYSTEMS NOMINAL *purr* *beep* sound to complete the collection</a>. You might actually want to rip that last one from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCmrp38KjYg" rel="nofollow">this YouTube video</a> because the direct download I've linked has a tiny bit of music at the end.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mektek.net/" rel="nofollow">MekTek.net, your net source for Mek Tek</a>. This is where MechWarrior 4 is free to download</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mech2.org/forum/index.php" rel="nofollow">Mech2.org forums that tell you how to run Mechwarrior 2, if you're nostalgic</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfR6w0ljrFE" rel="nofollow">Ducan Fisher (Solaris VII announcer) outtakes</a>. <i>Hilarious</i>. He does a great Homer Simpson voice. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FayoajyRaKA" rel="nofollow">Part two</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mechwarrior3.org/" rel="nofollow">MechWarrior3.org</a>, to make MechWarrior 3 work.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X3GD0UnBCk" rel="nofollow">Mechwarrior 2 Intro</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at9hxU864Fg" rel="nofollow">Mechwarrior 2: Mercenaries Intro</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR_ym3Gj2vE" rel="nofollow">Mechwarrior 3 Intro</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxfKZZ4RNng" rel="nofollow">Mechwarrior 4 Intro</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxEAaJfGUzM" rel="nofollow">Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries Intro</a></li>
</ul>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/185ajgyxptf9ujpg/xlarge.jpg" alt="xlarge.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/XVejz.gif" alt="XVejz.gif" /></div></div>
<br />
Some of this OP was shamelessly copied from the old one <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/TychoCelchuuu">@TychoCelchuuu</a> wrote.<br />
<br />
The rest was shamelessly copied from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/TOGSolid">@TOGSolid</a>.]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[Diablo 3] Reports of the Economy's death were greatly exaggerated</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/178453/diablo-3-reports-of-the-economys-death-were-greatly-exaggerated</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 19:04:25 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>HexDex</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">178453@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[New Thread smell!<br />

<div>
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/diablo/images/5/52/Diablo_III_demon_splash_logo.png" alt="Diablo_III_demon_splash_logo.png" />
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/9647272/patch-108-now-live-5-7-2013" rel="nofollow">Patch 1.08</a><br />
<a href="http://eu.battle.net/d3/en/blog/6265182/New_Event_Infernal_Machine-16_10_2012" rel="nofollow">The Infernal Machine</a><br />
<a href="http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/7540457/Monster_Power_More_Guts_More_Glory-10_11_2012" rel="nofollow">Monster Power</a><br />
<br />
Forum HC challenge, should it be re-invigorated:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/1574/RandomEngy">RandomEngy</a> wrote: <a rel="nofollow" href="/discussion/comment/24493603#Comment_24493603"><span>»</span></a></div>
<div>Guess what's back on?<br />
<br />
<span><b>The Penny-Arcade Forums Super Hardcore Challenge</b></span><br />
<br />
Rend got busy so I'm taking over for him. And I'm adding a 50 million gold prize for the winner.<br />
<br />
Are you hardcore? Do you believe yourself to be the hardest, of all cores? Prove your mettle in this test of speed, skill and luck against opponents eager to show you exactly how much better they are!<br />
<br />
The first to kill the Butcher with a new Hardcore character on MP1 will take home 50 million gold.<br />
Glory is for the young: You must make a new Hardcore character for the contest. Start with an empty inventory and 0 experience points. I will let everyone know a special word to put in their character's name before the contest starts.<br />
Gold is for the weak: You cannot buy anything from the vendor or take anything out of the stash. You can only use what drops for you.<br />
Friends are for the incompetent: You must be the only player in the game. You can disable Quick Join in the Social settings to make sure no one crashes your game. Also you must dismiss followers as soon as possible.<br />
Privacy is for the unknown: You must stream your attempt, and agree to let the event caster re-stream it. We want to watch your grisly death! Twitch TV is a great place to stream to.<br />
<br />
The winner will be the first player to kill the Butcher<br />
If all combatants die, the player who made it furthest in the quest chain wins<br />
If there is a tie on quest progress, the player who made it to their spot the fastest wins<br />
<br />
Reward:<br />
<b>The winner will receive 50 million gold (softcore) on any realm. </b><br />
<br />
Players will have to balance speed and survivability: they can run past packs of enemies , but will give up valuable levels in the process. If you play it safe, someone more reckless than you may take home the gold.<br />
<br />
In addition to the individual streams, we'll have an overall stream showing play from different player's streams and giving commentary. Either me or another volunteer will do this.<br />
<b>The event will be casted here: <a href="http://www.twitch.tv/randomengy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.twitch.tv/randomengy</a> . Those participating should watch at the start time for a final recap of the rules and the special word to put in their character names.</b><br />
<br />
It will be held on Saturday, November 3.<br />
12 PM Pacific Daylight (noon)<br />
3 PM Eastern Daylight<br />
8 PM BST</div>
</blockquote>
</div></div>
<br />
<b>WARNING! There has been a lot of hacking of Battle.net Accounts since Diablo 3's release. <span>GET AN AUTHENTICATOR</span>.</b> You can get them for iOS and Android devices for free, or from the <a href="http://us.blizzard.com/store/search.xml?q=authenticator" rel="nofollow">Blizzard store</a> for a reasonable price. <b>If you get hacked Blizzard will restore your items and characters, but only a limited number of times. After the first you will need to get an authenticator anyway, and after the second you will no longer be able to use the RMAH.</b><br />
<br />
D3's opening cinematic
<div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><span><span id="youtube-Xlhwv4udxtc"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xlhwv4udxtc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Xlhwv4udxtc/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span></div></div>
<br />
Welcome to the G&amp;T Diablo 3 thread! <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFNMUjh6NnprUmlBVXJIcWRfZzF4ZFE6MQ&amp;ifq" rel="nofollow">Add yourself to the PA Battletag list here</a>, then <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnRqfRrGciB9dFNMUjh6NnprUmlBVXJIcWRfZzF4ZFE#gid=0" rel="nofollow">view the full list here!</a><br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/06/d2anniversary.jpg" alt="d2anniversary.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
<b>What's different from Diablo 2?</b><br />
<br />
The game is still an isometric click-fest where you slaughter thousands of demons in the enternal search for better loot, though several of the mechanics/game systems have been changed. It is now ONLINE ONLY, with a max party size of 4. You can set games to be private (invite only), friends only, and open to public. With friends only games, your friends will see a quick join button on their main screens, letting them drop in any time as long as there is room. "Appear Offline" functionality will be coming soon.<br />
<br />
Skill trees, skill points, synergies, and manual stat placement are all gone. Instead, all of your stat points are gained and placed automatically with each level up, with distribution based on your class. Skills are now broken into Actives and Passives, and are all gained as you level up, along with the new skill runes. The potion belt is also gone, and potions themselves now have a 30 second cooldown, so no more chugging to stay alive. Instead, enemies drop Health Orbs, which simply heal you and all your allies within range when you walk over them. Runes and Runewords are also gone, and have been replace with a proper crafting system.<br />
<br />
Hardcore makes a return, but the requires you to have one character reach level 10 in normal before you can create any Hardcore characters. Last but not least, Hell is no longer the hardest difficulty in the game. That duty has been taken over by the Inferno difficulty, which has proven to be a significant challenge.<br />
<br />
There's a lot more detailed info available at the <a href="http://us.battle.net/d3/en/game/" rel="nofollow">official game guide</a>, including skill calculators and character profiles. If you're still curious, you can try the game for free up to the first boss and level 13.<br />
<br />
<b>The Classes</b><br />

<div>
<a href="http://eu.battle.net/d3/en/game/lore/short-story/barbarian/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://eu.media.blizzard.com/d3/media/artwork/wayfarer-index-thumb.jpg" alt="wayfarer-index-thumb.jpg" /></a><a href="http://eu.battle.net/d3/en/game/lore/short-story/wizard/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://eu.media.blizzard.com/d3/media/artwork/firefly-index-thumb.jpg" alt="firefly-index-thumb.jpg" /></a><a href="http://eu.battle.net/d3/en/game/lore/short-story/demon-hunter/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://eu.media.blizzard.com/d3/media/artwork/hatred-and-discipline-index-thumb.jpg" alt="hatred-and-discipline-index-thumb.jpg" /></a><a href="http://eu.battle.net/d3/en/game/lore/short-story/witch-doctor/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://eu.media.blizzard.com/d3/media/artwork/doubtwalker-index-thumb.jpg" alt="doubtwalker-index-thumb.jpg" /></a><a href="http://eu.battle.net/d3/en/game/lore/short-story/monk/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://eu.media.blizzard.com/d3/media/artwork/unyielding-index-thumb.jpg" alt="unyielding-index-thumb.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<b>New Systems added since Launch</b><br />
<br />
<b>Paragon levels:</b> Added in 1.04, this adds progression past level 60. For every paragon level you gain, you gain a small amount of stats as well as 3% magic and gold find. This increases up to a cap of 300% at Paragon level 100. The cap is shared with MF from gear (on both yourself and your follower) and shrines but not Nephalem Valor, so the max effective cap is 375%.<br />
<br />
Exp charts for Paragon levels:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://media.diablofans.com/images/news/2012/august/patch/exp3.jpg" alt="exp3.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/AnexB.png" alt="AnexB.png" /></div></div>
<br />
<b>Monster Power:</b> Coming in 1.05, this mode will be accessible from the menu and provides scaling difficulty for all difficulties. It defaults to off, and at MP1 it sets the level of all enemies in every Inferno Act to 63. Enemy level determines the level of loot you get, making it viable to farm the very best loot wherever you please. Every level of MP increases the MF and exp you get, beyond the 375% cap.<br />
<br />
Normal/Nightmare/Hell MP Benefits<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://www.diablowiki.net/images/5/5d/Monster-power-bonuses1.jpg" alt="Monster-power-bonuses1.jpg" /></div></div>
<br />
Inferno MP benefits (please note that MP2-3 is equivalent to pre-1.05 mob values):
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/content_folder_media/UJQXWFK3N8511349891152079.jpg?v=0" alt="UJQXWFK3N8511349891152079.jpg?v=0" /></div></div>
<br />
<b>Auction Houses</b><br />
<br />
Diablo 3 has two different types of Auction houses available for players: the gold AH, and the Real Money AH. The gold AH is fairly straight forward, and functions largely the same as AHs found in other games, like WoW. It's available at launch to both Normal and Hardcore characters, but is exclusive between the two. The RMAH allows you to buy and sell in game items with real world currency and is only available for Softcore. Here's quick breakdown of the specifics:<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>-Commodities are automatically searched for best price, and are buyout only.<br />
-You must choose Battle.net balance or real currency when you post the auction, not when it sells.<br />
-15% fee on cashing out<br />
-Battle.net balance can be used for a bunch of battle.net stuff including digital games, and WoW paid services. It cannot be used to pay subscription fees.<br />
-No RMAH in Asia at release<br />
<br />
Fees:<br />
<br />
For Equipment (weapons, armor, accessories, and other unique items)<br />
<br />
Transaction Fee (Gold Auction House): 15% of final sale price<br />
Transaction Fee (Real-Money Auction House): $1.00 USD per item / $1.00 AUD per item<br />
Transfer Fee (when sending proceeds to PayPal or other authorized payment-service provider): 15% of amount being transferred<br />
<br />
For Commodities (gems, materials, dyes, pages, recipes, and other non-unique items)<br />
<br />
Transaction Fee (Gold Auction House): 15% of final sale price<br />
Transaction Fee (Real-Money Auction House): 15% of final sale price<br />
Transfer Fee (when sending proceeds to PayPal or other authorized payment-service provider): 15% of amount being transferred</div></div>
<br />
For a more indepth how-to, please go here <a href="http://us.battle.net/d3/en/services/auction-house/how-to" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://us.battle.net/d3/en/services/auction-house/how-to</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Useful links:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://us.battle.net/d3/en/game/" rel="nofollow">Game guide</a><br />
<a href="http://www.d3rawr.com/d" rel="nofollow">Damage</a> and <a href="http://d3up.com" rel="nofollow">EHP</a> calculators<br />
<a href="http://www.d3rmt.com/guides/diablo-3-item-stat-maximum-values/" rel="nofollow">Max values on items</a><br />
<a href="http://d3db.com/blue/browse" rel="nofollow">Blue tracker</a><br />
<a href="http://diablo-3-gem-calculator.com/index.php" rel="nofollow">Gem calculator</a><br />
<a href="http://www.d3lexicon.com/legendary" rel="nofollow">Legendary/Set browser</a><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24393042/#Comment_24393042" rel="nofollow">Explanation on how loot works</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0AoEU_oBnESrOdElTaVBhZTVFbEYwYzlqbHZJeXk1dGc&amp;toomany=true" rel="nofollow">Rare drop evaluation spreadsheet</a><br />
<a href="http://d3cmww.com/item_stats" rel="nofollow">Item Stats List</a><br />
<a href="http://diablo.somepage.com/popular/items" rel="nofollow">Popular Items</a><br />
<a href="http://diablo.somepage.com/info/bonus-calculator" rel="nofollow">Calculate your bonuses!</a><br />
<br />
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>Puzzle &amp; Dragons:  Hhhhhggrrlgllllrb</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/175603/puzzle-dragons-hhhhhggrrlgllllrb</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:40:44 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>_J_</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">175603@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<span><span id="youtube-vgZFZtG8rQM"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=vgZFZtG8rQM"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/vgZFZtG8rQM/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>What the hell is this?</b><br />
Puzzle &amp; Dragons is a game for Android and iPhone.  It combines the gameplay of Bejeweled / Puzzle Quest with the monster collection / leveling / evolving component of games like pokemon.  There are 400 monsters to collect.<br />
<br />
<b>Holy fuck that's awesome!  How much does it cost?</b><br />
It's free to download, install, and play.  You can spend money on some features of the game, but that is not necessary.<br />
<br />
<b>Will it steal my soul?</b><br />
Your soul shall remain intact, but your legs may go numb from the hours you unintentionally spend on the toilet leveling your pokeymans and grinding dungeons.<br />
<br />
<b>Are there any helpful links for this game?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://pad.wikia.com/wiki/%E4%BC%9D%E8%AA%AC%E3%81%AE%E5%A4%A7%E5%9C%B0" rel="nofollow">pad.wikia.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.puzzledragonx.com/" rel="nofollow">Puzzledragonx Database</a><br />
<a href="http://puzzle-dragons-global.wikia.com/wiki/Puzzle_%26_Dragons_Global_Wiki" rel="nofollow">Puzzle &amp; Dragons Global Wiki</a><br />
<a href="http://www.puzzleanddragonsforum.com/showthread.php?tid=1700" rel="nofollow">Monsters Beginners Should Farm For</a><br />
<a href="http://www.puzzleanddragonsforum.com/showthread.php?tid=47" rel="nofollow">Efficient Power Up Fusions</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PuzzleAndDragonsOfficial" rel="nofollow">Official Facebook Page</a><br />
<a href="http://www.maaak.net/pad/" rel="nofollow">Puzzle &amp; Dragon Simulator</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do other people from the forums play this game?  Can I have their friend codes?</b><br />
Of course!  (<b>pm <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/_J_">@_J_</a> to have your code listed</b>)!!
<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/69958/Betsuni">Betsuni</a> wrote: <a rel="nofollow" href="/discussion/comment/26015703#Comment_26015703"><span>»</span></a></div>
<div>We should all put "<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/PA%22">@PA"</a> at the end of our names to make it easier to spot a friend invite for members here. If you don't know how to edit your name after creating it, it is under the options menu and I think it says "change name".</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Active:  (May 20, 2013)</b><br />
_J_: 330,642,248<br />
38thDoE: 371,143,246<br />
Abotkin: 354,746,246<br />
Ataxrxes (Atax@PA, tablet):  339,640,283<br />
Ataxrxs@PA:  384,245,244<br />
Avynte: 358,434,292<br />
Betsuni (Bets@PA/PF): 362,432,296<br />
Blendtec:  359,541,286<br />
Chomp-Chomp (Chomp@PA): 313,845,249<br />
Cokebottle (Potato@PA): 352,441,246<br />
Darkewolfe (Lonenut): 305,648,233<br />
Darunia106 (J-bob@PA): 320,347,279<br />
Derangedhermit (hermit@PA):   351,452,209<br />
Elementalor: 335,641,242<br />
Elentari (Smoogy's Lady): 374,748,269<br />
Evenstar (Evnstar@PA):  338,349,279<br />
Gaardean: 300,346,233<br />
Gdiguy: 308,330,299<br />
Gjaustin: 376,948,248<br />
Gnome-Interruptus (Adamski@PA): 302,145,297<br />
Gnome-Interruptus (Adamski@PA): 313,842,296<br />
Jakarrd: 331, 944, 231<br />
Kai_San (KlineS@PA):  345,558,218<span style="text-decoration: line-through;"></span><br />
Kick_04 (kick):  346,240,298<br />
Koan: 312,749,278<br />
Kristmas Kthulhu (Kthulhu@PA): 327,549,261<br />
kz201:  354,443,277<br />
LostGnome (NoGnome@PA):  332,052,204<br />
Loxx: 348,341,242 -&gt; 344,041,257<br />
Lubony (Rog@pa@pf): 394,445,242<br />
Maguano: 326,844,242<br />
Mahnmut (jericho@PA): 38,643,242 -&gt; 306,341,259<br />
MetalMagus: 389,739,294<br />
Mts (sigmund@pa): 383,242,232<br />
Mts (tablet account):  340, 543,265<br />
Nabob:  345,244,262<br />
Ninbebe (38thDoe's wife): 396,541,242<br />
Nova_C@PA:  337,450,214<br />
Ringswraith (wraith@PA): 370,947,240<br />
R0land1188 (Roland@PA): 307,843,257<br />
Rothgarr: 312,938,287<br />
Saphier (Errant@PA): 395,549,298<br />
ScudMuffin (Scud@PA): 324,241,213<br />
Shalmelo: 382,045,257<br />
Skippymchaggis (Sindahl-PA): 310,341,245<br />
Smoogy (Smoogy@PA): 376,540,262<br />
Spoit:  353,846,281<br />
Squid56: 398,246,252<br />
TannerMS:  392.245.259<br />
Tbloxham (garion):  314,851,200<br />
TheKoolEagle (Keagle@PA): 361, 549, 249<br />
theSquid (squid@PA): 324,847,252<br />
Thor1590: 338,745,258<br />
Verbose: 370,340,244<br />
Vorpal: 342,649,257<br />
Weenog42 (Weenog):  356,255,207<br />
Zanshinretsu (Zan@PA): 341,046,231<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Unknown Status:  (May 16, 2013)</b><br />
Abotkin's wife: 356,845,243<br />
Blackjack: 359,843,240<br />
cabbie98: 341,944,240<br />
Calidrea@PA (SniperGuy's fiancee): 362,744,246<br />
Darmak: 365,340,236<br />
Dranyth: 389,647,247<br />
Entaru (Pheny@PA): 329,943,257<br />
JaysonFour (Jayson@PA): 393, 247, 277<br />
Lost: 346,040,268<br />
Meowmix (Cokebottle's GF): 367,944,245<br />
Slurpeepoop (slurpee@PA): 306,944,230<br />
TheRoadVirus: 397,846,254<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Inactive:  (May 16, 2013)</b><br />
DaringDirk (DDirk@PA): 397,549,242<br />
DrCongo: 377,146,237<br />
Jimbo: 334,241,234<br />
SniperGuy: 368,347,248<br />
Syphyre@PA:  313,647,250<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>This sounds great, but are there any shitty / terrible aspects of the game I should know before I download it?</b><br />
Players are currently unable to transfer their teams to other devices.  So, if you buy a new phone, you have to start over.<br />
Also, the game finds your battery to be delicious, and so tends to eat it.]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[BIOSHOCK INFINITE]: come for the steampunk, stay for the support group.</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/177075/bioshock-infinite-come-for-the-steampunk-stay-for-the-support-group</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:32:26 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Forar</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">177075@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is Bioshock Infinite. It is a sort of thing that is like Bioshock. Yea.<br />

<div>
<a href="http://img155.imageshack.us/i/bilogonobackground10nka.png/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/497/bilogonobackground10nka.png" alt="bilogonobackground10nka.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Announcement Trailer</b>
</div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSZcCe_JPy4" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSZcCe_JPy4</a>
<div>
<b>E3 2011 GAMEPLAY TEASER THING FUCKYEA</b>
</div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npBEzA6P3Js" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npBEzA6P3Js</a><br />

<div>
<b>10 MINUTES OF GAMEPLAY WHOOO</b>
</div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_DSfjAdhlU" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_DSfjAdhlU</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.giantbomb.com/news/another-glimpse-of-bioshock-infinite/3239/" rel="nofollow">Excellent E3 preview from Giantbomb</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>STEAMPUNK IN THE SKY</b><br />

<blockquote>

<div>BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter currently in development at Irrational Games, the studio behind the original BioShock (which sold over 4 million units worldwide). Set in 1912, BioShock Infinite introduces an entirely new narrative and gameplay experience that lifts players out of the familiar confines of Rapture and rockets them to Columbia, an immense city in the sky.<br />
<br />
Former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt has been sent to rescue Elizabeth, a young woman imprisoned in Columbia since childhood. Booker develops a relationship with Elizabeth, augmenting his abilities with hers so the pair may escape from a city that is literally falling from the sky. DeWitt must learn to fight foes in high-speed Sky-Line battles, engage in combat both indoors and amongst the clouds, and harness the power of dozens of new weapons and abilities.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<b>LESS PR SPEAK PLEASE </b><br />

<blockquote>

<div>Columbia is the city of the future circa 1900, created as a sort of moving World Fair, travelling the world to show the sheer power and majesty of the rising newly technological America – the Moon Landing of its day. Levine argues that between 1880 and 1900 America transformed from this Agrarian backwater to a rising technological power that ended up claiming the 20th century as its own.<br />
<br />
Inevitably, it goes wrong. The World Fair was secretly weaponized, covered in cannons which go and do what cannons are made for. It goes rogue, causes a terrible international incident and disappears into the clouds never to be seen again.<br />
<br />
Skip forward a few years, where in a Chandlerian move, ex-Pinkerton, strikebreaker and general low-life Booker DeWitt is hired to find a woman. This Elizabeth is missing. DeWitt can handle this. It’s what he does. The only problem is that she’s apparently in Columbia… and the mysterious figure hiring you says he can get you there.</div>
</blockquote>
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/08/12/irrational-anthem-their-new-game-unveiled/#more-35781" rel="nofollow">Excellent preview article by Rock Paper Shotgun</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bioshock was all an Objectivist/Libertarian thing, so what is this about?</b><br />

<blockquote>

<div>If the main theme behind surrounding the first "BioShock" was objectivism, the main theme of "BioShock Infinite" appears to be jingoism. At the game's premiere, propaganda posters displayed racist stereotypes of other nationalities, with George Washington in the center, looking like a savior among savages.<br />
<br />
This undercurrent matches real American beliefs at the time. Ken Levine read a quote from President William McKinley, talking about his decision to make the Philippines part of the US. It's basically the epitome of Manifest Destiny.<br />
<br />
That's Columbia. It's a society which believes that America knows best. Always. It's also a society in turmoil.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What does the city of Columbia feel like?</b><br />

<blockquote>

<div>When Irrational’s creative director, Ken Levine, stopped in the middle of the presentation to give us a brief history lesson – the state of America at the turn of the century and it’s empirical attempt to annex the Philippines – it was more than flavor text. Just as Bioshock explored the downfall of an Ayn Randian utopia, Infinite sets its sights high with an alternate history breakdown of America during its meteoric rise to superpower status.<br />
<br />
Its world, a city in the sky known as Columbia, is thick with patriotic imagery. Take every bit of Victorian architecture you’ve ever seen, stick some balloons on the bottom, cover it in American flags, and you’re only scratching the surface. It’s vibrant, lively, even hopeful, and yet, the truth is revealed as soon as we meet Columbia’s inhabitants.<br />
<br />
<br />
The in-game demonstration began with a brief stroll down the streets of Columbia. The first thing that stood out was the perfect visual density they’ve established. Similar to the original BioShock, Infinite is a game that invites players to become enthralled with the world around them. To Booker’s left, a horse-drawn carriage passed by, complete with a seemingly mechanical, or at least heavily-armored horse. Propaganda posters lined the streets, a statue grasped an American flag, and a politician dressed as Uncle Sam was the first person that attempted to murder Booker.</div>
</blockquote>
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<a href="http://img831.imageshack.us/i/28j9k09.jpg/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/557/28j9k09.jpg" alt="28j9k09.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/video-interview-ken-levine-on-bioshock-infinite/" rel="nofollow"><b>Joystiq Interview with Ken Levine</b></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.giantbomb.com/we-talk-to-ken-levine-about-bioshock-infinite/17-3261/" rel="nofollow">Giantbomb VIDEO Interview with Ken Levine</a><br />
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<a href="http://img809.imageshack.us/i/bioinfintelizbtr2.jpg/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/3250/bioinfintelizbtr2.jpg" alt="bioinfintelizbtr2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
OP Stolen shamelessly from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/OmnomnomPancake">@OmnomnomPancake</a>]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[League of Legends] Ezreal, blink or you'll get hooked by more shipping</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/178648/league-of-legends-ezreal-blink-or-youll-get-hooked-by-more-shipping</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2013 18:20:17 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Talith</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">178648@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/D6paZRb.png" alt="D6paZRb.png" />
</div>
League of Legends (popularly known as LoL) is a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game created by Riot Games.<br />
<br />
You play as a summoner that controls a champion and takes them into battle with and against other summoners and their respective champions. During games, your champion will level up, get gold for better equipment and hopefully destroy the enemy nexus. Outside of games, your summoner level will rise. This will unlock new runes to enhance champion stats, bestow mastery points for further champion customization and goodies like avatars. At max level you can then compete in ranked matches and/or judge player behavior in what is called the Tribunal.<br />
<br />
<br />

<div>
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/i170k22.jpg" alt="i170k22.jpg" /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span>Next Time on LoL:EZ!</span></span></b><img src="http://i.imgur.com/AQMe01H.jpg" alt="AQMe01H.jpg" />
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<div>
<b>Breaking News! : Ezreal X Lux OTP is confirmed Cannon</b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://riot-web-static.s3.amazonaws.com/images/news/April_2013/post/ez-lux-separate.jpg" alt="ez-lux-separate.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<b>Sources claim Might of Demacia concerned</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://soraka.blogspot.com/2011/03/ezreal-and-heart-of-valoran-part-1.html" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/r7FXe5r.jpg" alt="r7FXe5r.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>In other, less important news: Ezreal discovers a dark, nameless figure scattered around the history of every nation, both standing and those lost to time.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.surrenderat20.net/2013/05/an-ancient-mystery-in-runeterra.html" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yq84tpeor9w/UYqHO4nlAsI/AAAAAAAAEU8/VfCa-Q0qSQE/s640/ez-desk.jpg" alt="ez-desk.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The mysterious figure has been revealed to be Aatrox, <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">the unholy butterfly</span> the Darkin Blade!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.surrenderat20.net/2013/05/aatrox-darkin-blade-revealed.html" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://riot-web-static.s3.amazonaws.com/images/news/May_2013/aatrox_reveal/Aatrox_screenshots.jpg" alt="Aatrox_screenshots.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is what the Latin America server release gets with it: La Llarona Morgana<br />
<br />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y57UVnVJXOA/UY7M3odIoOI/AAAAAAAAEX0/PLvDZ-A6LII/s640/lallorona_article.jpg" alt="lallorona_article.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZCvAz0PHoY/UY7Sp5axfoI/AAAAAAAAEYM/3AfRleqDzP8/s640/UTmvep7.jpg" alt="UTmvep7.jpg" />
</div>
</div></div>
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<div>
<span><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Where our story left off</span></b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.surrenderat20.net/2013/03/howling-abyss-new-aram-map-queue-now-on.html" rel="nofollow">The Howling Abyss</a><br />
New Official ARAM map that will replace the Proving Grounds and have an official queue with matchmaking.<br />
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/YrvwhRt.jpg" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Wkj7pnS.jpg" alt="Wkj7pnS.jpg" /></a>
</div>
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<div>
Lissandra - The Ice Witch<br />
<a href="http://www.surrenderat20.net/2013/04/lissandra-revealed.html" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDU7feWxnvM/UVx7kUl4MzI/AAAAAAAADs4/38U2T-aQxwc/s640/lissandra_article.jpg" alt="lissandra_article.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<br />

<div>
Sejuani Update<br />
<a href="http://na.leagueoflegends.com/board/showthread.php?t=3297182" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://riot-web-static.s3.amazonaws.com/images/news/April_2013/04_02_2013_Sejuani_Trundle_Reworks/sejuani_article.jpg" alt="sejuani_article.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<br />

<div>
Trundle Update<br />
<a href="http://na.leagueoflegends.com/board/showthread.php?t=3297186" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://riot-web-static.s3.amazonaws.com/images/news/April_2013/04_02_2013_Sejuani_Trundle_Reworks/trundle_article.jpg" alt="trundle_article.jpg" /></a>
</div>
</div></div>
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thread Layout</span><br />
OP - <b>The Basics</b> - General LoL Tips and Tricks<br />
2nd - <b>PENTAKILL!</b> - Come see who among us has recently scored a PENTAKILL<br />
3rd - Currently Open Contests/One-Time Events<br />
<br />

<div>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span>The Basics</span></b></span>
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><a href="http://i.imgur.com/iJE2kRW.jpg" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/pe3xok6l.jpg" alt="pe3xok6l.jpg" /></a></div></div>

</div>

<div>
<b>New Player Guide</b>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>1. Make an account: <a href="https://signup.leagueoflegends.com/en/signup/index" rel="nofollow">NA</a> <a href="http://euw.leagueoflegends.com" rel="nofollow">EU (West)</a> <a href="http://eune.leagueoflegends.com" rel="nofollow">EU (Nordic &amp; East)</a><br />
<span><b><br />
It is worth noting that referring new players has perks, so I would ask for a referral link in the thread rather than a vanilla account.</b></span><br />
<br />
2. Download the client: <a href="http://signup.leagueoflegends.com/en/signup/redownload" rel="nofollow">Right here</a><br />
<br />
<span><b>The official Mac client is in beta - download it today!</b></span><br />
<br />
3. Play the tutorials! <a href="http://na.leagueoflegends.com/learn/new_user_guide" rel="nofollow">New User Guide</a><br />
<br />
The game can be a bit overwhelming, and I highly suggest you play the tutorials OR find someone willing to do a few vs. AI games with you.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Join the "Penny Arcade" Chat Channel to find helpful people and people to escape solo queue with!</b><br />
Click the little double speech bubble looking thing at the bottom right of your screen. Click the + speech bubble right above it. Type in "Penny Arcade" and introduce yourself. Not everyone you see in the thread will be there, as not everyone plays on the same server. You can ask these people how to play champions, we pretty much have someone who plays each champion.<br />
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5. Play vs. People<br />
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Do it, damn you. As said above, the AI is not going to give you the legitimate LoL experience. You don't want to hit your 20s solely from bot matches. If you do use bot games, focus on practicing LoL basics such as getting the last hit on minions for that sweet sweet gold.<br />
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6. Get yer free champs.<br />
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<a href="http://na.leagueoflegends.com/youtube" rel="nofollow">Subscribe</a> to Riot's Youtube and get a free Alistar skin! Includes the champion! <a href="http://na.leagueoflegends.com/facebook" rel="nofollow">Free Tristana</a> if you're into the Facebook thing. Promo skins always include the champion if you never bought it.</div></div>

<div>
<b>The Dos and Don'ts of LoL</b>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>1. Don't buy champions randomly!<br />
<br />
LoL has two currencies: Riot Points (RP), which are bought with real money, and Influence Points (IP) which are earned solely by playing games. Champions can be bought with both, but every week there will be ten free champions to play with. Play <i>these</i> champs instead. Get a feel for each type of champion and see which you find more fun. It's far better to do this as opposed to buying a champ randomly and ultimately being unhappy with it. Also, (it's rumored) you can get ONE refund opportunity for (I believe I read) up to 3 RP purchases. After that, it's your own fault for spending RP.<br />
<br />
2. Don't buy Tier 2 Runes.<br />
<br />
They are pretty much a waste of IP. Buy Tier 1 and save up for Tier 3. Or, if you're baller like Hargaad, don't even buy Tier 1. Wait to hit level 30, then buy all the Tier 3 runes you need.<br />
<br />
3. Do queue with friends.<br />
<br />
Playing with randoms is a crapshoot, and playing with a Taric or two can put the odds in your favor. Play complementary champs and request feedback on how you did in each game (even if you won). Likewise, you can offer advice to others you saw having trouble in a polite manner (because if you aren't polite, you're likely to get flamed).<br />
<br />
4. Do learn the champions<br />
<br />
When a new rotation occurs, it is wise to play a few games with each champ. Knowing what each champ is capable of will be useful even if you hate how they play and never intend on using them. For example, Karthus has a skill that does damage to every enemy champion, regardless of location! If you know this, then you can be a jerk and take Soraka.<br />
<br />
5. Do read guides.<br />
<br />
There are multiple ways to play a champion. This combination of skills, runes, masteries and items is called a "build" and are the general strategies for any champion. The recommended items in the game store are not always accurate, and the order you level skills can have a big impact on how the early stages of the game play out. Sites like <a href="http://www.mobafire.com/" rel="nofollow">Mobafire</a> and <a href="http://www.solomid.net/" rel="nofollow">Solomid</a> offer builds for just about every champion. It's cookie-cutter, but a great foundation for new people. Once you learn the ins and outs, you can tweak a build to better serve your playstyles or as a reaction to enemy or ally players.<br />
<br />
6. Do be polite and do report<br />
<br />
Sometimes people will suck or do shit wrong. It's a game, so try to keep that in mind when things get a little unhinged. If you insult or yell at people, even if they DID do something wrong, you're likely going to get that person defensive and things break down. Instead of focusing on the game, you focus on hurling insults at each. Stay calm, and politely offer advice when needed. And yet, people are jerks. It happens. Simply /mute them and quietly report them after the game. Taking their bait is probably what they want you to do. Do not give them the satisfaction! Keep your cool.<br />
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7. Buy skins<br />
<br />
Having a skin for a character is a great way to say "Hey I'm fucking awesome with this champion so get the fuck out of my way." If your team is using more skins than your enemy team, you basically have already won. If you're playing as , you've won the awesome award.</div></div>

<div>
<b>Game Stuff</b>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>1. Do not be aggressive<br />
<br />
There will be a serious urge to want to kill enemy champs. Resist! Death is an all-around loss: your opponents get more cash and experience, you miss out on experience and your lane risks getting pushed. If you set-up a kill and fail, do not continue chasing. In many cases, you will just die to a tower or get ganked. While later on you will learn when to take risks, early in your career it's best to be less aggressive and just let the other guy get away.<br />
<br />
2. Do not focus on KDR<br />
<br />
Your kill-death-ratio is not the end-all of your value. It is possible to lose despite having a serious kill advantage over the enemy team! Certain champions, once getting the right items, can be unstoppable murder machines. Even if you do kill them a lot, if they reach this threshold, it's possible for a dramatic reversal to occur. It is far more important to support your team's objectives: push towers, protect your own towers from being pushed and keep your team informed of enemy activity. It is far better to have a modest KDR and win, than be the team killer and lose.<br />
<br />
3. Do watch the minimap and your enemy<br />
<br />
Enemy locations are important! In your low-level games you will likely have two champs tops lane, one mid and two bottom (in later level games, one from top will be off "jungling," so top will have just one champ). If a player in YOUR lane is missing, <i>let the team know</i>. The player might just be heading back to base to buy items, or they could be trying to jump your friend in another lane. And mention when they came back to your lane! But this doesn't mean you should rely wholly on team recon. Watch the minimap yourself for enemy locations in other lanes whenever you can. People aren't perfect, and sometimes that warning comes a bit too late. Another set of eyes is always useful.<br />
<br />
4. Do buy wards.<br />
<br />
Wards are items that grant you vision of an area for 180 seconds. They are, without a doubt, one of the best purchases you will make. You can plop them along the river and have advance warning of ganks. They'll grant you vision of the brush. They'll alert you of enemy attempts on big-reward neutral monsters like the dragon or baron. If you attack them in the middle of something like that, you could mob up their entire team. Or maybe you are aware of a gank attempt on you. You could alert a nearby friend, bait the ganker in and turn the tables. Buy wards. BUY. WARDS.<br />
<br />
5. Do buy wards.<br />
<br />
Wards are items that grant you vision of an area for 180 seconds. They are, without a doubt, one of the best purchases you will make. You can plop them along the river and have advance warning of ganks. They'll grant you vision of the brush. They'll alert you of enemy attempts on big reward neutral monsters like the dragon or baron. If you attack them in the middle of something like that, you could mob up their entire team. Or maybe you are aware of a gank attempt on you. You could alert a nearby friend, bait the ganker in and turn the tables. Buy wards. BUY. WARDS. Yes, I posted this twice. It is that important.<br />
<br />
6. Do something.<br />
<br />
So you just wiped the enemy team out. Hooray! But...what are you doing now? Did you just go back to your respective lanes and farm? Incorrect! You now have precious map control, and should be taking advantage of it. Gather up as a team and take out a tower. Head to the dragon and get a clean kill. Steal enemy creeps (especially their blue and red buffs). You can always check the status of both teams by pressing tab. If multiple enemies are waiting on respawn, then you need to press that advantage.<br />
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7. Don't just wait around all day when you're in a position to win.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/IOX0g.jpg" alt="IOX0g.jpg" /><br />
<br />
8. Do buy wards.<br />
<br />
Seriously, kids. If Hargaad can do it, so can you. I know you have 75 gold just laying around sometimes. Don't feed us with your bullshit of, "But I need to save for x item!" No! Fuck you, and your high horse. If you don't buy wards, and you die a lot, nobody on your team is going to be able to save you from a beefed up (whatever) lane. <a href="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4717176040587378&amp;id=aa04f81f2d26186120782c9fa409d76f" rel="nofollow">Consequences will never be the same!</a><br />
<br />
9. Learn to speak ping.<br />
<br />
All you really need to communicate effectively in this game is to be able to use the pings it provides.<br />
<img src="http://riot-web-static.s3.amazonaws.com/images/news/March_2013/03_01_2013_-_smart_ping_announcement/Smart%20Ping_article%20banner_EN.jpg" alt="Smart%20Ping_article%20banner_EN.jpg" /><br />
To use these pings, hold down the Alt, Ctrl, G, or V keys while clicking to show the new ping overlay. Then, move your mouse in the direction of the ping you want to issue, and release. You can perform this action either on the terrain or the minimap for precision pinging.<br />
It is <i>unacceptable </i>to blame players that aren't typing at all, or players that are not speaking in English.</div></div>

<div>
<b>Meet the Team</b>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Like any group activity, stuff is usually broken down into roles. It's worth noting that champions don't always fit neatly in categories. A champion's role in the team may depend on what build has been chosen, and sometimes you may fill several roles depending on the group composition. When picking champions, it's a good idea to see what people are doing and fill in any holes.<br />
<br />
1. The Carry: If your team is a car, then the carry is the engine. It's what makes the team function. The carry, when doing its job, will be able to easily destroy the whole team. But, just like an engine is useless without any other parts of your car, the carry relies on its team to get the gold necessary to buy the items needed to kill swathes of enemies. Early on, carries tend to be more vulnerable and weaker than other champs. LOTS of people pick carry in random, because it's the star character that generally gets all the kills. One of the reasons Caitlyn is so great is that she can carry a team since her AS ratios are amazing and she can easily carry and dominate fools.<br />
<br />
2. The Tank: Following the car metaphor, the tank is your steering. It'll guide the team into battle, and in many cases will be the one starting the fights. Tanks are there to absorb damage and lock down the most dangerous champions on the enemy team so you can position yourselves to win the fight. Some tanks do this with CC, whereas other tanks have some damage and will soften up the enemy team instead. Tanks still tend to need the rest of their team to back them up. Rammus is probably the most boss at doing all of this, and with zazz.<br />
<br />
3. The Support: I guess support are your tires or something? Maybe the AC. Either, support help the team out with buffs and generally shields or healing. Healers tend to assist the carry by allowing the carry to stay in the lane longer through said healing or shields. Unlike, well, just about everyone else, Support don't rely so much on gear and thus will purposefully AVOID getting last hits so that their lane partner can farm gold faster. Because of their reduced need of gold, support should also be buying and placing wards when needed. It's worth noting that EVERYONE should generally buy wards, but as a support you can afford to take the financial hit. FEW people pick support in random due to how hard it is to influence games. You have to be <i>very</i> proactive to make up for bad teammates as a carry. Veigar commonly supports the enemy team to their graves.<br />
<br />
4. The Jungler: Jungling is a more advanced concept, and you won't see it until higher summoner levels. This is due to runes and masteries allowing for more efficient jungling. It is still possible on a few champs, even at Summoner Level 1, but very uncommon. As the name implies, the jungler sits in the jungle and kills neutral creeps. This benefits your team by creating a second solo lane (top lane), resulting in more experience and gold for your team as a whole. Once the jungler hits a certain gear/level point, they look for opportunities to gank enemies. This is generally done via strong CC abilities, such as Warwick's ultimate or Nunu's slow coupled with his speed buff. Skills such as these will enable the jungler's teammate in that lane to easily assist with the kill. When not ganking, the jungler will return to the jungle regularly to keep up in terms of gold and experience. Due to their roaming, the jungler has plenty of opportunities to place wards for its teammates.<br />
<br />
This is a very simple guide! There are other roles in teams, but this is a rough outline of the basics. Roles can easily overlap, and a champion can fill more than one role! Experiment and see what works and what doesn't.</div></div>

<div>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Useful LoL related websites</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><a href="http://www.surrenderat20.net/" rel="nofollow">Surrender@20</a> - For all the latest LoL news and a sneak peak at any upcoming content on the Public Beta Environment.<br />
<a href="http://www.solomid.net/" rel="nofollow">http://www.solomid.net/</a> - A more advanced and polished version of Mobafire. Solomid offers intricate guides on champs that've been tried and tested by the community. Best for more advanced players of lvl 20+<br />
<a href="http://www.lolking.net/" rel="nofollow">http://www.lolking.net/</a> - A site for looking at skins as their splash art can be different from what they look like in game. Its also good for looking up summoners.<br />
<a href="http://www.leagueoflegends.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.leagueoflegends.com</a> - The standard LoL website! Info on the game can be found here.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qggKB98It0Q" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qggKB98It0Q</a> - The basics of laning and last hitting.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kxGQ3gWdrM" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kxGQ3gWdrM</a> - Shurelya's guide on zoning!<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVtmV0FzW_0" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVtmV0FzW_0</a> SivHDs guide to never raging again.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsVUL5xGFvg2vO787daxpJFAAcxpr5vE8" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsVUL5xGFvg2vO787daxpJFAAcxpr5vE8</a> Saintvicious Jungle guides.<br />
<a href="http://leagueoflegends.wikia.com/wiki/League_of_Legends_terminology" rel="nofollow">List of helpful LoL terminology.</a></div></div>
<br />
<i>Stuff You Should Know</i><br />
- Yes, a promo skin will unlock that champion for free.<br />
- Map vision wins games - BUY WARDS<br />
- It is a team wide effort, everyone buys wards.<br />
- When in doubt, take Exhaust/Flash<br />
<br />

<div>
<b>For emergency use only</b>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<div>
<a href="http://infidel.padev.net/spray.png/?u=dread%20pirate%20arbuthnot" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PvZwJrA.png" alt="PvZwJrA.png" /></a>
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Brought to you by Infidel.<br />
Instructions: replace the "dread%20pirate%20arbuthnot" portion of the url with the name of the intended target.</div></div>

</div>
</div></div>
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[StarCraft 2] Dhal taking pro names.  PA represent!</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/178063/starcraft-2-dhal-taking-pro-names-pa-represent</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:45:23 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>MNC Dover</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">178063@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<span><span>Welcome to the Starcraft 2 thread</span></span>
</div>
<br />

<div>
<span><span id="youtube-MVbeoSPqRs4"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=MVbeoSPqRs4"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/MVbeoSPqRs4/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
You've arrived at the official Penny Arcade StarCraft 2 discussion page.  Here we discuss everything from the game, the races, balance issues, tournaments, and the culture (K-Pop, etc).  Be warned, this thread moves quickly, especially when live events are happening.<br />
<br />
StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm has released worldwide!  Go buy your copy today and help Kerrigan destroy the Terran and Protoss menace.<br />
<br />

<div>
<span><span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to play with PA people.</span></span></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><b><span>1) Log into Battle.net and join the group <span>Penny Arcade</span> (on the NA realm).</span></b>  We all hang out there.  Chat, 1v1 lobbies, and team shenanigans are always going on!<br />
<br />
<b><span>2) Sign up for a replay site such as <a href="http://www.gamereplays.org/portals.php" rel="nofollow">gamereplays.org</a> or <a href="http://drop.sc" rel="nofollow">drop.sc</a>.</span></b>  This is a site where you can upload your replays.  The perfect way to share your replays with the thread and get advice on how to get better.  Gamereplays lets you post the cool banner that you frequently see on the internets and drop.sc lets you upload replays without having to create a new account.<br />
<br />
<span><b><a href="http://www.sc2ranks.com/c/558/penny-arcade" rel="nofollow">3) Register with the PA SC2 1v1 Ranking site.</a></b></span> Sign up for this awesome site to see where you stand amongst fellow PA members.  Remember, this is important in the nurturing and expanding of your e-peen.  Add yourself by clicking on [Manage Characters] on the top right side.<br />
<br />
<span><b><a href="http://exosquad.net/mumble/" rel="nofollow">4) Sign up for the PA mumble page.</a></b></span> Sign up if you want to chat with fellow PA users during games or watching tournaments.  Thanks to Exoplasm for hosting the service and providing the step-by-step process for installing mumble.</div></div>
<br />

<div>
<span><span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Where can I watch some good tournaments and streams?</span></span></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.gomtv.net" rel="nofollow">The GSL</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.pokerstrategytsl3.com/" rel="nofollow">The TSL</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.majorleaguegaming.com/" rel="nofollow">Major League Gaming</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ign.com/ipl" rel="nofollow">IGN Pro League</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.justin.tv/day9tv" rel="nofollow">The Day[9] Daily Live Stream.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.teamliquid.net/video/streams/" rel="nofollow">Teamliquid's live video stream page</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.teamliquid.net/tournaments/" rel="nofollow">Team Liquid Tournament Tracker</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div></div>
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[Marvel Heroes] Endgame has Arrived, Patch Notes in OP (UPDATED 5/21) -- CLOSED BETA</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/172696/marvel-heroes-endgame-has-arrived-patch-notes-in-op-updated-521-closed-beta</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 04:14:10 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Dirtyboy</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">172696@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<b>CURRENT GAME STATUS: CLOSED BETA, NDA HAS BEEN LIFTED</b><br />
<br />
<b>PATCH NOTES 5/21</b>
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<blockquote>

<div><b>Content Changes</b>
<ul>
<li>PvP: Added colored rings beneath heroes for easier PvP faction identification.</li>
<li>Medals / medallions: These have been edited and improved for Venom, Lady Deathstrike, Blob and Toad. Added a medal for Tombstone.</li>
<li>Chests: Chest art and loot has been improved. Chests now have different tiers based on the same colors as items.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Balance Changes</b>
<ul>
<li>Experience requirements between levels 5 and 25 have been lowered.</li>
<li>Experience orbs now give reduced experience if you aren’t close in level to the enemy that spawned the orb. (You can determine your relative level to an enemy by looking at the color code in the upper-right of its target selection panel.)</li>
<li>The difficulty has been increased when attacking enemies of much higher level than your current hero.</li>
<li>Enemies with the Armored affix now resist 70% of all damage below their armor value.</li>
<li>Enemies with the Energy Resist affix now resist 70% of all damage below their energy resist value.</li>
<li>Enemies with the Mental Resist affix now resist 70% of all damage below their mental resist value.</li>
<li>The effect of the health regeneration affix has been doubled.</li>
<li>Group Challenges: Some slight tweaks have been made to the Threat Level growth rates.</li>
<li>Some tweaks to player population changes in several regions. Upper East Side, Mutant Town, and Savage Land in particular now support a larger player population.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>UI Changes</b>
<ul>
<li>Costume tooltips now list the bonuses given for each affix.</li>
<li>Various improvements have been made to the ‘rested experience’ user interface; mouse over your experience bar for details.</li>
<li>Icons have been completed for remaining character powers.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Villain Changes</b><br />
<br />
<b>Kingpin, Bullseye and Electra battle</b>
<ul>
<li>Kingpin now summons Elektra and Bullseye earlier in the battle than previously.</li>
<li>Bullseye’s Kill Shot damage has been reduced during the Kingpin battle.</li>
<li>Bullseye’s Triple Shot damage has been reduced during the Kingpin battle.</li>
<li>Bullseye and Elektra now have less health when they are summoned by Kingpin.</li>
<li>Bullseye and Elektra will now drop loot upon defeat during the Kingpin battle.</li>
<li>Kingpin’s poison gas has been reduced in size and damage.</li>
<li>Kingpin’s basic punch combo attack has been reduced in range.</li>
<li>Fewer regular enemies now spawn during the Kingpin battle.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>MODOK</b>
<ul>
<li>MODOK’s homing missile will now emit tiny explosions even if they miss.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Tombstone</b>
<ul>
<li>Tombstone now drops the correct tier of loot, along with a medal.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Hero Changes</b><br />
<br />
<b>Cyclops</b>
<ul>
<li>Trained Punch: Changed area of effect from a single target to a narrow wedge. Decreased damage.</li>
<li>Optic Blast: Increased Optic Beam damage slightly</li>
<li>Wide Beam: Now unlocks at level 2.</li>
<li>Explosive Blast (new power): Fire a shot of energy that explodes when it hits the first enemy in its path. Unlocks at level 16.</li>
<li>Concussive Force (new power): Toggle on to decrease your maximum Spirit, then add a short knockback effect to all Optics powers. Unlocks at level 20.</li>
<li>Optic Barrage: Increased damage slightly.</li>
<li>Tactical Command: Moved VFX to head from chest so it can be differentiated from other powers.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Daredevil</b><br />
<br />
Cane-Fu Tree
<ul>
<li>Club Strike: Damage now synergizes with Taser Club. Now knocks down slowed targets.</li>
<li>Club Sweep: Damage now synergizes with Whirling Club. Now knocks down slowed targets.</li>
<li>Club Throw: Damage now synergizes with Rebounding Club. Now causes longer duration slow instead of knockdown. Spirit cost increased slightly.</li>
<li>Rebounding Club: Base Spirit cost lowered, but now increases with ranks. Damage and slow effect now synergizes with Club Throw.</li>
<li>Taser Club: Damage now synergizes with Club Strike.</li>
<li>Triple Strike: Damage now synergizes with Club Strike / Taser Club. Now stuns targets on the final blow if they are knocked down.</li>
<li>Whirling Club: Damage now synergizes with Club Sweep. Spirit cost lowered slightly. Now slows enemies.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Focus Tree
<ul>
<li>Restorative Trance: Regeneration rate scaled down to be closer to normal Medkit usage.</li>
<li>Radar Ping: Minor Spirit cost reduction.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Acrobatics Tree
<ul>
<li>Action Roll: Now causes slowed enemies to be knocked down. Added small amount of damage so it's less weird when the combo isn't going off.</li>
<li>Evasive Kick: Spirit cost lowered slightly, slow effect also reduced slightly.</li>
<li>Jumping Strike: Damage now synergizes with Opening Lunge/Swinging Assault. Now only knocks down slowed targets.</li>
<li>Knockback Kick: Spirit cost raised slightly. Damage now synergizes with Evasive Kick, and now additionally stuns enemies that are knocked down.</li>
<li>Opening Lunge: Spirit cost lowered slightly. Damage now synergizes with Swinging Assault and Jumping Strike. Now knocks down slowed enemies, and stuns knocked down enemies.</li>
<li>Swinging Assault: Spirit cost lowered slightly. Damage now synergizes with Opening Lunge and Jumping Strike. Now stuns knocked down enemies.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Hawkeye</b>
<ul>
<li>Destructive Volley (Ultimate Power): Spirit cost per shot has been increased slightly.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Jean Grey</b>
<ul>
<li>Phoenix Transformation: A short cooldown has been added, to prevent the transformation mode getting out of sync due to quick changes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Punisher</b>
<ul>
<li>Armor-Piercing Shot: Damage increased slightly and minimum charge time lowered.</li>
<li>Driven By Vengeance: Now starts at 25% activation chance, rising to a maximum 100% activation chance.</li>
<li>Explosive Rocket, Proximity Mine, Punish The Guilty: Explosion damage for these three powers has been brought in line with each other.</li>
<li>Flamethrower Blast: Area of effect increased.</li>
<li>Flashbang Grenade: Stun duration scales faster.</li>
<li>Killer Instinct: Vengeance gain increased.</li>
<li>Pain Tolerance: Now grants a higher defense bonus.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Scarlet Witch</b>
<ul>
<li>Hex Binding: The damage and duration of this power have been retuned. Synergy with Ravenous Binding has been updated to increase Hex Binding’s duration.</li>
<li>Ravenous Binding: The damage, healing, and duration of this power have been retuned. Ravenous Binding now properly scales with ranks. Synergy with Hex Binding has been updated to improve Ravenous Binding’s healing bonus.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Wolverine</b>
<ul>
<li>Wolverine's basic powers now have their own base damages and scale off each other synergistically.</li>
<li>Healing Factor: Reduced slightly at high ranks.</li>
<li>Brutal Slash: Damage now synergizes with I’m The Best There Is. Additionally now stuns targets that are bleeding.</li>
<li>I'm The Best There Is: Damage now synergizes with Brutal Slash.</li>
<li>Adamantium Skeleton: Now confers some damage resistance.</li>
<li>Unleash The Beast: Damage negated now scales with ranks of Adamantium Skeleton.</li>
<li>Smell Weakness: Now less powerful at lower ranks, but much more powerful at higher ranks. Now debuffs for longer at higher ranks.</li>
<li>Furious Lunge: Damage reduced slightly at higher ranks.</li>
<li>Adrenaline Rush: Dodge chance now scales with ranks of Furious Lunge.</li>
<li>Slashing Leap: Bleed effect now synergizes and scales with Bloody Slash.</li>
<li>Berserker Fury: Now increases haste, critical chance and duration extension when scoring kills.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Bug Fixes</b>
<ul>
<li>Your email address will now be saved in the login screen consistently between patches.</li>
<li>Fixed an issue which could cause an excessively long ‘black screen’ after logging in.</li>
<li>Fixed an issue where players would receive the message ‘Error Loading Character’ and be disconnected.</li>
<li>Wolverine: Fixed an issue where the ‘claws extend and retract’ audio might not always play.</li>
<li>Colossus: Fixed an issue that caused Mighty Kick to not properly hit moving enemies.</li>
<li>Cyclops: Fixed an issue with the Team Leader power where it wasn't granting bonuses to Cyclops.</li>
<li>Iron Man: Suits summoned as part of Iron Man’s Ultimate Power no longer target destructible objects.</li>
<li>Iron Man: Fixed Starktech Cybernetics damage bonus.</li>
<li>Fixed an issue where Gorgon would not rotate while using his eye beam attack.</li>
<li>Fixed an issue where messages would repeatedly appear if you ran along the border between two locations with different names.</li>
<li>Mission objective props are no longer affected by crowd control effects such as Confuse, Fear, Stun, etc.</li>
<li>Fixed issues with in-game cinematics for the Moloid Invasion.</li>
<li>Fixed an issue with the crafting progress bar.</li>
<li>Fixed an issue where right clicking a crafting ingredient to slot it would not play a sound.</li>
<li>When enemies teleport back to their spawn point, they now have invulnerability for the length of their teleport animation.</li>
<li>The chat panel no longer fades out when pressing on the scrollbar or buttons.</li>
<li>Spirit meter tooltip corrected.</li>
<li>Power tooltips should now not spill off the edges of the screen.</li>
<li>Lots of artifacts tuned and fixed.</li>
<li>Fixed issues with several crafting recipes.</li>
<li>The NPC dialog panel will now appear centered on screen when running at high screen resolutions.</li>
<li>Destroying one of Magneto's metal cages will no longer also kill Magneto.</li>
<li>East River enemies in Kingpin boss battle now properly aggro when spawned.</li>
<li>Fixed some display and interaction bugs in the Party Panel.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Known Major Issues</b>
<ul>
<li>Spider-Man: Ultimate Power will crash the game, including for anyone who sees the effect. Do not use!</li>
<li>The action bar cannot currently be left-clicked to activate powers and items.</li>
<li>Cable: Elusive Roll targeting decal points straight forward, but he will roll to the right as described.</li>
<li>Cable: Bodyslider Bomb (Ultimate Power) has no sound effects.</li>
<li>Punisher: When firing Rifle Shot at an adjacent target, two hit VFX show up.</li>
<li>Hawkeye: ‘Nullifier Arrow’ VFX continue to show indefinitely.</li>
<li>Hawkeye: Wave of Arrows does not function as described.</li>
<li>Some damage over time effects will persist on your hero until logging out of game.</li>
<li>Occasionally, all items in your inventory may disappear. They will usually reappear after logging back into the game.</li>
<li>Rested experience may not function correctly.</li>
<li>Social UI: Friends that are online can show up as offline.</li>
<li>Tooltips may not always match power names.</li>
<li>Players can no longer attempt to revive other players if they are interrupted.</li>
<li>Some load ‘hitching’ may be experienced.</li>
<li>Bajillion Entertainment instance currently has no enemies inside. They’re all working on a game.</li>
<li>Exiting some instances spawns the player at the start of the PCZ mistakenly.</li>
<li>Story Notification constantly interrupts Dr Doom Phase 3.</li>
<li>Ben Urich disappears from Avengers Tower after story warping.</li>
<li>Client may crash when fighting in Ruined Projects.</li>
<li>Seemingly infinite Raptors will spawn during the Raptor Survey Station instance.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div></div>
<br />
LAUNCH DATES:<br />
<br />
Ultimate Pack: May 28th<br />
Premium Pack: May 31st<br />
Starter Pack: June 2nd<br />
F2P: June 4th<br />
<br />
<a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/226320/?snr=1_4_4__105_1" rel="nofollow">Marvel Heroes on Steam</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://marvelheroes.com/" rel="nofollow">From the offical website</a>:<br />
<br />
Game Overview<br />
<br />
Marvel Heroes is a FREE-TO-PLAY action-packed massively multiplayer online game created by David Brevik, the visionary behind Diablo and Diablo 2. Set in the iconic Marvel Universe, Marvel Heroes combines the core game-play style of Action RPGs and MMOs with the expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. In the game, players can collect and play as their favorite Marvel Superheroes (including Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Hulk, Spider Man, Captain America and many others). Team up with friends and try to stop Doctor Doom from devastating the world with the power of the Cosmic Cube in a story written by Marvel comic super-scribe Brian Michael Bendis.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://x.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/7/30/4fc6b4067887e.jpg" alt="4fc6b4067887e.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Extended multiplayer gameplay video with the lead developer:<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-L3eFS52jpso"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=L3eFS52jpso"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/L3eFS52jpso/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Trailer:<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-oUBF_PcQyPA"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=oUBF_PcQyPA"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/oUBF_PcQyPA/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Founder's Pack Trailer:<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-KPqhrQPLgNE"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=KPqhrQPLgNE"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/KPqhrQPLgNE/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>]]></description>
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   <item>
      <title>[Animal Crossing] New Leaf is coming - Anyone have any Cherries?</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/178566/animal-crossing-new-leaf-is-coming-anyone-have-any-cherries</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 07:43:09 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>HallowedFaith</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">178566@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://i.imgur.com/MTkkwRV.png" alt="MTkkwRV.png" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.animal-crossing.com/newleaf/" rel="nofollow">Animal Crossing: New Leaf</a> - For Nintendo 3DS(XL)<br />
<br />
Release Dates:<br />
<b>North America</b>: June 09th 2013<br />
<b>Europe</b>: June 14th 2013<br />
<b>Australia</b>: June 15th 2013<br />
<b>Japan</b>: Been out since freaking Nov 8th 2012. Lucky bastards.<br />

<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/9278/skeldare">skeldare</a> wrote: <a rel="nofollow" href="/discussion/comment/26735471#Comment_26735471"><span>»</span></a></div>
<div>Woo! Animal Crossing!<br />
<br />
Don't forget to intend to buy this on Club Nintendo!</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-895koqZvihI"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=895koqZvihI"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/895koqZvihI/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-pgg62DMyzyA"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=pgg62DMyzyA"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/pgg62DMyzyA/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>Some Screenshots: (7 To be exact)<br />
</b>
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Ml8DbZH.jpg" alt="Ml8DbZH.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/D383LyY.jpg" alt="D383LyY.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/z9bf6L9.jpg" alt="z9bf6L9.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/PR2vkKA.jpg" alt="PR2vkKA.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/ThQSdzg.jpg" alt="ThQSdzg.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/RriwD3y.jpg" alt="RriwD3y.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/1ZRZ3df.jpg" alt="1ZRZ3df.jpg" /></div></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>New Features:</b><br />
A lot, actually. Unofficial list here: <a href="http://acwiki3ds.wikispaces.com/Facts" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://acwiki3ds.wikispaces.com/Facts</a><br />

<ul>
<li>You are the Mayor!</li>
<li>New Shops.</li>
<li>New Music!</li>
<li>An insane amount of customization. (Socks, Hats, Shoes, Skirts, Pants, Shirts, Paintings, Eye Contacts (Yes, eye contacts))</li>
<li>A neat new QR Code sharing system to save your patterns/designs and easily share them.</li>
<li>Re-Design of the town system. You can do a lot with it and in it, like swimming.</li>
<li>New Island (Remember the one from Gamecube? It is back!)</li>
<li>Nook is into Real Estate now. Slave labor probably still a thing.</li>
<li>Villagers are far far more diverse. Lots of new speech/interaction.</li>
<li>Dream World/Suite - Visit random player towns from all over the world (Even if you don't know them).</li>
<li>Run on the beach barefoot!</li>
<li>Tons and tons and tons and tons of new items. So many it's not even funny.</li>
<li>Characters now have "legs" and are a lot more detailed.</li>
<li>You can place your house anywhere in town. So can animal villagers.</li>
<li>Buy Fortune Cookies with Playcoins. (You know, those things you get for walking around with your 3DS in your pocket)</li>
<li>New plants!</li>
<li>New Fruits! (Lemons, Bananas, Mangoes, Persimmons, etc)</li>
<li>Customize the outside of your house!</li>
<li>Shopping Mall!</li>
<li>Mini-Games!</li>
<li>Much easier networking to visit towns.</li>
<li>Cross-town chat with friends in your friends list - without being in their town! Woot!</li>
</ul>
<br />
..and a lot more. Seriously the list is pretty big. Easily one of the largest upgrades/updates to Animal Crossing since its inception.<br />
<br />
<b>Penny-Arcade Animal Crossing: New Leaf Friend Codes:</b><br />
I put together a simple way to keep track of our Friend Codes.<br />
<br />
1) <b>Submit your 3DS Friend Code here:</b> (It is automatically added to the spreadsheet listed below.<br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/pa-submit-friend-code" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://bit.ly/pa-submit-friend-code</a></b><br />
<br />
2) <b>View the list of Friend Codes here:</b><br />
Note: This list can only be seen through the direct link which can only be found in this thread and is omitted from search engines. Yay google.<br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/pa-animalcrossing" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://bit.ly/pa-animalcrossing</a></b><br />
<br />
<br />
If you're in the market for both Animal Crossing and a new 3DSXL - you can get your very own 200 dollar poptart!<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/hJXhFEv.png" alt="hJXhFEv.png" /><br />
<br />
Let's talk about Animal Crossing: New Leaf! (Older versions require a down payment of $9.99 + S.H)]]></description>
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   <item>
      <title>Take an axe to the head, and wear it proud during the afterlife in [Dark Souls] 2</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/171041/take-an-axe-to-the-head-and-wear-it-proud-during-the-afterlife-in-dark-souls-2</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2012 02:15:09 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Satsumomo</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">171041@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Original post by <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/mere_immortal">@mere_immortal</a><br />

<div>
Darks Souls II announced at the VGAs, see the trailer yourself!<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-pV8mbFxZHO4"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=pV8mbFxZHO4"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/pV8mbFxZHO4/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<i>Namco Bandai has officially announced the existence of “Dark Souls II” in a release from the Japanese developer last night. From Software has revealed that the sequel to what many fans claim to be one of the hardest games ever created, “Dark Souls II” will be releasing on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. A new teaser website for the game was also launched today, which will inform fans with information from the upcoming title when it becomes available.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the most important bit of info given about the upcoming sequel so far is the change to the game’s multiplayer network. In the first “Dark Souls,” gamers connected in a peer-to-peer format with one player hosting the session.<br />
“Dark Souls II,” however will feature dedicated game servers that will host all players on a single networked system.</i>
</div>
<br />
<span></span>
<div>
<b>****ATTENTION PC PLAYERS, GET THE RESOLUTION FIX HERE: <a href="http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/" rel="nofollow">http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/</a>****</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.abload.de/img/screenshot_2012-09-091yshw.png" rel="nofollow">Click here for nice example of a high-res PC screenshot.</a><br />
<br />
It's being update fairly regularly so check the guy's blog for the latest version.<br />
<br />
Comparison of different options:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m98k21wbBH1r8w1xa.gif" alt="tumblr_m98k21wbBH1r8w1xa.gif" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://imgur.com/sq004.jpg" alt="sq004.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/0NoQI.png" alt="0NoQI.png" /><br />
<br />
(See second post for guides/in-depth info)<br />
<br />
Welcome to the Dark Souls thread! Take a seat over the- oh wait you've died already. Yeah you should probably get used to that.<br />
<br />
Dark Souls is a hardcore action-RPG by From Software, a spiritual successor to their previous game Demon's Souls. It's also as difficult as you've heard it is, but provides an experience that you rarely get in other modern games. There are no difficulty levels and no manual saves, you cannot pause and combat is entirely skill based. By defeating enemies and using certain items you gain souls, which are everything. You use them to level up your character, buy and upgrade items and magic and in certain cases create powerful unique weapons.<br />
<br />
As well as souls, there is a secondary resource you'll be collecting called humanity. You start the game as an undead (hollow), weaker and overall less effective than you are in human form. By collecting and spending humanity you can revert yourself back to human form, increasing certain resistances and improving your item discovery rate. Becoming human also allows you to be summoned to and invade other players worlds.<br />
<br />
Doesn't sound too bad right? Well let's talk about death.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/9aW6o.png" alt="9aW6o.png" /><br />
<br />
You'll see this a lot. Death is as much a part of Dark Souls as collecting the precious souls themselves. If you die you keep your items but lose all your souls and humanity and leave behind a bloodstain. If you make it back to your bloodstain you can recover them, but die on your way back to your corpse and you lose them for good.<br />
<br />
Rush forward with abandon to pick up that shiny item? You're going to die. Let your guard down because you've been through the starting enemies 20 times before? You're going to die. You'll learn to respect death as it starts out by beating you into the ground but then teaches you that every step forward, every dark corner and every closed door in this place demands respect.<br />
<br />
Despite the shadow of death following you everywhere you go, there is one place you can gain some respite.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/zhQ9j.png" alt="zhQ9j.png" /><br />
<br />
Bonfires are the one place you can rest and restore. You can spend your souls to increase your character stats, repair your weapons and armour and restore a limited number of healing flasks. Spend your humanity here and you can also make them more powerful and have them restore more healing items. Bonfires are also your only checkpoints, as long as you've lit one you will return to it once you die.<br />
<br />
Of course it's not that easy. Anytime you touch a bonfire or warp back to one after dying, every enemy you've previously killed respawns ready to take you down again.<br />
<br />
So that's Dark Souls. Prepare to die.<br />
<br />
<b><span>Multiplayer</span><br />
<br />
or as we prefer to call it</b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/t9Cn9.png" alt="t9Cn9.png" /><br />
<br />
<b>Co-op</b><br />
<br />
When co-opping in Dark Souls you can either summon players to your world or be a phantom summoned to another's world. To summon you must be human but phantoms can be either human or hollow. The summoning system isn't your normal "invite to game" thing though. In game you throw down a summoning sign and anyone within 10 levels of you can bring you into their world until you die, exit or kill the boss of that area.<br />
<br />
<b>PVP and Invading</b><br />
<br />
Although becoming human allows you to summon others to your world when you want, it also opens you up to being invaded by anyone with an easy to obtain consumable item. The invader however doesn't choose what world to invade, it is random but limited to the zone you are currently in. Invasions and PVP can also be initiated by joining certain covenants that hold specific conditions.<br />
<br />
<b>Other Online Stuff</b><br />
<br />
If you're not engaging in co-op or PVP, it still pays to play while online. Players can leave messages around the world warning of traps or monsters, giving instructions for hidden items or just being dicks and fucking you over. You'll also see other player's bloodstains throughout the world that show you how they met their maker.<br />
<br />
<b><span>Screenshots</span></b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/cbHPG.jpg" alt="cbHPG.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/SsLK6.jpg" alt="SsLK6.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/O9syL.jpg" alt="O9syL.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/WGtOv.png" alt="WGtOv.png" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/0Uvsa.png" alt="0Uvsa.png" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/W7Fko.png" alt="W7Fko.png" /><br />
<br />
<b><span>Videos</span></b><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-ekqkHjfw9Z0"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=ekqkHjfw9Z0"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ekqkHjfw9Z0/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-93LFz_j5fQA"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=93LFz_j5fQA"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/93LFz_j5fQA/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/vF0zJ.png" alt="vF0zJ.png" /><br />
<br />
<b>Release date August 24th<br />
</b><br />
Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will include an untold chapter in the world of Lordran where the player must stop the spread of darkness at all costs by facing and defeating the Dark Knight Artorias.<br />
<br />
- New Bosses - Including Artorias of Abyss, Chimera of Tomb, and more -<br />
- PVP Online Matchmaking System - Quick matching for co-op or PVP -<br />
- New Areas – Including Oolacile Tomb, Old Ruins and more -<br />
- New Enemies – Including Abyss Guard, Chained Prisoner and more -<br />
- New NPCs – Including Hawkeye Gough and more -<br />
- New Weapons and Armor – Equip some from the new bosses, enemies, and NPCs -<br />
<br />
More details to be revealed...<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-jzSqBfPQIEk"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=jzSqBfPQIEk"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/jzSqBfPQIEk/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />

</div>

<div>
And now, I present to you...<br />
<b><span>SHEN'S GREAT GUIDE TO STAT ALLOCATION</span></b>
</div>
<br />
<b>Humanity:</b> The number to the left of your health bar, occasionally obtained from defeating enemies. Used to return to human form to summon others, kindle bonfires (5 more estus flask uses) and level up some covenants. Increases item drop rates and Chaos damage (cap at 10).<br />
<br />
<b>Endurance: </b>Increases stamina and maximum equip burden. Stamina is used for attacking, blocking, sprinting and rolling – basically everything. Under 25% of your max burden and you can roll freely, 25-50% and your movement speed and roll are slower, 50-100% and you’re much slower and roll heavily with a long animation to get up. Over 100% and you plod ridiculously slowly and can’t roll at all.<br />
40: The stamina hard cap, increasing past this point will only raise your equip burden.<br />
<br />
<b>Attunement: </b>Determines how many spell slots you have for all sorceries, miracles and pyromancies.<br />
10/12/14/16/19/23/28/34/41/50: 1-10 spell slots, 4-6 is generally sufficient.<br />
<br />
<b>Vitality: </b>Your health. 30-50 is a good number for PvP and NG+.<br />
<br />
<b>Strength: </b>Determines whether or not you can swing a weapon or use a shield effectively, increases damage dealt with weapons that scale with it. Multiplied by 1.5x when two handing a weapon.<br />
<br />
16: Claymore, Zweihander (two handed), Eagle Shield, Black Knight Shield. The go-to value for non-strength builds.<br />
28: Covers every weapon that might benefit from both dexterity and strength, hits 40 when two handed.<br />
40: Diminishing returns on damage scaling past this point. Can one hand almost everything and two hand everything else.<br />
(51/58/66): Every shield/one hand every weapon/max possible damage two handing (none of these are worth it).<br />
<br />
<b>Dexterity:</b> Increases damage for weapons that scale with it, slightly increases casting speed.<br />
<br />
18: Lets you use all Black Knight weapons and crossbows.<br />
25: Covers every weapon that has a dexterity requirement to wield at all.<br />
40: Diminishing scaling returns past this point.<br />
(45): Max casting speed (not worth it).<br />
<br />
<b>Magic:</b> Requirement for sorceries, increases damage for sorceries and weapons that scale with it (Magic/Enchanted).<br />
<br />
10: Let’s you buy spells from the vendor at Firelink and Logan at the Archives, can use some basic utility spells.<br />
Mag 16: Oolacile Catalyst, all utility spells, Dark Beads<br />
Mag 25/32: Crystal Magic Weapon/Tin Crystallisation Catalyst and 5 orbs with the Soul mass spells and the Pursuers dark sorcery<br />
44: Crystal Soul Spear sorcery.<br />
(50): White Dragon Breath sorcery (not really worth it).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Faith: </b>Increases magic defence, requirement for miracles, increases damage for miracles and weapons that scale with it (Blessed/Occult).<br />
<br />
18: Emit Force and Homeward utility miracles.<br />
28/30: Wrath of God miracle/Darkmoon and Sunlight Blade weapon buffs.<br />
40: Diminishing returns past this point.<br />
(50): Sunlight Spear (not really worth it).<br />
<br />
<b>Resistance:</b> Joke stat, disregard. (Increases poison resistance, and increases defence slightly faster than other stats).<br />
<br />
<b>Poise:</b> The most important stat on your armour. Higher poise means that you won’t get staggered when you’re hit by heavier attacks, which is particularly useful in PvP.<br />
40: One hit from most one-handed weapons.<br />
53: One hit from larger weapons (notably the Claymore and its ilk).<br />
76: One hit from very large weapons, eg. Black Knight Greataxe and Zweihander.<br />
<br />
<b>Helpful status calculator here:</b><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/darksoulstats/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://sites.google.com/site/darksoulstats/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://steamcommunity.com/app/211420/discussions/0/828935269278734403/" rel="nofollow">Dark Souls Connectivity Fix 1.0</a><br />

<blockquote>

<div>What DSCfix does do:<br />
-- Intercepts GFWL matchmaking functions to return a friend's session if available. This is repeated until all online friends are connected to, at which point it resumes normal behavior of looking for random peers.<br />
-- Allows near-instantaneous summoning / invasion of friends, as well as other network info exchanged such as bloodstains, visible blue ghosts / bonfire phantoms, bonfire kindling, etc.<br />
<br />
What DSCfix does NOT do:<br />
-- Change any rules of summoning or invading (area boss must not be defeated, players must still be within level range, host must be human, etc.)<br />
-- Fix any NAT related problems. If you have a strict NAT (as reported by GFWL) and have not been able to successfully summon/be summoned, DSCfix will probably not help.<br />
-- Otherwise tamper with any aspect of Dark Souls gameplay. The connections it establishes with friends are the exact same as those established after successfully summoning / invading a player.</div>
</blockquote>
]]></description>
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   <item>
      <title>[Injustice: Gods Among Us] Batgirl out 5/21. More costume packs.</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/161502/injustice-gods-among-us-batgirl-out-521-more-costume-packs</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 15:33:40 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Ceno</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">161502@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLNQYNxhZlk/T8uknlIf-hI/AAAAAAAALKI/WgIFaGffwzk/s1600/Banner.jpg" alt="Banner.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-hMkTQSbE6Bc"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=hMkTQSbE6Bc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/hMkTQSbE6Bc/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
Out now for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and WiiU. No PC version announced at this time.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Game Modes:</span><br />
<br />
<b>Story Mode</b> - Similar to MK's story mode structure, story dictates which characters you play as and who and where you fight.<br />
<span><span id="youtube-Ew6lQvgfs2I"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ew6lQvgfs2I"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Ew6lQvgfs2I/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>Battles</b> - Ladder fights<br />
<b>Single Fight</b> - Single match against AI opponent in stage of your choice<br />
<b>S.T.A.R. Labs</b> - The equivalent of the MK Challenge Tower<br />
<b>Multiplayer</b> - Online and local<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Play with PA! </span><br />
<br />
<b>Xbox 360 Metatag</b> - wangsamongus<br />
<br />
<b>PSN Name / Forum Name:</b>
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Genesius_Prime / Ceno<br />
Edwardwilfred / herojoe<br />
Eclibull / Bloodsheed<br />
UnbreakableVow / UnbreakableVow<br />
s3-14der / sPider817<br />
DamusWolf / Iblis<br />
Farangu / Farangu<br />
manetherenwolf / manetherenwolf</div></div>
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Character Roster:</span><br />
<br />
Aquaman<br />
Ares<br />
Bane<br />
Batman<br />
Black Adam<br />
Catwoman<br />
Cyborg<br />
Deathstroke<br />
Doomsday<br />
The Flash<br />
Green Arrow<br />
Green Lantern<br />
Harley Quinn<br />
Hawkgirl<br />
The Joker<br />
Killer Frost<br />
Lex Luthor<br />
Nightwing<br />
Raven<br />
Sinestro<br />
Shazam<br />
Solomon Grundy<br />
Superman<br />
Wonder Woman<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">DLC Characters:</span><br />
Lobo<br />
Batgirl<br />
???<br />
???<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Costume Packs</span><br />
Flashpoint - Aquaman, Deathstroke, Wonder Woman (available through Season Pass)<br />
Red Son - Superman, Wonder Woman, Solomon Grundy (Gamestop preorder bonus, will be released 5/21 as DLC)<br />
Arkham City - Batman, Joker, Catwoman (Walmart preorder bonus, will be released later as DLC)<br />
Blackest Night - Batman (Best Buy preorder bonus, will be released later as DLC)<br />
Teen Titans - Cyborg, Deathstroke, Raven<br />
Bad Girls - Harley Quinn (Classic), Wonder Woman (600), Catwoman (Selina Kyle)<br />
Killing Joke - All Joker (Tourist, Classic, Red Hood)<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">F.A.Q.</span><br />
<b>How do I do a stage transition?</b><br />
Back + Heavy with your opponent near the edge of the screen (side can vary with stage)<br />
<br />
<b>How do I initiate a Clash?</b><br />
After you've been taken down to your second health bar, press Forward + R2 (or RT) as you are being struck by your opponent. When done correctly, this will initiate a wager, allowing you to spend super meter to either do damage or regain health.<br />
<br />
<b>Does it control like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter?</b><br />
Both actually. You block by holding Back, and in the final game you will be able to choose between MK-style tap inputs or SF-style roll-inputs.<br />
<br />
<b>What does the free iOS game unlock in the console version?</b><br />
Artwork for your fightcard, but more importantly four costumes:<br />
Knightfall Bane - Rate the app<br />
New 52 Green Lantern - Complete a bonus battle<br />
Batman Beyond - Obtain a Batman card<br />
Arkham Harley Quinn - Obtain a Joker card]]></description>
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   <item>
      <title>[Minecraft] Don't feed the bees.</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/175256/minecraft-dont-feed-the-bees</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 02:05:46 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Empirical</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">175256@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<b><i>Thanks to Kris_xK, Ein, Vic, Jerick, and DeShadowC for the previous OP's</i></b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/1010842689_DYj3P-L.jpg" alt="1010842689_DYj3P-L.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/1015419613_NYok6-L.jpg" alt="1015419613_NYok6-L.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
Do you like Lego? Would you like to play with it again? Then you need to Minecraft.<br />
<br />
Minecraft is a game about squares.<br />
<br />
In a world made of blocks, you (a rather blocky person yourself) must use your wits and common sense to build and carve a way to safety. This is a dangerous world, make no mistake &#8211; monsters appear from out of the dark, mountains themselves can roar at you, and an errant poke in the wrong direction could bury you alive under tons of soil.<br />
<br />
But all is not lost. You&#8217;re a smart adventurer, after all. After tearing down some trees with your bare hands and building yourself a rudimentary shelter, you&#8217;ll begin to explore the mineral wealth of this new land &#8211; iron, coal, gold, and even stranger treasures await you deep in the cores of these mountains. The question is, can you work your way to the heart of the earth, plunder its riches, and return to tell the tale?<br />
<br />
Developed by one-man creator Markus Persson (also known as Notch), Minecraft is a Java-based, sandbox-style adventure. It fits squarely among more difficult survival games such as Dwarf Fortress and NetHack, while keeping the simple charm of one&#8217;s younger building-block days. It is outwardly simple, internally complex, easy to play, and difficult to master. Perhaps best of all, despite being constructed of laughable square blocks, the game manages to deliver a wonderful atmosphere of fear, paranoia, determination, and reward all in one package.<br />
<br />
<b>Where do I play the game?</b><br />
This game can either be played using a downloadable application or online in your browser.<br />
<br />
If you want to play survival, play using one of these links: <a href="http://minecraft.net/game" rel="nofollow">Browser</a> | <a href="http://minecraft.net/download.jsp" rel="nofollow">Downloadable Client</a>.<br />
<br />
If you want to play creative, play using one of these links: <a href="http://minecraft.net/play.jsp" rel="nofollow">Browser Singleplayer</a> | <a href="http://minecraft.net/servers.jsp" rel="nofollow">Browser Multiplayer</a> | <a href="http://crappycomic.com/stuff/Minecraft.zip" rel="nofollow">CPColin's Client</a> | <a href="http://www.worldofminecraft.com/Minecraft_Custom_Client_Wrapper_Download" rel="nofollow">WoM Client</a><br />
<b>Note:</b> This game mode does not have most of the features that survival does. Notch has favored updating Survival instead. It doesn't have the cool lighting or half the blocks that survival does.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Is it free?</b></span><br />
Yes and no. Creative is free and survival is pay-only. When you purchase the game, you get access to Survival and the ability to have a custom player skin, among whatever comes with the game as a whole.<br />
<br />
<b>Current Price:</b>&#8364;16.95 | US$26.95 | &#163;19.95<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraft.net/" rel="nofollow"><b>Purchase Here</b></a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Videos:</span></b><br />
Includes How-To and Beginner videos!
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwr79lPRrFI" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwr79lPRrFI</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VWnQHS-ffs" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VWnQHS-ffs</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/B36Ehzf2cxE" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/B36Ehzf2cxE</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBgkjRFtLoU" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBgkjRFtLoU</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/QpvJ9wiywL4" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/QpvJ9wiywL4</a></div></div>
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
Useful Shit (<span>MAY BE OUT OF DATE</span>):</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Programs &amp; Utilities</b><br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/73-omen-v070-minecraft-map-editor/" rel="nofollow">OMEN</a> - A map editor for Classic.<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&amp;t=4231" rel="nofollow">Isocraft</a> - A great isometric image generator. Only works with creative maps.<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&amp;t=13134" rel="nofollow">Cartograph</a> - Creates a map of your survival world. It's quite buggy right now but gets the job done.<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&amp;t=15921" rel="nofollow">INVEdit</a> - You can use this to edit your inventory in survival.<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&amp;t=7868" rel="nofollow">NBTEdit</a> - You can use this to change almost anything about your save. Spawn point, health, etc.<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?p=54216" rel="nofollow">Skin Edit</a> - A tool you can use to edit your player skin.<br />
<br />
<b>Textures</b><br />
Don't like the default graphics? Here are some of the popular ones. <span>MAY BE OUT OF DATE</span><br />
<a href="http://painterlypack.net/" rel="nofollow">Painterly Pack</a><br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/1083479-145-15-texture-pack-central-texture-tips/" rel="nofollow">Texture Pack Central Thread</a>-Thread on the MC forums that links to most textures and keeps tabs on whether they're updated or not.<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/1496369-13w07a-147update-210-mcpatcher-hd-fix-245-02-300-beta6/" rel="nofollow">HD Patcher Thread</a>-Thread on the MC forums that contains the MC HD Patcher which is needed for any textures great than the default 16x resolution. Has some other rather nifty features too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Want to see what the look like? Cog made a handy picture guide!
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/43093/Cognisseur">Cognisseur</a> wrote: <a rel="nofollow" href="/discussion/comment/16635661#Comment_16635661"><span>»</span></a></div>
<div><b>Attention New Players!</b><br />
<br />
In case you're interested in changing your Texture Pack, but don't know what to go with?<br />
<br />
I loaded a few of the Texture Packs from the OP and took screenshots of the same location on Zetx's server (which hopefully demonstrates some texture variety) using each one. (Tahel's Pack link didn't load, and I didn't know what to do with Cheap Shot's .png file)<br />
<br />
Default Texture Pack:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://imgur.com/SqOYP.png" alt="SqOYP.png" /></div></div>
<br />
SMP's Texture Pack:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://imgur.com/Gefc0.png" alt="Gefc0.png" /></div></div>
<br />
Brown &amp; Bloom's Texture Pack:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://imgur.com/BmFgx.png" alt="BmFgx.png" /></div></div>
<br />
Painterly Pack:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://imgur.com/B6WHZ.png" alt="B6WHZ.png" /></div></div>
<br />
All 4 Packs Side-by-Side Comparison:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://imgur.com/P7ScY.png" alt="P7ScY.png" /></div></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div></div>
<br />
<b>Skins</b><br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/3796-skinedit-new-version-13-april-alpha-3-pre-7/" rel="nofollow">Java Skin Editor</a><br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=27&amp;t=17212" rel="nofollow">Skinning Tutorial</a>, <a href="http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz282/valvejunkie/minecraft%20stuff/texture.png" rel="nofollow">Supplementary Skin</a> by VALVEjunkie<br />
<a href="http://www.minershoes.com/" rel="nofollow">Miners Need Cool Shoes</a> - Site for Skins<br />
<a href="http://www.planetminecraft.com/" rel="nofollow">Planet Minecraft</a> - Large repository for maps, skins, mods, and a bunch of other shit .<br />
<br />
<b>Links</b><br />
<a href="http://minecraft.net" rel="nofollow">The Official Minecraft Site</a> - Play the game here.<br />
<a href="http://notch.tumblr.com" rel="nofollow">The Dev Blog</a> - Notch's dev blog., Posts a lot of updates and info here. Rarely updates.<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/notch" rel="nofollow">Notch's Twitter</a> - Can be read on his blog as well.<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftforum.net" rel="nofollow">The Official Minecraft Forums</a> - Just don't fucking do it. The community is fucking retarded. Already.<br />
<a href="http://www.minecraftwiki.net" rel="nofollow">Minecraft Wiki</a> - The official wiki for the game. Regularly updated.<br />
<a href="http://www.worldofminecraft.com" rel="nofollow">World of Minecraft</a> - The WoM Custom Client lets you hack and play offline in <b>Minecraft Classic</b>.<br />
<a href="http://www.planetminecraft.com/" rel="nofollow">Planet Minecraft</a> - Large repository for maps, skins, mods, and a bunch of other shit .<br />
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">STEAM GROUP</span></b><br />
<a href="http://steamcommunity.com/groups/PAMiners" rel="nofollow">Clicky!</a><br />
<b>Ask in Steam chat to be added.<br />
Please do not send me PM's about being invited to the steam group, instead make a post in this thread.</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span>PUBLIC PA Servers</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span>SE++ server, go check out their thread.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span>The Underdark:</span></b> Is no longer active and has gone done.<br />
Download link for third UD and <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/ArcSyn">@ArcSyn</a> map: <a href="http://titanium.dickite.com/minecraft/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://titanium.dickite.com/minecraft/</a><br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Bele">@Bele</a> was kind enough to scrounge up clean versions of some of the later caves that were added and toss them into the CleanUD, not all of them are there sadly but several are.<br />
Download link for the last/fourth UD: <a href="http://titanium.dickite.com/minecraft/UNDERDARK.zip" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://titanium.dickite.com/minecraft/UNDERDARK.zip</a><br />
<br />
<b><span>Nations at War</span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://nationsatwar.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://nationsatwar.org/</a></b><br />
Currently in between seasons, preparing for Season 3. PAers need not go through application process, just see <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Empirical">@Empirical</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><span>Phoenix Smasher's server.</span></b><br />
<b>minecraft.guardbreak.com:25566</b><br />
<br />
<b>Herocraftonline.com<span></span></b><br />
<b>mc.herocraftonline.com</b><br />
<b>Hardcore, RPG, PVP, PVE</b><br />
<br />
<b>For others ask in Steam Group chat</b><br />
<br />
<b>IF YOU HAVE A SERVER AND WANT IT TO BE ADDED TO THE LISTS, FEEL FREE TO PM ME.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[Borderlands 2] Gameplay? But...but I wanted loot!</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/170321/borderlands-2-gameplay-but-but-i-wanted-loot</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 03:37:38 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>curly haired boy</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">170321@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<span style="text-decoration: line-through;"></span><b><span>Borderlands 2 is here!</span></b><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-ERe3wZdIAtc"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=ERe3wZdIAtc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ERe3wZdIAtc/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-oUu-FzRFYZA"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=oUu-FzRFYZA"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/oUu-FzRFYZA/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-nicvyhrmTDs"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=nicvyhrmTDs"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/nicvyhrmTDs/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-p8GbEvsk3_8"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=p8GbEvsk3_8"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/p8GbEvsk3_8/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span>And now, standing on the shoulders of giants, <b><br />
<br />
<span>Borderlands</span></b> thread seventeen!<br />
</span><br />
(<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/168142/borderlands-2-buy-a-goddamn-torgue-gun/p1" rel="nofollow">sixteen</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/167417/borderlands-2-mechromancer-dropping-today-oct-9/p1" rel="nofollow">fifteen</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/166893/borderlands-2-singularity-threshers-are-dicks/p1" rel="nofollow">fourteen</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/157333/borderlands-2-live-action-ad-not-making-the-wait-any-easier/p1" rel="nofollow">thirteen</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/140273/borderlands-new-vault-hunters-assemble/p1" rel="nofollow">twelve</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=125694" rel="nofollow">eleven</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=117493" rel="nofollow">ten</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=110699" rel="nofollow">nine</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=105775" rel="nofollow">eight</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=104683" rel="nofollow">seven</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=104282" rel="nofollow">six</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=104087" rel="nofollow">five</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=103842" rel="nofollow">four</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=103275" rel="nofollow">three</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=97845" rel="nofollow">two</a> <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=34573" rel="nofollow">one</a>)<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.gameranx.com/img/12-Jul/borderlands-2-wimoweh-trailer-1.jpg" alt="borderlands-2-wimoweh-trailer-1.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Four new classes:<br />
<b>Salvador the Gunzerker</b> -- Dual wields guns (any guns)  <a href="http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/gunzerker.html" rel="nofollow">Salvador's Skills</a><br />
<b>Maya the Siren</b> -- Phaselock for crowd control, healing, damage  <a href="http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/siren.html" rel="nofollow">Maya's Skills</a><br />
<b>Axton the Soldier Guy</b> -- Snazzy turret  <a href="http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/commando.html" rel="nofollow">Axton's Skills</a> (Note: Do or Die is a 1 point skill, not 5.)<br />
<b>Zero the Loner</b> -- Sword, sniper, sneaky  <a href="http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/assassin.html" rel="nofollow">Zer0's Skills</a><br />
<b>Gaige the Mechromancer</b> -- Hulking robot summon, ponies  <a href="http://www.borderlands2.com/us/skilltree/mechromancer.html" rel="nofollow">Gaige's Skills</a><br />
<br />
How about some gameplay from PAX (August 2012)?<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-BABlz-st7Pk"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=BABlz-st7Pk"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/BABlz-st7Pk/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
What else?<br />
<br />
It's Steamworks.  Very nice.<br />
<br />
The original Vault Hunters are all be in game as NPCs, including a 'live' Lilith.<br />
<br />
There's a dashing bad guy, Handsome Jack, who has taken over the Hyperion Corporation and built himself a moon base from which he can shoot down robot reinforcements.<br />
<br />
Gun manufacturers are way more significant in the new game.  Bandit weapons have huge magazines.  When you reload a Tediore weapon you chuck it like a grenade and it explodes (the rocket launchers actually shoot a rocket).  Maliwan is sexy and elemental.  Vladoff weapons have insane fire rates. Jakobs guns fire as fast as you can click/pull the trigger. Torgue guns? EXPLOSIONS! Etc. Non-gun loot (grenades, mods, artifacts, skins, heads, etc.) is also be randomized and way more diverse than BL1.  Grenades that create a mob-sucking singularity before exploding in corrosive acid and also giving transfusion health?  Yes please!<br />
<br />
Main game bank for storing items and transferring items between characters.<br />
<br />
New currency: eridium.  Can be used to buy inventory, ammo and bank upgrades on the black market.<br />
<br />
Lots of new bad guys - mobs and bosses - including some that will evolve Pokemon style into much more dangerous forms if you don't kill them quickly.<br />
<br />
Character skins and heads:<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://i1.cdnds.net/12/28/618x347/gaming_borderlands_2_screenshot_7.jpg" alt="gaming_borderlands_2_screenshot_7.jpg" /></div></div>
<br />
New element: slag!  Slagged enemies are more susceptible to damage.<br />
<br />
You can move while in Fight For Your Life mode - yay!<br />
<br />
New end game raid boss -- Terramorphous the Invincible -- supposed to make Crawmerax look like a sea monkey.<br />
<br />
Gearbox has committed to 4 DLC, along the lines of Knoxx in scope they say, by June of 2013.  Price is $10 each (or comparable) and there is a season pass to get all 4 for $30.<br />
<br />
And, oh yes, midgets on shields...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://orcz.com/Borderlands_2:_Golden_Key?newcodes=2013#Latest_Shift_Codes" rel="nofollow">NON-EXPIRING LIST OF SHIFT CODES</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.abload.de/img/289450udz1.png" alt="289450udz1.png" /><br />
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>The New &amp; Improved [Game Deals] Thread: Talk About 2 Vitas Here</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/169590/the-new-improved-game-deals-thread-talk-about-2-vitas-here</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:08:45 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Shady3011</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">169590@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Video games are expensive. That's why we love sales. Post all game deals in this thread. I'll try my best to update the OP with any big sales.]]></description>
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   <item>
      <title>[Call of Duty] Still Broken, Still "our fault"</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/171719/call-of-duty-still-broken-still-our-fault</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:24:44 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>iRevert</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">171719@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<b>TLDR The Next 100 Pages:</b>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://i.imgur.com/rBONS.jpg?1" alt="rBONS.jpg?1" /></div></div>

<div>
<img src="http://porkchopplatoon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/riot-shield-black-ops-2.png" alt="riot-shield-black-ops-2.png" /><br />
<i>...better get behind the shield boys.  Shit storm incoming!</i>
</div>
<br />
BLOPS 2 uses a point value system for each class. Each gun, attachment, equipment, and perk is worth a certain number of points. You get to mix and match up to 10 points worth of gear. What is unique with this is you can use only a knife and a ton of perks and then grab a gun off of someone who died during the match. Think Specialist from MW3 but instead you start with all the perks active, but only have a pistol or if your feeling like a giant douchebag...only a knife.<br />
<br />
In addition a "Wildcard" item will be in the game allowing you to sacrifice your Tactical equipment (Smoke, Flashbang...etc) in exchange for an additional perk or ability. Killstreaks have been replaced with pointstreaks (similar to MW3s system but a bit different).<br />
<br />
Keeping in the COD tradition of giving us useless shit we don't need while ignoring the features that we could use BLOPS2 will introduced a Livestreaming/Shoutcasting feature so people can watch you miss your 1080wallbangclaymorefakienoscope forty six times before you hit it...LIVE!<br />
<br />

<div>
<span><b>Videos And Screenshots:</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><span><span id="youtube-ZQZ_5-SW4b0"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZQZ_5-SW4b0"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ZQZ_5-SW4b0/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-IdHixeLj5cA"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=IdHixeLj5cA"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/IdHixeLj5cA/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-YdQomKiekLw"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=YdQomKiekLw"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/YdQomKiekLw/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-DlRsw9jpEd0"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=DlRsw9jpEd0"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/DlRsw9jpEd0/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-T4WeuOqUBI8"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=T4WeuOqUBI8"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/T4WeuOqUBI8/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-dupTL5lECrY"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=dupTL5lECrY"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/dupTL5lECrY/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-ljjkWCKoO70"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=ljjkWCKoO70"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ljjkWCKoO70/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-4KIeGvFkpDQ"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=4KIeGvFkpDQ"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/4KIeGvFkpDQ/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-Jf9lQ9VQgFc"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=Jf9lQ9VQgFc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Jf9lQ9VQgFc/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-fii7G3frtbM"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=fii7G3frtbM"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/fii7G3frtbM/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-e2EC_8_EbI8"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=e2EC_8_EbI8"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/e2EC_8_EbI8/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-x3tedlWs1XY"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=x3tedlWs1XY"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/x3tedlWs1XY/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-Dre21lBu2zU"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=Dre21lBu2zU"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Dre21lBu2zU/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span id="youtube-XEa0-hGesAk"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=XEa0-hGesAk"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/XEa0-hGesAk/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<img src="http://www.gameranx.com/img/12-May/black-ops-2-screenshots.jpg" alt="black-ops-2-screenshots.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://www.gameranx.com/img/12-May/black-ops-2-screenshots-new.jpg" alt="black-ops-2-screenshots-new.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/iSArJ.jpg" alt="iSArJ.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1294259/BLOPTIONS_2.jpg" alt="BLOPTIONS_2.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1294255/BLOPTIONS_1.jpg" alt="BLOPTIONS_1.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://www.gameranx.com/img/12-Aug/black-ops-2-yemen-map.jpeg" alt="black-ops-2-yemen-map.jpeg" /><br />
<img src="http://www.gameranx.com/img/12-Aug/black-ops-2-aftermath-map.jpeg" alt="black-ops-2-aftermath-map.jpeg" /><br />
<img src="http://www.gameranx.com/img/12-Aug/black-ops-2-cargo-map.jpeg" alt="black-ops-2-cargo-map.jpeg" /><br />
<img src="http://www.gameranx.com/img/12-Aug/black-ops-2-turbine-map.jpeg" alt="black-ops-2-turbine-map.jpeg" /><br />
</div></div>
<br />
<br />

<div>
<span><b>Weapons and Perks</b></span>
</div>
<br />

<div>
<span><b>Primary Guns</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/assault-rifles/" rel="nofollow">Assault rifles</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/shotguns/" rel="nofollow">Shotguns</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/light-machine-guns/" rel="nofollow">Light Machine Guns</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/sniper-rifles/" rel="nofollow">Sniper Rifles</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/sub-machine-guns/" rel="nofollow">Sub-Machine Guns</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/specials/" rel="nofollow">Special Weapons</a></b></div></div>

<div>
<span><b>Secondary Weapons</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/launchers/" rel="nofollow">Launchers</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/pistols/" rel="nofollow">Pistols</a></b></div></div>

<div>
<span><b>No Weapon Selected</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Knife</div></div>

<div>
<b><span>Equipment and Attachments</span></b>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/lethal/" rel="nofollow">Lethal Equipment</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/tactical/" rel="nofollow">Tactical Equipment</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/weapons-list/attachments/" rel="nofollow">Weapon Attachments</a></b></div></div>

<div>
<span><b>Pick-10 Class Creator</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Unlike prior CoD games, you aren't forced into taking certain perks and gear into battle.  Now you have 10 points to create your own unique custom class.  Don't want a secondary?  No problem!  Want five perks?  Go for it!  There are limits in place that <i>should</i> help keep the classes balanced, but we won't know for sure until the game is out.  In the meantime, <b><a href="http://www.gamingupgrade.com/pick-10-black-ops-2-custom-class-creator/" rel="nofollow">try making your own classes using this handy tool!</a></b></div></div>

<div>
<span><b>Perks, Wild Cards, and Score Streaks</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/perks-list/" rel="nofollow">Perk Lists</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/score-streaks-killstreaks/" rel="nofollow">Score Streaks</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/create-a-class/" rel="nofollow">Wild Cards</a></b></div></div>

<div>
<span><b>Maps and Game Types</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><b><a href="http://www.blackopsii.com/bo2/multiplayer-maps/" rel="nofollow">Maps</a></b></div></div>

<div>
<span><b>Game Types</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Bots will be available in all gametypes<br />
<br />
All game modes are customizable in Black Ops 2. Bots can be added to almost all game modes if a team needs filling out, for example. Players will also have the power to restrict content like certain attachments, perks and equipment. Interestingly, players will also be able to redesign the Pick 10 system to either a Pick 3 to Pick 17 system and anything in between. This can make for some extremely skill-based matches when weapons, perks and equipment are limited to only three slots. A slew of competitive settings and options have also been thrown in, including how FFA, TDM and CTS are scored, the ability to turn off 3rd person spectating, the ability to disable the announcer and a whole lot more.<br />
<br />
At launch, three modes will be playable with up to three different teams within the regular assortment of playlists. These three teams can be made up of three to four players. Treyarch calls these “3×3′s” and “3X4′s.” Multi-team game modes include:<br />
<b><br />
Team Deathmatch<br />
Kill Confirmed<br />
Hardpoint</b><br />
<br />
Party Games essentially replaces Wager Matches from the original Black Ops. However, players will now be able to earn XP and rank up in the regular progression. Game types include:<br />
<br />
<b>Gun Game<br />
Sticks and Stones<br />
One in the Chamber<br />
Sharpshooter</b><br />
<br />
Combat Training is now integrated into the main game and will include three different modes at launch.<br />
<br />
<b>Bootcamp</b> – In Bootcamp, players can rank up from level 1 to level 10 while gaining full experience. This playlist is solely made up of the Team Deathmatch game mode and pits one team of humans and bots against another team of human and bots. This eases the level of expectation placed on someone who may be new to the game.<br />
<br />
<b>Objective</b> – Here, players can rank past level 10, but will not earn the full amount of XP. Once again, two teams made up of both humans and bots are pitted against each other in various objective-based game modes.<br />
<br />
<b>Bot Stomp</b> – No XP is earned in Bot Stomp. Quite simply, a team of humans is pitted agains a team of bots – great for practice, map knowledge, and nailing down the basics of Call of Duty.<br />
<br />
Other Modes<br />
<b>FFA<br />
CTF<br />
Domination<br />
Ground War<br />
Search And Destroy<br />
Hardcore versions of each gametype<br />
</b><br />
<br />
And yes <b>ZOMBIES</b> is back as a gametype. Zombies this time around will have three types:<br />
<b>Story Mode</b> - Standard Zombies<br />
<b>Survival Mode </b> - Hoarde Mode<br />
<b>Grief Mode</b> - Two Teams vs each other, players cannot hurt each other but can "Grief" the other team with zombies, more info on Nov 13th.</div></div>

<div>
<span><b>Theatre Mode</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>The <b>theater mode</b> in Black Ops 2 is back and has seen some major improvements while keeping all the same tools, including the dolly cam, from previous Call of Duty’s. The new Social Features allow players to bookmark gameplays so that they can be revisited, meaning it’s now much easier to go back and search for your favorite moments after a plentiful night of games. The Meta Data has been expanded to include score, captures and defends while the robust Community Filter can help sort videos to a player’s preference. Up and down-voting is now also included for both films and screenshots.<br />
<br />
An extremely powerful new feature, the Highlight Reel, allows players to create a film with the simple touch of a button. Simply load a game in the theater, select ‘Hightlight Reel,’ and the game instantly creates your very own montage of your most excellent moments. Settings can be customized, however, to expand or simplify the contents of your film. Further editing can be done once completed as well.<br />
<br />
Black Ops2 will also include <b>"CODCasting</b>" which is an integrated streaming video feature allowing you to live stream your gameplay from your xbox so literally tens of people can watch your mediocre gameplay and constant slurs! You also will be reportedly able to "stream" footage to your PC using this, effectively giving you a PVR feature. There will also be a USB camera support (no word on if you must be connected through your PC or if its done xbox side)<br />
<br />
You also will be given an option to Shoutcast if you do not want to livestream.</div></div>

<div>
<span><b>Prestige Mode</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>No longer is Prestige a “restart” as it was in previous Call of Duty titles. This time around, weapon experience and earned attachments are are carried over, as are all challenges.<br />
<br />
Black Ops 2 is meant to be played all the way to prestige 10. Upon prestigeing, tokens are rewarded to the player which can then be used to unlock what ever item you want forever, including items that you have yet to reach the required level for. On top of these tokens, an additional reward can be selected. These rewards include:<br />
<br />
New create a class slot – Up to 5 extra slots.<br />
Stats Reset – This is a complete wipe of all stats and unlocks. This is essentially like buying the game new.<br />
Refund – This gives back all unlock tokens a player has spent so far that prestige level. This basically allows players to re-roll or re-spec their character.<br />
<br />
Only at prestige 10 is absolutely everything unlocked for the player.</div></div>

<div>
<span><b>Emblem Editor</b></span>
</div>

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Player Cards in Black Ops 2 is made up of these elements:<br />
<br />
Background<br />
Clan tag<br />
Matchmaking level<br />
Current League Play rank.<br />
<br />
In the emblem editor, players will have up to 32 layers to work with. Objects can be flipped, moved, rotated, scaled and copied and pasted from one layer to another. The choice of colors has been improved and RGB color mixing can also be tweaked. The emblem editor now also supports transparency.  And yes, you can know save up to three emblems at a time for quick switching.  <img src="/plugins/Emotify/design/images/4.gif" width="" height="" alt=":D" title=":D" /><br />
<br />
Should you choose not to create your own emblem, default emblems will also be provided. For those willing to get creative, more complex shapes will become available upon completing specific challenges. When it comes to backgrounds, over 150 are selectable, not all of which are simple rectangular shapes.</div></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>EVERYONE BACK ON THE BLOPS BUS TO HYPEVILLE!</i><br />
<img src="http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/8950/blopsbus.png" alt="blopsbus.png" /><br />
<i>...how many of these people still even play?</i><br />
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[XCOM] iPad version coming soon!  XCOM: Expansion What? teased at PAX East</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/170050/xcom-ipad-version-coming-soon-xcom-expansion-what-teased-at-pax-east</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2012 22:18:54 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Durinia</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">170050@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/05/xcomcover530.jpg" alt="xcomcover530.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
<br />
This ain't the FPS, this is a straight-up, re-imagining/modernization of the original XCOM from our friends at Firaxis. We're going from this:
<div>
<img src="http://lparchive.org/X-COM-Apocalypse/Update%201/e.png" alt="e.png" />
</div>
<br />
to this:
<div>
<img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/imagefeed/screenshots/XCOMEnemyUnknown/GasStation_03_1280watermark.jpg" alt="GasStation_03_1280watermark.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
<b>Because of &lt;reasons&gt; I'm not familiar with 20 year old strategy games. What was XCOM, and why is this a big deal?</b><br />
In 1994, Microprose released the original XCOM: UFO Defense. This game mixed real-time strategy with turn-based strategy. The RTS part, called the Geoscape, took place on a global scale. You started with one base (with the ability to build more) somewhere on the planet. You had to manage your resources, which included buying or manufacturing weapons, ammo, armor, outfitting your air force and troops, and directing research and manufacturing focuses. The money for all of this (including paying everybody's salary) could come from selling your supplies or manufactured goods, but mainly from the funding council of countries. If a country was happy with your performance, you'd receive more money from them the next month. If they were displeased (or infiltrated by the aliens) they would cut off their funding.  Actually putting soldiers on the ground for a specific mission (UFO crash, etc.) triggered the turn-based portion of the game, called the battlescape. Missions in the battlescape started with your squad on the landing craft, ready to take on the alien menace. By directing your soldiers, you either killed the enemy or led your soldiers to their (permanent) deaths.<br />
<br />
The point being the game was deep, hard, and brutal. High casualties and squad-wipes were not only normal, but expected. It has remain well-played to this day. In fact, you should <b>really</b> go read <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Fishman%27s">@Fishman's</a> recently finished LP of the original <i><b>right now</b></i>. It's one of the best LPs in the history of forever.<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/70136/the-bastards-have-landed-x-com-lp/p1" rel="nofollow">Fishman LP part I: The Bastards have landed</a><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/101123/no-its-not-tear-gas.-its-catfood.-x-com-lp-ii/p1" rel="nofollow">Fishman LP Part II: No, it's not tear gas. It's Catfood.</a><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/116805/its-my-job-to-keep-you-alive.-i-will-not-succeed-not-with-all-of-you.-xcom-lp-iii/p1" rel="nofollow">Fishman LP Part III: It's my job to keep you alive. I will not succeed- not with all of you.</a><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/134251/im-in-the-mood-for-a-little-vivisection-x-com-lp-iv/p1" rel="nofollow">Fishman LP Part IV: I'm in the mood for a little vivisection.</a><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/167068/one-does-not-simply-walk-into-cydonia-x-com-lp-v#latest" rel="nofollow">Fishman LP Part V: One does not simply walk into Cydonia</a><br />
<br />
UFO Defense had some sequels which some people have strong opinions about. There were other attempts to clone or revive the series, most of which failed in a spectacular manner. This is the first time that a dedicated, high-budget team has attempted to bring the classic into the modern age.<br />
<br />
How is this possible? <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/01/24/dissecting-a-classic-how-to-modernize-x-com.aspx" rel="nofollow">Jake Solomon, GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER tells us.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>PC Requirements:</b>
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><b>Minimum Requirements:</b><br />
OS: Windows Vista<br />
Software: Steam Client<br />
Processor: 2 GHz Dual Core<br />
Memory: 2 GB RAM<br />
Hard Drive: 20 GB free<br />
Video Memory: 256 MB<br />
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT / ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT or greater<br />
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible<br />
<br />
<b>Recommended Requirements:</b><br />
OS: Windows 7<br />
Processor: 2 GHz Dual Core (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or Athlon X2 2.7 GHz)<br />
Memory: 4 GB RAM<br />
Hard Drive: 20 GB free<br />
Video Memory: 512+ MB<br />
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 9000 series / ATI Radeon HD 3000 series or greater<br />
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible</div></div>
<br />

<div>
<span><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">HEY YOU - want to send fellow Penny Arcadians to their horrific deaths as members of your XCOM squads?</span></b></span>
</div>
<br />
<a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/jdarksun">@jdarksun</a> collected a list of forumers to <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">kill</span> recruit, and compiled them into an .ini list for the game to pull from.
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/2076/jdarksun">jdarksun</a> wrote: <a rel="nofollow" href="/discussion/comment/24427569#Comment_24427569"><span>»</span></a></div>
<div>Since XCOM tends to spawn interest in having PA forumers volunteer to be in other player's games, I figured I'd try to automate the process as long as we had access to the DefaultNamesList.  So if you're interested in having your forum handle show up in other people's games, <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHF2TkFSQVhwRU5ZYW5tc3hBYl9UZFE6MQ#gid=0" rel="nofollow">I put together a form</a> to do just that.  <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Au0GcLXf5ngYdHF2TkFSQVhwRU5ZYW5tc3hBYl9UZFE" rel="nofollow">The result spreadsheet is here</a>, but I'll write some code to automatically generate a DefaultNamesList from that spreadsheet and share that, too.</div>
</blockquote>
</div></div>
<br />
There are two files available:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/670006/DefaultNameList.ini" rel="nofollow">Their Pick</a> uses their selected nationalities.<br />
<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/670006/DefaultNameList%20-%20proportional%20distribution.ini" rel="nofollow">Proportional Distribution</a> assigns nationalities randomly, but with the restriction that there is an equal distribution across all nations.<br />
<br />
Go to:<br />
&lt;Your Drive&gt;:\&lt;Your Path To&gt;\steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XComGame\Config\<br />
Find the file <b>DefaultNameList.ini</b>, and rename it to something else (like "LameNormalNames.ini")<br />
Then, rename the file you downloaded to <b>DefaultNameList.ini</b> and place it in that directory.<br />
<br />
Alternately:
<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/44742/UrQuanLord88">UrQuanLord88</a> wrote: <a rel="nofollow" href="/discussion/comment/24600820#Comment_24600820"><span>»</span></a></div>
<div>Alternatively you can put the DefaultNameList.ini file in your Documents\...\X-Com\config folder. That would allow you to modify your settings without ever removing the default file in the steamapps folder<br />
<br />
Also explosives. I love explosives.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Be sure to report on the exploits of fellow forumers!  For example, <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Lanrutcon">@Lanrutcon</a> died twice in defense of humanity in the first 12 hours.
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/Natathel/Capture121.jpg" alt="Capture121.jpg" /><br />
That's him in the pink.</div></div>
<br />
<br />
==================================================================================================================================<br />
<b>Holy chrysalid! <span style="text-decoration: underline;">There are spoilers ahead!</span> If you want to go into the game unspoiled about enemies or changes to the game, I wouldn't read past this point.</b><br />
<br />
Assume everything from here on is a spoiler.<br />
<br />
<b>Seriously. I warned you. No whining.</b><br />
==================================================================================================================================<br />
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Information, Articles, Videos, etc</span></b><br />
<br />
"Last Stand" Trailer from E3:
<div>
<span><span id="youtube-UNyhyzjYCks"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=UNyhyzjYCks"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/UNyhyzjYCks/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">DLC</span></b><br />
Players who pre-ordered the game (<b>too late!</b>) also received free access to the first DLC - the <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/209811/" rel="nofollow">Elite Soldier Pack</a>[url], which retails for $5 and includes the following features:<br />

<div>
<img src="http://www.gametrailers.com/side-mission/files/2012/07/XCOM-Enemy-Unknown-Elite-Soldier-Pack.jpeg" alt="XCOM-Enemy-Unknown-Elite-Soldier-Pack.jpeg" />
</div>
* Classic X-COM Soldier: A new recruit inspired by the original X-COM: UFO Defense, a blond soldier with the flattop hairstyle from the original X-COM.<br />
* Soldier Deco Packs: Several aesthetic upgrades to upgrades to armor suits, including the Hyperion and Reaper soldier armor kits.<br />
* Complete Color Customization: A variety of colors and tints for all armor sets to customize their squad's look.<br />
<br />
The second DLC, the<a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/10/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-content-packs-announced.aspx" rel="nofollow">Slingshot Content Pack</a>, is due sometime in 2012.
<blockquote>

<div>In this new set of linked Council missions, gamers will meet an enigmatic Triad operative, divert an alien ship’s course, and do battle with the aliens in the skies over China. The Slingshot Content Pack includes three new maps tied to the Council missions, a new playable squad character with a unique story and voice and new character customization options. The release date and pricing of the Slingshot Content Pack will be announced soon.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Enemies:</b><br />
The familiar faces from the original game may <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/01/18/alien-breeds-the-evolution-of-xcom-s-enemies.aspx" rel="nofollow">look different.</a> There's also some newcomers.<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<div>
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/xcom/images/8/81/XCOM-EU_Sectoids.jpg" alt="XCOM-EU_Sectoids.jpg" /><br />
Sectoid -- Sectoids have the ability to form a psionic link with each other, and once the link is formed, they all receive combat boosts. By eliminating the sectoid forming the link, both sectoids will die.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/xcom/images/5/55/XCOM-EU_Mutons.jpg" alt="XCOM-EU_Mutons.jpg" /><br />
Muton -- Strong and fierce, they have the "Blood Call" ability that motivates surrounding Mutons. Never try to fight one hand-to-hand.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120612205846/xcom/images/1/11/CyberDisk.jpg" alt="CyberDisk.jpg" />.<img src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120612210004/xcom/images/f/f4/XCOM_Cyberdisc_Closed_medium.jpg" alt="XCOM_Cyberdisc_Closed_medium.jpg" /><br />
Cyberdisc -- They're transformers with at least two forms: a flat, saucer-like form and a spider-like assault form. They're nearly indestructible in the saucer form, forcing you to wait until they can attack.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/xcom/images/6/62/XCOM-EU_ThinMan.jpg" alt="XCOM-EU_ThinMan.jpg" /><br />
Thin Man -- Very agile, capable of covering great amounts of land in a single move or jumping several stories in a single leap. They can vomit a deadly acid and explode in acid when killed.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/xcom/images/d/d6/XCOM-EU_Berserker.jpg" alt="XCOM-EU_Berserker.jpg" /><br />
Berserker -- Appears to be a heavily armored Muton squad leader. The Berserker has the Bull Rush ability, allowing it to charge towards its targets.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/xcom/images/5/52/XCOM-EU_Floater.png" alt="XCOM-EU_Floater.png" /><br />
Floater -- A monstrous cyborg powered by a pair of twin back-mounted jets. It has the ability to teleport.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/xcom/images/6/6a/XCOM-EU_Chrysalid.jpg" alt="XCOM-EU_Chrysalid.jpg" /><br />
Chrysalid -- Rips your soldiers or any human it can get to with its claws and incubates an egg into their chest. The unfortunate victim is then turned into a zombie which gives birth to a new Chrysalid.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120725155409/xcom/images/3/37/Rw3w95.jpg" alt="Rw3w95.jpg" /><br />
Chrysalid Zombie (left) -- What happens to your soldier or civilian after a Chrysalid gets to it.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120725213023/xcom/images/thumb/6/6b/Chrysalid_Hatchling2.jpg/750px-Chrysalid_Hatchling2.jpg" alt="750px-Chrysalid_Hatchling2.jpg" /><br />
Chrysalid Hatchling -- A baby Chrysalid, fresh from the zombified corpse of your comrade. It's not cute or cuddly.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/xcom/images/0/09/-XCOM-Enemy-Unknown-Last-Stand-Trailer-Aliens-_.jpg" alt="-XCOM-Enemy-Unknown-Last-Stand-Trailer-Aliens-_.jpg" /><br />
Outsiders --  These Aliens appear to be deployed/materializing out of glowing orange crystals.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images.wikia.com/xcom/images/7/76/ZBxWO.jpg" alt="ZBxWO.jpg" /><br />
Sectopod -- Armored Mech.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/Bitmob/1%20Bitmob%20Games%203/XCOM%20Enemy%20Unknown/XCOM%20Enemy%20Unknown%20-%20Drone_zps2594f921.png" alt="XCOM%20Enemy%20Unknown%20-%20Drone_zps2594f921.png" /><br />
Drone -- Small spherical robots; alone these robots are not much of threat, but they have the ability to repair other machines such as cyberdisks and sectopods.
</div>
</div></div>
<br />
Things that are different:<br />
* <b>Squad sizes</b>. You start with a squad size of 4, but can upgrade to 6. Robotic tank-type units called SHIVs can be built as well, which take up one soldier slot. They can do a variety of things and allow your soldiers to take cover behind them.<br />
<br />
* <b>Bases</b>. There's no base defense, and you can only have one base. However, you can expand your coverage by putting up more satellites to watch the planet, and can build interception bases so your fighters don't have to fly all the way around the world to catch a UFO. Also, the way you interact with your base is new. Called the <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/p/xcom-interactive-ant-farm.aspx" rel="nofollow">Ant Farm</a> you see the base as a side-view and can watch your crew between missions while you dictate manufacturing and research.<br />
<br />
Where you build your base matters. You get a different bonus based on the continent you build in.<br />
<b>North America:</b> Aircraft and aircraft weapons cost 50% less to build and maintain.<br />
<b>South America:</b> Alien interrogations and autopsies are finished instantly.<br />
<b>Europe:</b> Laboratories and Workshops have cost 50% less to build and maintain.<br />
<b>Asia:</b> Projects in the Foundry and Officer Training school cost 50% less.<br />
<b>Africa:</b> 30% more funding.<br />
<br />
*<b>Plot</b>. Most of the game is still procedurally generated missions, but there are some "tent-pole" plot missions that occur at certain points that include cutscenes or set-piece battles. Most of the game is still random in terms of missions, challenges, where/when UFOs appear and what enemies you see. National governments may also give missions or requests (ex: Send us 10 lasers for 5 scientists).<br />
<br />
*<b>Combat</b>. Fog of war still exists, but "Time Units" from the original have been streamlined into a "Move-action" system, where action can be shooting, reloading, moving again, or setting up in overwatch to shoot enemies on their turn. Ammo management is kind of gone; the game assumes you've brought as much normal ammo as you need, but you must spend a turn to reload. Special weapons like rocket launchers still have limited ammo. Also, the squad starts each mission already disembarked from the Skyranger. Soldiers take cover where appropriate.<br />
<br />
*<b>Soldiers</b>. Still customizable, still nameable. They start as rookies, but after gaining experience they reveal a specialization. Assault, Support, Sniper, Heavy. As they continue to gain experience, they earn perks and abilities. Wounded soldiers will recover but may suffer permanent penalties as a result. Repeated missions will result in tired soldiers, you'll need more than one team.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Fun/Useful Screenshots!</b></span><br />
<br />
Hero Soldiers
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://a.yfrog.com/img644/5634/i4nyo.jpg" alt="i4nyo.jpg" /></div></div>
<br />
PC KB layout
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://i.imgur.com/A9841.png" alt="A9841.png" /></div></div>
<br />
Chrysallids
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/384248_508113942546108_1051147410_n.jpg" alt="384248_508113942546108_1051147410_n.jpg" /></div></div>
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Videos!</b></span><br />
<br />
The hottest (video) ticket in-thread these days is for the <b>Ironman Impossible</b> videos of one <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Beaglerush" rel="nofollow">BeagleRush</a>.  Follow along as he narrates his pain in real time.  As a bonus, you will definitely learn something about the tactics needed to win the harder difficulties.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9zJE9GodMQ" rel="nofollow">Season One</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VX0LPvly4U" rel="nofollow">Season Two</a><br />
<br />
A bit of an introduction into the three special "Council Mission" types:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXgKj3wxMm8" rel="nofollow">Escort Mission</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKSdQwjzmVI" rel="nofollow">Abduction Mission</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6nIgJd7vy8" rel="nofollow">Bomb Disposal</a>]]></description>
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      <title>[Total War: Discussion Thread]  Rome II - due for release on September III, MMXIII</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/163461/total-war-discussion-thread-rome-ii-due-for-release-on-september-iii-mmxiii</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:05:24 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Prisca</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">163461@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/rome-2-logo-md_zps67d18aa6.png" alt="rome-2-logo-md_zps67d18aa6.png" /><br />
<br />
<b>HOW FAR WILL YOU GO FOR ROME?</b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/total-war-rome-2-pc-937576.jpg" alt="total-war-rome-2-pc-937576.jpg" /><br />

<blockquote>

<div>Become the world’s first superpower and command the most incredible and vast war machine of the Ancient world. Dominate the enemies of your glorious empire by military, economic and political means.<br />
<br />
Your rise will bring admiration from your followers but will also attract greed and jealousy, even from your closest allies.<br />
<br />
Will betrayal strike you down, or will you be the first to turn on old friends? How much are you ready to sacrifice for your vision of Rome? Will you fight to save the Republic, or plot to rule alone as Dictator — as Emperor?</div>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>

<div>The creators of the award-winning Total War series set a new benchmark for strategy gaming quality and depth, taking their signature mix of real-time and turn-based gameplay to new heights.<br />
<br />
An epic-scale turn-based campaign mode in which to plan your conquest of the known world – in any way you see fit.<br />
<br />
Feel the thunderous clash of battle as the Roman war-machine takes to the field in real-time combat. Tens of thousands of men collide in bone-splintering detail that you directly control.<br />
<br />
All-new graphics engine: see exotic ancient cities and colossal armies rendered in incredible detail, while jaw-dropping cinematic battles unfold. New unit cameras allow you to see the battle from every perspective.<br />
<br />
Completely scalable experience, with performance optimised for your PC or laptop. Witness the awesome scale of Total War: Rome II, no matter what your spec.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Media</b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/factions.png" alt="factions.png" /><br />

<blockquote>

<div>Ranging from the Spanish coast to the far-flung, exotic kingdoms of the east, the campaign map for Total War: ROME II™ is breath-taking in scope, and a study in detail and variety. This page is your source for background information about each of the playable factions: their starting position on the campaign map, their civic and military focus, and some of their key battlefield units.<br />
<br />
The playable factions represent key powers within the Greco-Roman, Barbarian, and Eastern cultures, and each offers a notably different and deeper form of gameplay experience from those in previous Total War games. Each brings unique commercial, military and political strengths, its own agents and political system, and three tech trees representing civic, military and engineering disciplines. Each will have its own dilemmas to face and different styles of army to manage. Some factions are split into a number of playable families, which bring further unique benefits to their base faction traits.<br />
<br />
Players will need to work with – and in certain circumstances against – their faction’s internal political system. You’ll direct the actions of famous characters from history, and if they’re not out in the field commanding your armies, they’ll be politicking in the senate house, or its cultural equivalent. Players would be wise to keep an eye on such individuals…<br />
<br />
Some factions rely more on mercenaries for their military might; some prefer to train their own. Some rely on client-nations or vassals to boost their economic growth, while others are more trade-focussed. Whichever you choose, each faction brings a completely different gameplay experience to Total War: ROME II™.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Rome</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Roman_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/Rome_Faction_zpsc9e7faf8.png" alt="Rome_Faction_zpsc9e7faf8.png" /></a><br />
<b>Carthage</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Carthaginian_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/Carthage_Faction_zps72333ed4.png" alt="Carthage_Faction_zps72333ed4.png" /></a><br />
<b>Macedon</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Macedonian_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/MacedonTrans100x100_zps3e3cf6ac.png" alt="MacedonTrans100x100_zps3e3cf6ac.png" /></a><br />
<b>Iceni Tribe</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Iceni_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/Iceni_mon_256.png" alt="Iceni_mon_256.png" /></a><br />
<b><br />
Arverni Tribe</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Arverni_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/Averni_ico.png" alt="Averni_ico.png" /></a><br />
<b>Suebi Tribe</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Suebi_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/Mon_256icon.png" alt="Mon_256icon.png" /></a><br />
<b>Parthia</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Parthia_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/R2_logomon_256.png" alt="R2_logomon_256.png" /></a><br />
<b>Ptolemaic Egypt</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Egyptian_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/Egypt_mon_256.png" alt="Egypt_mon_256.png" /></a><br />
<b>Pontus</b><br />
<a href="http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War:_Rome_II_-_Pontus_Faction" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/Pontus1.png" alt="Pontus1.png" /></a>
<hr />
<b>Reveal trailer:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zYgozQ1zpk&amp;list=UUugJq15BiB-c1NDYPHiznWQ" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/facesofrome_zps7aee09c8.png" alt="facesofrome_zps7aee09c8.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><br />
Total War Facebook page:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TotalWar" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/facebook_zps9f2b7bd5.png" alt="facebook_zps9f2b7bd5.png" /></a><br />
<b>Total War/Creative Assembly on YouTube:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/thecreativeassembly/featured" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/chronormi/youtube_zps38b1960d.png" alt="youtube_zps38b1960d.png" /></a><br />
]]></description>
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   <item>
      <title>[Lets Play!] Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together; Update 36 posted!</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/176856/lets-play-tactics-ogre-let-us-cling-together-update-36-posted</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:20:50 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>CorriganX</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">176856@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://imgur.com/P7erBH2.jpg" alt="P7erBH2.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lets talk about the Ogre games. Originally starting with Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (Like starwars it starts a ways in, this is considered Episode 5), Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together(From now on known as LUCT) was originally released in 1995 on the Playstation. While set in the same basic universe, the Tactics Ogre name has come to mean overhead isometric turn based strategy, compared to Ogre Battle's more traditional grand strategy gameplay. The version of LUCT i'll be playing is the PSP Version, which has its own ingame screenshot feature, which means I can do this all without an emulator. It also means it will be super hard for me to capture some parts of the game, so I will be linking to relevant timestamped Youtube videos for all cinematic parts.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now a little about the game, it has generic characters I can hire so if you would like to be a part of the game let me know. I'll use your forum name(if its short enough) and tell me the gender and class you would like. If I don't have that class, tell me the class you want right now and the class you would like to become when I get the class tickets needed to become that class. This game also features a leveling weapon system, so if lets say you want to be a Knight, you can decide if you would like to use swords or hammers more, and whichever one you choose will level up with you giving you finishing moves, etc. If you decide to be a caster you must also tell me what magic type you'd like.<br />
<br />
This game has a lot of branching storylines, whenever we get to a decision I'll post it up and we can vote on the path we'll go. There's a Lawful path (Obeying the rules, especially when they're as injust as they are in this game, usually considered the "bad" path as i've been lead to believe) and a Chaos Path (Freedom above all else, usually seen as the "Good" path.) When I originally played the game, I chose Chaos and got to chapter 2 or 3 of the game. Its been a super long time, so I'm going to be playing about 90% blind through the first half of the game, and the 2nd half fully blind. I will be using some sites for script copies, decisions not to be missed, etc. to make a better lets play, but most of the decisions will not be researched.<br />
<br />
Now with most of that out of the way, I'm going to give you a list of things we need from Audience Participation. Right now we're going to need the name of our Hero.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/TVrLRik.png" alt="TVrLRik.png" /><br />
<br />
We'll also need a birthday, if we don't get any interesting suggestions i'll just use today's date as his birthday. They use a made-up calender, but if you give me the relevant date i'll just input it and we'll have his new day.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/vbhEKyn.png" alt="vbhEKyn.png" /><br />
<br />
When the game starts out it picks 5 Random Tarot Cards and some options. The choices you make will boost your stats by a small amount. Unfortunately the 5 you get is randomized, so I'll just decide on the answers when I make the character and start it up. I'll take screens and post the choices I made so we can all be included. An Example of these would be:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/SJ2haXf.png" alt="SJ2haXf.png" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Once we finish the first 2-3 battles (They include guest characters) i'll be able to recruit/hire some new adventurers. If you would like to be a part of this game I'll need some specifics. At start I'll be able to Recruit 5 characters. The classes available are Warrior, Knight, Wizard/Enchantress(Depending on male or female), Cleric, Archer, and Rune Fencer/Valkyrie(male or female again). Magic in this game is split into a multitude of categories, and even in those categories they're not always the same. For instance a cleric might pick up divine magic and get heals and status cures from it, where a valkyrie or knight who specializes in divine magic might get more buffing magic, causing your weapons to do extra magical damage, or giving haste.<br />
<br />
Warriors: Basic starting physical classes, they have a wide choice of weaponry. If you want to be a character and choose this class also tell me what weapon you would like out of: Fist Weapons, Daggers, Swords(1h), Sword (2h), Hammer, Axe, Cudgels(caster staves), Whips(won't have access to these for a while) Bows, Crossbows, and Thrown Weapons(also won't have access to these for a while).<br />
<br />
Knights: Swords(1h), Axes, Hammers, Crossbows, and they can also use Divine Magic to heal and buff, and a shield for defense if you pick a 1h weapon.<br />
<br />
Wizard(m)/Enchantress(f): Air, Earth, Lightning, Water, Fire, Ice, Dark magic choices. They'll be using cudgels as their weapons.<br />
<br />
Clerics: Divine Magic and Cudgels are their only options to start with.<br />
<br />
Archers: Short bows which can be used with a melee weapon, allowing them a more skirmisher role, Great bows which are 2h and more damaging, or Crossbows which fire in a line making it harder to hit targets in the middle of a fight since the arrows don't arc through the air like the bows.<br />
<br />
Rune Fencer(m)/Valkyrie(f):  Air Earth Lightning Water Fire Ice Divine Dark for their Magical choices, Swords(1h), spears (2 tile range and 2h), Hammers, Bows, Crossbows. Valkyries can use magic from range and still keep a melee weapon, or focus on ranged weaponry and keep magic for buffing with specific damage types. If you want a valkyrie or rune fencer, pick one magic and one weapon type.<br />
<br />
<br />
More classes will open up as we progess through the game, so if you've played before or have knowledge of the advanced classes you can feel free to let me know which of those classes you'd like to promote into in the future, and what classes you'd like your character to be for now.<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay so, what I need from you guys before we get this show on the road. We need a Hero's <b>Name</b>, We need a <b>Birthday</b>, we need <b>5 Adventurers</b>, and we need a <b>Legion's Name</b> to fight under. The Fightin' Wangs or something along those lines. I believe its an 8-12 character limit, so if your suggestions don't fit i'll try to make the most voted upon one fit somehow. Lets give it <b>1 Day</b> to get all the suggestions in and then i'll start up the game and post the first real update.<br />
<br />
Once again, this is my first real Lets Play, so take it somewhat easy on me. Also if you've played TO before, feel free to PM me some hints and tricks and I'll try to fit them into the narrative. Thanks guys. ]]></description>
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      <title>Crusader Kings 2 Succession/Learning Game</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/164393/crusader-kings-2-successionlearning-game</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jul 2012 00:54:41 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>enlightenedbum</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">164393@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi!<br />
<br />
So over in the CK2 Multiplayer thread, there have been lots of questions about the game, especially with the recent Steam summer sale making it dirt cheap so quite a few new players have begun playing.  I thought we could help y'all out in a fun experience for everyone.  So in this thread, we will be playing a Succession game!<br />
<br />
<b>What is Crusader Kings 2?</b><br />
<br />
Crusader Kings 2 is a strategy game from Paradox Interactive, the makers of all sorts of grand strategy games that span a vast time period, from 1066-the late 20th century.  In this case, we are playing their game focused on Europe of the Middle Ages.  Specifically, the second of those games.  It's probably the best, or at least the least buggy, game they've made.  In it, you take control of a dynasty, not a country, and try to guide them as successfully as you can to rank with the great families of history.<br />
<br />
<b>What's a Succession game?</b><br />
<br />
For those of you who didn't participate in either the Civ4 succession game or the LP Paradox thread (that sadly crapped out with us all powerful in the 18th century), a succession game is a game where a number of players take control in succession.  In Paradox games, that will be when the current ruler dies.<br />
<br />
<b>Who gets to play?</b><br />
<br />
I'll be taking the first turn, as is my tradition as thread maker.  Depending how people want to do it, we can either then alternate between experienced players and newbies (who would presumably ask questions as they played) or we can load up with the experienced people (basically the people who played in the MP game, so <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/jdarksun">@jdarksun</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Phyphor">@Phyphor</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/shalmelo">@shalmelo</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/pollodiablo">@pollodiablo</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/Brian%20Krakow">@Brian Krakow</a>, etc.) demonstrating the variety of things you can do and then we can see what newbies have learned by watching.  I have no preference, personally.<br />
<br />
<b>Who do we want to be?</b><br />
<br />
Because most of the newbie questions (and this is a learning thread) seem to be focused on how to handle the base game, we will be playing as a Christian ruler.  I'd be open to playing a second game with a Muslim family exploring the <i>Sword of Islam</i> expansion pack later, but for now, we'll stick with Christians.  That said, which Christians I haven't decided.  I'll offer five options though.  If you feel strongly about somewhere else we can consider that as well.<br />
<br />
My suggestions:<br />
<br />
1) Ireland!  Specifically, this dude:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/24fgw3c.png" alt="24fgw3c.png" /><br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
Ireland is a safe, easy location with expansion available with obvious medium term (King of Ireland) and long term (Emperor of Britannia) goals.<br />
Everyone can play along with reasonable expectations of success.<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
It's really safe and kind of boring.<br />
Everyone's done it at least once.  Including an <a href="http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3487258" rel="nofollow">excellent learning LP</a> over at Something Awful.<br />
Ireland is kind of poor.<br />
<br />
2) Germany!  Specifically, the Duke of Brandenburg:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2w2f1c2.png" alt="2w2f1c2.png" /><br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
Germany is rich<br />
Nearby Pagans if you can beat the Emperor to them<br />
In the Holy Roman Empire, which can be fun<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
If the Emperor manages to raise crown authority quickly, we could be in for some boring times<br />
The Emperor probably takes our natural expansion opportunity towards the Baltic himself<br />
<br />
3) Spain!  Specifically, the King of Castille:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/28kt00l.png" alt="28kt00l.png" /><br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
We're a King!<br />
We can become a multiple King quickly with some stabbing.<br />
Lots of Muslims to fight/expand into! The Reconquista is fun.<br />
An Emperor title can be formed relatively quickly if you succeed.<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
Muslims can be tough if they're all allied and you fall to infighting<br />
Converting can be slow work<br />
France is an asshole, usually<br />
<br />
4) Sicily!  Well, the Duke of Apulia for now:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/10cq4g3.png" alt="10cq4g3.png" /><br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
Easy to become a King<br />
Natural expansion<br />
Rich land<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
After the initial stuff, have to go overseas, which can be a pain<br />
Aggressive muslims make the early going a bit difficult<br />
Our Culture wouldn't match our territory's culture, with the minor problems that creates<br />
<br />
5) Russia!  This guy, specifically:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/23m3sjr.png" alt="23m3sjr.png" /><br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
Part of the Rurikovich dynasty, the dominant one in Russia<br />
Probably the easiest of the formable empires<br />
I haven't played out there yet<br />
Lots of plotting!<br />
(Eventually) rich land<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
Lots of plotting could lead to short turns<br />
We'd eventually bear the brunt of the Golden Horde<br />
Orthodox, so no crusading for us<br />
<br />
If you want to post in the thread, vote for one of those (or a different idea) in <b><span>some readable color</span></b>.<br />
<br />
If you would like to play a turn, also mention that in <b><span>another color</span></b><br />
<br />
<span><b>UPDATES</b></span><br />
<b>The Reign of Sancho II "the Pious" Jimena, King of Castille (1066 - 1100) and Leon (1076 - 1100)</b> played by <b>enlightenedbum</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23779570#Comment_23779570" rel="nofollow">Update 0 - Initial Position</a> (1066)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23781615#Comment_23781615" rel="nofollow">Update 1 - Sancho's First War</a> (1066 - 1073)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23786668#Comment_23786668" rel="nofollow">Update 2 - Sancho Conquers Leon and Raises His Heir</a> (1073 - 1079)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23792253#Comment_23792253" rel="nofollow">Update 3 - Sancho Kicks Butt</a> (1079 - 1087)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23805756#Comment_23805756" rel="nofollow">Update 4 - Peace is For Losers - INVADE!</a> (1087 - 1092)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Fernando II Jimena, King of Castille and Leon (1100)</b> played by <b>mynameisguido</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23818073#Comment_23818073" rel="nofollow">Maimed</a> (1100)<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Sancho III Jimena, Emperor of Hispania, King of Castille, Leon, Galicia, Aragon, and Portucale (1100 - 1135)</b> played by <b>Brian Krakow</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23824037#Comment_23824037" rel="nofollow">La Ciudad de los Sanchos</a> (1100-1102)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23836507#Comment_23836507" rel="nofollow">Five Wars, a Wedding, and a Funeral</a> (1102 - 1110)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23853501/#Comment_23853501" rel="nofollow">The Reconquista is Completed a Few Centuries Early</a> (1110 - 1118)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23867290/#Comment_23867290" rel="nofollow">The Worst Allies Ever; Also A Jihad is Defeated</a> (1118 - 1124)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23895898/#Comment_23895898" rel="nofollow">In Which Sancho Is A Gigantic Dick</a> (1124 - 1135)<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Emperor Blasco I Jimena, King of Aragon and Portucale (1135 - 1164)</b> played by <b>Durinia</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23933758/#Comment_23933758" rel="nofollow">Kinslaying!</a> (1135 - 1140)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23945591/#Comment_23945591" rel="nofollow">Further Reconquest, Conversion</a> (1140 - 1153)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23954348/#Comment_23954348" rel="nofollow">Leon Reclaimed, Sevilla Lost</a> (1153 - 1160)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23966046/#Comment_23966046" rel="nofollow">Blasco Fails to Retake Sevilla</a> (1160 -1164)<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Emperor Fruela I "the Great" Jimena (1164 - 1200)</b> played by <b>Kana</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23975328/#Comment_23975328" rel="nofollow">Fruela Surrenders in the Conquest of Sevilla</a> (1164)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23975553/#Comment_23975553" rel="nofollow">Heathen Hordes</a> (1164 - 1165)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23975911/#Comment_23975911" rel="nofollow">Friends!</a> (1165 - 1166)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/23982447/#Comment_23982447" rel="nofollow">Crusade!</a> (1167 - 1171)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24028377/#Comment_24028377" rel="nofollow">Peace!</a> (1170 - 1184)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24028564/#Comment_24028564" rel="nofollow">The Opposite of That!</a> (1184 - 1187)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24028759/#Comment_24028759" rel="nofollow">Fruela Gets It On</a> (1186 - 1195)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24029053/#Comment_24029053" rel="nofollow">In Which Fruela Invades the HRE</a> (1196 - 1197)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24080280/#Comment_24080280" rel="nofollow">HRE Invasion Fails, Another Jihad</a> (1197 - 1200)<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Emperor Juan I "the Cruel" Jimena (1200 - 1234)</b> played by <b>Shadowhope</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24123476/#Comment_24123476" rel="nofollow">Juan's Entire Reign</a> (1200 - 1234)<br />
(In which Juan fights off several Jihads, conquers much of North Africa, and arrests various family members)<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Emperor Ordono I Jimena (1234 - 1236)</b> played by <b>KetBra</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24159194/#Comment_24159194" rel="nofollow">Restructuring</a> (1234 - 1236)<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Empress Elvira I Jimena (1236 - 1268)</b> played by <b>KetBra</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24159429/#Comment_24159429" rel="nofollow">The Spanish Civil War, Seven Centuries Early</a> (1236)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24159429/#Comment_24159429" rel="nofollow">Conclusion</a> (1237)<br />
[url=&quot;<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24184671/#Comment_24184671]Aggressive" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/24184671/#Comment_24184671]Aggressive</a> Assassinating = Assassinated[/url] (1237 - 1268)<br />
<br />
Abandoned due to dominance<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Count Penny Arcade of Napoli (1066 - 1096)</b> played by <b>Yogo</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/25238191/#Comment_25238191" rel="nofollow">Greece Falls</a> (1066 - 1096)<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of Doux Niphon I of Arcadia (1096 - 1123)</b> played by <b>SanderJK</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/25349726/#Comment_25349726" rel="nofollow">Muslim Dominance</a> (1096 - 1123)<br />
<br />
<b>The Reign of King Hellas I of Sicily (1123 - 1157) played by <b>KetBra</b><br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/25385912/#Comment_25385912" rel="nofollow">King At Last!</a> (1123 - 1128)<br />
<a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/25386296/#Comment_25386296" rel="nofollow">Aggressive Expansion</a> (1128 - 1157)</b>]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[Dwarf Fortress] With amazing HD graphics!</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/153867/dwarf-fortress-with-amazing-hd-graphics</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:53:57 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Fiskav</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">153867@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<span><a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/133553/dwarf-fortress-0.31.25-probably-got-flying-cars-powered-by-plump-helmets-and-beards" rel="nofollow">Old DF Thread</a></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/naPKC.png" alt="naPKC.png" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bay12games.com/dwarves/" rel="nofollow">Dwarf Fortress</a> is a single-player fantasy game. You can control a dwarven outpost or an adventurer in a randomly generated, persistent world.  Created by the people up at <a href="bay12games.com" rel="nofollow">Bay12 Games</a>, Dwarf Fortress is one of the games that the popular indie hit Minecraft was based upon.<br />
<br />
News:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u8jibE1TV7BAwAI2b4TzRkWFlBboLiXMrVBhYmDYPhI/edit?pli=1" rel="nofollow">Dwarf Fortress Patch Notes for the new version</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/magazine/the-brilliance-of-dwarf-fortress.html?_r=1&amp;pagewanted=1" rel="nofollow">New York Times article on Dwarf Fortress</a></div></div>
<br />
Example screenshot:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yeT--9fCgY/TlpSXE-2qiI/AAAAAAAABng/XRj-rPNWhS8/s1600/Dwarf_Fortress_Ascii.png" alt="Dwarf_Fortress_Ascii.png" /></div></div>
<br />
For those having problems downloading/playing the game on Mac OS X Lion:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>The problem is in the df launch script (Installed as 'df')<br />
<br />
Right-click the 'df' Unix Executable file, and Open With Text Edit.<br />
<br />
Change<br />
<br />
export DYLD_FALLBACK_LIBRARY_PATH=${PWD}/libs<br />
export DYLD_FALLBACK_FRAMEWORK_PATH=${PWD}/libs<br />
<br />
To<br />
<br />
export DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH=${PWD}/libs<br />
export DYLD_FRAMEWORK_PATH=${PWD}/libs<br />
<br />
Then your game should run perfectly fine!</div></div>
<br />
New player information:<br />
1) Dwarf Fortress is notorious for its difficult learning <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">curve</span> cliff (thanks <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/dragonshardz">@dragonshardz</a>!).  Take a look at a screenshot above (spoilered) for what it looks like.  If you're still serious about playing it, read on!<br />
<br />
2) Download Dwarf Fortress right <a href="bay12games.com/dwarves/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.  Choose your appropriate download on that page.<br />
<br />
3) We Dwarf Fortress players like to call the game DF.  The internet shortens everything.<br />
<br />
4) Have you opened Dwarf Fortress, created a new world, and have no idea what to do?  <a href="http://dftutorial.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">Read some tutorials</a>, or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjWAAY07CRw" rel="nofollow">watch some videos!</a><br />
<br />
5) Not a big fan of the ASCII <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">graphics</span> art-form?  You could even <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/117975/dwarf-fortress-hate-the-ascii-graphics-want-to-de-ugly-your-fort-heres-how" rel="nofollow">take a look at this thread for how to "de-uglify" your fort.</a><br />
<br />
6) Keys to use when playing Dwarf Fortress (copied and pasted from the old DF thread):<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Pressing the following keys will bring up a yellow X cursor which you control using the arrow keys. It's a good idea to use the keypad to move the cursor around, as it's generally more comfortable for most players.<br />
<br />
Q - Assigns orders at workshops and structures, or used to create rooms from a placed structure, like tables, beds, archery targets, etc, or to destroy them.<br />
R - Battle Reports! The fun (and biting) really happens here.<br />
T - Mainly useful for examining the contents of a building or structure, to see how cluttered a workshop is or what it's built out of.<br />
V - Examines an individual dwarf, where you can look at their stats, gear, thoughts and alter their job list.<br />
K - If you'd like to see if that U is an attacking Unicorn or a friendly hUman trader, this is the key you want. It basically lets you examine the contents of a tile. Pressing enter examines objects in greater detail, if any is available.<br />
D - Designates an area for tasks. Hit enter to start dragging out a rectangle, enter to stop. Or hold down the mouse button and draw it in. Everything in this area will now be designated for whatever task you had selected, from Digging out rock, cutting down trees, or picking plants, or whatever else it might have been. Use this to dig out your dwarf-hole.<br />
Z - Brings up your fortress report and tells you how depressingly low you are on food.<br />
U - displays a list of all units on the map, along with current job. Useful for finding idlers and wild animals<br />
&lt; and &gt; - Change the level displayed by one (up and down, respectively). Since you'll be using these a lot, it might be wise to remap the keys (I use / and * on the keypad). To do this, press ESC and use the "Key Bindings" option ("move/view cursor up (Z)" and "down (Z)" )</div></div>
<br />
Useful links:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><a href="http://bay12games.com/" rel="nofollow">Bay12 games</a>.<br />
<a href="http://bay12games.com/dwarves" rel="nofollow">Dwarf Fortress</a>.<br />
<a href="http://bay12forums.com/smf/" rel="nofollow">Bay12 Forums</a><br />
<a href="http://df.magmawiki.com/" rel="nofollow">Dwarf Fortress Wiki</a><br />
<a href="http://mkv25.net/dfma/" rel="nofollow">Dwarf Fortress Map Archive</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?board=13.0" rel="nofollow">Bay12 Forums - DF Modding Section (find and download mods here!)</a><br />
<a href="http://df.magmawiki.com/index.php/DF2010:Graphics_set_repository" rel="nofollow">Dwarf Fortress Graphics Set Repository</a>.</div></div>
<br />
Helpful information from <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/furlion">@furlion</a>:
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>
<blockquote>
<div><a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/44491/furlion">furlion</a> wrote:</div>
<div><br />
DF Hack can be found <a href="http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=91166.0" rel="nofollow">here</a> on the DF forums. And <a href="https://github.com/peterix/dfhack" rel="nofollow">here</a> on github in case a new thread is made or it moves. There are a ton of useful tools in there to help make the game a lot more user friendly. Some of them are as the name suggests hacks or cheats but others just make the game more fun in my opinion.<br />
<br />
Dwarf Therapist is a must use tool for any large fortress project. <a href="http://code.google.com/p/dwarftherapist/" rel="nofollow">Here</a> is the main page for it, I do not think it has a dedicated thread on the forums. DT lets you easily keep track of your dwarfs skills,personalities,happiness, and pretty much all of the traits any individual dwarf can have. Incredibly helpful.<br />
<br />
I use the Mayday tile set from Mike Mayday available from his personal website <a href="http://mayday.w.staszic.waw.pl/df.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://mayday.w.staszic.waw.pl/df.php</a>. Hope these help!</div>
</blockquote>
</div></div>
<br />
]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[SimCity] Update 4.0 lands on 5/23</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/176026/simcity-update-4-0-lands-on-523</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:46:48 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>jdarksun</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">176026@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<span>SimCity has had a seriously rocky launch, but is it ready now?</span><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/166GSVYmtlaSc2Y0DQCKWgd5-CHZWGhMMNMAPa9ipRmY/viewform" rel="nofollow">Answer here!</a><br />
<br />
<br />

<div>
<span><span id="youtube-tQNagqH6mO4"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=tQNagqH6mO4"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/tQNagqH6mO4/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<span>SimCity?  What's that?</span><br />
This game is the latest in a series of city management games that date back to 1989 (yes, the franchise is 24 years old).  The original was created by Will Wright, a man whose name is virtually synonymous with sim games (SimCity (1989), SimEarth, SimAnt, SimLife, The Sims, and Spore were all him).<br />
<br />
SimCity (2013) claims to be the most expansive city management game yet, with your decisions not only impacting the city you're working on (and all of its citizens), but all the cities in the region as well.  And those cities can effect yours, too!<br />

<div>
<span><span id="youtube-YceL2C4TW4Q"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=YceL2C4TW4Q"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/YceL2C4TW4Q/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<span>Multiplayer?</span><br />
As a new addition to the series, SimCity has added the ability to invite other players to manage the cities in your region.  Regions can support up to 16 city plots - so you could play with 15 of your closest internet friends.  Interested?  <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19rl8K792gdSaCIB0bBUZ2HYkOGHG8WJ7ovSVPn8YQMY/viewform" rel="nofollow">Sign up to play with us!</a>  The multiplayer isn't twitched-based or anything, so don't stress about latency or lag or whatever.  It lets you cooperatively build cities with other players in the region, sharing power or pollution or police forces or whatever.<br />

<div>
<span><span id="youtube-bpzouhrHCpM"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=bpzouhrHCpM"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/bpzouhrHCpM/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<span>I heard there was draconian DRM.</span><br />
SimCity is Origin-only, and requires you to be connected to their service in order to play.  So the short answer is: "Yes".  The longer answer is: "SimCity is a live service that simulates real time updates from new challenges to new features and content."  The devs also claim that a lot of simulation stuff is being handled "by the cloud", and there's a lot being simulated.  It's possible.<br />

<div>
<span><span id="youtube-RodekwSyo40"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=RodekwSyo40"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/RodekwSyo40/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<span>What can I do with this game?</span><br />
Generalize or specialize.  From the web site:
<blockquote>

<div>For the first time, create truly unique cities with different specializations. Mayors seeking intelligent Sims can build a college town full of libraries, community colleges and universities. Specialize in Big Business such as Casinos, Electronics, Coal, Trade, and more to increase the wealth of your city. Each specialization has major benefits but consequences as well. Educated Sims unlock technologies that will benefit your region, but large universities are expensive to maintain. Casinos will bring tourism and raise Simoleons but also attract unwanted crime.</div>
</blockquote>
You can also visit disasters upon your citizens.  Aliens, earthquakes, giant monsters, meteors, tornadoes, and introducing - zombies!<br />
<br />
<span>I want to watch people play the game!</span><br />
<a href="http://letsallbemayor.com" rel="nofollow">Good news!</a>  They're streaming live play every day until release.  Go watch, vote on events to happen, participate via Twitter and get the city named after you or get your initials carved into the city.<br />
<br />
Previous streams:<br />
Day 1 - <a href="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2987316/events/1902153/videos/12596504" rel="nofollow">Disaster City</a><br />
Day 2 - <a href="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2987316/events/1902153/videos/12667005" rel="nofollow">Casino City</a><br />
Day 3 - <a href="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2987316/events/1902153/videos/12740835" rel="nofollow">Going Green</a><br />
Day 4 - <a href="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2987316/events/1902153/videos/12829957" rel="nofollow">City in the Shape of</a> (a Simolean)<br />
Day 5 - <a href="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2987316/events/1902153/videos/12926048" rel="nofollow">Burn Some Coal</a><br />
Day 6 - <a href="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2987316/events/1902153/videos/13034761" rel="nofollow">City on the Brink</a><br />
Day 7 - <a href="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2987316/events/1902153/videos/13112857" rel="nofollow">4 Cities in 4 Hours</a><br />
<br />
<span>Penny Arcade Forum Multiplayer Links</span><br />
* Wanna play in a PA Forums region?  <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19rl8K792gdSaCIB0bBUZ2HYkOGHG8WJ7ovSVPn8YQMY/viewform" rel="nofollow">Sign up here!</a><br />
* Already assigned a region, and looking for Origin names?  <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Au0GcLXf5ngYdGk5bnd1T1E4cjhFeUlINVVXdUtZdHc&amp;usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">Check out the Assignments spreadsheet!</a><br />
<br />
<span>Tips and Tricks</span><br />
* <a href="http://imgur.com/a/gUFqn" rel="nofollow">A bunch of helpful infographics</a><br />
* <a href="http://www.rerolled.org/showthread.php?100-SimCity-Server-East1-IRC-rizon-net-rrsimcity-See-OP-for-Details&amp;p=128039&amp;viewfull=1#post128039" rel="nofollow">A Guide to Laying Down Roads</a><br />
* <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0Ap1jBD6JiP9edFc0YUltNFdtRVUwT1I2d3FvRk5XMkE&amp;toomany=true#gid=0" rel="nofollow">A document full of tips from the "Let's All Be Mayor!" live streams</a><br />
* Trying to figure out the ideal tax rate?  <a href="http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3536634&amp;pagenumber=163&amp;perpage=40#post413350310" rel="nofollow">Here you go!</a>   8-12% / 7-11% / 6-10%<br />
* Wondering how the game works under the covers?<br />
* <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/26094048/#Comment_26094048" rel="nofollow">Traffic and population info</a><br />
* <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/26095100/#Comment_26095100" rel="nofollow">Parks provide income</a><br />
* <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/26092159/#Comment_26092159" rel="nofollow">Curious about streetcars?</a><br />
* <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/26092444/#Comment_26092444" rel="nofollow">"Phantom" population</a><br />
* <a href="http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/26093007/#Comment_26093007" rel="nofollow">Do Sims really have homes?  Do Sims even exist?</a><br />
<br />
<span>Forged by Ocean and Stone, blessed by Will Wright.  Multi-city, Multi-player!</span><br />
<br />
<span>Forged by Ocean and Stone?  WTF?</span><br />
SimCity (2013) was designed by Ocean Quigley and Stone Librande.  Their names are awesome.<br />
<br />
<span>Blessed by Will Wright?</span><br />
Yeah, he loves the new game.  Check it out:
<div>
<span><span id="youtube-TOSNdmSvhaU"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=TOSNdmSvhaU"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/TOSNdmSvhaU/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<span>Free game?</span><br />
Yeah, launch has been butts, so <a href="http://www.simcity.com/en_US/blog/article/for-our-patient-and-amazing-mayors-a-free-pc-download-from-origin" rel="nofollow">Maxis/EA is offering SimCity players a free game</a>.
<blockquote>

<div>Here is the list of games that you will be able to choose from once you are able to redeem. It’s a great list of games across the whole EA portfolio, so pick one and add it to your Origin library on us!<br />
<br />
Battlefield 3 (Standard Edition)<br />
Bejeweled 3<br />
Dead Space 3 (Standard Edition)<br />
Mass Effect 3 (Standard Edition)<br />
Medal of Honor Warfighter (Standard Edition)<br />
Need For Speed Most Wanted (Standard Edition)<br />
Plants vs. Zombies<br />
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition</div>
</blockquote>
<a href="https://help.ea.com/article/simcity-something-extra" rel="nofollow">The free games will be rolled out towards the end of the week.</a>
<blockquote>

<div><b>When can I start to get my free game?</b><br />
The free game portal will be rolling out in waves, and it will be available in the following regions by these dates:<br />
<b>North America</b> by 5pm PST/midnight GMT on Wednesday, March 20.<br />
<b>Europe </b>by 5pm PST/midnight GMT on Thursday, March 21.<br />
<b>Asia &amp; South America</b> by 5pm PST/midnight GMT on Friday, March 22.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<span>RCI problems got you down?</span>
<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://i.imgur.com/P2O8cUg.png" alt="P2O8cUg.png" /></div></div>
]]></description>
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      <title>[Nintendo 3DS] Your wallet will weep at the abuse this year.</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/177304/nintendo-3ds-your-wallet-will-weep-at-the-abuse-this-year</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:05:21 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>MNC Dover</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">177304@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<span>Welcome to the Nintendo 3DS thread!</span>
</div>

<div>
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/MCJjd.jpg" alt="MCJjd.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
This is the thread for general 3DS discussion. To keep the conversation from getting too busy, try to look for other threads before posting about something in here. For example, the <a href="forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/156299/3ds-eshop-games-demos-and-efun" rel="nofollow">eShop Thread</a> is a good place to talk about Nintendo digital store. Big game releases like Mario Kart or Zelda also tend to have their own threads. There's no hard rule against discussing those games in here, but this is a nice place to talk about smaller titles that would be unable to sustain their own threads, and obviously those larger games can easily crowd everyone else out. Finally, don't be discouraged from making game-specific threads if you feel it warrants attention. This is sort of a catch-all thread.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span><b>Games, Games, Games!</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span><b>Great 3DS games that you should totally own (in no particular order):</b></span><br />
<br />
Cave Story<br />
Super Mario 3D Land<br />
Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars<br />
Super Street Fighter 4 3D<br />
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D<br />
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D<br />
Star Fox 64 3D<br />
Shinobi<br />
Nano Assault<br />
Sonic Generations<br />
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked<br />
Mario Kart 7<br />
Dead or Alive: Dimensions<br />
Resident Evil: Revelations<br />
Tekken<br />
Tales of the Abyss<br />
Kid Icarus Uprising<br />
Rhythm Thief<br />
Kingdom Hearts: Drop Dream Distance<br />
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy<br />
Paper Mario: Sticker Star<br />
Mario Tennis Open<br />
New Super Mario Bros. 2<br />
Harvest Moon: A New Beginning<br />
Fire Emblem: Awakening<br />
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon<br />
Monster Hunter 3: Ultimate<br />
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow: Mirror Fate<br />
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers<br />
Etrian Odyssey 4<br />
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask<br />
<br />
<br />
<span><b>Upcoming games to look out for in the future:</b></span><br />
<br />
Animal Crossing: New Leaf<br />
Monster Hunter 4<br />
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse<br />
Mario &amp; Luigi: Dream Team<br />
Project X-Zone<br />
Rune Factory 4<br />
Mutant Mudds 2<br />
Mario Golf: World Tour<br />
Donkey Kong Country Returns<br />
Pokemon X/Y<br />
Legend of Zelda: LttP 2<br />
Yoshi's Island<br />
Mario Party<br />
Shin Megami Tensei 4<br />
Game &amp; Wario<br />
Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move (eShop)<br />
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (2014)<br />
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (2014)<br />
<br />
<br />
<span><b>eShop, Virtual Console, DSi, and Club Nintendo games</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span>The Nintendo eShop</span></b><br />
<br />
Plenty of games, movies, and apps to be found here.  Download Virtual Console and DSi games, movies trailers, demos, or try out some new 3D remakes of classic games.  For a complete list of games available, click on <a href="http://www.nintendolife.com/eshop/games?system=eshop&amp;submit=Filter&amp;sort=rating" rel="nofollow">this link</a>.<br />
<br />
<span><b>Download Full Games!</b></span><br />
<br />
With the release of New Super Mario Bros. 2, Nintendo has finally stepping into THE FUTURE and offering their "full" retail games as digital downloads. Just slap in an SD card, and you're good to go. Death to the cartridge!<br />
<br />
<span><b>Great eShop games that you should totally own (in no particular order):</b></span><br />
<br />
Twin Bee<br />
Mighty Switch Force<br />
Pushmo<br />
Crashmo<br />
VVVVVV<br />
Zen Pinball<br />
Mutant Mudds<br />
Kid Icarus<br />
Sakura Samurai<br />
Liberation Maiden<br />
Excitebike<br />
Bomb Monkey<br />
Kirby's Adventure<br />
NightSky<br />
HarmoKnight<br />
Dillion's Rolling Western<br />
Unchained Blades<br />
Picdun 2<br />
Gunman Clive<br />
Cave Story<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span>Virtual Console games</span></b><br />
<br />
You can download older games on the 3DS.  Classic portable systems such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Game Gear, and the TurboGrafx-16 and NES.  For a complete list of games available, click on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Virtual_Console_games_for_Nintendo_3DS_%28North_America%29" rel="nofollow">this link</a>.<br />
<br />
<span><b>Great VC games that you should totally own (in no particular order):</b></span><br />
<br />
Super Mario Land (GB)<br />
Donkey Kong (GB)<br />
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (GB)<br />
Metroid II: Return of Samus (GB)<br />
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (GBC)<br />
Blaster Master: Enemy Below (GBC)<br />
Tetris (GB)<br />
Gradius (NES)<br />
Ghost and Goblins (NES)<br />
Wario Land (GB)<br />
Goemon (GB)<br />
Mole Mania (GB)<br />
Mario Golf (GBC)<br />
Kirby's Dream Land (GB)<br />
Castlevania (NES)<br />
Megaman 1-3 (NES)<br />
Legend of the River King (GBC)<br />
Super Mario Bros (NES)<br />
Zelda 1 and 2 (NES)<br />
Donkey Kong Jr. (NES)<br />
Punch Out!! (NES)<br />
Ninja Gaiden (NES)<br />
Mighty Bomb Jack (NES)<br />
Super Mario Bros: Lost Levels (NES)<br />
Super C (NES)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span>DSi games</span></b><br />
<br />
Older DSi games are also available for download on the 3DS as well.  There are plenty to choose from and, to make everyone's life easier, our own UncleSporky has created a list of some of the best games to get.  <a href="http://dsiware.nintendolife.com/games?sort=rating" rel="nofollow">Here</a> is a site that reviews DSiware games.The only site I know of that reviews every DSiware game<br />
<br />
<span><b>Great DSi games that you should totally own (in no particular order):</b></span><br />
<br />
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventure<br />
Shantae: Risky's Revenge (amazing platformer)<br />
Art Style: AQUITE/AQUIA (puzzle game with a neat aesthetic)<br />
Art Style: PiCTOBiTS (pixel puzzle game)<br />
Dark Void Zero (old school platformer)<br />
X-Scape (first person space shooter thing)<br />
Dr. Mario Express (classic puzzle game)<br />
Puzzle Challenge Express (classic puzzle game)<br />
Photo Dojo (simple but hilarious 2 player fighting game)<br />
Rayman (classic 2D platformer)<br />
Mighty Flip Champs! (platform puzzler)<br />
Alphabounce (long, extensive brick-breaking RPG)<br />
Soul of Darkness (quality Castlevania knockoff)<br />
Inchworm Animation (full featured animation studio)<br />
Zenonia (great Zelda-style RPG)<br />
Ivy the Kiwi? Mini (weird little platform puzzler)<br />
Mighty Milky Way (gravity-based puzzler from the Shantae people)<br />
Dragon Quest Wars (tiny strategy game)<br />
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! (great puzzler)<br />
Castle of Magic (action platformer)<br />
Little Red Riding Hood's Zombie BBQ (just...what)<br />
Chronos Twins (interesting dual screen mechanic action game)<br />
Plants vs. Zombies (duh)<br />
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (if you haven't played it yet)<br />
Viking Invasion (tower defense)<br />
Gaia's Moon (side scroller action)<br />
<br />
<br />
<span><b>Free games via Club Nintendo:</b></span><br />
<br />
Nintendo is now allowing players to buy download games for their Wii, DSi, and 3DS via the Club Nintendo website.  All first party games, and some third party titles, offer codes that you can enter on the official Nintendo website.  Fill out a survey and earn coins (and an additional follow-up survey for extra coins).  The coins can buy a variety of posters, cases, and various neat stuff.  But the games are where it's at.  Every month, Nintendo is offering up four games to download.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span><b>Featured Applications:</b></span><br />
<br />
Nintendo Video: A free download app that randomly adds short 3D movies to watch.  Blue Man Group, College Humor, and Dreamworks have all contributed.<br />
SwapNote: A free download app that allows you to send notes, pics, and sound clips to friends via Street Pass or Spot Pass.<br />
Netflix: Link your account to your 3DS to watch (2d) movies on the small screen.<br />
Hulu Plus: Just like Netflix, link your account to watch TV shows on the go.<br />
3D movie recording: Record up to 10 minutes of 3D footage and upload it to youtube.<br />
Game demos: Download demos of upcoming 3DS releases.<br />
System Transfer: Transfer information from an existing DS, DSi, or 3DS to a 3DS.  Great for when the inevitable redesign hits the scene.<br />
A full list of additional built-in software can be found on <a href="http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/built-in-software" rel="nofollow">Nintendo's 3DS site</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span><b>Other final things to do/know as a 3DS owner:</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span>Connect with fellow PA people</span></b><br />
<br />
Sir Ultimos has created a friend code matching system for us to easily connect with each other.  Check it out: <a href="http://www.sirultimos.com/3ds" rel="nofollow">Sir Ultimos web site and friend code matcher</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span>Transferring data from the installed SD card to a bigger one</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
Description:<br />
Step by step instructions on how to transfer data from one SD Card to another SD Card.<br />
<br />
<br />
Important Note!<br />
<br />
Need: Two compatible SD cards or SDHC cards<br />
<br />
Need: An SD Card slot on a PC or Mac or a commercially available SD card reader/writer<br />
<br />
Do Not: Alter, move, or erase files in the Nintendo 3DS folder.<br />
<br />
Do Not: Overwrite data by recopying to the same SD card.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What to do:<br />
<br />
Insert the SD card with the Nintendo 3DS data into the SD card slot or the SD card reader/writer.<br />
<br />
Open Windows Explorer (for PC) or Finder (for Mac) and access the SD card.<br />
<br />
Highlight the data and drag it to the desktop.<br />
<br />
Eject the first SD card.<br />
<br />
Insert the second SD card into the slot or reader/writer.<br />
<br />
Using Windows Explorer or Finder, locate and access the SD card again.<br />
<br />
Drag the data from the desktop to the second SD card..]]></description>
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   <item>
      <title>Warframe : Space Ninjas</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/171775/warframe-space-ninjas</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 01:18:37 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Xieflow2</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">171775@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A few of us have been playing Warframe in Ventrilo, it's pretty good so far. It's kind of like Mass Effect's multiplayer in that you take on small missions with a group, and earn upgrades for your dude. Each of your weapons, and your Warframe level up independently. It's free to play, so you can pay money to get stuff done faster. It's a fun 4 player cooperative game, a nice counterpoint to the PvP of Mechwarrior Online so many of us have been sinking time into.<br />
<br />
Here's the official site: <a href="https://warframe.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://warframe.com/</a><br />
You can get a beta key here: <a href="http://www.mmobomb.com/giveaway/warframe-beta-keys" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.mmobomb.com/giveaway/warframe-beta-keys</a><br />
Or you can pay to get into the founders program. I don't know if the game has legs enough yet to jump in at founders, so grab the free beta key.<br />
<br />
If someone else types up a good first post, we'll close this thread and they can open an official one. I just figured a thread to collect our info would be great here.]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>The [steam] thread - Serving the Newell with open hearts and wallets.</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/178722/the-steam-thread-serving-the-newell-with-open-hearts-and-wallets</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 11:57:58 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Idx86</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">178722@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://i.imgur.com/KmM2a.gif" alt="KmM2a.gif" /><br />
<br />
- You can now manage subscriptions inside Steam. Only one game supports it for now, but maybe one day we'll see weekend deals for monthly subscriptions to our favorite MMOs.<br />
- Check out Enhanced Steam, a cool browser plugin for Chrome and Firefox that enhances Steam. Duh.<br />
- Waiting is for chumps: Steam now has category for games with early access betas and alphas. Watch games develop!<br />
- The other shoe drops: regular weekly deals begin on Steam! Are monthly deals next?<br />
- The War Z returns to Steam with a more...honest approach. It is still shit that should not be bought.<br />
- Linux joins Steam as several games get Linux-compatible versions.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/CH74Z.png" alt="CH74Z.png" /><br />
Welcome to the Steam thread! This a magical place full of generosity and chilling displays of over-consumerism. Let this post be your guide.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/n97Zp.png" alt="n97Zp.png" /><br />
Steam is a store/program by the Valve Corporation. It is both a storefront as well as a sort of launcher program for games bought from it. The easiest way to describe it is as iTunes for video games, and it's a rather apt comparison as Steam is just as much a juggernaut in its market as iTunes. We're talking THE biggest digital distributor of PC games, with a market share that is actually pretty comparable to Apple's little program.<br />
<br />
<b>Why use Steam?</b><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/4ZIJU.gif" alt="4ZIJU.gif" /><br />
<br />
<br />
[img]<a href="http://i.imgur.com/vEerB.png/img]" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://i.imgur.com/vEerB.png/img]</a>
Steam's real claim to fame is sales, which started about 6-7 years ago and have been increasing in variety and frequency as the years go by. Let's go down the main types of sales.

The Seasonal Sales: These are the two &quot;big ones&quot; that Steam does twice a year, and both run for roughly two weeks. You have the Summer Sale, which typically starts in late June/early July, and then the Winter Sale which starts a few days prior to Christmas and typically ends a few days after New Year's Day. These are chock full of varying sales, which I am now going to list.

- General Sale: During a seasonal sale, just about EVERYTHING goes on sale by some degree. This is typically around 25% or so, but deeper cuts do happen. The only games that don't go on a general sale are recently released titles and games released by stingy publishers (Activision).
- Daily Deals: A bit of misnomer now, but these are around 6-10 games that get even deeper discounts than the general sale. We're talking 50% or more in most cases. &quot;Dailies&quot; used to last 24 hours, thus the name, but recently they tend to last 48 hours. There are new dailies every day until the sale ends, and dailies tend to not repeat.
- Flash Sales: shorter sales of around six titles. SOMETIMES flash sales are deeper discounts than the Daily Deals, but this wasn't the case in the last Seasonal Sale. These tend to last 12 hours and do repeat.
- Voter Sales: The same as a Flash Sale, only Steam users voted on it. Three games will be up for vote, along with the discount that will be offered for each game should it win. Once the previous Voter Sale is over, the winner of the current vote goes on sale for 12 hours and a new vote begins. Vote options repeat frequently, though not always against the same other two games.<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Gtyrd.gif" alt="Gtyrd.gif" /><br />
<br />
Seasonal Sales are basically a big deal around this thread.<br />
<br />
Holiday Sales: A typically week-long sale around some holiday, typically Thanksgiving and Halloween. There are daily deals, and sometimes the other deals pop up (Thanksgiving sometimes get a general sale).<br />
Publisher Sale: A publisher greases Valve's palm and gets a sale. These are similar to holiday sales, only there is generally a daily deal for one game each day, and the games will be unsurprisingly connected to the publisher.<br />
Midweek Madness: Occurs every week, roughly starting midday Tuesday and ending Thursday afternoon. A game or two will get a decent discount for the duration of the sale.<br />
Weekend Sale: Same as Midweek Madness, only slightly longer and TENDS to attract more AAA titles. Happens every week, starting midday Thursday and ending midday Monday.<br />
Daily Deals: Literally a sale every day! Tends to be a decent discount that, as the name implies, happens every day for exactly one game. Deals goes up middday and lasts for 24 hours. Utter crap is generally up for grabs on daily deals, but sometimes you find some really good stuff here.<br />
<br />
Note that, during bigger sales (mostly seasonal sales), the Midweek Madness, Weekend Sale, and Daily Deals are suspended until the bigger sales ends.<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/7xy5i.png" alt="7xy5i.png" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/TrXAw.png" alt="TrXAw.png" /><br />
This is a big thread, and thus there are some guidelines to keep things nice and orderly throughout. Refusing to abide by these guidelines could get you in trouble, which includes being kicked out of the thread entirely if you are a real pain.<br />
<br />
- This thread is for Steam-related discussion. Try to look for other, more appropriate threads before discussing games or other topics in here. Let's not drain other threads of precious content!<br />
- Do not beg for games. This will make you unpopular and probably less likely to get anything.<br />
- If you did get a gift, then thank the person for their generosity! Use the notification system so they can see your thank you post! ( <a rel="nofollow" href="/profile/NAME">@NAME</a> OF PERSON )<br />
- Likewise, if you give a gift, then you should probably mention your PA handle somewhere in the message.<br />
- Do not whine over who got a gift.<br />
- The person is spending money to give back to the community, and they have final say in who gets the gift.<br />
- If you feel something is amiss in the thread, then quietly report the responsible parties. Posting about it will accomplish nothing, and probably just exacerbate things.<br />
- Giving away games via contest? All entries must be PM'd to you! The thread gets too cluttered otherwise. You can, however, post the winning entries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/FtFG8.png" alt="FtFG8.png" /><br />
<b>I have too many games! Which do I play?</b><br />
<a href="http://steam-roulette.heroku.com/" rel="nofollow">Steam Roulette</a> randomly picks a game for you to play.<br />
<br />
<b>I have too many games! How do I move them to my new hard drive?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.traynier.com/software/steammover" rel="nofollow">Steam Mover</a> makes transporting your massive library much easier.<br />
<br />
<b>How do I make one of those cool Steam Gifts signature giveaway banners?</b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/v0nJCVB.jpg" alt="v0nJCVB.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/8Ob97.png" alt="8Ob97.png" /><br />
<br />
<b>Why did Steam reject this CD-key?</b><br />
Only games that also run under Steamworks will have their CD-keys accepted by Steam if bought elsewhere. If a game is not Steamworks, then it will ONLY install on Steam if you buy it via Steam. Most digital distributors will now mention Steam if it is required to run the game, but another list can be found here. Note that you can make shortcuts in Steam that will play non-Steam games through Steam. As far as your friends list is concerned, you will be "In-Game" but it'll just give a generic "Non-Steam game." Also, no community perks like achievements.<br />
<br />
<b>Why are some games not available in my region?</b><br />
Publishers determine what countries get what games. Someone in a suit decided that it wasn't worth the money to make the game available to your region, so it isn't available on Steam. This also applies to cases of games having edited/censored versions showing up on Steam in certain countries. The good news is that you can generally get around this by having someone from another region gift or trade you the game.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
What is this Steamgifts site? I wish to create a giveaway! I cannot enter a giveaway!</b><br />
<a href="http://www.steamgifts.com" rel="nofollow">Steamgifts</a> is a neat site that lets people create giveaways for games on Steam. If you cannot enter a giveaway, then you either lack points or aren't in a group required by the giveaway. Points are accumulated over time, so just wait a bit if you lack points. The group thing is generally done by communities to prevent mooches from getting games. If you are new to the forums, then spent a few months in the thread proving that you are serious about being a member of this community. Eventually, you will invited to the group that is required to enter our giveaways.<br />
<br />
<b>Steam is downloading slowly. What gives?</b><br />
When a big title (or Team Fortress 2 content patch) comes out, you may notice really shitty download rates. This means you are likely on one of the default servers for downloads, which is being assailed by millions of people. Head to Steam -&gt; Settings -&gt; Downloads + Cloud and change your download region until things improve. Since other regions are typically less populated, you will probably get somewhat better results even if the new server is in another country. There are other ways to force Steam to switch which server you are downloading from, but these are just video games and maybe you should learn a little bit about patience.<br />
<br />
The Steam thread has a proud tradition of marrying our love of Steam and Penny Arcade in comic edits:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6020/steamregulator.jpg" alt="steamregulator.jpg" /><br />
<br />
GALLERY OF EDITS:<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><img src="http://i3.minus.com/ibxLHlG35kActf.jpg" alt="ibxLHlG35kActf.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/n6r4F.jpg" alt="n6r4F.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/tMRzb.jpg" alt="tMRzb.jpg" /><br />
<br />
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Go forth, and Newell!]]></description>
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      <title>Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine | IT'S CRIME TIME MOTHAFUCKAS | XBLA Version Out</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/162814/monaco-whats-yours-is-mine-its-crime-time-mothafuckas-xbla-version-out</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 07:19:35 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>TychoCelchuuu</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">162814@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.pocketwatchgames.com/Monaco/" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/GxKRA.jpg" alt="GxKRA.jpg" /></a><br />
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<img src="http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/i-jK4xVgt/0/950x10000/i-jK4xVgt-950x10000.jpg" alt="i-jK4xVgt-950x10000.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/DVtkB.jpg" alt="DVtkB.jpg" /><br />
<b>Monaco</b> is a top down co-op action stealth game in development. One through four players take on the role of criminals who are tasked with breaking into somewhere, stealing something, and breaking out.<br />
<br />
Each character can carry one item, like a medkit, tranquilizer crossbow, or smoke bombs, but you only get one use out of them. To get more uses, you need to collect the gold coins scattered around each area. 10 coins nets you another use.<br />
<br />
You can only see what your character sees, so much of the game is spent frantically dodging guards and security cameras and other hazards while you try to make your way up or down to the final objective, then back again.<br />
<br />
The game is playable in single player, which gives you three lives each level, or you can play with up to four players in coop mode, which is more frantic.<br />
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<span><span id="youtube-hC7b6642AWM"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=hC7b6642AWM"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/hC7b6642AWM/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/AIh1R.jpg" alt="AIh1R.jpg" /><br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/jheVs.jpg" alt="jheVs.jpg" /><br />
<b>Monaco</b> has a bunch of character classes. Here's what we know about so far (I think this is a complete list but I'm not sure - it seems to change every time we hear something new):
<ul>
<li><b>The Locksmith</b> opens locked doors and cracks safes faster.</li>
<li><b>The Hacker</b> can hack into stuff, which gets him a little computer virus that follows him around, disabling cameras and so on.</li>
<li><b>The Cleaner</b> can knock people out by sneaking up behind them.</li>
<li><b>The Redhead</b> can distract guards with her good looks, causing them to follow her.</li>
<li><b>The Lookout</b> can detect nearby enemies without having to see them.</li>
<li><b>The Gentleman</b> can disguise himself to remain undetected (temporarily).</li>
<li><b>The Pickpocket</b> has a pet monkey that can steal things for him.</li>
</ul>
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/ywteK.jpg" alt="ywteK.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/EpEJE.jpg" alt="EpEJE.jpg" /><br />
<b>Monaco</b> is coming out on PC and "at least one console." We don't know which console(s) yet. Luckily it's likely that your computer can run it, because, hey, it's not exactly <b>Crysis</b>.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/mlgeh.jpg" alt="mlgeh.jpg" /><br />
Beats me! It won the <a href="http://www.igf.com/" rel="nofollow">IGF</a> grand prize in... 2010. So it has been taking a while. But apparently it's getting close to done.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/S0Ik4.jpg" alt="S0Ik4.jpg" /><br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/U1rne.jpg" alt="U1rne.jpg" /><br />
San Diego based <a href="http://www.pocketwatchgames.com/" rel="nofollow">Pocketwatch Games</a> is making <b>Monaco</b>. It's basically Andy Schatz, the founder, plus sometimes he contracts out stuff like art. When <b>Monaco</b> won the IGF grand prize back in 2010, he was the only one who had done anything, although now there's some voice acting in there from people who have Frenchier accents than him.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Y2ceq.jpg" alt="Y2ceq.jpg" /><br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/cxfVi.jpg" alt="cxfVi.jpg" /><br />
Most of the previews are outdated as of right now, but whatever.
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.pocketwatchgames.com/Monaco/" rel="nofollow">Game home page</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MonacoIsMine" rel="nofollow"><b>Monaco</b> twitter account</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/01/19/monkeys-viruses-chaos-monaco/" rel="nofollow">Preview at Rock Paper Shotgun that's not super old</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/01/27/getting-heist-making-monaco-timelapse/" rel="nofollow">"Making Monaco" timelapse video</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/pax-10-hands-on-with-monaco-183296.phtml" rel="nofollow">Destructoid hands on</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.diygamer.com/2010/10/highclass-sticky-fingersmonaco-preview/" rel="nofollow">Preview at DIY Gamer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pcgamer.com/previews/monaco-an-indie-born-from-depression-roguelikes-and-14-hour-workdays/" rel="nofollow">PC Gamer preview</a></li>
</ul>
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/nSI2d.jpg" alt="nSI2d.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Want to step into the wayback machine and see what this game looked like back when it won that IGF grand prize in 2010? Check out this old as fuck trailer!<br />
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<span><span id="youtube-lFnc6Fdhs2k"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=lFnc6Fdhs2k"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/lFnc6Fdhs2k/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
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Here's a more recent video. It's a playthrough of the casino heist level.<br />
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<span><span id="youtube-NtpLP4_losA"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=NtpLP4_losA"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/NtpLP4_losA/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span>]]></description>
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      <title>[Industry Thread] Oh, we're doomed. Every year we're doomed.</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/177823/industry-thread-oh-were-doomed-every-year-were-doomed</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Apr 2013 06:44:12 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Rorus Raz</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">177823@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Welcome to the Video Game Industry Thread! Where we discuss the business-side of video games and <b>NOTHING ELSE.</b><br />
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<span><b>THE RULES</b></span>
<ul>
<li>This thread is about the industry. Business. It is not for you to get into a long debate about how the controls in Kid Icarus were so terrible. You CAN touch on broad reasons why a game failed to sell (crowded for that genre, it flat-out sucked, etc), but getting into minutia over games is a no-go. Video game announcements are also off-limits unless there's something notable (struggling company spend a ton on it as a hail mary pass).</li>
<li>Do not fanboy over a console/developer/etc. You are free to criticize a console or company, but getting irrationally defensive over your pet piece of hardware will be punished.</li>
<li>Stay the fuck on topic. This will be dealt with more harshly in here than in other threads because it tends to get out of control more often.</li>
<li>This is not a thread for every scrap of industry news. Sexism in the industry? Social issue: give it another thread. Gaming journalism sucks? Journalism is not the industry: discuss it elsewhere. This thread has a bad habit of being a black hole that sucks would-be threads into its event horizon. We need to focus here and let other news topic get their own threads.</li>
<li>VGChartz makes up shit. Do not post VGChartz.</li>
<li>Top Ten lists are link-baiting crap and should not be posted with the exception of sales figures.</li>
<li>Take care when linking anything with stats and information. Try to make sure the article properly cites figures.</li>
<li>Do not get into pedantic arguments. An old favorite is whether or not casual games should be covered here (spoiler: yes). A more recent one is what is meant by AAA (short answer: no one cares). This shit derails the thread and we don't need a page of discussion on what "free-to-play" <i>really means</i>. Get embroiled in this shit at your own risk.</li>
<li>Report people you think are violating rules. Calling them out just derails the thread and it might get you in trouble for stirring shit up.</li>
<li>This thread is still for fun! Enjoy yourself.</li>
</ul>
<br />
With that said, let's meet the players:<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/IJaOIcQ.jpg" alt="IJaOIcQ.jpg" /><br />
Founded in 1946, Sony entered the gaming business through a bit of corporate revenge involving Nintendo and a botched CD peripheral. Prior to that, Sony was dabbling in just about every other type of electronic entertainment doodad: TVs, radios, sound systems, and so forth. It was probably inevitable that Sony would dip their toes in the games business, but Nintendo ushered that along by snubbing Sony in the mid-90s when the two had a deal making a CD attachment for the SNES. Feeling bitter about the ordeal, Sony went on to make the Sony Playstation, changing the market forever. The success of the first Playstation was in part due to Nintendo's own stubborn attitudes, but there's no denying that Sony's first console offered quite a bit, and its successor (the Playstation 2) officiated Sony's spot as the new ruler of the market. Sony, however, would eventually fall prey to their own hubris. The Playstation 3 was something of a misstep, being overpriced and plagued with issues here and there. A catastrophic hacking issue didn't help matters. While down, Sony isn't out of the game by any stretch of the imagination, and did manage to recover a bit of lost ground towards the end of the last generation. Well, for their consoles. The PSP and Vita are shaping to the latest trophies adorning Nintendo's skull throne.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Yrc18pb.jpg" alt="Yrc18pb.jpg" /><br />
Not just the only western company here, Microsoft is the only console provider that isn't Japanese. Founded in 1975, everyone knows about Bill Gates and his magic Window devices. Towards the turn of the millennium, the company decided to try its hand at the video game business. Coming after the quick fall of Sega, there were many skeptical of the market's ability to support three competitors, but Microsoft hulked out and brute-forced its way onto the scene with deep company pockets and very high-end tech for its Xbox machine. Oh, and this little exclusive title called "Halo" didn't hurt none, I'm sure. By embracing a hobbyist demographic with smooth online capabilities and the latest shooty gun titles, Microsoft not only found its way onto the market, but even narrowly beat Nintendo. Although all is not rosy, as the company has had...<i>difficulties</i> finding a warm reception in the East (we're talking old-school Game Boys outselling the Xbox back in the old days). The follow-up act, the Xbox 360, entrenched itself as a solid competitor in the last generation, and Microsoft is looking poised to have its turn at top of the heap if Sony and Nintendo don't step up their game.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/H0gGY5A.png" alt="H0gGY5A.png" /><br />
There are three things to know about Nintendo: they are the oldest company here, the longest company in the business here, and are the crazed artiste of the group. Founded in 1889 as a maker of playing cards, towards the mid and late 1900s they shifted to toys and, eventually, video games. Their home console, the NES, took the world by storm, in part thanks to the video game crash of 1983 wiping out all the competition. I mean like, ALL of it. We're taking a 90+% market share here. Nintendo ruled most of the 90s with an iron fist, which bred bitterness among the third party companies that had to play ball with Nintendo. This allowed rivals such as Sega to become a much more appealing alternative to control freak Nintendo, ultimately culminating with Sony hosing Nintendo in the fifth and sixth generations. In the seventh gen, however, Nintendo embraced the casual crowd with the reveal of the Wii. Utilizing simple motion controls and a horde of mostly shit mini-game compilations, Nintendo's plan to convert non-gamers into flailing nerds was a resounding success. Kinda. While initial sales were immense, and definitely enough to make Nintendo Giant of All, it's looking like retaining this casual demographic is going to be a sticking point if the Wii U's flaccid sales are any indication.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/6A4iiE4.jpg" alt="6A4iiE4.jpg" /><br />
Founded in 1996, Valve is a private company and owner of the largest digital distribution/poverty creation device, Steam. They're up here because they're perhaps the one thing besides World of Warcraft that's been proving doomsayers about the PC market wrong for a good decade now. Numbers on Steam's control of the market are harder to suss out because of their private nature, but it's estimated that Valve has at least HALF of it. Valve is also looking to potentially become the fourth player in the console market with their proposed Steambox. Right now it's hard to say if this is really meant to compete on the same level as the big three, or just a cheap way to play most of your Steam library, but those of us who have dumped whole paychecks into a summer sale know better than to underestimate Valve. steam steam lol indeed.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><b>PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW</b></span></span><br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/01akQWx.jpg" alt="01akQWx.jpg" /><br />
Andrew House: Newest CEO of Sony's video game division (Sony Computer Entertainment). Notable for being significantly more British than most Sony CEOs.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/b1BOJLE.jpg" alt="b1BOJLE.jpg" /><br />
Jack Tretton: President of SCE's American arm. Known for making juvenile comments about competitors, which would be more fitting if his company was responsible for Xbox Live.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/FOg1ZgK.jpg" alt="FOg1ZgK.jpg" /><br />
Kazuo Hirai: CEO of Sony...like...the whole thing. Former President of SCE.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/yAMcePG.jpg" alt="yAMcePG.jpg" /><br />
Ken Kutaragi: Former CEO of  SCE and the Playstation's papa. Is the man who really got Sony in on the whole video games rackets. One could argue that the PS3's rough start is why he was encouraged to retire.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/FIQrM2c.jpg" alt="FIQrM2c.jpg" /><br />
Don Mattrick: President of Microsoft's video game arm. Questionable taste in haircuts.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/micyGeD.gif" alt="micyGeD.gif" /><br />
Satoru Iwata: President and CEO of Nintendo, the second the company has ever had since the transition to video game production. Noteworthy for being the only person here to appear have a soul. Friendly, but his tenure has been judged as a mixed bag. The Wii's success may end up as a fluke depending on the Wii U's performance.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/wK47Hav.jpg" alt="wK47Hav.jpg" /><br />
Reggie Fils-Aime: President of Nintendo of America. Body is in a perpetual state of readiness. Do not fuck with Reggie.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/ahxpCxM.jpg" alt="ahxpCxM.jpg" /><br />
Hiroshi Yamauchi: Demon Lord and former President of Nintendo. Shaped Nintendo into what it was with a brutal rule of over a half-century and the dude was a businessman through and through. A deathly fear of piracy and need to control everything is what likely led to Nintendo's downfall in the late 90s. Owns the Seattle Mariners, whom he will harvest for flesh when the time of his Dark Ascension approaches.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/2c8Fjs3.jpg" alt="2c8Fjs3.jpg" /><br />
Gabe Newell: Top man at Valve Corporations. Loves Krispy Kreme donuts. Served by many sweaty nerds. With the growth of his beard, has effectively made Santa Claus a living entity.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/1WMUHPV.jpg" alt="1WMUHPV.jpg" /><br />
Michael Pachter: Business analyst. However, he is more accurately described as a reverse Cassandra in that he is cursed to be completely unable to predict the future, but everyone in charge will act as if everything goddamn thing he says is true.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span>The Hardware</span></span></b><br />
With the release of the Wii U, we are now entering the eighth generation of consoles. Yes, the Wii U is "next-gen." Do not argue the point, you fucking goobers.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/DLDB3so.jpg" alt="DLDB3so.jpg" /><br />
This is Nintendo's sixth home console, and the first to offer HIGH RESOLUTION GRAPHICS. The big selling point is the gamepad, which is basically a mini-tablet with controller bits on the side. It allows for off-TV play for many games, which is something of a relief for gamers with families competing for TV usage. The gamepad can also be used for various in-game functions, such a inventory screens, status HUDs, maps, and other gimmicky shit. Started strong during the holidays, has tapered off into troubled numbers, sales wise. Many blame the fact that it's arguably on-par with the previous generation of HD consoles, which puts it back in the same troubled spot Nintendo had with the Wii. Casual players have been confused by the branding, thinking it a simply accessory or peripheral to the original Wii. It's a mess, and it'll be interesting to see how/if Nintendo climbs out of it. With a price tag of $300-$350, it'll probably be the cheaper option for consumers, but it's not as cheap as the Wii and Nintendo is selling at a loss.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/yi5XxCE.jpg" alt="yi5XxCE.jpg" /><br />
The Playstation 4 was announced in February 2013, and there's not much known about it except it's basically more of the same. MORE GRAPHICS. MORE PROCESSING. MORE FORCED MOVE IMPLEMENTATION. There's a lot of emphasis on social bullshit this time around, with streaming and other bells and whistles being offered. Have your friends watch you play and bark obnoxious commands at you! It does look like Sony is trying to get a more robust online experience to compete with Live, and the fact that you don't have to shell out cash every year for the pleasure of being able to use it won't hurt. Trying to answer the Wii U with it's own off-TV play by having the PS4 stream gameplay to your Vita. However, this has a couple drawbacks, the biggest being that it requires you to own a Vita.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/eqk9J80.jpg" alt="eqk9J80.jpg" /><br />
Microsoft has yet to play its hand in regards to the heir of the Xbox brand, but a overly loud twitter and notably former employee heavily hinted at attempts to clamp down on the used market. And we're still not discussing the Always On thing. Besides that, just copy and paste the first half of what I said about the PS4, only replace "move" with "kinect."<br />
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Seventh Gen</span></b><br />
<br />
The current generation is still going on, and it's been a bit longer than what we're used to. So let's say our last goodbye to these bad boys.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/NsuPtU2.jpg?1" alt="NsuPtU2.jpg?1" /><br />
The winner of this generation, the Wii has essentially been abandoned at this point for Wii U development. Although, considering the games we got for it at the end of its life, you might say it was abandoned a lot earlier than that. The last big gasp for the system were RPGs like Xenoblade that fans drove huge twitter campaigns for. While it won by a fair margins, about half-way or so through its lifespan the motion control fever wore off and the bad boys of HD began to creep up on it. Wii puns still plague us to this day.<br />
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<img src="http://i.imgur.com/redDR2Z.jpg" alt="redDR2Z.jpg" /><br />
The 360 was originally gunning for a solid 2nd, but its competitor caught up with it, meaning that the Xbox goes through another generation with a photo-finish for 2nd place. The Xbox does seem more comfortable than the Playstation, and could be argued as the more stable piece of hardware. It didn't have the Wii's boom and bust, but it also didn't have the PS3's slow start. It had a lot of screaming manchildren on Live though. It's number one on that by a fucking mile. And lots of super men shooting dudes.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/aNs81FP.jpg" alt="aNs81FP.jpg" /><br />
The PS3 had a fucking hellish start, with an E3 presentation that still gets mocked to this day, a high as hell price tag, and the lack of exclusives that gave it the edge over its competitor with the PS2. There was also assorted fuckery with the backwards compatibility, gutting it with each new iteration of the machine. Perhaps the biggest media circus was when Sony got shit hacked in a terrible reveal of how shitty account security can truly be. Online services were out for weeks, credit card information got leaked, and it seemed like we learned worse and worse shit about the debacle as time went on. The PS3 proved resilient, however, and didn't just eat dust in third like many of us expected when that $599 price tag got announced.]]></description>
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      <title>Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan:  Demo out now on  US eshop, search for it!</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/172552/etrian-odyssey-iv-legends-of-the-titan-demo-out-now-on-us-eshop-search-for-it</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 04:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Xenogears of Bore</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">172552@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[<span><b>Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan</b></span><br />
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<img src="http://images.nintendolife.com/news/2012/10/etrian_odyssey_iv_coming_to_north_america_in_early_2013/attachment/0/large.jpg" alt="large.jpg" /><br />
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<span><b>RELEASE DATE:</b></span> July 5th, 2012 Japan, February 26th, 2013 US, Smarch 32nd, Europe<br />
<br />
<span><b>INFO:</b></span><br />
<br />
(Official info I'm sure someone at Atlus USA worked super duper hard on.)<br />
<br />
<i>For centuries, the tree Yggdrasil has been a constant presence in the lives of the people of Tharsis. It looms on the horizon, visible from everywhere in the city. But its roots are in a far-off land where no one has ventured until the Outland Count of Tharsis sponsors an Explorers Guild to reach Yggdrasil and discover its secrets. You are the latest explorer arriving in Tharsis to seek your fame and fortune. Board your skyship and set out into the clouds in search of treasure, glory, and the answer to Tharsis' oldest mystery.</i><br />
<br />
Guide Legendary adventures Fight and Heal through a dungeon in this fourth volume of the famous Cartography-RPG.  You'll either go up or down.  Sometimes you'll go down to go up and up to go down.  The music kicks ass, your characters are a bunch of lolis that you create yourself.  Get loots, die, kill monsters, die some more, map out the dungeon.  Get skill points, forge new weapons and armor, find rare items by whooping monsters in creative ways, ride an airship in a weird minigame, retire to the boonies to get more skill points, dual class because you're a real power gamer, die horribly to a deer.  This time in 3D.<br />
<br />
<span><b>CLASSES</b></span><br />
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<img src="http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2012/12/Landsknecht-610x593.jpg" alt="Landsknecht-610x593.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<b>Landshark</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Garchomp has been a top tier threat ever since his introduction in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl version.  Terrifyingly fast with great power and the right moves and a Same Type Attack Bonus second to none.  Under Sand Veil it is borderline unfair giving it a chance to boost up and sweep your entire team.  Sorry about that, got confused for a minute. Your basic frontline fighter with a lot of good tricks.<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-3zn2iFzUaAg"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=3zn2iFzUaAg"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3zn2iFzUaAg/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2012/12/Medic-F1-610x881.jpg" alt="Medic-F1-610x881.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<b>Medic</b><br />
<br />
The class of the legendary Heal character.  They do exactly what they say on the tin...plus find extra herbs and do a status effect.  They have a chance of auto revive.  They got a name for themselves in EO1 by also being capable front row damage dealers.<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-iUt1oRutEVw"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=iUt1oRutEVw"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/iUt1oRutEVw/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2012/12/Fortress-610x565.jpg" alt="Fortress-610x565.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<b>Fortress</b><br />
<br />
Protectors, Sentinels, whatever.  Your tanks.  They provoke, they have shields, they do damage and take damage.  They hit stuff with maces like any good holy warrior.<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-vVl5_OPokag"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=vVl5_OPokag"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/vVl5_OPokag/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2012/12/dancer1-610x786.jpg" alt="dancer1-610x786.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<b>Dancer</b><br />
<br />
They buff a lot.  This time they chase moves and do some other things too.  Yes, they're in most EO games and yes, at least one of the female designs is cringe worthy.  At least this time around the men don't look so bad....<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-Pn6Dun4gPSw"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=Pn6Dun4gPSw"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Pn6Dun4gPSw/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.famitsu.com/images/000/013/082/l_4f87ab765adb6.jpg" alt="l_4f87ab765adb6.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<b>Sniper</b><br />
<br />
They shoot stuff from the back row with a bow!  Arm Binds, Critical Hits, Physical Piercing Damage!<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-b1WFWelUY6w"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=b1WFWelUY6w"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/b1WFWelUY6w/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2012/12/Runemaster-F1-610x548.jpg" alt="Runemaster-F1-610x548.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<b>Runemaster</b><br />
<br />
Behold a class unlike any you've ever seen before!  Back row magical damage dealers specializing in Fire/Thunder/Ice Magic of various strengths and flavors, plus an Almighty spell that costs too much but is too good to not get!  Ok, yeah, pretty much like every mage in almost every JRPG.  Their ability to weaken resistance to their holy trinity of elements though is a real nice treat considering just how well spread out the elements are among physical classes this time.<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-xci6MZ0vMw4"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=xci6MZ0vMw4"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/xci6MZ0vMw4/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Nkv8Lpc.jpg" alt="Nkv8Lpc.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Nightseeker[/b]<br />
<br />
An unholy (just look at that picture!!!!) fusion of Hexer and Dark Hunter and Shinobi from EO III.  Class is built upon status effects and physical damage via dual wielding and extra damage because of applied status effects.<br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-iB_rbJRicjw"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=iB_rbJRicjw"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/iB_rbJRicjw/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><b>WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER CLASSES???</b></span><br />
<br />
A total mystery to all!  Sorry!  No clue what they are or what they do.  Atlus USA has been showing them once a week or so so I'm sure I'll add them in as time goes along.<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div>Mystic (Hexerish)<br />
Samurai (Ronin/Samurai)<br />
Imperial (Gunblades, combos!)</div></div>
<br />
<span><b>WHAT ELSE IS NEW?</b></span><br />
<br />
Hot air balloon minigame to replace ship exploration from EO III.  Apparently it's a lot more fun.<br />
Casual Mode:  For babies just out of diapers who don't want to be called wussies like Persona 3/4 fans.<br />
Totally rad NON FM-Synth Music from the same composer.  Sounds like they got winged by a MegaTen game.<br />
Three-Dee:  In one of the founding father genres of 2D 3D.<br />
F.O.E.s are sadly no long blobs but appear on the map as they should.  Missed an excellent opportunity here Atlus, should have had the final 6th Stratum FOE be a giant red fuzzy thing.<br />
<br />
<span><b>F.A.Q. F.A.Q.</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Cartography RPG?</b><br />
<br />
One of the earliest forms of a graphic based computer RPG was a genre of games commonly referred to as 3D dungeon crawlers.  They were hard as shizz and unless you had the spatial memory of a god you basically needed to carry around a pad of graph paper and a pencil to map out the dungeon.  This genre is wildly popular for a good decade or so, eventually getting some real nasty dungeons with some real nasty encounters and some real nasty puzzles.  Then the genre disappears completely sometime around the end of the 16 bit era.  Then someone finally makes a system where you can make your own damn digital map on a separate screen and Atlus decides to take up this genre that they dabbled in before in a big way.  Thus the Cartography RPG was born; a mix of old school sensibilities with new school refinements such as class retiring, lolis, sub classes, quest systems.<br />
<br />
<b>What is an FOE?</b><br />
<br />
<span><span id="youtube-WM5MMqNgUzM"><span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=WM5MMqNgUzM"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/WM5MMqNgUzM/0.jpg" width="640" height="385" alt="image" style="border: 0px;" /></a></span><span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>What about the previous games in the series?</b><br />
<br />
They're on the Nintendo DS and are awesome.  I believe they JUST GOT A REPRINT and are even being sold in a big collection.<br />
<br />
<b>I've already played those/I'm too cheap to buy them but want to give this game a shot.  Help!</b><br />
<br />
It's getting a demo in two weeks.<br />
<br />
<b>DEMO?!?</b><br />
<br />
February 7th on the North American 3DS eshop.  It includes the first few floors and has a level cap of ten or so, but all progress made in the demo can be transferred over to the real deal.<br />
<br />
<b>Does the game come with anything?</b><br />
<br />
Artbook and mini CD, plus a real manual and that Atlus smell.  Digital version comes with none of that jazz.<br />
<br />
<b>Digital Version?</b><br />
<br />
Same week brotha.  Probably same day.  That's how I'm going if it is....but if I have to wait until that Thursday I might change my mind.]]></description>
   </item>
   <item>
      <title>[PS Vita] 3.0: Soul Sacrifice is Out!</title>
      <link>http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/167805/ps-vita-3-0-soul-sacrifice-is-out</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:29:24 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Games and Technology</category>
      <dc:creator>Unco-ordinated</dc:creator>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">167805@/discussions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[
<div>
<span><b><span>PlayStation Vita</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.minus.com/iO4Rpar26hCww.png" alt="iO4Rpar26hCww.png" />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span><span><b>Content Managers</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://cma.dl.playstation.net/cma/win/en/index.html" rel="nofollow">Vita Content Manager (PC)</a><br />
<a href="http://cma.dl.playstation.net/cma/mac/en/index.html" rel="nofollow">Vita Content Manager (Mac)</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span><span><b>PlayStation Plus Selection</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>NA Selection</b>
<ul>
<li>Uncharted: Golden Abyss</li>
<li>Gravity Rush</li>
<li>WipEout 2048</li>
<li>Plants vs Zombies</li>
<li>Mega Man Maverick Hunter X (PSP)</li>
<li>Tekken 6 (PSP)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>PAL Selection</b>
<ul>
<li>Uncharted: Golden Abyss</li>
<li>Gravity Rush</li>
<li>WipEout 2048</li>
<li>Metal Gear Solid HD Collection</li>
<li>Puddle</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span><span><b>Recommended Vita Games</b></span></span><br />

<ul>
<li>Assassin's Creed III: Liberation (Ubisoft Sofia)</li>
<li>BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend (Arc System Works)</li>
<li>Dead or Alive 5 Plus (Team Ninja)</li>
<li>Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention (Nippon Ichi Software)</li>
<li>DJMax Technika Tune (Pentavision)</li>
<li>Dragon Fantasy Book I (Muteki Corporation)</li>
<li>Gravity Rush (SCE Japan)</li>
<li>Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational (Clap Hanz)</li>
<li>Guacamelee (Drinkbox Studios)</li>
<li>Knytt Underground (Nifflas' Games) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>LittleBigPlanet Vita (Double Eleven/Tarsier)</li>
<li>Lumines: Electronic Symphony (Q? Entertainment)</li>
<li>Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection (Armature/Kojima Productions)</li>
<li>Motorstorm: RC (Evolution Studios) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Need for Speed: Most Wanted (Criterion)</li>
<li>New Little King's Story (Marvelous)</li>
<li>Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus (Team Ninja)</li>
<li>Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath (Just Add Water/Oddworld Inhabitants)</li>
<li>Orgarhythm (Acquire)</li>
<li>Persona 4 Golden (Atlus)</li>
<li>Plants vs. Zombies (PopCap Games)</li>
<li>PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (Superbot/BluePoint) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Rayman: Origins (Ubisoft)</li>
<li>Sine Mora (Digital Reality/Grasshopper)</li>
<li>Sly: Thieves in Time (Sanzaru Games) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Sonic &amp; All-Stars Racing Transformed (Sumo Digital)</li>
<li>Soul Sacrifice (Marvelous AQL)</li>
<li>Sound Shapes (Queazy Games) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Super Stardust Delta (Housemarque)</li>
<li>Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack (Drinkbox Studios)</li>
<li>Thomas Was Alone (Mike Bithell)</li>
<li>Touch My Katamari (Namco Bandai)</li>
<li>Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 (Capcom)</li>
<li>Uncharted: Golden Abyss (Sony Bend)</li>
<li>When Vikings Attack (Clever Beans/Sony XDev) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>wipEout 2048 (Sony Liverpool)</li>
<li>Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward (Chunsoft)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Cross-Buy: Denotes games where buying the PS3 or Vita version will come with the other version for free.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span><span><b>Recommended PS Mobile Games</b></span></span><br />

<ul>
<li>Beats Slider (Futurlab)</li>
<li>Beats Trelis (Sony)</li>
<li>Eufloria (Alex May &amp; Rudolf Kremers)</li>
<li>Fuel Tiracas (Futurlab)</li>
<li>Lemmings (D3T)</li>
<li>Super Crate Box (Vlambeer)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span><span><b>Recommended PSP Games</b></span></span><br />
<br />
Note: Incompatible games are included in the list. Check the FAQi to make sure games are compatible before buying.<br />

<div>
   <div>Spoiler: </div>
   <div></div>
   <div><b>Action</b><br />
God of War: Chains of Olympus<br />
God of War: Ghost of Sparta<br />
Killzone: Liberation<br />
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker<br />
Resistance Retribution<br />
Silent Hill: Origins<br />
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories<br />
SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3<br />
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror<br />
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow<br />
Thexder Neo<br />
<br />
<b>Platformer</b><br />
Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles<br />
Crush<br />
Daxter<br />
LocoRoco 2<br />
LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival<br />
Mega Man Maverick Hunter X<br />
Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?<br />
Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!<br />
Ratchet &amp; Clank: Size Matters<br />
Ultimate Ghosts 'N Goblins<br />
<br />
<b>JRPG</b><br />
Breath of Fire III<br />
Fate/Extra<br />
Final Fantasy Anniversary Edition<br />
Final Fantasy II Anniversary Edition<br />
Final Fantasy III<br />
Final Fantasy IV: Complete<br />
Hexyz Force<br />
Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky<br />
Persona<br />
Persona 2: Innocent Sin<br />
Persona 3 Portable<br />
Riviera: The Promised Land<br />
<br />
<b>Action RPG</b><br />
Cladun: This is an RPG<br />
Cladun X2<br />
Gods Eater Burst<br />
Half Minute Heroes<br />
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite<br />
The Third Birthday<br />
Ys: The Oath in Felghana<br />
Ys VII<br />
Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger Vs. Darkdeath Evilman<br />
<br />
<b>SRPG</b><br />
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness<br />
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days<br />
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions<br />
Growlanser IV: Wayfarer of the Time<br />
Gungnir<br />
Jeanne d'Arc<br />
Phantom Brave: Heroes of the Hermuda Triangle<br />
R-Type Command<br />
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together<br />
Valkyria Chronicles 2<br />
Wild Arms XF<br />
Yggdra Union<br />
<br />
<b>Adventure/Visual Novels</b><br />
Corpse Party<br />
Corpse Party: Book of Shadows<br />
Disgaea Infinite<br />
<br />
<b>Fighting</b><br />
Darkstalkers Chronicle<br />
Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy<br />
Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny<br />
Street Fighter Alpha 3<br />
Tekken 6<br />
<br />
<b>Puzzle</b><br />
Echochrome<br />
Echoshift<br />
Exit<br />
Patchwork Heroes<br />
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords<br />
<br />
<b>Racing</b><br />
Burnout Legends<br />
Gran Turismo<br />
Ridge Racer<br />
Wipeout Pulse<br />
<br />
<b>Rhythm</b><br />
Beats<br />
DJMax Portable 3<br />
Patapon<br />
Patapon 2<br />
Patapon 3<br />
<br />
<b>Strategy</b><br />
No Heroes Allowed<br />
PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe<br />
Savage Moon: The Hera Campaign<br />
SOCOM Tactical Strike<br />
What Did I Do To Deserve This My Lord<br />
What Did I Do To Deserve This My Lord 2<br />
<br />
<b>Compilation</b><br />
Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded<br />
Capcom Classics Collection Remixed<br />
EA Replay<br />
Sega Mega Drive Collection</div></div>
<br />
<br />
<span><span><b>Upcoming Vita Titles</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>Immediate Releases</b>
<ul>
<li>25 June - Muramasa: Rebirth (Vanillaware)</li>
<li>Soon - Farming Simulator (Giants Software) <i>Out in PAL</i></li>
<li>Soon - Hotline Miami (Dennaton Games) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Soon - Lone Survivor (Superflat Games) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Soon - Snapshot (Retro Affect) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Soon - Velocity Ultra (FuturLab) <i>Out in PAL</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Future Releases</b>
<ul>
<li>6 August - Dragon's Crown (Vanillaware)</li>
<li>17 September - Killzone: Mercenary (Guerrilla Cambridge)</li>
<li>22 October - Tearaway (Media Molecule)</li>
<li>25 October - Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (Armature)</li>
<li>Late 2013 - Valhalla Knights 3 (Marvelous AQL)</li>
<li>Late 2013 - Ys: Memories of Celceta (Falcom)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>TBA Future Releases</b>
<ul>
<li>Atomic Ninjas (Grip Games)</li>
<li>The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Edmund McMillen)</li>
<li>Divekick (One True Game Studios) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Dragon Fantasy Book II (Muteki Corporation) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Freedom Wars (SCE Japan Studio)</li>
<li>Final Fantasy X HD (Square Enix)</li>
<li>Final Fantasy X-2 HD (Square Enix)</li>
<li>Frozen Synapse Tactics (Mode 7 Games) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Invizimals: The Alliance (Novarama)</li>
<li>Limbo (Playdead)</li>
<li>Luftrausers (Vlambeer) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Metrico (Digital Dreams)</li>
<li>Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee - New ‘n’ Tasty (Just Add Water)</li>
<li>Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee (Just Add Water/Oddworld Inhabitants)</li>
<li>Phantasy Star Online 2 (Sega)</li>
<li>Picotto Knights (Game Arts)</li>
<li>Quell Memento (Fallen Tree Games)</li>
<li>Ragnarok Odyssey Ace (Gamearts)</li>
<li>Rainbow Moon (SideQuest Studios)</li>
<li>Spelunky (Derek Yu &amp; Andy Hull) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Stealth Inc. – A Clone in the Dark (Curve Studios) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
<li>Superfrog HD (Team17) <b>Cross-Buy</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span><span><b>Upcoming PSP Titles</b></span></span><br />

<ul>
<li>4 June - Class of Heroes 2 (Acquire)</li>
<li>Mystic Chronicles (Kemco)</li>
<li>Sweet Fuse (Idea Factory)</li>
</ul>
]]></description>
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