#Real World Combat & Fitness

[yangxiaolongstan]

ok on my previous blog i did a few posts about fixing the things i didn't like about Fallout 4. not because i hate it but because i love it and want a better version. this time, weapon and armor tweaks.

first off, the problem children: power armor and heavy weapons. the real issues are that power armor is too all purpose and easy to access, and heavy weapons are too niche and situational. the minigun is practically useless after you kill the deathclaw in concord because you will never have enough ammo for it. on the other hand the power armor you pick up in the same quest is way too strong and there's absolutely no reason to ever not use it. if you know what you're doing you're not likely to run out of fusion cores past the super early game and there's no skill locking it off. the fix for power armor is super simple, reintroduce the idea that you need special training to use power armor and reduce the number of fusion cores in the world substantially. this will gate power armor off and make it a mostly late game item that you need to be careful with. the minigun should have somewhat higher damage, slightly lower fire rate, and also should not be present in concord at the start. maybe replace it and the power armor with a grenade launcher and some nice combat armor in a locked chest in the airship or something like that. and make them optional to the quest of saving the Minutemen. most of the explosive heavy weapons are pretty good but it's weird that there's no grenade launchers or anything like that. the gatling laser is fine if a bit op but i think there should also be other heavy energy weapons like tesla canons and plasma casters to complement it. the fat man is ridiculously strong but given that it takes either cheats, an absurd number of caps, or a long time to get one it's fine. the junk jet is great and i will hear no arguments.

for unarmed weapons there needs to be a greater variety and more to separate them than just damage. maybe damage type can vary more. the deathclaw gauntlet is super under powered compared to the powerfist so amp its damage and maybe give it a dangerous bleed effect. and let the player either incorporate unarmed weapons into their power armor or use them while wearing it.

energy weapons need their rifles and pistols separated at minimum. why can i turn a tiny laser pistol into a huge sniper rifle? the institute models should be sleeker and less boxy. don't let them take up a third of the screen. they should be as powerful as the standard laser weapons plus an effect unique to institute weapons, maybe they drain power armor or shut down robots with enough shots. and institute plasma weapons should probably reduce armor condition more than standard plasma. gamma guns are great as is.

speaking of armor condition, bring back equipment durability. it's such a good mechanic and it would fit great with Fallout 4's expanded crafting system.

single piece armors need to be stronger to match the multi piece sets. particularly for faction soldiers. it's absurd that coursers have worse armor than the gen 1s they fight with. Combat armor and Synth armor need more to differentiate themselves and Synth armor needs a complete redesign to not look like absolute shit (except the helmets, those kick ass) the Marine armor also doesn't look great and it's way way too heavy to be useful but it's very effective and could be good with a slight redesign so it didn't clip like crazy and slightly lower weight.

for melee weapons the fast swing speed group needs a significant expansion and a damage boost so they aren't completely irrelevant, the medium needs to have at least 1 proper energy blade, the slow is mostly ok but my god why the hell can you just make a rocket sledge? it makes the standard super sledge completely redundant. more variety in legendary effects too. they'll have their own section but for now, it's weird that pickman's blade is just a weaker throatslicer, Kremv's tooth looks awesome but the effect is terrible, Atom's judgement on the other hand is just incredible 10/10 no notes.

for guns, i want a better variety and a larger ammo variety. i don't necessarily have a problem with rifles using .45 ammo but it's weird that it's so common whereas the only pistols that use it are pipe weapons. maybe the combat rifle could use 5.56 or 5mm instead and we could have a combat pistol that used .45. combat pistols could have a similar skin to the deliverer only larger and silver instead of black. in fact, make the deliverer one of these. the hunting rifle needs a damage boost to function as the game's go to ballistic sniper, and should start off with a stock. the shotguns are really good but there should be 20 and 12 gauge versions. ive never been able to make myself give a single fuck about the assault rifle but it definitely needs a different model and some way to differentiate itself. maybe slightly higher rate of fire than the combat rifle but slightly lower damage and it automatically comes with a reflex sight like New Vegas' marksman carbine. i think giving it a model similar to the radium rifle would be good, but without all the weird extra bits slapped on. that way we can tell the radium rifle was made by altering the assault rifle. the handmade rifle needs a new name but otherwise i like it, especially the fact that depending on how good you are with bashing, automatic weapons, and non auto rifles you get different upgrades.

finally legendary weapons and armor. not gonna sugarcoat it, these SUCK. ive played over 2,600 hours of Fallout 4 and ive found maybe 4 good random legendaries across all my playthroughs. and all 4 were completely broken. most legendary effects are either borderline useless like ghoul slayers or exterminators, or absolutely absurd like explosive, instigating, and 2 shot. and even the best effects are entirely dependent on the weapon you find them on. explosive and never ending are probably the best examples. explosive turns an otherwise terrible weapon like the submachine gun into an alright weapon like the spray and pray, a great weapon like the radium rifle into a fantastic one with the kiloton radium rifle, and a pretty good weapon like the combat shotgun into a completely game breaking meat grinder. it's way too powerful. Never Ending is the opposite problem, with one glaring exception. for most weapons, Never Ending just makes you never have to reload. this is ok for early low capacity weapons like the double barreled shotgun, but completely useless on anything with a decent clip size or high damage, which is literally everything after the super early game, and on one weapon in particular it's completely broken. because of a weird glitch Never Ending gives the Gatling laser *literally infinite ammo* and since the gatling laser is already one of the most potentially powerful weapons in the game, this combination is also completely game breaking. I'll be honest, I don't really know how to fix legendaries, other than to remove the glitches and make at least some of them removable and craftable.

[waheelawhisperer]

Ignore if you already got this one: what sort of weapon & special abilities is Feilan packin'?

Sword and shield combo, basically a reskinned Crocea Mors that I have yet to find a name I like for because his origins are similar to Jaune's in the sense that he's the dumbass with no clue what he's doing/audience surrogate that gives me an excuse to explain how the world works and the various storylines I've planned around him specifically involve him starting behind everyone else and managing to "catch up" by being clever more so than just having a larger stat block. Sword + shield is versatile, doesn't rely on flashy techniques like a lot of weapons in the series, and fits his assigned role as a fighter. I still need to come up with a good name for them ugh.

In terms of stats/powers/special abilities and so on, I started off by giving him extensive Aura reserves. Feilan typically lacks any sort of real training or conditioning at the start of a story and has to find a way to pick that shit up fast (and he generally manages to find a competent mentor, depending on how you define competent), so having a larger-than-average Aura lets him push himself hard during training. It's not enough to let him catch up, exactly, but he can at least close the gap enough to hold his own or not outright be a liability to more talented and experienced allies.

In terms of physical ability, he's got a good frame (plenty of height, broad shoulders) with room to add weight and a lot of innate athletic talent at the beginning, but he tends to start off fairly lean and not overly impressive in terms of strength/speed/stamina etc. because he hasn't put in the work yet. Once he does, he tends to be built like an NFL linebacker (I think I usually cap his height/weight out at 6'3" 225 lb) and relatively solid in terms of physical stats (he notably outmatches most members of Team RWBY in terms of pure physical strength and has good, but not exceptional, cardio/speed relative to his peer group), but he usually still suffers from a lack of technical skill. Outside of one very specific circumstance, I've made it a hard rule that he's never stronger in a duel than any member of Team RWBY, and his skills tend to run more toward larger-scale tactics and strategy. His role in a fight is generally not to personally win it through overwhelming combat prowess, and he usually considers simply surviving a fight until someone can arrive to bail him out or stalling until an ally completes an objective to be an accomplishment. When placed in a team (usually of students), his role is typically to serve as a tank, drawing aggro and freeing up/enabling his more dangerous allies to go HAM. When faced with an enemy that needs a serious ass-kicking, his response is less "whip out bullshit shonen powerup and win the fight himself like a badass" and more "scream Yang's name really loudly until she shows up and solves the problem for him" (if the threat is truly serious and he needs a real heavy hitter, he'll call for Qrow or one of his other mentor figures).

Feilan is quite intelligent and a little bit of a nerd, and thus he can serve effectively in a leadership role, whether that be as the leader of a team or a larger-scale command. He's experienced enough with strategy games like the one Team RWBY plays in Volume 2 that he understands basic tactical and strategic aspects of comment and can adapt on the fly, and he tends to do better when he can direct a battle instead of participating in it directly.

Feilan's Semblance is called Pack (or at least that's the working title), and its base form functions similarly to Jaune's Aura Amp - he can spend Aura to grant himself minor-to-moderate stat boosts, amplify the effects of someone else's Aura and Semblance, and infuse his own Aura into someone else to replenish their reserves. As his Semblance evolves, he gains the ability to apply the same stat boost to his senses (improving his sense of smell, hearing, etc.) and form Bonds to others, assuming there is sufficient and reciprocal emotional attachment. Once a Bond is established with a Packmate, Feilan can sense the presence of and apply the base effects of his Semblance to that Packmate without requiring physical contact (e.g. restoring Aura or boosting their stats from a distance) as long as the Packmate is within a certain distance of him. If two or more Bonded Packmates are present, Feilan can shuffle Aura directly between them (e.g. if Weiss's Aura broke, he could pull from Yang's reserves to replenish it, assuming both of them were Bonded to him), though he explicitly cannot draw in Aura from a Packmate and deposit it into his own reserves (wow I really wonder what that says about how he sees himself vs. how he sees others!!!). As more Packmates assemble within the area of effect, Pack becomes stronger - while it initially takes considerable effort and concentration to maintain the Semblance, to the point where Feilan must remain stationary and devote his full attention to keeping it working, each new Packmate to enter Pack's effective range increases the speed and efficiency of the transfers and reduces the concentration required to perform them, similar to how Geth platforms from Mass Effect network more efficiently in larger groups. With enough Packmates present, Feilan becomes able to contribute to the fight directly (at least in a limited capacity) while shuffling Aura between his allies and basically pumping a bunch of already-violent badasses full of Magic Meth (no, this power did not come about because I thought it would be funny to infuse Weiss with the essence of Florida Woman, I don't know what you're talking about), though doing so rapidly drains his reserves and thus can only be maintained for so long.

When designing Feilan, there were a number of key things I wanted to keep in mind. First, I wanted to make sure he didn't overshadow Team RWBY too egregiously. By nature of his position as the focal point of the stories I tell about him, there is no way to avoid him drawing some degree of attention away from the girls, but I didn't want to force them into the role of side characters in their own franchise, so I made an effort to contrive things such that Feilan is not equal to the challenges he faces alone and desperately needs their support and assistance, in addition to providing them with their own storylines and opportunities to shine that are mostly unrelated to him. As a result, I place a lot of emphasis on Team RWBY's internal narratives, as well as their presence in action set pieces. Team RWBY's fights feel very serious, like something out of a battle anime or martial arts movie, whereas Feilan's fights are more like a Vash the Stampede clown fiesta or something out of a Jackie Chan movie that likes making its protagonist the butt of the joke.

I also really appreciate the way RWBY deviates from Standard Shonen Bullshit where the protagonist wins more or less on his (and it's almost always his) own through direct personal strength and determination, so I wanted to make sure I kept as many of RWBY's themes intact as possible. I didn't try to preserve all of them at all costs, some because I just did not really vibe with them and some because I just felt like telling a different kind of story, but I did try to make my story something recognizably RWBY instead of simply slapping names and concepts on top of something that otherwise only bears the slightest resemblance to the show. This might be a hot take, but I feel like a lot of RWBY fanfiction has very little respect for the source material and is written by and for people who don't like and/or don't understand the show and want it to be more like "normal" anime or whatever, so I really wanted to avoid that. There is more Anime Bullshit in my stories than the initial show, but I took pains not to treat the source material with contempt.

Anyway, the point of saying that is that I wanted to preserve RWBY's thematic assertions regarding there being no victory in strength (or at least not solely in strength. This is an action show, after all) and the value of unity, which is why I gave Feilan a mindset and skillset that makes him significantly more effective in the presence of allies (and, notably, doomed to failure without them. The only reason he survives any of the stories I've plotted and outlined is because he has people watching out for him). He's not meant to succeed on his own, he's meant to lift others up.

Feilan arose because I wanted to write self-indulgent bullshit but I didn't want to do the horrible things the people who just use Jaune for that crap do to his character, so I did the cultured thing and made an OC who shares some of the traits that make Jaune useful for this kind of role, but is distinctly his own character. The things I wanted to do would not have worked if I tried using Jaune as a focal character unless I warped him so badly that he wasn't Jaune anymore, but Jaune and Feilan do share certain attributes and struggles - they start behind everyone else, share similar weapons/Semblances/physical profiles, typically try to become a Huntsman through less-than-legitimate means, have many, many sisters, have some attitudes about masculinity that they need to unlearn, work better in combat as support fighters/tanks instead of carries, and so on and so forth.

Also, I didn't want things to get too self-indulgent, so I gave him Lots of Traumas. Like yeah sure he gets attention from hot ladies but he also lives in near constant terror of arrest or execution, depending on storyline, and frequently gets hit in the balls or set on fire

[megashadowdragon]

jaune will end up amping cinder to get rid of the grimm arm freeing her

jaunes semblance allows him to amp all of the effects of aura including healing effect and we know that her grimm arm isnt protected by aura and when a external object like an organ from someone else is implanted into someones body there is a risk of organ rejection

( his amplification was powerful enough to amp weiss’s aura to the point she healed from cinders spear without any scarring ( and any internal organs that were damaged were completely healed ) ( when in the fight with knight when her aura wasnt able to heal from the wound on her eye which was much shallower)  and it still scarred)  

rhodes name may be a reference to the name of the earliest version of cinderella   Rhodopis

crowno-0 . tumblr . com/post/620188897794768896/just-looked-at-saphrons-wiki-and-oh-look-saphron#notes

…okay, so I was just looking at the story of Cinderella, and Wikipedia helpfully told me that the earliest known variation of the story is that of Rhodopis.

Rhodopis is a slave girl who was bathing on day, when an eagle swoops down and grabs her sandal. It travels to Memphis and drops the sandal in front of the King (not Elvis). Taking this as a sign, the King sends his men around the Kingdom to find the owner of the sandal, and when Rhodopis is brought to him, he married her.

This story was first recorded by the Greek geographer Strabo, somewhere between 7 BC and 24 AD.

However

Rhodopis is mentioned by an earlier writer.

In 440 BC, the historian Herodotus recorded the tale of Rhodopis, a courtesan from Thrace, owned as a slave by Iadmon of Samos (who also owned Aesop) during the 5th Century BC. He eventually took her to Egypt, where a man named Charaxus of Mytilene buys her freedom for her.

Charaxus of Mytilene is best known for being the brother of the famous poet, Sappho.

So the earliest version of Cinderella is freed from slavery by Sappho’s brother.

Food for thought.

Saphron and Terra Cotta  refer to the ancient Greek poetess Sappho of Lesbos, so famed for her romantic preference for women that the name of her homeland coined the term “lesbian”, and her own name coined the term “sapphic”. Many of her works that survived did so on terra cotta pottery shards

and jaune is saphrons brother and the grimm arm has been equated to the shock collar except the grimm arm won't be taken off so easily and jaune would be the one to free cinder from it  free her from salem 

 and given how jaune always put his hands on someone to amp their aura he will put his hand on cinders head when he amps cinders aura 

According to the Wiki:

“The Indecisive King draws various parallels to Jaune Arc and Cinder. The King and Cinder have nearly identical lines when reuniting with the Widow and Jaune, initially not remembering the grieving person but “starting to remember you” once the adventurer does something to affect them. Furthermore, Jaune and the Widow have parallels in having to grieve a lost loved one in over a year, and Cinder connects to the Crown of Choice through being the key to unlocking it in the Beacon Vault, as well as her conflict views regarding choice and destiny. 

the indecisive king ended up being saved by the widow which supports the idea of jaune saving cinder

hoepunkausta . tumblr . com/post/620858326965731329/very-true-salem-is-a-widow-in-a-sense-but-also/embed

it also fits given that jaune is rubys foil

hawkeyedflame . tumblr . com/post/152581160728/on-rubys-elusive-character-development-or-why

“ jaune is a foil To Ruby. She’s a prodigy who quickly became a deadly warrior at a young age and is welcomed into Beacon two years early as a result while Jaune is a hard worker who progresses slowly and had to lie his way into Beacon because of his nonexistent combat background. Ruby is a strategist specialized on pre-defined team attacks and wields a self-made weapon capable of long range combat. Jaune is a tactician specialized in creating new team attacks according to his analysis on the battlefield and wields a family heirloom only capable of close range combat. Ruby has a rather broken family but they fully support her decision to become a huntress while Jaune’s family is large and united but they don’t support his choices nor have any faith on him. Ruby is a tomboy who dominates the battlefield but doesn’t enjoy dancing whereas Jaune tends to act girly and is initially terrible at fighting but also a great dancer. The more you look into them as a pair, the more contrasts that can be spotted in the details.”

jaune has a more “feminine way of dealing with emotions” while ruby has the more masculine way of dealing with emotions

aminoapps . com/c/rwby/page/blog/why-its-good-for-jaunes-semblance-to-be-a-support-type/xpp7_XQ4s2u6RGX2zboa6JwM2XMekWGZd68

“Joan of Arc is known for breaking gender stereotypes about what it meant to be a woman. And if you think about it in a lot of ways Jaune doesn’t fit into the stereotypical “man box.” We are don’t “men don’t cry.” He wears his emotions on his sleeve. While in the real world men (and in the world of RWBY BOTH men and women ARGUABLY) are told to be strong. And that many people superficially equate physical strength with heroism (Raven?) it is fitting that Jaune’s semblance doesn’t so much doesn’t so much empower himself, as it empowers others. (as well as himself but its more effective on others in the team since they are more skilled than him) The so called “Feminine” strength.” P.S. Hmm as a follow-up to my The Importance Of Foils Part 2 post. I think that Ruby, despite being a girl, fits into the “man box” better than anyone else including it’s UNHEALTHY WAYS OF DEALING WITH EMOTIONS. The only difference is on remnant, it’s not because a man doesn’t cry. But because “a hero doesn’t cry.”

ruby first activated her silver eyes leading to her to learn about them when she saw pyrrha jaunes partner impaled by cinder and burnt to ash failing to save pyrrha  her awakening being in reaction to her death while jaune activated his semblance and realized what it was when he saw rubys partner weiss  impaled by cinder and  was able to save her  life awakening his semblance to do so allowing him to learn what his semblance was ( which is a good example this is an example of them being foils  and how its been shown and effected their storys )

rubys special ability that  she awakened due to cinder hurts cinder due to the grimm  salem put in her while jaunes special ability would end up saving cinder from the grimm part of her

@knightfallcravin���

[name-me-regret]

If The World Was Ending 14/?

If The World Was Ending Chapter Fourteen: A Lethal Side

Read on AO3.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

“Some things I just cannot change Are you waiting for me to show you the way out? This love has a lethal side I would take the bullet, ah

You feel just like you're wasting a lifetime on me Just give into the feeling we got something real, yeah 'Cause every love song needs somebody to sing

So let me show you I'm what you need before you run away...

Can't hear what those people say Telling you that you're crazy believing in me now And if we march on the front line I would take the bullet...”

~ Runaway - James Carter

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

‘Because you’re exhausting!’

The words had been playing on repeat in his mind for the past hour, and it didn’t look like it would stop any time soon. Buck felt, not for the first time, that he had made a mistake for filing that lawsuit. That was especially true since it had solved nothing. His friends, his family, had pulled away further. That was none more true than Eddie, who had started to pull away from him even before the lawsuit. Now, he was sure he had completely lost him.

Buck cleared his throat, wiping hastily at his eyes. He decided that he needed to clear his mind, and that it was time to fall back on his usual coping method. So, he stopped briefly at his loft to get changed into his hiking gear. He’d added to the collection in the last two years that he had been with the 118, especially since he was trained in rescue and knew what was needed in case of an emergency.

He’d been part of a lot of hikes, so he knew that things that might seem like overkill, were essential. That meant his headlamp since it was almost sunset, and made sure he checked the batteries on it and brought extra ones just in case. He also made sure he had his LifeStraw Water Filter that he’d recently purchased, since he’d taken to hiking a lot during his recent shifts as the Fire Marshal.

The man sent a text to Maddie telling her he was going for a hike at Griffith Park, which would be open until 9pm, so he had plenty of time for a few hours to go on the hiking trail. When he arrived at the park almost 40 minutes later the sun was almost completely setting, he grabbed his backpack with his supplies but first slipped on his hydration backpack, which was small enough to fit on his front, against his chest. He had enough water for at least a two to three hour hike.

He was twenty minutes into his hike, not having seen anyone on the dark trail this whole time, when his playlist cut off as his phone started to beep furiously. “JARVIS?” Buck asked as he detached his phone from the strap of his backpack.

‘Sir will be with you shortly, Mr. Buckley,’ JARVIS told him. Buck knew that J was an AI, but he had always been pretty expressive. However, he wasn’t sure he’d ever heard him sound as strained as he did now.

“What? Why? What’s going on, J?”

The AI was silent before he started to speak again. ‘Sir was attacked two hours ago by an assailant that I’ve been able to identify as the Winter Soldier.’

This alarmed Buck and he lifted his head, looking for the armor but the dark sky was empty thus far. “Is Tony hurt? Why are you bringing him here?”

‘Sir didn’t have a combat ready armor with him at the time and though he managed to evade capture, he suffered a head injury that’s rendered him unconscious.’

“Why didn’t you take him to the hospital?” Buck demanded. “He could have a concussion!”

‘My protocols are to bring him to the closest person he trusts, and since his healthcare proxy is currently in D.C., you were the closest person to his location.’

Buck ran a hand through his hair, his cap getting knocked off in the process, but not that he noticed in that moment. “Alright… alright,” he muttered. He turned back and started to run back the way he had come, and was glad he hadn’t gone too far down the trail. He reached his Jeep in less than ten minutes, glad that he had kept to his training regiment after he’d started his light duty. After all, lying around doing nothing was more detrimental to his health.

He heard the repulsors then and he lifted his head to see the armor coming in from the west. That meant he had been in Malibu when he’d been attacked. The armor touched down more gently than he would have thought, but then again, JARVIS was the one flying it. It also appeared to be an incomplete armor, so that’s likely why he’d been mostly unprotected from the attack.

“Alright, open her up J,” he told the AI. When he did, Buck was ready to catch Tony as the unconscious man tumbled out. He’d opened his passenger side door ahead of time and easily lifted him and put him inside. “Tony, hey,” he said as he rubbed his sternum and patted his cheek to get him to wake up.

Tony moaned weakly and his eyelashes fluttered but didn’t open. The was blood caked on the side of his head from where he’d been hit and Buck didn’t have time to wonder what exactly it had been. Tony whimpered when he shifted him up further in the seat, making Buck wince.

“Sorry, sorry, but I need you to wake up.” Finally, his eyes opened and Buck couldn’t help grin at him. “There you are.”

“Ev?”

“Yeah, it’s me.” He took his headlamp off as an idea occurred to him, and used that to shine in his eyes. He flinched at the light and that wasn’t a good sign, especially since his pupils were dilated. When the man suddenly leaned out the open door and threw up, narrowly missing Buck’s hiking boots, he knew that he had a concussion, and needed to get him to the hospital to make sure it wasn’t anything worse.

That’s when he noticed the blood at his side and when he lifted his shirt, Buck saw that he’d torn his stitches. “Shit,” he hissed. He reached under his seat for his first aid kit, being thankful for his sister’s paranoia after the truck bombing. He quickly patched the wound, since he didn’t have the supplies to restitch it there and then he buckled him in and ran around to the driver’s side. Buck was relieved when he pulled up his maps amp and saw that there was a medical center less than ten minutes away. As he drove, he had JARVIS call the hospital.

“Tony? Are you awake?” The man groaned. “Do you know where you are?”

“M’in y’r Je’p?” Tony slurred. That didn’t sound good.

“Can you remember what happened?” Buck pressed, needing to see how bad the concussion was.

“Dunno… g’t hit?”

“Do you remember what hit you?”

Tony was silent for too long that Buck reached over and shook him, and sighed in relief when the man flinched. “No… no,” he said, shaking his head but moaned in pain at the movement. “Hurts.”

“I know, but I got you, Tony,” he reassured him. He looked behind him when he saw the blue lights and a cop car, which then pulled along side and then he motioned for Buck to follow him. It seemed JARVIS had also contacted the police department for an escort. Buck gave a thumbs up and followed the black and white cruiser.

As soon as they pulled into the ER, a few nurses and a doctor rushed out with a gurney. Buck told them about the head injury and the torn stitches as they loaded Tony onto the gurney. The cop told him that he’d be guarding Tony as per the instructions of someone named JARVIS. Then he was left alone, not knowing what to do except look at the hospital doors for a few moments before the siren of an arriving ambulance snapped him out of it. He closed the passenger side door of his Jeep and then got back in to find a parking space.

He was lucky to find one, even if it was further away than he would have liked. However, before he could leave the Jeep, JARVIS spoke up again. ‘Mr. Buckley, sir is being tracked.’

“What? By who?”

‘The Winter Soldier.’

“Who is that?” Buck asked a bit hysterically. He didn’t know what was going on. All he knew was that someone had hurt Tony and now they were likely coming to finish the job.

’He is an assassin that’s been sent by HYDRA.’

“Hydra? What is Hydra?”

‘HYDRA is an authoritarian paramilitary subversive terrorist organization bent on world domination. It was very active during World War 2 but with the efforts of Captain America and the Howling Commandos, they were able to destroy it.’

“I’m sensing a but,” Buck groaned where he’d laid his head against the steering wheel. This was spiraling into very dangerous territory, and Buck felt that he was barely keeping his head above water.

‘It seems to have survived and infiltrated SHIELD. Sir discovered this several days ago, as well as a plan to use an algorithm created by a HYDRA scientist to identify people that posed a threat to them and thus be able to eliminate them.’

“He stopped them and then they came after him?” Buck hazarded a guess. He took in several shaky breaths, trying not to have a panic attack right that moment. He was a first responder, a fire fighter that was used to running into a burning building, but this was more Athena’s area. Only, he couldn’t call her, couldn’t call anyone for help.

It was in that moment that Buck truly felt alone. He was alone in this.

‘Yes, that is correct.’

Buck contemplated on what he should do now, wondering if he should go inside, or call the police to warn them. It was just, would they believe him at all? Buck seriously doubted it. He was worried, because right now Tony was unprotected. “What do I do, J? I’m just a firefighter... or rather, I was.” He sighed and ran a hand through his blonde hair. “I can’t help him.”

‘There is a way, Mr. Buckley.’

The man’s head lifted in surprise. “What? How? What do I have to do?” He’d already lost his family at the 118 and didn’t want to also lose Tony. If there was something that he could do, then he would.

‘The Rescue Protocol.’

Buck frowned. “What’s that?”

‘Sir designed armor to your measurements and called it the Rescue armor.’

“What?!”

Before he could ask more, he heard the sound of repulsors once again and rolled down his window as he stuck his head out of it. He saw the suit coming from the east, which he found was weird. “Where is it coming from, J?”

‘Sir designed it and had it built at his lab in New York, because that lab had the equipment for it. He activated the protocol almost three hours ago, but since it was on the other side of the country, it is only now arriving.’

Buck stumbled out of the Jeep and saw not one armor, but two of them. “Wait, that’s two armors.”

‘It is War Machine, Mr. Buckley.’

“Holy shit,” Buck gasped, not believing that he was about to see Rhodes after all these years.

The two armors touched down and the face plate lifted on the War Machine armor. “Evan Buckley, is that you?” the man asked incredulously. The War Machine armor gave Rhodes about four inches, so they were about the same height.

“Rhodes, hey man,” Buck greeted him weakly. As he turned to what JARVIS had dubbed the Rescue armor, he saw that it would likely give him four inches as well. That explained why the Rescue armor looked taller. It was also colored the same blue as his LAFD uniform.

Rhodes pointed at the other armor. “Is it safe to assume this is for you to use?”

Buck ran a hand down his face as he nodded. “I don’t- I don’t know the first thing about how to use it. I kinda just found out literally a minute before you got here.”

“Lucky for you, FRIDAY informed me about the situation going on with Tony, so you might not have to use it.”

“Who’s-?”

‘Colonel Rhodes, incoming from the west,’ JARVIS interrupts them suddenly, voice urgent.

The Rescue armor is opening and Buck yelps as it lunges at him and incases him. He staggers back as the HUD turns on, breathing heavily and an alarm is suddenly beeping. Buck is stunned as his Jeep suddenly explodes in a ball of fire as it is flung to the side and into another car. The instincts he learned from his time in the SEALs kick in as he jumps away, rolling with the momentum, and is shocked at how easy the armor moves around him.

“Evan!” Buck hears Rhodes panicked voice and his vision is suddenly filled with a man with long hair wielding a grenade launcher, which is aimed right at him. He jerks to the side to avoid the grenade, which sails dangerously close to his face and it hits another vehicle that also explodes.

‘Mr. Buckley, may I suggest leaving the area before the hospital takes damage,’ JARVIS tells him.

“How do I do that?!” He yelps as the repulsors at his feet suddenly turn on and he waves his arms around wildly as he starts to lift off the ground, which makes the take off shaky and almost flies into another car.

‘Keep your hands at your side, Mr. Buckley,’ the AI instructs.

Buck quickly does that and the armor shoots into the sky, and it’s only because he’s jumped from a helo into the ocean during the BUD/S training that he doesn’t scream. Of course, he hadn’t made it much longer after passing Hell Week, because he hadn’t been able to turn off his emotions. So, he was very terrified in that moment. Especially when he saw a motorcycle following them with the long haired man on it, and did he have a fucking metal arm?!

“Evan, this way,” he hears Rhodes call. He follows JARVIS’s instructions as he angles his body to follow the man and almost whoops when he’s able to do it without veering too much off course. “We need to get away from the city before we engage.” They’re heading toward the Hollywood Hills, more than likely where there are very little houses.

Buck is totally onboard with that, since the last thing he wants is for someone to get hurt. He tries not to think too closely about what engage actually means, and that he was going to actively attack someone. And shit, he’s thinking about it now.

Then an alarm starts to blare through the speakers and with J’s warning, Buck twists in midair to avoid being hit as their pursuer shoots at them, which sends him into a sudden barrel roll that has him giving a choked off scream. He some how manages to regain control of the —his?— armor and gasps when he sees that the grenade had missed him, but managed to hit a building. Buck becomes alarmed when he sees that it was a house on the edge of where the hills start.

“Shit!” Buck exclaims as he turns, forgetting his fear and even that he’s way out of his element. There are people in danger and he can’t just do nothing. “JARVIS, is there some kind of fire suppressant system in the suit?” He sees as the AI selects the systems but curses when he sees its aimed for it to be used in case the suit is on fire or sparks. “I need something to stop the fire!”

‘There is a water gun on the shoulder,’ JARVIS tells him. Of course he had seen it, which resembled the one that Rhodes had on the War Machine armor, but he had assumed it was a weapon. ‘If you land in the pool beside the house, there are compartments that will open to suck into the suit and that will be directed to the water gun.’

Buck grinned despite himself, because he hadn’t been expecting that. “Wow, I thought it was a gun!”

‘That’s why Sir called it the Rescue armor. He designed it especially for you.’

And Buck could see that now. He hadn’t designed it like a weapon the way he had for Rhodes’s War Machine armor, but like a tool used to rescue people for Buck. Because that is what Buck did, he was a firefighter and he rescued people, and now the name Rescue for the armor made sense. “Alright then, J. Let’s see what this thing can do.” He had the AI connect him to Rhodes and told him that he needed to keep the assassin off his back while he went to put out the fire and see if there had been anyone inside the house.

“Roger,” Rhodes tells him. The War Machine turns and heads toward where the motorcycles is still following them. It also appears as if there are two police cars and one police motorcycle following the man. Whether they were alerted because he was breaking laws to catch up to them or because someone saw him shooting the grenade launcher is unclear, but that doesn’t matter at the moment.

“J, is there like some kind of autopilot on this thing? I don’t think I can land softly enough not to damage the pool.” Buck asked as they fly toward the house. He grins when the AI takes control of the suit and they land. JARVIS relinquishes control almost immediately after and he grins when he sees that the water can also come out of the hands by three individual tubes that can open up at the palms. It’s a good thing the pool is fairly large, and the gallons in it are likely enough to extinguish the flames. If not, there is another pool next door he can use.

“Aright, let her rip, J,” he tells the AI. He braces for the pressure to hit, use to doing it when he handles the hose as a firefighter, but it seems that he doesn’t need to as the suit is immovable. The water leaves the gun and the palms of the armor, and he aims at the worse of the flames. He cuts off the flow when the flames frizzle out, but makes sure there is enough left inside the suit in case there is more fire inside. There is a hole on one side of the house, and he rushes in like he usually does. “LAFD! Is anyone in here?” Buck shouts, forgetting that he isn’t a firefighter with the department anymore.

There is smoke and ash from the destroyed wall in the air and he kicks a few chucks away as he goes further inside. “Hello! Is someone in here?” His voice sounds mechanical and almost resembles what Tony’s does whenever he speaks while in the suit.

That’s when the suit’s HUD displays a scan of the house and it detects three heat signatures. Even then, he keeps calling and soon he hears a voice calling for help. The first person is a man in his early fifties which is the owner, judging by the information that JARVIS is displaying, and that he lives there with his younger wife and fifteen-year-old son. He brings the man out even as he protests. “I’m going to get them out,” he tells him with certainty.

He finds the wife next in a bathroom, a woman in her early forties who is unconscious from a hit to the head. Buck needs to secure her neck and substitutes a towel gently but tightly around her neck, making sure its not enough to strangle her. He then sees a bathrobe and uses the tie of it to secure the towel in place. Now that the neck is secure in case she has a spinal or neck injury, he carries her out.

“Evan, are you clear?” Rhodes calls over the coms, hearing the strain in his voice.

“Almost, Rhodes. I got one more victim inside the house. Give me ten minutes.”

“You got five,” he gasped. Buck jerks his head up as he hears an explosion, but sighs in relief when he sees War Machine still in the air.

“Copy!” Buck yells as he runs back into the house. JARVIS had pulled up the information, so he knows the name of the young man. “Jake! Jake, are you there?” He hears the house groan and knows the explosion caused the whole structure to be unstable, but he doesn’t want to leave until he has the teenager. Buck heads to where the heat signature is coming from, glad there isn’t any more fire, but there are sparks and if the gas line was damaged it could get really dangerous really fast. So he hurries. “Jake!”

He comes upon a room for a teenage girl and decides that he obviously isn’t there. Then he sees movement and turns. “Jake?” he calls as he rushes in. He finds a teenage girl huddled in the corner, confused by her presence there and wondering if he’ll have enough time to find Jake, but knows he can’t leave her there.

“It’s Jenny,” she whimpers as the house shudders.

Buck is confused. “What?”

“That... that’s not my name. It’s Jenny.” She cries out as the house shakes again. “J-Ja... that’s not my name!”

He realizes what she means almost immediately and nods as he kneels. “Alright, Jenny,” he soothes. He holds out his armored hand. “Take my hand, sweetheart. I’ll get you out, alright?”

Her eyes, bluer than even his own, dart up to his face. Then she nods and takes it. Buck lifts her up and carries her out. He deposits her into her father’s waiting’s arms who sobs a thanks for getting his daughter out, and Buck takes a moment to smile.

“Evan!”

“Shit!” he curses when he sees another grenade coming their way and instinctively lifts his hands and lets the water go with all the pressure the suit has, from the water gun as well. It must be more like a water cannon, because it knocks the grenade out of its course, and it hits the house. Buck turns and shields the family from the debris as it seems to hit another support beam and the whole structure comes down.

When he makes sure the family of three is okay, he goes a few steps away and his second take off is more smooth than the first one. He sees the lights of the emergency crews as he goes, and now that he knows the family is safe, he decides to concentrate on the fight that’s coming. Buck had never been a violent person, had never seen combat during his SEAL training, but he also knows that he can’t stand by while this assassin wrecks havoc and harms more people.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

Athena had gotten a call from one the police officers in East Hollywood. While she wasn’t able to put any kind of official alert on her family or the 118’s vehicles or homes, they each knew the names of the people closest to them. When one of them was involved is an accident or any kind of incident. Mostly it was her kids, Michael and Bobby. Oh, and Buck, of course. It was because that kid was always getting into trouble, and because despite what Bobby said, Buck was his son. He was his son even while he was suing Bobby and the man was mad at him.

So, when the East Hollywood police were contacted by Iron Man’s associate to be an escort and given the license plate of Buck’s Jeep (which he’d just gotten back from the body shop), Athena had found out about it twenty minutes later. Naturally, she told Bobby, who was off shift and both of them raced over toward Kaiser Permanente regardless that they couldn’t contact Buck due to the lawsuit.

They were horrified when they found that area around the hospital parking lot cordoned off by police. Athena got off to try to find out something, telling Bobby to circle around and she’d call him when she knew something. She was able to pass through the police line easily enough, and even if she wanted to go immediately to the hospital and find out about Buck, something drew her to the scene.

There were several vehicles that had been on fire, which meant the another fire station, mainly station 6, were on the scene. There was a lot of destruction, like a bomb had gone off, and as she walked closer to the scene to try and see what was happening, she stepped on something.

The woman frowned and bent down to pick it up, seeing it was a California license plate, covered in soot and half burned. She wiped at the numbers, the curiosity getting the better of her. The moment she did, the sob felt like it was punched out of her.

It was Buck’s license plate.-

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

[zombiescantfly]

Halo and the Burden of the Extended Universe

Halo, as in the initial trilogy of games one through three, has been about one man, known only by his rank, traveling to exotic alien superstructures hanging in deep space, traversing their surfaces on foot and in a variety of human and alien military vehicles, and mowing down literally hundreds of enemies per level. Throughout that trilogy, we’re supposed to believe that these aliens, the Covenant, pose a great risk to all of humanity. We’re told, by way of the instruction manuals and some NPC chatter, that these aliens have pushed our own species, at the time a massive space-faring empire, back to the singular planet of our birth. 

In all three games, we just barely make our way to the latest superstructure, clawing our way there against what's said to be insurmountable odds. We're constantly told that we're low on resources, low on time, we barely have a foot in the door while the Covenant have already made their bed. And yet, every single game, we win. Effortlessly. Constantly. 

And not only do we win, but we prevent the total annihilation of all life in the universe no less than once per game, sometimes more! Untold hordes of enemies fall at our controller-wielding fingertips, but somehow we're meant to accept that this one is our last chance, for real, we swear. Still, problems come and go at the whim of an inattentive scriptwriter, built up to be the most important thing we've ever seen, left perfectly resolved at the end of a 20-minute level.

In every game, the goalposts are constantly shifting, pushed further and further back by writers who realize, sweat on their brows, that they've started with the destruction of all life in the universe and have to somehow amp it up from there. For three games.

To put it mildly, they are not successful.

What do we have to be afraid of? Not the Covenant, because even the worst weapons we have available to us can tear them apart. All life on Earth, the last bastion of our species, is put at risk a full three times over the course of two games, and every single time we, as the protagonist, turn our back on the problem and are promised it will be solved when we aren't looking. If the Halo rings are fired, all life in the universe dies! Except when it was fired in Halo 2 and only sent a standby signal before being deactivated. Except when it was fired in Halo 3 using a never-before-heard-of "tactical pulse" that is at perfect odds with everything it was stated to do in all three games. 

There's no threat that sticks, no threat that matters. Everything the games have told us to be afraid of are continuously revealed to be utterly inconsequential. Even the moment-to-moment threats become routine, the moment-to-moment losses, unnoticeable. How many times have you gathered a squad of friendly Marines only to lose them all in the next gunfight? Well, don't worry, here comes a Pelican with four new ones, no questions asked. Yes, we're running low on fuel and men and supplies, but here you go Chief, you're special.

But why are we special? Who is The Master Chief? We know some things, but not a lot. We're a supersoldier, a Spartan. We have a ship's AI in our head who tells us what LZs to clear and does all the talking for us. Across three games, approximately thirty hours of gameplay, our main character has a mere sixty-eight lines of dialogue, and most of it doesn't pass the five word mark. Cortana, in comparison, has nearly six hundred spoken lines. Our hero is characterized only by lines like "boo," "green, sir," "I need a weapon," "understood," and "we'll make it."

Truly, a fascinating and deep character to go down in the annals of gaming history. A man brimming with all the personality of a cardboard box, all the empathy of a brick, and all the motives of a potted plant.

And yet, every Halo fan out there will tell you how cool he is, how haunted by his past he is, how deeply he feels the loss of his comrades, and how much he cares for his tiny blue Garmin. 

Why? We played the same games, right? With all the same plot holes and haphazardly shifting priorities, the miniscule cast of named characters that never do anything to extend past their paint-by-numbers archetype? What are they getting out this that I haven’t?

Well, they read the books.

To them, Halo has an excuse. There aren't any plot holes, none at all, because you can just read this piece of licensed fiction to plug it. Are you still uncertain, well over a decade after the fact, just how much time passed between Halo 2 and 3? There's a graphic novel to answer that for you. What about the Arbiter, why didn't he stick around to try to form a proper treaty with humanity after the end of Halo 3? Read the book to find out. Okay then, the Flood invasion of Earth, how'd that get cleaned up so fast? Don't worry, watch the animated short.

This isn't how storytelling works. 

You don't get to present a player of your game, a buyer of your product, with one third of a story and then tell them the rest exists as multiple books. You don't get to ignore key plot points that would bring your story together just so they can be sold off years later in a different medium.

External media, should your property have it, should be to expand on things the primary property has no room for. Hinted-at background events. Formative character experiences. Something tangentially related that still ties in to the main story. If it's really that important, tell your writers to make room for it in the main product. 

Halo has the room for it. Each game will probably take a first-time player around ten hours for a first playthrough, and far less time on subsequent runs. These games are short, but they attempt to tell a story many times larger than they make room for. So make more room. End the focus on getting players in and out in a single weekend sitting. Let your characters talk to each other beyond exchanging stiff one-liners in cutscenes. Stop making every level a bombastic, breakneck setpiece and give the story room to breathe, to actually be told. If it’s the end of the universe we’re dealing with, surely you can spare us more than nine measly levels? Let us actually see the larger situation rather than being told about it. Do you really think Halo fans would complain about a campaign taking fifteen to twenty hours to beat? They love Halo, they want to spend time with it. Capitalize on that, and take the opportunity to finally, actually tell a story with all the parts in it instead of just a third.

Which brings us, finally, to Halo: Reach.

Certain Halo fans, largely the same group of them that defend the poor storytelling because “it’s in the books,” have a reaction to Halo: Reach that can best be described as ‘vitriolic.’ They don’t like it. Why?

Because it’s not like the book. 

You see, while Halo: Reach came out in 2010, a book by the name of Halo: The Fall of Reach came out some months before the first Halo game in 2001. They are both about the same event, but with quite major differences. This caused quite a lot of contention at the time of Reach’s release, mainly from the part of the fanbase that believed they were going to get a one-to-one retelling of this book in videogame form. 

They didn’t get that. Halo: Reach is an original story that tells the tale of a world’s final hours and one team of elite supersoldiers as they attempt to do anything they can to help delay the inevitable end. It’s not the most compelling story ever written, or even the most compelling version of that story ever told, but it’s effective. Even though we’re dealing with the imminent destruction of an entire planet, the story manages to stay small. Reach’s ultimate destruction is a common piece of wall graffiti or NPC combat barks, so the ending is known, leaving room for smaller objectives to take the spotlight. Rescue civilians trapped behind enemy lines. Delay an invasion force to buy evacuation efforts another hour. Clear the skies so supplies and medivac can go out. 

Halo: Reach has almost no connection to the series at large, and it’s quite the breath of fresh air. As a prequel, its ending is a forgone conclusion, but it does what it can with the time it has. The messy, convoluted politics of Halo 2 and 3 are far in the series’ chronological future, letting you fight two enemy factions at once for the first time in the series, away from the plot point that sees them at war with each other. The end of the universe isn’t constantly being dangled over our heads for the third time in as many games, so the characters have a chance to sit down and swap banter, tell us who they are. They aren’t anyone too terribly compelling - Bungie still hadn’t quite figured out character writing - but they’re tested archetypes played well enough for the story’s demands. The threat is known and static, the stakes grow higher by way of the ticking clock drawing us ever closer to the planet’s inevitable end. There’s no faffing around with “trading one villain for another” because killing the first one would have ended the story too quickly, so a new one has to show up with no lead-in. 

Even at the very end of that original trilogy, Halo’s story was too big for the time Bungie gave it. Its own plot points were shoving at each other, jockeying for position, knocking parts off themselves in an effort to fit into nine half-hour levels until all that was left were fractions of what you’d need to find in the books afterward.

Reach suffers from its own short length, but not in the same way. It suffers in that you can point to the characters and they say needed more setup, more time with each other, maybe another level or two here or there to really draw the relationship out. It suffers by pushing a little too hard at the “imminent end” angle, hurrying you through and skipping over hours of in-world time that probably could have been their own level.

But surely even the superfans saw that this was preferable? That a standalone story was the best way to go about things? Surely they understood that attempting to simply recreate the book would have ended with them not seeing any of what Bungie came up with for this new game? There’s a lot to like about Halo: Reach, and a lot to do in it that you can’t do in any of the other games. Surely even the most fervent defenders of the extended canon ended up coming around and being able to separate the two for what they both were on their own.

Of course, that’s not what happened. See again, ‘vitriolic.’ And so here we are at the question this whole thing has been building up to. When a company leans as hard into external supplemental media as Bungie did for Halo, is it then obligated to play by the rules and plot points outlined in those external entities? It’s a tricky question, mostly because up until that point, Bungie had gone ahead as if every book and animated short and comic and webisode was one hundred percent canonical. The reason superfans tolerated those gaping plot holes in the games is, again, because they weren’t holes at all when paired with their companion media. So now, in the far-past year of 2010, Bungie has suddenly decided that one of those sacred tomes of external knowledge is incorrect. 

I think the easiest answer would have simply been to...tell the proper amount of story in the first place, but I guess it’s a little too late for that, especially now. 

So what, then, is the obligation put forward by such a slavish devotion to external storytelling? Were they wrong to do something different? Were they right to forge ahead with something new for the benefit of freeing players who had never read that book and any other related to it from the web of multi-author canon? 

I’d say they made the right move. Let’s talk about Star Wars.

Star Wars and Halo share many a talking point, the most obvious of which is just the sheer amount of additional stories they have stapled to them. Great news for fans who are into it, but terrible news for the actual IP holders. All they do is get in the way when the primary vehicle wants to expand. Disney felt it more than Bungie ever did, but Bungie felt it first: cut away the myriad stories clogging up the canon or you’ll never make anyone happy. Try to appease the superfans and get burned by not touching on every single node of criss-crossing plot webs that is the result of decades of overlapping stories by as many authors, while alienating newcomers by being forced to pay lip service to concepts and characters they’ve never heard of and have no attachment to. 

Disney made the right call, and so did Bungie with Reach. What came next in Disney’s case isn’t relevant, and Bungie washed their hands of Halo entirely afterwards. 

If your story cannot survive without the propping-up of half a dozen pieces of external media, you have failed to tell a good story. If your answer to questions about this story is to tell the asker to read a book, you have failed to tell a good story. I understand the appeal of that expansion, of being able to have a celebrated setting grow and reach new places, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the setup. The world has to exist before it can be expanded upon. The story needs to be in place for its offshoots to grow. And that’s what Halo fails at, so totally and repeatedly. Bungie was too excited by the prospect of having an extended universe that they forgot to make a universe to expand upon. As a result, the actual core universe exists smeared across half a dozen mediums and dozens of individual pieces, with no true convergence point someone can present a newcomer with and say, “Start here.”

The Halo games are a patchwork mess of uninspired characters, unexplored concepts, unknown stakes, and uninteresting locales. Because they rely so heavily on their companion media to fill in those blanks, there’s nothing there to entice a first-time player to do it themselves. If a character’s inspiration comes from one book, the exploration of a concept comes from another, the weight of the stakes is told through an animatic, and the otherworldly locales are shown in all their glory only in the pages of a comic book, what is the game even for? If everything you need to know about the Master Chief, the Covenant, the war, and the Halos isn’t in the games, what’s the point of them? What do Halo 1, 2, and 3 actually stand to add to a universe seemingly defined elsewhere?

They become wastes of time. Wastes of potential. Other people - artists and authors working under contract for Bungie, not Bungie themselves - did all the heavy lifting to create these worlds and these characters. Does Bungie even know who their own characters are? Could the original writer for Halo 1 tell me everything the Master Chief has become through the works of a dozen other authors over the course of twenty years? 

The books might be good. I wouldn’t know; the games didn’t inspire me to read them.

[ancientskullkid]

The Generation 8 Starters, the types they are… …and the types they should be. Rillaboom. All 3 Gen 8 starters are pure single type. Which I find to be boring and lazy. So Rillaboom is pure Grass type. It’s classified as the Drummer Pokemon. I think they missed an opportuiy here to unify the new “band” Pokemon. They others being Toxtricity Amped form (Eletric Guitar) & Low Key form (Bass Guitar). Not that Rillaboom should be poison or electric, definitely not. but Team Yell/Spikemuth Gym Trainers are very musical and use Dark types and Poison types (Marnie’s Toxicroak & Piers’ Toxtricity). If Rillaboom was Grass/Dark, this would play into the punk band theme (also fitting the real life British influence on punk music; a genre generally perceived as rebellious & moody...dark). also, Rillaboom only learns Grass, Normal, & Dark types moves by leveling up. other options include Ground type because it can learn many Ground type TMs & TRs; also the vibrations of the drum could shake the ground. Fairy type has a strong connection to nature & Grass type & harmony (Shield Pokedex: It has a gentle disposition and values harmony among its group). Fighting type also fits the way it beats the drum and the way music is often used to “fight the power” Cinderace is pure Fire type. It’s a rabbit that plays soccer (football everywhere outside the USA). It’s soccer ball is a rock. So it should be Fire/Rock type. other options: Fighting type could represent the competitive nature of sports. Soccer is the most played sport in the world, which makes it the “normal” sport. Inteleon is pure Water type. Bulbapedia words this well enough that I don’t care to reword it. “Inteleon follows the motif of British intelligence, James Bond in particular, with the hands being often posed like a gun, spouting water out of the fingertips, while the coloring of the skin in the belly forms a pattern resembling a blue jacket and black trousers on a white shirt.” Inteleon is a spy. Spies prefer to remain unseen & able to get places despite methods used to keep people out. Like ghosts & their ability to be invisible & move through walls. Inteleon should be Water/Ghost type. Yet! Sword Pokedex: It has a membrane on its back that it can use to glide through the air. So its appearance was influenced by flying lizards. And it’s a sniper, & snipers operate best from a high place (see its Gigantamax form). So it could be Water/Flying. Fighting type also fits the spy theme. Spies often find themselves in close combat. Dark type also fits the spy theme. Sneaking around in the shadows. Also, it’s a a lizard, and as a Dragon trainer, I can’t help but choose the only 1 of the 3 starters that is a reptile.

[arthurhwalker]

Managing Severe Anxiety

Severe anxiety drastically impacts one's quality of life, afflicting one with somatic symptoms, and playing havoc with the social calendar. In the last year, I've had my worst bout with anxiety, and after three trips to the ER, lots of mistakes, trying many things, I finally feel like I'm on the mend. What's worked for me, may not work for everyone, but it may lead a person toward resources for finding their own solutions.

I'm not a doctor, or anything close. I'm a creative, and a thinker, and while I haven't found a silver bullet for severe anxiety, I've found some things that greatly improved my quality of life. Before I begin, I want to state, definitively, none of this is a substitute for therapy, taking your medication, and having a doctor you like. Consider seeking those things first.

Note: Nothing talked about below will fix you, but it might make enduring your severe anxiety less wretched. Read on!

Defining Severe Anxiety

I'm not going to do that here, mainly because I don't want to put a trigger warning on this. If you've had somatic symptoms scary enough to send you to the ER, you can probably put yourself in the severe anxiety category. Severe anxiety doesn't come out of nowhere, it has a trigger, and figuring that out requires professional help.

What allowed my admittedly pretty bad normal anxiety to transform into the more severe variety was a lack of understanding my own body, the processes that regulate it. I've had my mental health fail a couple of times before, and traded a couple of savage blows with depression. I thought because I had basically beaten depression, I was on the other side of it all.

Trauma doesn't work that way. Being fearless doesn't prevent your body from having a biological reaction to staring down death, the threat thereof, injury, tragedy, and loss. Humans survived by keeping a certain standard of evolutionary fitness, and these primordial impulses will not be denied, even in the strongest of us.

Building Awareness

One of the things that contributed to my anxiety was a lack of a baseline relative to how I was feeling physically. My anxiety messes with my digestion, nervous system, and cognition, creating a host of somatic symptoms. I didn't have anything I did every day to create a baseline of awareness into how I was feeling.

Variety might be the spice of life, but rituals are the meat and potatoes.

Fight or flight turns certain sensations off, or down to low. Because the body believes there is danger, it doesn't bother with letting you know you're hungry, or tired, so you can keep fleeing or fighting. If your anxiety is severe, actually feeling tired or hungry can be a welcome sensation, as they become more rare. Anxiety robs one of their physical awareness.

To combat this, I've been doing thirty minutes of yoga every day. There are lots of benefits to low impact exercise, feel free to draw your own conclusions, and do your own research. Yoga won’t work for everyone (find your own thing), but for me, it was a good way to create a baseline.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s realistic for you to do every day. When I travel, my yoga mat goes with me. I treat it like a prescription bottle of pills, or anything else you don’t leave home without.

So, if I felt bad, but flowed through my yoga, it was probably just my anxiety, and I likely had the physical resources to go on with my day. If I struggled through my yoga, it meant I was probably dehydrated, my sleep was subpar, or I hadn't consumed enough calories recently. Regardless of how I felt, I should probably take it a little slower through my day, and conserve my resources.

Meditation has been a good way to create a baseline for me as well. If I could easily empty my mind, and just be for ten minutes, I probably had the mental resources for outings, shopping, or social excursions. If I struggled with ten minutes of meditation, I might want to seek some solitude, drink some calming tea, or deal directly with whatever is occupying my thoughts.

At the center of both practices is breathing.

Breathing

My anxiety likely comes from an overdeveloped, overworked, fight or flight response. This autonomic response is designed to protect us from all kinds of mayhem. However, it can get so sensitive and overworked that it gets tripped by the smallest things.

We can't really control the rate at which our heart beats, our hormone response to hot and cold, or how quickly, or slowly, we digest food. One of the only autonomic processes connected to fight or flight that we can control, is our breathing. Letting the parts of your brain that control the autonomic process know that you're safe seems to be most easily accomplished with the breath.

Feel free to look up all the recent and not so recent research on the topic. I was surprised to find little conflict. Breathing is good, particularly if you do it correctly.

For me, I breathe from the belly, low and slow. Breathing from the chest is what I did as an athlete to amp up, and it turns out the opposite, low and slow, can bring your autonomic fight or flight response down. That part of your body only gets a little input from the higher functioning parts of the brain, and thus lives mostly in the dark relative to what's going on around you.

Telling myself I'm safe, while breathing low and slow, long and deep, five minutes a day, has really helped me out. It's a good practice to have if you're having a panic attack, and can possess the presence of mind to alter your breathing midstream. What helps me avoid being in that position is to carefully curate the aesthetics of my life, my safe places, both in the real world, and in my mind's eye.

Aesthetic Curation and Positive Association

Anxiety messes with our perception of time. The purpose is to give the mind more space to react to danger. However, it also accentuates discomfort, pain, sadness, and anything else one feels during periods of intense anxiety. Creating positive associations has really helped me.

I hate taking my medicine, so I put a picture of my wife and I at a beach on the medicine cabinet. I think about that cold day on the East Coast when I take my meds. It's gotten to where it takes such a small cognitive toll that I often have to count pills to make sure I took them. That's nice.

Sleep was a problem for a long time. Severe anxiety, fight or flight, for long periods of time, will shut down peripheral systems in the body, like salivary glands, and tear ducts, messing with digestion, and restful sleep. I used to dread going to sleep, so I changed everything I was doing, and took action.

Just to get sleep, I have...

Moved apartments, to one with a smaller and quieter bedroom.

Painted the wall opposite the headboard a soft yellow, nice to fall asleep and wake up to.

Bought a new bed, with an extra layer of memory foam to make it as comfy as possible.

Spent weeks waking up with the dawn, going outside to meet it, to rebuild my circadian rhythm.

Bought a triangular pillow so I wouldn't worry about waking up in the middle of the night to acid reflux.

Procured prescription toothpaste to help with dry mouth.

Keep dental mints in the nightstand so I have options if it wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Use eye drops when my eyes are dry.

Take ibuprofen when I hurt, even if just a little. 

Take a diphenhydramine sleep aid, to make me drowsy, and help me breathe better.

Wear a sleeping mask with a curved covering so the fabric doesn't wick moisture from my eyes.

Wear a buff around my head to keep my long hair from getting pulled if I toss and turn.

Monitor my sleep with an app on my Apple Watch.

Have ear plugs in my nightstand if there happens to be noise in the night keeping me up.

Have the main lighting in our living room set to automatically shut off at bedtime.

Have eliminated all but a couple small lights in the bedroom; night time is bed time.

Go to bed religiously, roughly at the same time, as if it was a sacred ritual.

Talk about something nice with my spouse before I sleep.

Wear blue light blocking glasses in at different times throughout the day.

Use most of my electronic devices in night mode, unless I'm doing visual work for print.

Also: My spouse makes sure I have my favorite tea when I wake up, so I dread the morning a little less. <3

Good golly, that seems like a big list of things, but working on a sleep ritual that works for you is pretty key. There likely isn't a single silver bullet, but a long list of things that make up a ritual. Sleep is the cornerstone where managing my anxiety is concerned.

This was illuminated to me recently while traveling from Wichita, to Seattle, to Anchorage. The return trip was much harder than the initial, with the amount of sleep preceding each bout of travel being the defining factor. I can't burn the midnight oil anymore, I gotta have sleep.

As I alluded to previously, to get proper sleep, I needed a safe place to do it.

Safe Places

Part of my therapy required having a safe place to go, both in the meat space, and in my mind's eye. When we moved apartments, I did everything differently. I don't work at home, and the rigors of what I do can't find me there. Beside my favorite place to sit, is a smaller exact make and color of the blanket I use to sleep. My wife's artwork hangs where I will see it as I leave, and as I come home, a visual signal that I'm entering, or leaving, my safe place.

Creating this neurological baseline took weeks. I was surprised how readily my subconscious mind accepted what my rational self would dismiss as flimsy gimmicks. The autonomic process that regulates our fight or flight is remarkably simple, and the simplest stimulation seems to work best. In other words, the closer to whimsy, the better.

In my mind's eye I had to create a safe place. For me, it was Coronado Heights in Lindsborg, Kansas. It's a tiny castle on a hill, a strange thing to see in the rural Midwest. It's quiet there, and I have reconstructed it in every detail in my mind's eye. How the stone feels at the hand, the smell, the wind, the way the inner chamber echoes, the reddish hint the soil has there, everything.

I've used it as an internal focus for dealing with the banality of my life. In the worst of times, my wife and I would flee to Lindsborg for the weekend to recharge. If I have to do something I don't want to do, I wear a t-shirt I bought at one of the shops in Lindsborg. When I take a shower the day of that difficult task, I use scented soap I bought at one of the stores in Lindsborg. I've made that tiny idyllic town my cognitive safe space, and built many positive associations with it.

Recently, a high school student (and aspiring graphic designer) made a t-shirt, looking like a vintage travel advertisement for Coronado Heights. It's gorgeous on it's own merits, but has special meaning for me. I look at that shirt the same way I would ballistic armor. It is a neuro-cognitive trigger, and countermeasure.

This isn't the only way to create positive association however. Emotional support animals can die, and special places can be bulldozed, but these things wouldn't be precious if they weren't vulnerable, and finite. Being able to build new, even baseless positive association is important. I used to scoff at people that named their cars, or had sentimental attachment to objects.

I kinda get it now, in moderation.

My spouse and I found these tiny plastic chickens in a shop full of Wichita themed items. We decided the chicken is lucky, and made it a totem of travel, so we can safely return home. I carry my tiny totem in the case for my glasses, a reminder to keep my perspective. During our last trip, my spouse lost her tiny chicken somehow. We'll have to go get her another one, but the association here is simple.

So much of what causes anxiety is beyond our control. Sometimes it is the silliest thing that can dispel that helplessness. A tiny plastic chicken that makes you smile can have an enormous impact on your mindset. Humans use totems as part of their association with everything, their relationships, and their fears. The plastic chicken is just my way of gaming that particular societal construct.

Also, I can always get another plastic chicken if it is lost, no fucks given.

Not Giving a Fuck

The Internet has given rise to the notion that our ability to care about things is measured by a resource referred to colloquially as "fucks". There's pop culture and self-help books a plenty that hold to this concept. I think the use of profanity in this case is uniquely appropriate because it gets a person's attention. There is a stark and necessary distinction between "no", and "fuck no".

Managing my anxiety has often been directly proportional to managing what sort of things I give a fuck about, and when. Telling someone that I don't want to hear about what they don't like, and that I would prefer to hear about what gives them joy, changes the flow of fucks immediately. Avoiding the wasteful distribution of fucks to things that only feeds my helplessness has been vital.

Stopping myself midstream (usually right before I post or respond to something on Facebook, haha) and saying internally, "No, I'm not giving a fuck about that, moving on," has been a powerful thing. I've immediately, and definitely, given myself permission to not expend emotional resources on a given thing. I put my fucks safely back where they belong, in the bank, to be spent on things that really matter to me.

Educating myself about the known science behind anxiety has helped me be merciful toward myself. Specifically when I fail to act, or act or perform badly due to my anxiety. I can understand that the malfunction isn't a weakness, but an overdeveloped safety mechanism that I've had to rely on too much.

Saving my fucks, as a cognitive resource, gives me the space to endure when I would otherwise succumb to a panic attack.

Space

Managing anxiety, for me, is about creating distance with my fears, and surrendering to forces I cannot control. There is no one thing that creates that distance, and getting space is usually a combination of things that I've done as part of my ritual of wellness. I've tried supplements, fad diets, functional medicine, aroma therapy, and some cringe-worthy new age bullshit to manage my anxiety.

What shines through is I seem to win in finding the things that let my brain stem and limbic system know I'm actually safe. To that end, the simple things that tap into the few narrow means of communicating with our autonomic selves seems to work best. Identifying what trips your anxiety is pretty important in getting space away from it.

My phobias and fears are deeply rooted in my subconscious, to the degree my body responds even if I'm not thinking about it. It's the stimulus that is the mind poison. My physical resources play directly into whether or not I panic, or fly through those situations safely. I have to (as my father calls it) front load for life, and forgive myself when those preparations fail.

Sometimes, nothing will keep me from a crash. How soft the landing, and how quickly I bounce back, are directly related to how well I front loaded. Our bodies can't turn on a dime, and most of the countermeasures I've developed took weeks or months to take hold. I had to keep a journal of my symptoms, and chart my progress in a spread sheet to unlock what worked.

Even as I write this, my guts are trying to make a fist, and I'm feeling a little low. I know from months of experience that my sleep last night wasn't optimal, and I'm 90 minutes past when I usually eat lunch, and that is all this is. Having that knowledge, took time and a hard won deep understanding of myself.

You'll get there. Hang on. You'll get there. That's my mantra.

Nuts and Bolts

It's important to listen to your body. Ignoring your pain or discomfort, for me, has made my fight or flight response, my anxiety, worse. It tells my body things are bad enough I can't stop to rest, or eat, or seek solace. If I hurt, I take pain medication. If I'm constipated, I take a laxative. If I'm tired I rest. If I'm hungry, I eat. If I'm thirsty, I drink. I'm never far from some ibuprofen, my water bottle, a bag of lightly salted almonds, or a place to rest. I know where all the quiet coffee shops and libraries in Wichita happen to be.

Full Princess Mode, all the time, everywhere I go. I don't take on cognitive liability I can avoid, and I don't take risks with my mental health or safety. When I travel, I engage in the least amount of cognitive liability I can, and plan ahead.

I don't make myself do anything I know I don't have the resources for. I freely cancel appointments, politely decline new responsibilities, log off early for sleep, and engage in other culturally "selfish" behaviors. I don't ride the line with this either, and my sleep app has a keen feature, recording how much "credit" I have in my Sleep Bank. I'm shooting for double digit returns, eventually.

This frees me to make sure I am able to attend things that are important to me. I don't want to miss another wedding, birthday, or family reunion because I'm a wreck. I want to have the resources to do the important things, do my work, and spend time with people I love, for as long as possible.

Conclusion

Tell me what works for you in the comments. I genuinely care about this topic, and I don't think we can ever possess enough resources for life. I hope you found something useful in the text above, and that your tomorrow is better than today. Peace.

Recommended Reading

“The Body Keeps The Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. - This has a lot of the science behind anxiety. Been my anxiety Bible for the last year.

“Mindsight” & “Aware” by Daniel J Siegel, M.D. - Useful science stuffs, mixed with complicated new age meditation jibber-jabber. Meditation need not be so complex, at least for me, books are still interesting and useful. 

“The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory, The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe” Stephen W. Porges - Just got this one, haven’t vetted sources, but could be good.

[voicesofchaos]

Friend’s Initial Impression Of DanganRonpa 2 Characters

So my friend who has a very eccentric mind and a unique sense of humor recently finished DR1 and is starting Dangan Ronpa 2. So I wanted to get his opinion and feelings on everything along the way. So he wrote this up just based off their picture and name, not even Ultimate talent.

Monokuma: The real villian behind DR1. His bear puns will increase, and his killings will be more imaginative and fitting for each deaths. Hes probably a real thing, but who knows, I still hate his guts, but thats probably what he wants.

Monomi: I hope she's hope to polarized the despair. If not shes probably a derranged rabbit thing. She's ready to have food for her children which consists of 1000 rabbits which the father is probably unknown til the last few chapters or ending credits.

Hajime Hinata: The Ultimate Tryhard- He's probably gonna try really hard. He is a model student and the most he's ever done bad is stepping on grass or cutting in line to get his favorite baked goods during school lunch. He'll be involved in every scenario and it is later revealed that he is the Ultimate Survivor, bet that hasn't been done right? Survivor, Non Killer.

Nagito Komaeda: The Ultimate Unhygenic- He is immediately casted as the weird one. He wants to be friends with everyone but he has a quirk that makes it hard to get close to him. He will be forever remembered for his long winded monologues about life, and he is likely a fan favorite because everyone can relate to him somehow. He will get accused of murder, and will likely get crushed in a stampede of humans in a Black Friday shopping because he ironically dies when people are selfish, but he at the same time got attention from people kind of. Dies in late chapters. Killer.

Chiaki Nanami: The Ultimate Merchandise Pusher- She is the best grill on this whole roster. Anyone that says otherwise is lieing to themselves. Sadly, she is so pure for this world that she will likely fall victim to something stupid or lame event. We will get to know about her favorite games and how selective she is with cake while window shopping. And after you get so used to her BOOM, a sideswipe. But its okay, I still adore her. She will likely die on her own accord because one of the other students refuses to give her a wifi password, and she can't complete her achievements and suffers. Dies In middle chapters. Victim.

Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu: The Ultimate Onomatopoeia- He is likely smug but don't let his looks fool you like it did to me. He's a well renowned actor and believes this DR2 is an elaborate plan to get him over the next new movie or DR3. If he can play any role, he can be in any movie. Check him out in Star Wars around Christmas time. He's gonna play a jerk that hits on all the characters, but we will find hes faced with a scenerio where he should adopt method acting and actually kill someone to gain experience. He will likely be killed through a filmstrip of all his past indie films and he finally gets his breakthrough role of being roadkill. Dies in middle to later chapters. Killer.

Ibuki Mioda: The Ultimate Hot Topic- She's in a band called Pollution Solution. She wants to prove to the world that anyone can play a kazoo if they tried hard enough. She has picked up a lead that a record label is pitching American Idol to make their return and she feels that this is her chance to shine. Sadly, all of her bandmates arent around, but what is this? Could she had broken away from her bandmates because of creative differences? Then all of a sudden she wants to be an idol, but it turns out to be a Love Live event. Frustrated that she can't express her music through normal means she decided to (pull the plug) on someone's life because they are doing better and more content than her. So she's all (amped) up. Her death will be unable to complete her lyrics with a feathered pen due to writer's block. Dies in later chapters. Killer.

Kazuichi Soda: The Ultimate Red Herring- I don't know. He looks like a jackass. He looks really insanely evil. Is this all part of the plan? I'm trying to stop drinking soda, but that won't make it any different from digesting his schemes. I'll let him play the victim I guess. But I've learned that looks isn't everything in this damn series, I'll likely get this all wrong. In one world he's the tutorial murderer in another hes a softspoken fellow that cares about his friends. Dies early on chapters. Victim.

Gundham Tanaka: The Ultimate Shining Finger- He looks like a stellar dude. Although he's probably a bit of a cold silent type. Or like one of those serious everything I say is a metaphor or haiku character. He's gonna be the one that's trying to collect intel of what's going on in the world, but gone too far. It looks like he likes animals, so someone they'll be turned against him because of the stupid puppetmasters/killer. Dies later chapters. Victim.

Byakuya Togami: The Ultimate Reddit Post- I refuse to believe this is the same Byakuya. So this one is likely a clone, a twin brother, same family, imaginary friend, stunt double, a robot being fed lines from the original so he doesnt have to play another twisted game because he has before. He is here for the fans, and causing some mess and chaos. He will have a quirk that comes up a couple of times, then after that it becomes a running joke. He will die in a double death if that rule still applies, and will be revealed as a plot device that can be purchased with Monocoins. Dies in the middle somewhere. Victim.

Mikan Tsumiki- The Ultimate Mummy- Look here. I didn't expect a support character like this in this messed up universe. However, she has something no other characters have. Thats an actual survival trait. In my world, shes gonna live forever. Shes too important for the future, she looks clumsy but not foolish. A mother figure? Or like, she might just do an accidental death on someone. I hate those kinds of death, but maybe I'm really hopeful right now. Please don't turn into a Yandere, this list consists of so many fallen people, we need someone to keep Hinata from staying past his bedtime. Free good guy vote. Survivor. Non Killer.

Hiyoko Saionji: The Ultimate Hired Hand for a Convetion Booth- Okay so, I don't know. She doesn't really scream evil or anything to me. She seems happy, she seems cheerful. Yeah she's a victim. She will die in the first few chapters. I can't see her passing that at all. I'm sorry, this game has made me numb lol. Victim.

Akane Owari: The Ultimate Spawn Child of Obvious Characters from DR1- She will fight and prove she is the best grill. With the ability of hand to hand combat, and underwater tactics. She will have a tough time making friends, but she will gain everyone's trust. She will likely be a joke for a bit with her build and figure, but she will get over that as well. Because she can do whatever she wants, and survive. Sadly though...I dont see her making it far, comes across as a misunderstanding to many people. But it wont be in vain. Victim, dies in middle to later chapters.

Nekomaru Nidai: The Ultimate You Have Got to be Kidding Me. I don't know how the majority of these characters can pass off as students. But thats fine, thats just how it is. Okay so he has weights and what not. I don't imagine him being a jerk jerk. Maybe misunderstandings and semi aggression so I can see him being accused of MANY things. But honestly, it the weirdest thing ever. But I can sort of see him..survive? I don't know, he seems like an obvious guy to hate, but like I don't see it any different from other characters. I think I have to learn more about him. He seems like a good right hand fellow. Also he will be into cats because of his name. I will be bold to say right now that he will live. Survivor. Non Killer.

Teruteru Hanamura: The Ultimate Cooking Papa: I think in this case. Hmm.....He will be a tired joke trope and everyone wants him dead. So he does us all a favor and kills someone to give us what we wants. He will be strapped to a cookpot as the entire oven explodes through over heating and food he's allergic to. Killer. Go away plz.

Sonia Nevermind: The Ultimate...I Forgot. Shes clearly a cosplayer. Shes gonna pose in differenet attires every chapter. She's gonna be involved in cases where a killer uses her clothes as false evidence. Shes also gonna have her own options menu where you can dress her up too, its gonna be so kawaii. She also cosplays because she forgot her own personality and shes shuffling through clothes to gain her memories back. She will also be a victim in all of this, because....nevermind. Victim. Dies later chapters.

Mahiru Koizumi: The Ultimate Wendys: Aye she looks extra adorable!!! She will live because of my will. If not, then I will fall into a deep tragedy. her camera's gonna be used as evidence because of this little shutterfly's curiousity she will obtain evidence that will sway the votes. Also, she looks like the resident tsundere, so I cant stop supporting her. But given my track records, I dont know you know what. SHES GONNA LIVE DAMN IT. SURVIVOR. CHIAKI AND MAHIRU SHOW OVA.

Peko Pekoyama: The Ultimate Unfortunate Initials: She looks sorta cool. Hmm, I don't know. Cool characters get a pass usually if they remain in the game long enough. She will either be the main evil person or a survivor. She will play mole and helper. She will play good cop and bad cop. I dont know damn. I will say shes gonna live, but she will play an important role in the game to some degree for the good or evil side. Survivor. Questionable antics. We shall see!

[hollywoodx4]

Sticking with the Schuylers (44)

I’m posting this from the bus to NY (!!!) sorry this one took so long, but I’m much happier with the direction this turned out than it’s precious draft so take that as you will.

[Edit: I finally fixed the formatting-sorry about that nightmare!]

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Tagging: @linsnavi @butlinislin @oosnavi @adothoe

The hot compression of a faux leather skirt has begun to take its toll on Eliza, who stretches her calves in hopes of a burst of relief. It maneuvers the wave of her muscles with a crinkling protest, a lacy top clinging to her physique with a hold she hasn’t quite gotten used to. The slight chill of the air flows through the room and soothes the mugginess of backstage.

“Are you dying yet?” Peggy’s voice, loud and playful, carries across the room with ease. The issue of leather unencumbers her although she has been outfitted in a jumpsuit crafted entirely from the material. She holds a drumstick in each hand, twirling them between her fingers with ease before tapping them against an extra amp. The rhythm is familiar, a song they had crafted together, and Eliza hums the tune while she adjusts her fishnets.

“The crowd is huge tonight.” Angelica’s mass of well-tamed curls pokes out from behind the curtain; the muffled sounds of their opening act receiving mass amounts of applause is a comfort. Angelica hadn’t been too sure about hiring some boy band to back them, but The Rev Squad seems to be getting the praise Eliza had imagined upon convincing her sisters to hire the band.

Eliza adjusts the strap of her electric guitar over her shoulder, her grin wild and untamed as their opening act clamors off the stage. They’re still on an evident high from the crowd’s love, whooping and hollering. Their confidence clashes with the anxiety that still radiates from the Schuyler sisters, the juxtaposition evident. The boys are a mess of sweat and flyaway hairs, water splashing from opened bottles onto their reddened faces. Angelica lets out a hint of a smile before looking away, getting into her own headspace with deep breaths and a few words muttered under confident breaths. Peggy joins their fight, running and hiding with three opened bottles of water around a corner.

Eliza, like her eldest sister, finds herself far too occupied to engage in their games. However instead of moving for a silent confidence boost, her eyes are trained on the last band member to exit the stage. The Rev Squad stylist has dressed each of its members in a suit of varying colors. There’s Lafayette, in a full red ensemble to match the unwavering flame of pride in his eyes. Herc is in bright blue, with a t-shirt underneath (presumably to stop the sweating their last round of outfits had brought him, which he’d gently and apologetically complained about just once). It matches the sweatband he prefers to wear around his head and throw out to the audience each night as their fanbase has grown. John, in his bowtie and gingham, fits the roll of the ‘nice boy’ perfectly. But it’s the simplest of the suits that has Eliza’s heart racing, practically jumping through her lace bodice.

She and the band’s resident bad boy (which she continually attempts to convince to her father is just an unfit label) hadn’t been seeing each other for long. Hell, she’d only met him when The Rev Squad first came to tour rehearsals up in California. The electricity had been too much to deny, and they’d hit it off as soon as she’d stepped into his rehearsal and he’d lost the words to his entire solo. The energy between them had lasted through Los Angeles, and Tulsa, and Tampa…and tonight, playing a sold out crowd in Central Park, those feelings were only heightened.

Eliza’s hands find the bare skin at the bend of his elbows, where he’d rolled up the sleeves of his suit. Her fingers grasp at the material, her lips diving forward to find his before he can take the steps to meet her. It’s a silly thing, this suit, and the way just two black buttons coax the fabric to hug his body in a way that makes her want to pull it off. He seems to want the same thing, the way one stage-sweat misted cheek presses against her collarbone, finding the best position to trail his lips where he knows it’ll drive her crazy. And then, he stops; a poorly aimed pool of water hits Alexander’s back, droplets of water coasting over his shoulders to mist the top of Eliza’s head.

The sudden mist is enough to jolt her awake, brushing at her face and casting a quizzical glance at her hands when they come up completely dry. The dream had been so lucid that even the space on either side of her hips is still fuzzy with the static energy of Alexander’s touch. Closing her eyes, Eliza wills herself to drift back into the world she had so unwillingly left, the tune of an unknown song stuck in an elevator music aesthetic in the background of her mind. She rolls over, a contented hum leaving her system carried on a golden glow of happiness. Her nose meets the feeling of bare flesh and an aroma of dark roast coffee. The lucid feelings of hands on her waist had been real, although Alexander’s arms are fully wrapped around her waist instead of just resting there. His eyes are still closed; they move rapidly underneath a thick blanket of eyelashes in a rare moment of peace. For a moment Eliza watches him-lets herself get caught in the way his relaxation fills the air around them. Her own eyes flutter between open and shut, a hazy side-effect of her ear against his breathing and his beating heart.

“Okay, I have to ask; what the hell were you dreaming about? I mean I know I’m a sleep-talker but you were sleep-singing…”

She shakes her head, the stray tendrils of her hair tumbling down her shoulder along with the lightness of her laughter.

“Can you roll the sleeves of your suit on Monday?” He moves himself away from her with a bemused expression so that he can catch her eyes, the drowsiness a welcome compliment to her upturned lips and reddened cheeks. Alexander chuckles. “What? It was a really good dream.”

She draws out her words with the low musings of a purr, running her fingers along his arm.

“I’m really glad you stayed.” It’s almost inaudible; she murmurs the words after she’s settled back into his chest, her stomach in combat between fluttering and flipping. The tender press of his lip against her forehead invites a wave of tranquility, transporting Eliza back to a time where she had been able to wake up like this every day. She catches the moment; drinking in the heat of his legs against her cold toes, his hurried heartbeat, and his laughter shaking the pillow of his chest. These are the feelings she had been reminiscing about. These are the things that turn her paintings gold and coat them in billowing air in gentle strokes of her paintbrush.

The temporary air serenity is shattered by the slam of her bedroom door against the wall, and for a moment Eliza has a flash of memory; their first time, her hot tears, his hands paving the way to a warm trail her mind turned into embers that stung her body. But this isn’t that time, this isn’t Christmas…that much is evident by Peggy’s yelp of surprise and the lurid click of the door being shut almost as soon as it had been opened.

“Let us know when you’re decent, please. This is important.” Eliza can practically hear Angelica’s eyes rolling in her head, her clear and decisive timbre allowing an impatience to drip from each syllable. She smooths down her camisole and pulls on a pair of shorts, shoulders lifted in a halfhearted shrug.

“Again; why did you give them a key?” Alexander stretches out over the bed when Eliza gets up, groaning before hauling himself up as well. He yawns, a break in the drowsy annoyance he had been displaying, and Eliza rewards him with a kiss and a run of her thumb along his jawline.

“We can come back to bed after, I’m sure it’s nothing. I mean, technically you don’t even have to get up at all.”

“Yes you do, Alex, you’ll want to hear this too.” His curiosity is piqued upon hearing his own sister’s voice, even though she wears more of a bitter tone he’d grown much too accustomed to dealing with. When he opens the door, when his eyes meet the sight of Peggy, Emily, and Angelica with identically crossed arms, he wishes John hadn’t introduced them at all. While Eliza throws herself into the mix he hangs back, intimidated by the wall of frantic conversation that erupts simultaneously, over-stimulating the flow of the room. Angelica’s shouting, Peggy waving her arms while speaking. Emily is shushing them all, spinning on her heel to give Eliza’s sisters an instructional glare as she holds a magazine out to his girlfriend.

He rushes forward as he feels the change in her demeanor; the way she grows silent and her lips thin into a line with a slight downward dip. Her posture sinks, her eyebrows furrowing as she clutches at the booklet with fervent intensity. And then, she drops it completely. Her voice is silent but her lips form one word; unbelievable.

“I mean I was going to come over here and yell at you about this but then I had to ask for your address, and by the time I got it and your sisters were done interrogating me my PR education kicked in and I realized that this is just a bunch of bullshit.” Emily shakes her head, her own copy of the tabloid rolled in her hands like a weapon. She bats it against her opened palm, a distraction. Peggy chimes in as she plops herself on the table, running a hand through her curls.

“I saw it on my way to Maria’s and I think I might’ve forgotten to pay the man at the pharmacy but I don’t even care, I called Ange as soon as I read it.”

The room stands in hesitant silence; the girls wait for Eliza to speak-to react, to say something more than the five syllable word that had never come out. She is immobile. Once she’s read the article the first time Eliza’s eyes fog over, the letters on the page blurring and dancing. They create an image where only the offensive words are sharp enough to read, stabbing in pin-pricks that coat her body in discomfort. She can just barely make out Angelica’s voice, muted by the ringing in her ears. Her heart has begun a sprinting pace, pulsing against her chest and pushing her down to the couch. She clutches the magazine with white knuckles until her muscles lose control; it flutters to the ground in a flurry of turning pages that breaks the silence with the cut of a knife.

Alex slips the magazine from Eliza’s hands, replacing its emotional weight with the winding of his fingers through hers. She draws in a sharp, staccato breath of air before holding it in for a moment. Her throat convulses with the fight of tears that threaten to spill from her eyes but she holds them there. Eliza concentrates on the warmth of Alex’s hand; the way her sisters have positioned themselves around her. She isn’t sure if it is for her own comfort or Alexander’s-he’s visibly tensed since opening the magazine-but it comforts her nonetheless.

…

“How are you feeling?” The question comes in the same tone it always has; genuine, yet slightly mundane. Lisa begins all of their sessions like this, after the meditation and the breathing and the necessary time it takes to prepare for the emotional turmoil she’s signed up for once a week. This week feels different; the meditation was longer. Lisa had let her linger in her own thoughts, the room filled with the trickling of her fountain and her soft and easy breaths. She knows she has to leave this state soon; to do the work she’s come here to do. She’s sure that Lisa has seen the article; has it marked somewhere in her legal pad in her broad, slanted handwriting. She’s sure that the topic is written in a lot of places at this point.

She’s spoken about this more than any trashy tabloid deserves.

There is no one word to describe the way her heart has been jumping around in her chest. A sentence cannot place the pin-pricks, or the headaches, or the nausea. She’s never felt less like herself than in this moment; even when she had been with James, even when she had been living in the hell he had crafted for her…although Eliza is still living in it-that much is certain.

“Do you want to talk about this first or lead up to it?” Eliza likes when Lisa gives her choices; she’s able to sit for a moment, to mull them over in her mind although she’s already made it up. She needs to talk about this article. She needs to thread the thick line that connects her past to this moment, weaves it intricately through her heart and into everything she’s been feeling since she read the words surrounding her name. What Eliza wants is to hide. This is too much. She’d felt so safe, so connected to the present that for once it had felt as though she had a normal chance at a relationship and a life outside of him.

He has excellent timing.

She taps her foot on the ground, a decision made by the way Lisa stares back at her. Her hazel eyes, set behind thin-rimmed cranberry glasses, search her for an answer in a mirror of a mind reader. Eliza doesn’t even have to speak her wishes out loud-that’s something she’s grown to love about Lisa. The middle-aged woman flips the magazine over, setting it backward on the table so that Eliza is looking at an ad for a double stacked hamburger instead of her own face.

“How are things with Alexander?” Good. She starts with the topic she feels will be easiest, the one that’s always elicited more positive responses than negative. And Eliza does smile, although it’s once of twitching hesitance instead of glowing peace. Her shoulders raise and collapse, and she picks at the hem of her dress.

“It’s weird not having him around. He’s very understanding, but I know that he felt a little put out by it all.”

“You’re not as happy as you have been in the past.” Eliza shrugs again, reaching forward to grab a package of putty from the coffee table. She stretches it as far as it will go, the sound of crackling air bubbles a familiar relief. When it has reached its limit, when it has been stretched too thin, she folds it back in on itself and repeats the process. Her body responds to the tense and release of the putty with an understanding taught by experience. Tense and release; the stress has stretched her so thin.

“We had a fight the other day.”

“About?”

“It was my fault, really. And I guess it wasn’t even really a fight so much as it was me overreacting. I didn’t see him all week-he wasn’t returning my calls, he was being flighty. And we all went to John’s for game night on Friday, and he was there, and it just set something off. I was just so upset that I hadn’t seen him so I invited him over after and we talked and he felt really bad about it all. He just got caught up in his work. And I mean, I was really overreacting,”

“-I’m going to stop you right there.” Lisa’s lips are scrunched to one corner of her mouth. She pauses in her writing, tapping her pen over her legal pad with unease. “Your language is very self-directed. During this story, you’ve said your name much more than Alexander’s. You’ve blamed yourself rather than seeing your own side of the story.”

“It was my fault, though. I can’t blame Alexander for working as much as he is. He’s trying to make a name for himself. He has a lot of goals, I can’t hold him back from that.”

“There it is. I want you to think about what you’ve just said for a minute, out of context, and we’ll come back to this.” She flips the page of her notepad, her pen jumping rapidly along the page before pausing completely. Lisa’s eyes move just above the rim of her glasses. “You and James fought a lot, too. Verbally?”

“Yeah.” Stretch and release. The putty pops in her hands. She rolls it between her fingers, soft and pliable. “We fought so much that I can’t even remember what our arguments were about. The…the bad nights always started with a verbal argument.”

There never seemed to be just one thing that set James off more than another; one night Eliza was too shy, the other she was a flirt, or a tease. Names were spit at her through darkened eyes and a posture that loomed over her own small frame. He had a way of making her feel dwarfed, as if her stature and her femininity and her disposition were a curse instead of a blessing. She had folded herself from the tension of the putty so many times that she had completely rearranged who she was to fit him. She hadn’t been Eliza back then, only a shell of herself. Then, she had been Eliza who belongs to James.

“I’m just wondering if maybe this language you’ve been using has been healthy…I want you to understand that this pattern of blaming yourself for every problem in your relationships is self-destructive behavior.”

“It’s not like that with Alex.” She sits forward in her seat, the putty still in her hands and her eyes narrowing subconsciously in a sudden feeling of offense. “He’s nothing like James. You told me I have to start letting go of people and being so clingy, didn’t you?”

“Eliza, let’s take a step back for a minute.”

“No, I want to talk about this.” Her heart is racing now, angered and tired and pulsing heavy against the cage of her chest. If this weren’t her heart, if this were a fist or a foot banging so forcefully on her, Eliza could imagine the stormy ocean of blues and blacks that would have already begun to form there.

“Ok, then. We’ll talk. About the article. You’ve read it?”

“Yeah. A few times.”

“And…”

“I don’t know.” Eliza is perched on the edge of her chair. Her posture is upright and dainty, although tainted with the draw of her shoulders to her cheeks and the tightness of her knuckles. The putty cracks in her hands. She doesn’t want to talk anymore.

She doesn’t speak. For a long time Eliza concentrates on the rhythm of her breathing and the trickling of the fountain because if she lets herself falter, even for just a moment, she’s sure that the inevitable collapse will happen. She longs for the safety of her bed, for Alexander’s sleepy smile and his need to order Chinese instead of pizza. The need for things to be different doesn’t solve anything, only fills her gut with unsettled breathing and the soft heat of anxiety, almost a familiar comfort at this point.

Eliza stares down at the photograph of the double cheeseburger, her foot tapping to the rhythm of an unknown, uneasy song. She’s been to the restaurant before-knows that their veggie burgers are nothing more than thin, overworked patties and wilted lettuce with too many unnecessary toppings. The photograph, however, makes her stomach turn in desire. There are perfectly crafted patties, thick and misted with beautiful dew-dropped juices. The bun is golden, almost glowing. She can almost hear the snap of the lettuce and onion just staring at the ad. But this is merely a façade, a photograph taken multiple times under the best light and with all of the circumstances ideal. There were things like photoshop, and professionals. This burger had everyone on its side. This burger had the advantage.

They’ve used the worst paparazzi photo of her on the magazine’s front cover. Her hair is a mess from the wind, mouth half opened in the midst of a word. Her name-her father’s name-is printed in bold letters next to James’s, just as it had always been. Just as it always will be.

She doesn’t want to feel the twinge of her heart upon seeing his picture again; she’d blocked him from all of her social media, completely shut him out. She avoided the newsstands like the plague, straying far away from any possibility of running into her past again. Now, she faces it head-on. The heat of Lisa’s eyes on her-watching her, waiting for her-burns heavy as s thick and consuming guilt crashes against her with a tsunami weight.

She doesn’t want to talk about it.

Lisa does.

“You’re stuck.” It’s nothing more than an observation, a smooth tone taking note of the way Eliza’s knuckles have relaxed to hold the magazine on her lap. It could be the way she rests it there, unopened. It could be the way her heart seems to have stopped altogether, although she’s sure Lisa isn’t able to tell, no matter how good she is. Maybe it’s the way her lips stick to one another, magnetized by the words she can barely manage to think let alone speak out loud.

“How does it feel to see his picture again?” Eliza feels like all she has done in these past few weeks is cry; for herself, for Alexander, for her future…the way her tears begin to trail down her cheek.

“It feels awful.” It’s the most substantial sentence she’s uttered all session, with downcast eyes and a wavering voice. She’s allowed time to think; to breathe, and to process the words running around in her mind. “I hate him for what he’s done to me. I hate that I can’t have a normal relationship with Alexander, who clearly deserves better than someone who can’t give him what he wants-what we both want.”

“And that’s a valid thing. It’s okay to feel things, Eliza.”

“I don’t want to. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m tired of waking up and being this shell of someone I don’t even know. I don’t want to fight with Alexander anymore. I don’t want him to feel like he’s not trying hard enough. I’m tired of being stuck.”

“There’s something else…all of this fighting, you keep coming back to it. Is there a possibility that you’re hinged on this one small fight for a reason?”

Eliza shakes her head. Her heart resumes its erratic pulsing. Her chest hurts. Her heart hurts. She knows what is about to be said before Lisa can find a way to craft the words eloquently, in a way that will be the least offensive to a clearly fragile Eliza. There is no need to skirt the subject at this point; it has been the trademark thought in her mind from the day she had seen the magazine-had seen her photo next to James’s.

“I’m wondering if this fighting is your subconscious way of punishing yourself, or trying to push Alexander away.”

She doesn’t move from her perch on the couch. The fountain continues to trickle. The putty is still in her hands. Her breath hitches in her throat.

“It’s perfectly normal…if you still have feelings for James, somewhere deep inside…this is a completely understandable thing, Eliza.”

“Can we talk about this next time?”

“You were with him for a substantial amount of time. It’s not human to be able to will that all away.”

Eliza pushes herself off of the couch, her shaking hands launching herself and sending her stumbling. She catches herself just before hitting the coffee table, standing before ripping her purse off of the coffee table. Somewhere, in an incoherent plane of existence, Lisa’s soothing tone is still moving along professionally crafted sentences, her pen a continuous attachment to her yellow legal pad. Even as Eliza knocks down the coat hook with her fumbling hands, even as she murmurs rapidly-paced apologies through her choking breath, Lisa continues to speak. She rises to meet Eliza at the door, watching her hastened pace careen down the hallway.

“Talk to Alexander, tell him how you feel. He can help you, Eliza.”

It takes her three tries to close her shaking hand around the doorknob.

In the silence of the musty hallway, Eliza sinks down to the carpet and holds her head, numb and heavy, in her hands.

In this public level of privacy, Eliza cries until the janitor comes to close the architect’s office next door.

A CHANGE OF HEART? Schuyler and Reynolds reunited

Elizabeth Schuyler is making headlines again-this time for her newly rekindled relationship with old flame and political hopeful James Reynolds!

“She’s always loved him,” our snitch spills “it was only a matter of time before she came to her senses.”

The 20 year old senator’s daughter has been seeing fellow Columbia classmate 23 year old Alexander Hamilton, a fact backed by both her Instagram and Twitter accounts, which boast plenty of photos of the ponytail clad future lawyer. But our source, close to both Reynolds and Schuyler, has falsified these statements.

“[Hamilton] is nothing more than a family friend. She has been seeing him to appease his dream of a green card.”

It seems that Phillip Schuyler’s dreams of supporting the nation’s immigrants have spread to his middle daughter. But we’ve busted this front, and we wish #Jeliza the best in their rekindled romance.

Want more? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite James and Eliza moments throughout the years!

How do you feel about this rekindled romance?

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Mummy Returns (2001)

The Mummy Returns is a sequel that could have worked. The story is good, it's in the details that it falters.

Set nine years after the events of the first movie, Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evie (Rachel Weisz) have married and are raising their son Alex (Freddie Boath). Adventure calls again when they encounter a resurrected Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo). The mummy has been summoned to combat the Scorpion King (Dwayne  “The Rock” Johnson), returning after 5,00 years of slumber to destroy the world, unless he can be defeated in single combat.

This movie suffers from what TMSGO. That’s “Too much stuff going on”. It’s unfortunate; a lot of the new ideas are good. We're introduced to the Scorpion King, a monster that fits right into this universe and poses a huge threat. It leads into a legitimate reason to bring the mummy back. The cultists figure the Scorpion King aims to simply kill everyone, while the mummy might be a little more discriminating. He’s got fantastical powers and is a good choice to be humanity’s "champion", even if he is only the lesser of two evils at best. All of a sudden, the stakes are kicked up a notch. Not only do our heroes have a son to protect, but they have to figure out a way to defeat this new menace AND Imhotep

Alex is a likable addition. He isn't a cute mascot thrown in to amp up the tension. I liked seeing the survivors from the first film return and the new monsters featured are very cool. The movie stays faithful to its roots as an adventure film in the vein of the old serials. There are a lot of good things to see here.

The problem is that The Mummy Returns tries to do too much. A lot of it is unnecessary, or even contradictory to what we’ve seen last time. We're introduced to the actual reincarnation of Anck-su-namun (Patricia Velásquez), the woman Imhotep was trying to revive in the first movie. Well, she’s not quite the reincarnation because she looks like identical (it’s the same actress), but her soul is not in that body. I thought reincarnation by definition was a soul coming back into a new body. I'm happy to see Velásquez back again, but this plot point raises so many questions. We’ve established that Egyptian gods are real, that’s obvious. I also assume the Judeo-Christian God is real since the 10 plagues of Egypt happened. Neither of these religions believes in reincarnation (That’s why Egyptians made mummies) so does that mean there is another faith out there that contradicts these two but is genuine? I’m already putting too much thought into this.

Some of the other plot points that I didn’t care for included revelations Evie and Rick's pasts. This movie already has a lot going on with two villains and a plot concerning Alex, but then there’s more?! What’s next? Jonathan (John Hannah) turns out to be a spy for the predecessor to MI6? There are many other revelations and twists that should have been cut out of this movie, but I won’t spoil those for you. I will say that I'm tired of seeing Anubis being blamed for every magical thing that happens in Egypt. I did some quick research and found that there are not one, but two scorpion Goddesses in Ancient Egyptian mythology. You’re telling me that neither of them was involved in anything that has to do with the Scorpion King? Talk about lazy writing.

The Mummy Returns contains both good and bad. The real problem is that that spark from the first one is missing. The actors don’t have the same chemistry as they did the first time, the horror, comedy, and action aren’t balanced nearly as skillfully. Overall it feels like a missed opportunity. The straw that broke the camel’s back and turned this flawed, but entertaining film to simply average was the special effects during the climax, which look like they were taken out of the PS2 video game. I have some affection for The Mummy Returns, but it’s not nearly as much fun as it was the first time around. (On DVD, January 11, 2015)

[megashadowdragon]

jaune will fall into the grimm pools and survive  with a new ability due to him amplifying his huge aura

 https://hawkeyedflame . tumblr . com/post/152581160728/on-rubys-elusive-character-development-or-why

“ jaune is a foil To Ruby. She’s a prodigy who quickly became a deadly warrior at a young age and is welcomed into Beacon two years early as a result while Jaune is a hard worker who progresses slowly and had to lie his way into Beacon because of his nonexistent combat background. Ruby is a strategist specialized on pre-defined team attacks and wields a self-made weapon capable of long range combat. Jaune is a tactician specialized in creating new team attacks according to his analysis on the battlefield and wields a family heirloom only capable of close range combat. Ruby has a rather broken family but they fully support her decision to become a huntress while Jaune’s family is large and united but they don’t support his choices nor have any faith on him. Ruby is a tomboy who dominates the battlefield but doesn’t enjoy dancing whereas Jaune tends to act girly and is initially terrible at fighting but also a great dancer. The more you look into them as a pair, the more contrasts that can be spotted in the details.”

jaune has a more “feminine way of dealing with emotions” while ruby has the more masculine way of dealing with emotions 

https://aminoapps . com/c/rwby/page/blog/why-its-good-for-jaunes-semblance-to-be-a-support-type/xpp7_XQ4s2u6RGX2zboa6JwM2XMekWGZd68

“Joan of Arc is known for breaking gender stereotypes about what it meant to be a woman. And if you think about it in a lot of ways Jaune doesn’t fit into the stereotypical “man box.” We are don’t “men don’t cry.” He wears his emotions on his sleeve. While in the real world men (and in the world of RWBY BOTH men and women ARGUABLY) are told to be strong. And that many people superficially equate physical strength with heroism (Raven?) it is fitting that Jaune’s semblance doesn’t so much doesn’t so much empower himself, as it empowers others. (as well as himself but its more effective on others in the team since they are more skilled than him) The so called “Feminine” strength.” P.S. Hmm as a follow-up to my The Importance Of Foils Part 2 post. I think that Ruby, despite being a girl, fits into the “man box” better than anyone else including it’s UNHEALTHY WAYS OF DEALING WITH EMOTIONS. The only difference is on remnant, it’s not because a man doesn’t cry. But because “a hero doesn’t cry.”

ruby first activated her silver eyes leading to her to learn about them when she saw pyrrha jaunes partner impaled by cinder and burnt to ash failing to save pyrrha  her awakening being in reaction to her death while jaune activated his semblance and realized what it was when he saw rubys partner weiss  impaled by cinder and  was able to save her  life awakening his semblance to do so allowing him to learn what his semblance was ( which is a good example this is an example of them being foils  and how its been shown and effected their storys )

its quite likely as @littlemisssquiggles theorized that the  littlemisssquiggles . tumblr  . com/post/179982580884/rwby-musings-54-a-means-to-an-end-a-way-to

“I also still stand by my hunch of their being a connection between the Fountain of Life and Creation and the Silver Eyed Warriors. I would not be surprised if the First Silver Eyed Warrior was born from the Fountain. Like what if…there is a known legend around Argus about the town being named in honour of the lone warrior who bravely stood to defend the town from a horde of Grimm in ancient Remnant. Alone and cornered, the warrior found themself before the edge of the fountains waters before they were forcibly pushed in. As the hero plummeted into the fountains depths, they fell in a mortal at death’s door unable to fight for their people but what they emerged as became a warrior whose tale will go down in legends—the First Silver Eyed Warrior.I’d bet money on the Silver Eyes being a by-product of the Fountain. It just has to be but…for now it’s only a theory.“

its quite likely there is a connection between the god of light and the silver eyes considering their similarities

https://chimeresnervaliennes . tumblr . com/post/179982370960/comments-by-corona-de-spatio-demon-trees-is

I think it would be fitting if jaune gets something connected to the god of darkness from contact with the grimm pools  given the connection to silver eyes  which ruby has and the god of light ( if the theory about the silver eyes and fountain of life and creation theory is correct) 

and while ruby was born with it jaune wasnt and got it from falling into the grimm pools

plus salem is jaunes evil counterpart 

https://megashadowdragon . tumblr  . com/post/152357996242/salem-is-jaunes-evil-counterpart/embed

and  the effect when salem became immortal looks just like jaunes semblance

@thuskindlyshescatters

https://thuskindlyshescatters . tumblr . com/post/179981879313/thats-an-uh-interesting-effect-to-use-rt

interesting effect to use rt

jaune’s semblance has the same visual look as the magic that made salem immortal

so given that salem survived the grimm pools thanks to her immortality what if jaune survives falling into the grimm pools thanks to  his large  aura and him amplifying his aura on top of that  with his semblance( jaunes semblance ies  be it aura recharge rate, strength , defense, healing) https://megashadowdragon . tumblr . com/post/170041919557/on-jaunes-aura-amplification-semblance/embed

(and I think jaune will need to use his semblance on himself to survive the grimm pools given that it has the same visual look as the magic that made salem immortal ) 

so his aura and semblance  allow him to survive and get out of the grimm pool but the grimm pool will still do something to him and give him a new ability

(and  maybe while salem went into the grimm pools hoping to die jaune falls into the grimm pool unwillingly  has the will to live when he falls into the grimm pools) (joan of arcs ashes were put into a river so maybe jaune will be thrown into the grimm pools with his semblance activated on himself

maybe jaune will be end up thrown into the grimm pools by salem after he refuses her offer 

https://megashadowdragon . tumblr . com/post/180169594632/salem-will-offer-jaune-pyrrhas-ressurection-in

@destincrowno

salem might not  have had  an aura  when she went into the grimm pool  jaune may survive due to his huge aura which he has amplified with his semblance along with all of its effects ( defense ability, healing ability, aura recharge)  and focusing all of it on defense and healing. and the visual effect when salem became immortal looks similar to jaunes aura amplification

so while Salem went in out of Despair and became corrupted (similar to how immortality is meant as a curse) he’ll be thrown in but instead of becoming corrupted he will come out stronger? 

(it would be awesome for jaunes appearance to be altered and him having to control and deal with his urges for destruction and maintain his humanity

salem may not have had an aura when she went into the grimm pool jaune may survive due to his huge aura which he has amplified with his semblance along with all of its effects ( defense ability, healing ability, aura recharge) and focusing all of it on defense and healing. and the effect when salem became immortal looks similar to jaunes aura amplification makes me imagine jaune amplifying his aura to survive falling into  the grimm pools

look at the current stength of jaunes aura amplification jaune amplified his own aura cloak so cardin was the one who got hurt when cardin punched him

jaune was able to amp rens semblance so it could cover the whole train and its passengers when ren struggled with just qrow and jaune.

Weiss Schnee once received a cut across her face which, even with Aura left for protection at the time, did not heal well enough to avoid a scar which endures years later. Yet under the effects of Jaune’s Semblance, Weiss’ Aura seems to have completely reversed all of the damage inflicted by a flaming spear through her liver after her Aura had broken. Her skin is unmarred, and she returned to the fight with enough power to summon a Lancer Queen. I mean Weiss ended that battle in better condition than RUBY, and Weiss was fucking IMPALED with a spear of burning rock. Weiss was burned internally, but after Jaune’s done she doesn’t seem to feel pain at all. ) and jaunes semblance also amplified weiss’s semblance ( which are just tangible projections of aura) so while before getting an aura boost summoning her knight took a good amount of time that she was kept from summoning it by vernal) but under the effects of his semblance weiss summoned the lancer queen alot faster )

and its likely that jaunes aura amplification will grow strong in the future so the amount that jaunes aura or other peoples aura is amplified by his semblance will be increase in the future

Your Semblance is like a muscle. The more you practice with it, the stronger it will become. But if you only focus on one aspect of it…if you fail to test the limits of what you think is possible…then you’ll never truly grow.”

—Winter Schnee, encouraging Weiss Schnee to summon.

aura can be affected by willpower like

Aura can be recharged and the time that is required to recharge is different between each person. and it was said that hazel recharges his aura faster than noras ever seen and qrow said that hazels aura recharge was so fast because of sheer willpower so I am absolutely certain that a person recovers Aura faster when feeling extremely motivated than when feeling extremely depressed.

so his sheer will to live in combination with his aura reserves and him amplifying his aura will allow him to survive the grimm pools

I was thinking that there would be some adverse effects like he had to strengthen which he will struggle with  but overcome in  contrast to salem considering salem is jaunes evil counterpart

and jaune will get a  new ability

@thereadingaddic7

@falling-red-petals @idontfudgingknow

[grandnincompoop]

Disclaimer: I have not played Monster Hunter World. I’ve watched Giant Bomb and Waypoint play it for somewhere around three hours. My moral dilemma isn’t stopped me from playing it- still playing Metal Gear Solid V, Breath of the Wild (essay to come), and Yakuza Kiwami is.

Monster Hunter World is a game I should enjoy, I’ve been told as much by a friend. It features deliberate combat, enough systems and engines that you’ll still be picking your teeth weeks later, and a bestiary of monstrous and organic designed levels, but watching a handful of low level hunts and reading about it, the underlying themes makes me question it from a philosophical standpoint- mainly the tones of big game hunting and colonization of the new world.

Honestly, it was the reposting of Bob Mackey peice on an initial inability to “stomach” slaughtering monsters- merely going about their Dino-business, that got me to thinking critically about it. He approached it from the perspective of a vegetarian and animal lover, and I find that a fascinating viewpoint. It’s the fact that you’re hunting these beasts to collect their trophies of horns and bones and guts for the purpose of upgrading your (masterfully designed) weapons and armor to… Kill more monsters and settle this new world. These are just concepts that I rather object to. I ran into a similar conundrum while playing Breath of the Wild. I ran into a spending problem, as most people do. To beat Ganon, I needed arrows, I needed armor, I “needed” to help build a new town- and picking apples or being a lawn mower wasn’t refilling my coffers quite fast enough. I found that going into the frozen wilderness and throwing bombs at wolves and moose and strange rhinoceros creatures netted (let’s just say) more than enough in selling their prized “gourmet” meats. I felt bad doing this. Link is trying to save the world, sure, but I’m causing major ecological trauma to not feeling wearing a barrel. Eventually I rationalized it by saying “I’m saving the world” or “I’m feeding people” (although looking at it now I’m only feeding the rich, who I can only imagine are the arrow sales people and Oh God what kind of war economy have I started I’m Hyrule), and here I am continuing to bomb helpless arctic animals.

Let’s look at a game where monster hunting is actually integral to the series- the Witcher. I’ve killed my share of mythical beasts in the Wild Hunt; how is that different from MonHun? I’m still going to their lair and taking their spoils. Well here, I’m not big game hunting. I didn’t decide to kill a wyvern because I needed its back left molar to complete my wicked armor, I did it because someone hired me that was in some way harmed by it. It saw this quaint mountain village as an occasional hunting ground, merely acting on instincts. When it attacks you, it’s because you’re invading its territory, its home, where its children or eggs are. Do you blame the wyvern? In Monster Hunter, they also attack you because you’re in their territory BECAUSE you want to kill them for their various useful parts. There are mutiple quests in the Witcher (mainly involving trolls) where you don’t have to harm them at all, just talk to out of whatever wrong they’re doing to my client. Game or not, I try to apply my personal ethics to it. I don’t want to disrupt the good or even misguided (too much). Games that allow for different interpretations of play sit high with me, which is why in MGSV I’m mostly nonlethal (although I’ve gotten into this immoral real during longer missions where I’ll fulton out the strong and execute the weak who are knocked out, making Snake a physical manifestion of natural selection).

Games are still escapism, but I’m not going to lose myself like other people seem to where they use it as a tool for their fantasy of wanting to murder everything. Holding my moral obligations as such, I find it hard to play some games, and I’m not sure everyone approaches games like this. Certainly some do to a greater extent, mostly in extreme player motivated restrictions, but morality is mainly what stops me from playing something like critically acclaimed darlings like Uncharted, rip roaring adventure aside, because of the sheer body count and lack of remorse toward killing. That’s why media like Gundun 0079 or Yakuza 0 resonate hard with me, because of the hesitation (or frustration in the case of Majima in the lack of) regarding murder. Maybe there is some story finagling in Monster Hunter that makes it okay, but on the surface it seems wrong. Having your NPC companion be a cat is all but fitting here, as their role as an invasive species, killing anything it possible can, can’t be ignored. Yes, they’re cute and the best domesticated animal, but that doesn’t change their nature and in turn yours. I can’t choose to have an indoor Hunter.

Especially since a major reason for doing this is in part the fetishistic notion of conquering a new world. A fetish of humanity that hasnt been acted on since 1492 (unless we’re talking about the usurping of already established cultures ala India), mostly it lives now in science fiction and fantasy, and if we’re talking about concepts in games that feel wrong, this should be front and center. Except in this case we’re not acting on the human urge to dominate other humans but of nature (as far as I can tell, like I said I’ve not played the game yet). This brings the moral quandary of whether humans have a right (either divine or earned through intelligence because in this world we certainly aren’t the strongest) to own everything. All land. All beasts. Is everything yours for the taking, with the only other humans to counter that right? They do such a fantastic job making the herbivores like an organic part of this world that I don’t want to disturb them. I want their weird dinosaur family to flourish, not me using them as bait so I can kill weird dragon #2.

And I might love this game when I give it a chance! When I have time (and after hearing a bit of professional opinion) I’ll give it a shot, but right now it feels like what I avoid on games.

Sources and Influences: http://www.usgamer.net/amp/monster-hunter-and-the-conflicted-vegetarian

https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/8xvpw5/monster-hunter-world-review

[shadyb00ts]

Horizon: Zero Dawn - A Review

Right, gimme a moment to compose myself after the INCREDIBLE RIDE that was this fucking game.

Okay. So. Picture it: E3 2015. There I was, minding my own business, completely PS4-less and only scoping out upcoming PC titles since at the time I was a proud PC gamer. Deep down I was always bitter that I probably would never get a PS4, though, so I usually knowingly avoided any footage of PS4 games like inFamous: Second Son, Uncharted 4, etc. I’ve always been a naturally jealous person, so seeing footage from those games at the time sorta stirred up some jealousy there.

But regardless of that, I still end up seeing the original gameplay trailer anyways. And holy fuckballs, I was so pissed. There in front of me was footage of a game that was literally MADE for me, I swear to god. It had all the elements that I loved in a game. Let’s list them, shall we?

Lush open world with gorgeous vibrant landscapes and incredible graphics: check and check

Female protagonist that looks badass and is voiced by ASHLY FUCKING BURCH: check, check and check

Bow and arrow combat: check

Stealth: check

RPG elements like side quests, skill trees, dialogue trees, etc: checkcheckcheckcheck

Intriguing and mysterious story: check

Platforming and climbing mechanics a la Tomb Raider & Uncharted: check

Honestly, I could go on and on but you get the idea. I never thought I’d see the day where a game could so perfectly fit the criteria of everything I like. So 2-Years-Ago-Me was completely heartbroken since at the time I was convinced that I’d never own a PS4. It was up there with Kingdom Hearts III as the games I thought I’d never get to experience.

Flash forward to now, having been a PS4 owner for about several months. This game was pretty much top priority on what to get, so as soon as it was available for preorder, I clicked that shit so fast I almost broke my mouse. So naturally, when the game finally became playable, I completely immersed myself in it.

This may be a bold statement, but I think Horizon is going to be one of my favorite games of all time. For real.

So all those elements I listed up there were true, but there were also additional elements I love that I had no clue were even in it, prior to playing. Like for example, I had no idea just how deep into the RPG category it was going to go. This game was so freaking immersive. I was immediately in Aloy’s shoes and experienced the world through her eyes, starting from childhood. And then what a pleasant surprise it was when I discovered that the game presents you with moral choices, too! At that moment I knew that the game was going to exceed my already extremely high expectations.

There are also dialogue trees in which you can exhaust a lot of dialogue from, and I of course took every chance I got to choose all the options. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this intricate world Guerrilla Games has built and encountering its inhabitants. I loved finding out more about all the different tribes and their own unique traditions and religious beliefs, as well as their relationships with each other. It also helps that their outfits are all so fucking rad. In addition to all that, there are collectibles called “datapoints” where you could find various text, audio and holographic documents from the world of the “ancient ones”, and there’s so many interesting tidbits you can discover from these files. Guerrilla really has fleshed out this world as fully as they could. And let’s quickly touch on the diversity this game has. Man oh man, there were so many people of all different races throughout this game. Lots of strong female characters who weren’t one-dimensional, and I even stumbled upon a gay character during one of the side quests. The diversity showcased doesn’t feel contrived or there to appease the masses, it feels natural and well represented.

I was a bit worried about the story at first, since Guerrilla were definitely shrouding it in mystery and being extra vague every chance they got, which I guess a part of me did like, since it made me not know what to expect and heightened my sense of discovery while playing. But these devs have crafted a really amazing story with a likable cast of characters, including the star of the show Aloy herself. I’m a little biased about her though, since she’s voiced by Ashly Burch who I adore to pieces, but even regardless of that she was simply a wonderfully written character. I just loved watching the story unfold, finding out more and more about what happened to the world and witnessing Aloy finding out the truth about who she really is. The lowest expectation I had initially about this game was probably the story, but it didn’t disappoint at all. I was thoroughly hooked and craved to know more. I won’t spoil anything, since I want those of you who are going to play the game to be more engrossed by it as you have your own experience through it.

Those of you who have seen screenshots and/or gameplay know that this game is a visual masterpiece. The environments are lush and full of life despite the post-apocalyptic nature of it. Originally I had thought the Last of Us had the most gorgeous post-apoc landscapes of all time, but Horizon definitely takes the cake for this one, no question about it. There’s a photo mode available, and because the game itself is so beautiful, it’s probably impossible to take a bad shot. Even without using the filters provided, the graphics have that gorgeous pinkish glow that I always love in games, very reminiscent of Dragon Age: Inquisition I think. The screenshots in this review were some snaps I took using the photo mode feature, and it’s really fun to play around with. You could probably spend hours with it taking scenic shots and action shots to your heart’s content.

Now let’s talk combat. A game automatically has me sold when it has archery. My love of this developed through the 2013 Tomb Raider remake, which I’m sure I reviewed on here a long while back. It grew when I played the sequel to that remake, Rise of the Tomb Raider. This game takes that style of combat and amps it up to a hundred, adding a bunch of various unique and craftable arrow types, as well as multitudes of elemental traps and explosives. Most unique out of these is probably the Ropecaster, which allows you to tie down enemies to leave them immobilized. These are extremely useful for the flying machines that you’ll encounter later on in the game, since they can be pretty tricky. The combat relies heavily on weakpoint takedowns, so you’ve definitely gotta have real good aim in order to slay them robots, especially the bigger ones. Unlike most action games, you can’t just go in guns blazing and continuously shoot arrows at random spots on the machines’ bodies. Focusing on their weakpoints is key, as that’s where all the real damage lies. Most of the robots are also weak to specific element types, so exposing those weaknesses gives you an even bigger advantage. Some enemies you could even strip off their ranged weapons and use it against them, which I thought was fucking radical. I did it more than a few times and it was a hell of a lot of fun.

There’s also melee combat in this game, although I rarely ever used it to be quite honest. The only use I found for melee are the silent takedowns during stealth, but in battle I would say ranged is the way to go. Battles with the machines are very exhilarating and intense, since they are clearly much more stronger than you, even the weaker ones. There are also human enemies like bandits and cultists, but they’re pretty easy to pick off since all it takes are headshots, basically. The machines are the real challenge. I played on Easy since I’m a scrub, and have always had no shame in playing games on easy difficulties anyways since, unlike most gamers, I’m not much of a fan of challenge. Basically for me, Easy is my Normal. That’s just how I roll. But even easy mode was a bit of a challenge at times, at least for me. I had some trouble with the huge, stronger machines. Then again, I pretty much spent the entirety of the game doing nothing but side stuff and power-leveling, so by the last few main quests I was already at max level. But even at max level and wearing arguably the best outfit in the game, the final boss was a lot to handle.

I’ve spent the majority of this review gushing about this game, but was there anything I disliked? In all honesty, not really all that much. Most of my negatives are pretty much small nitpicks. I thought the climbing mechanics could’ve been a little bit better, since unlike Tomb Raider or Uncharted, most of the platforming can be done just by pushing the left stick and only pressing the jump button once in a while. I would’ve liked it better if the jump button was more frequently used during platforming, basically. You also can’t filter between icons on the map, and the map interface can get pretty hectic as a result since there’s so much stuff cluttered in it. Not sure why they didn’t add the option to filter between machine sites, collectibles, etc. Would’ve made for an easier time navigating.

Another negative is probably how I wish the outfits were more customizable. As it stands, each outfit is already one full set, and the only modifications you can make are by using two or three slots where you can insert mods to increase certain effects like elemental resistances, stealth, etc. I wish it was a little more in-depth in that you could get different pieces for each body part, like most RPGs, and maybe be able to insert modifications to each individual armor piece. Actually, the modification system in general, for both outfits and weapons, is a bit too simplified for my taste. You can’t really upgrade them, it’s as simple as just inserting a mod or two and you’re done. This may be ideal for more action-oriented players, but since I’m an RPG enthusiast, I find it to leave much to be desired. There are some other small nitpicks I have with the game that hold it back from being absolute perfection, but honestly they’re all pretty much easy to ignore. The positives crush the negatives.

So yeah, overall I’m extremely overjoyed with how this game turned out. It’s everything I had been hoping for and then some. It literally just came out a few days ago and already I’m aching for a story DLC or, hell, even a sequel. This game better branch out into a franchise; there’s so much Guerrilla can explore with this world that they’ve created.

I give Horizon a 9.75/10. 9.5 seemed a little too low and 10 seemed a little bit too high, so I thought fuck it, 9.75 it is. This game is near perfection, and if you have a PS4 or are going to own a PS4 in the future, then I swear to you that you won’t regret having Horizon in your game library. It’s a mishmash of various elements in open world, action-RPG gaming all rolled into an impeccable, beautiful package. And for all you trophy hunters out there, it’s pretty easy to platinum too.

Man, do I love this game. Jesus. Looks like I’ve found something new to unhealthily obsess over.

[entergamingxp]

DualShockers’ Favorite Video Games of 2020 (So Far)

July 31, 2020 1:00 PM EST

Now that we’re halfway through 2020, the DualShockers staff shares the games that have been the highlights of the year so far.

As we’ve already seen so far, 2020 has been a very unusual year for video games. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused numerous delays and cancelled most of the events that we’d traditionally see during the year for the games industry, this year has still brought us a ton of gaming experiences worth celebrating and sharing. Given that the next-gen consoles are on the horizon later this year, the first half of 2020 has already had some generation-defining games worth playing, and we still have several months to go for 2020.

Now that the first half of the year is behind us, the DualShockers staff has gathered together to share some of our favorite games of 2020 so far. While we’ve already discussed a lot of the games that we’re considering for our Game of the Year awards for this year, this time around we’re focusing on each staff member’s highlights for games that have been released in the first half of 2020. From some of the most acclaimed games of the year to hidden gems that are worth a look, here are the games that DualShockers‘ staff have made 2020 an exciting year for video games.

Nick Blain, Video Editor

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

New Horizons was the first Animal Crossing game that I’ve committed to since the original back on the GameCube, and I adore it. It really makes no sense why I like it. The tasks are menial and there’s no central objective to accomplish. Yet, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the most I’ve ever been invested in the series yet. I find myself getting lost in the charm of its harmonious world. There’s just something about the mainline Animal Crossing games’ design that is always so cozy. For a brief couple of hours I can forget the outside world and be lost in its brilliance. Animal Crossing makes things feel normal.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

I have a weird confession to make: while I love Final Fantasy as series, I never found Final Fantasy VII to be all that compelling. Even replaying the original before the remake came out, I found it to be a chore at some parts, so my expectations for the remake weren’t extremely high. Playing through it, I couldn’t have been more wrong. The little things that Final Fantasy VII Remake does to flesh out the characters and overall world help give so much more context to even the original Final Fantasy VII. At times, it feels like it’s not only paying homage to what came before it, but also feels like an FFVII sequel unto itself. Much like the RE2 remake that came out last year, Final Fantasy VII Remake proves that a remake can be more than just a glossy new coat of paint; it can also be a re-evaluation of what came before.

The Last of Us Part II

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this amazing game? The Last of Us Part II is just as grueling of a tale as what came before. Never has a game actually made me feel bad for fulfilling a QTE. Although, underneath that rough exterior is a beautiful inspection of love, pain, and sacrifice. At the end of The Last of Us, I felt that I had seen the end of the story and was absolutely fine with it. However, Naughty Dog proved that there was a significantly more meaningful story to delve into with Joel and Ellie. If they felt that they have more story to tell I’m here for it; but again, I don’t think that there has to be.

What I admire about Naughty Dog is that if there’s nothing left to say: that’s it. Chapter over, book closed. You can just tell the passion that was behind the team at Naughty Dog when they were developing this game. Naughty Dog is really proving that video games can be more than they set out to be initially. I can’t wait for more.

Kris Cornelisse, Staff Writer

Deep Rock Galactic

“Dwarves in Space.” Anything you can think of that would fit that phrase, Deep Rock Galactic embodies. It’s a four player co-op game where you pick a class and go on an alien mining expedition. You’ll navigate (or dig) procedurally-generated tunnels, find the resources or objectives you seek, defend yourself against angry alien bugs, and then get out. Extracting gets you a cut of the rewards, with which you can level up your classes, upgrade equipment, and customise your appearance further. Then you have a drink with your mates on the space station before doing it all again.

It might not sound like much on paper, but in practice? Deep Rock Galactic is something else. The passion and creativity of the devs is on full display, as they’ve filled the game with a ton of nuance and little details for you to find. Its graphics and sound design are well presented and stylised to suit, and the different environments are extremely well realised and fun to explore or dig through. Even with a strong core gameplay loop, there’s a decent chunk of variety in objectives. There’s also public games and solo options for those not interested in the co-op aspect, so if any of this looks or sounds interesting to you? Check it out. You won’t be disappointed. Rock and Stone, brothers!

DOOM Eternal

I’m rarely the sort to replay games often, mainly because I just never have the time. Imagine my surprise when I found myself replaying DOOM Eternal the day after I finished it. Any flaws in the game’s platforming or level design fades away the second that the music amps up and an intense combat scenario begins. Then there is nothing except an intricately designed dance of death, in which I am encouraged to use every tool at my disposal to rip and tear. Always pressured and always right on the verge of death and defeat, yet still always feeling powerful and with the means to turn the tide and raze hell. DOOM Eternal’s combat is absolutely phenomenal, and just writing about it now makes me want to start it up yet again.

Despite the controversies surrounding Mick Gordon and Denuvo, DOOM Eternal remains a highlight for me this year. I’m even one of the people who thinks that DOOM 2016 is actually the better overall package, but the sheer intensity of the combat in Eternal is like a drug that makes it impossible to go back to its predecessor. Kar en Tuk! Until it is done!

Hades

Supergiant Games have yet to deliver a bad game; in fact, Hades puts them at four for four in making excellent games that stand tall in my personal pantheon of favourites. It’s an action/roguelike where you play as Zagreus, son of Hades, on his quest to escape the Underworld of Greek mythology. And it is awesome. The combat is fluid and has impact to it from the very start, and that only gets more intense as you gain more upgrades and unlocks. The story and characters are engaging, and the entire thing is packaged with the usual Supergiant art, music, voice and style, which is to say that it is superb.

The game is still in Early Access, but since the launch version is due out this year, Hades absolutely counts for my GOTY 2020 considerations. Even then, there was a ton of content and variety even in the first iterations, and every major patch has expanded that dramatically. So far, it leads the pack by a country mile as my favourite. Hades is the most playable, content dense game that Supergiant has ever put out. If Dead Cells is the benchmark for what roguelikes aim to be, Hades is already past that and pushing higher still. “Godlike” is the only fitting descriptor.

Ricky Frech, Senior Staff Writer

Desperados 3

I will continue to beat the drum for what is, thus far, the best game I’ve played in 2020. Desperados 3 is a stealth-focused tactics game with sublime level design. The care developer that Mimimi Games put into crafting each level is astounding. As you lead a gruff band of Wild West mercenaries, you’ll take part in some of the most memorable sequences I’ve seen in the tactics space.

Every level feels unique. This is largely done by how Mimimi mixes up your party. Your squad is made up of five diverse characters; however, you almost never get to bring them all into battle at once. Instead, each mission gives you a unique combination and forces you to constantly adapt your playstyle to your team’s abilities. It’s a beautiful design that kept a smile on my face throughout the entire campaign.

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

I was very tempted to put Deadly Premonition 2 in my final slot. I love that game in spite of its many problems; however, it’s a tough one to recommend for several reasons. Another game that I heavily considered for this final slot is Murder by Numbers. It’s the best Picross game since Picross 3D, but it’s a niche genre that non-Picross fans are unlikely to check out.

Instead, let’s talk about a game that isn’t even technically out yet. I was lucky enough to play the beta for Mediatonic’s Fall Guys recently. It’s the most fun I’ve had playing a game since Gang Beasts, but takes it to a completely different level. As someone who grew up on Most Extreme Elimination and the vastly superior Japanese version of Ninja Warrior, Fall Guys’ brand of wacky game show antics really speaks to me. All it’s missing is Vic and Kenny’s hilarious commentary.

So, make sure to join me next week when it launches as part of August’s PS+ lineup (and also when it comes to PC). You won’t regret it.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Even in adding combat, Ori and the Will of the Wisps controls just as tightly as the original. Just moving through a level in this game is pure bliss. There are a handful of sections I didn’t love, but for the most part, developer Moon Studios absolutely nail gameplay.

However, that’s not why it makes my shortlist. Will of the Wisps is one of the more emotional stories I’ve played through in games. There aren’t many characters I’ve cared about more than that stupid bird. And I’m petrified of birds in real-life. Getting me to consider something with feathers as a friend is a big move. Plus, the game looks absolutely gorgeous. It’s a must-play.

David Gill, Staff Writer

Ghost of Tsushima

Ever since its announcement in 2017, I was so excited to play Ghost of Tsushima. Sucker Punch’s Sly Cooper and inFamous franchises are some of my favorite PlayStation exclusives, and I was interested to see what the developer would do next. From the moment I started rolling credits, I was so invested in Ghost of Tsushima and exploring Tsushima island even further.

One of the main things I love about this game is exploring the world and everything in it. There would be days where I didn’t do any story missions and just focused on side quests, raiding Mongol territory, and looking for collectibles. The game’s story went in directions I didn’t expect and I was always curious to see where it went. Sucker Punch also added cool mechanics such as the wind guiding you in the direction of your objective, which makes the game even more unique from others out there. You also can’t talk about the game without mentioning its gorgeous visuals that are just made for photo mode. After finishing Ghost of Tsushima, all I want to do is explore more, upgrade my skills, and get the platinum trophy. It’s up there with The Last of Us Part II as one of the best PlayStation exclusives and an amazing way to close out the current console generation.

The Last of Us Part II

With 2013’s The Last of Us being my favorite game of all time, my anticipation for The Last of Us Part II was high. I tried keeping an open mind and not letting my expectations getting the best of me. After finishing it four days after its release, The Last of Us Part II impacted me in ways I didn’t see coming.

The game took so many risks in telling its story, and I commend Naughty Dog for that. There were moments where I felt disconnected from the narrative but it ultimately succeeded in telling a story that’s multilayered and could be looked at through several different perspectives. On top of that, the game’s graphics are gorgeous, and in scope it is larger than any Naughty Dog game before. There are so many collectibles and environmental storytelling moments going on, and I couldn’t help but explore every area. Additionally, the game’s combat is better than ever and throws challenges at the player with almost every encounter. While The Last of Us Part II may not be for everyone, it’s one of very few games this year that I couldn’t stop thinking about days after I finished it.

Persona 5 Royal

Over the past few years, Persona 5 has been one of the games I’ve been meaning to play. It wasn’t until Persona 5 Royal released in March where I decided to finally play it. After reaching the credits in 80 hours, Persona 5 Royal is currently my favorite game of 2020, if not one of my favorite games of all time.

From its amazing story and characters to its incredible sense of style, Persona 5 Royal has so many things going for it. On top of that, there are so many side activities to do which make time go by so quickly. The game also has its amazing Confidant system that ties together your relationships with other characters and your main character’s progression. The game also features great writing and music you can’t help but jam to at times. While Persona 5 Royal’s length may turn some people off, it puts you on a journey you won’t regret taking.

Cameron Hawkins, Staff Writer

Final Fantasy VII Remake

The original Final Fantasy VII is one of my favorite games of all time, and Final Fantasy VII Remake has been one my most anticipated titles since its announcement back in 2015. Leading up to its release, Square Enix seemed shaky to say the least when it came to the development cycle of other previous big titles like Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III, with Remake showing similar signs. Thankfully though, Remake was not in the same boat.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is arguably the best JRPG of this generation, and it may be my favorite game in general this generation once the new consoles hit shelves later this year. Square Enix was able to recreate a game that is so special to so many hearts that they easily could have messed up, but they didn’t. The characters are stunning, Midgar is beautiful even during the most dreadful times, and the combat system blends the best parts of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts‘ gameplay into one. Despite some minuscule setbacks, being able to reestablish such a beloved title that will give both new and old players different things to be compelled by is an incredible achievement that we haven’t seen in gaming before. It deserves all the praise it has been getting and more.

The Last of Us Part II

I’m not a big fan of The Last of Us. I think the original game is overrated and a lot of things that it gets praised for other games did beforehand and better, but I enjoyed my time with The Last of Us Part II. It was different and took some interesting narrative risks that worked in its favor in some areas and hurt it in others. I have issues with the level design and how Naughty Dog wanted you to explore around Seattle, but the main reason I picked up The Last of Us Part II is for the story.

This sequel feels like a worthy (and better) follow-up to its predecessor. In the original, I had issues regarding certain character choices that most of who I talk to normally don’t agree with. But in The Last of Us Part II, I felt validated that my issues were an important part of the narrative throughout. At the end of the day, I found the story to be memorable with a lot to unpack. I just wish I didn’t have so many general issues with the game at ground level, or else I would have placed it on a higher pedestal.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

I never thought I would see the day where my favorite Wii U title would get a second chance at life. Even with being a remastered port, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is currently my favorite Nintendo Switch title. For some, the direction of teenage Japanese idols may turn you off, but that is just the face of a wonderfully fun and engaging JRPG. Being originally made by Atlus for the Wii U, it doesn’t meet the standards that people know from Persona 5, but there are aspects of Tokyo Mirage Sessions that I like over Persona. The combat system is diverse and addictive at times, the puzzles can give you a real challenge, and of course it oozes that Atlus charm.

It is a beautiful homage to the Fire Emblem franchise, telling a Fire Emblem story in a completely new way while still having the Atlus vision behind it. If you love Persona, play Tokyo Mirage Sessions. If you love Fire Emblem, play Tokyo Mirage Sessions. Unless you don’t like JRPGs, you should play Tokyo Mirage Sessions.

Allisa James, Senior Staff Writer

Final Fantasy VII Remake

This game has absolutely captured me from the first moment I played it. Expanding on the entirety of the Midgar section from the original Final Fantasy VII, FFVII Remake offers a crazy deep dive that fleshes out every last component. The expansions made to the plot managed to create more intrigue and better convey the inner workings of Shinra and the various villains. In turn, the heroes have more chances to shine as they spend more time cooperating with each other while expanding their team and character dynamics. The Avalanche members Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge are fleshed out themselves and actually feel like real people, making their (most likely) tragic fates even more poignant. The setting has never felt more alive with tons of shops, NPCs constantly scurrying around and chatting about their daily lives and current events, and side quests that give the residents agency and personality. And all of this is rounded out by some stellar voice work.

This isn’t even mentioning the action/turn-based blended combat system that requires strategy to prevail (and will crush you for button spamming). The revamped combat system in FFVII Remake features tons of combo creation that relies on both an intimate knowledge of each attacks’ timing and on quick reflexes to build those chains in the first place. There’s also an incredible amount of weapon and Materia build customization options for players, depending on the roles you want each character to take on.

Persona 5 Royal

Pushing past the dense pacing before Okumura’s Palace, Royal offers everything you could ever ask for in an updated re-release. It introduced sorely needed gameplay balances, brand new mechanics that liven up and condense otherwise boring dungeon layouts, revamped boss battles, and added tons of new minigames. That’s aside from the fact that there is a new prefecture to explore, it introduced two new characters and added more Confidants, completely overhauled a pre-existing Confidant, added brand new events, added a new school semester and an new dungeon coupled with two new endings, more voice work, and more. The sheer amount of new content in Persona 5 Royal is staggering and shows how much work Atlus put into this title to make an already amazing game even better.

Pokemon Sword and Shield: Isle of Armor

The first of two DLC packs releasing this year for the brand new main entries in the Pokemon franchise, the Isle of Armor expansion features tons of new content as well. More Pokemon are introduced in the National Dex, there’s a fun introductory plot that also brings in your (self-proclaimed) rival and gym leader hopeful, a huge island filled with secrets and hidden areas to explore, item fusion, and new Gigantamax forms.

The best part of Isle of Armor is getting to train up an adorable Pokemon named Kubfu. This Pokemon will let you take part in the Towers of Two Fists challenges and completing one of them — the Tower of Darkness or Tower of Waters — will evolve your Kubfu into Urshifu. The Tower you choose will determine Urshifu’s fighting style, with each style having its own moveset and strengths. For Pokemon fans, the first DLC expansion is guaranteed to keep you entertained for hours while making you wish for the upcoming Crown Tundra pack even more.

Mehrdad Khayyat, Staff Writer

F1 2020

I’m not a big fan of Formula 1 tournaments in the real world, as I know very little about the sport’s leading teams and basic rules. But when I got the chance to play F1 2020 this year, it started to turn me into a Formula 1 professional fan. It even got to the point that I began reading about the history of the sport, dig up its current teams, and follow the live real-world races of Formula 1.

Of course, if you put a lot of time on a certain game, you would become a veteran fan of it sooner or later, but the progress that I made in F1 2020 was significant enough that all I can do is to praise its gameplay design. F1 2020 is a game that will adapt itself to the level of your driving skills without losing its highly stressful realistic experience. It’s impossible to describe all the amazing features of the game in a few paragraphs, but F1 2020 is my favorite racing title of this year, as I enjoy it more and more by winning every lap of a race over the opponent drivers. Simply, it’s like my Dark Souls in the racing genre.

Minecraft Dungeons

As the one of the first branches of the Minecraft series set in a totally different genre from that of the original game, Minecraft Dungeons is a gameplay-focused entertaining experience that I would be playing for months if there were more chapters to jump in.

Despite its short campaign, Minecraft Dungeons is a highly replayable game where you are encouraged to challenge yourself more and more with higher difficulty levels and better gear for fighting enemies. Dungeons features a very simple combat design that some may find as a negative point, but if it’s enjoyable enough, then why bother ourselves with more complicated stuff?

Stela

Despite being a brief gaming experience, Stela is surely the most beautiful game that I’ve played so far in 2020. The game nails perfection in art and sound design, featuring various gorgeous locations accompanied by strong and impressive song pieces that I couldn’t stop listening to even days after finishing the game.

Of course, Stela has its own downsides in the case of gameplay, but it doesn’t mean you can put it aside easily. If you ask me, Stela is a must-play title for those who are looking for a relaxing puzzle-adventure to take a break from the routine mature video game experiences, at least for a few hours.

Ryan Meitzler, Features Editor

Half-Life: Alyx I’m not a huge connoisseur of VR games; I have an Oculus Rift headset but, for the most part, I prefer keeping my gaming to traditional experiences on console and PC. That said, Half-Life: Alyx changed that for me earlier this year and, in a lot of ways, it showed what I’ve been missing out on in VR. More importantly, Alyx feels like not just a tremendous VR game, but a huge step forward for the medium as a whole and an incredible example of immersive storytelling in a VR experience.

As a long-time fan of the Half-Life series, seeing the familiar sights of City 17 once again was a thrill in and of itself. However, the experience of witnessing it all again in Half-Life: Alyx was only enhanced by playing in VR, as Combine structures loomed in the distance and Striders towered over with their shambling legs. Everything I love about the Half-Life series is distilled perfectly into Alyx and fueled by its technical innovations in VR. Though I know a lot people most likely haven’t played it due to not owning a VR headset, trust me; when you do, this is the game that is worth having it for.

The Last of Us Part II

Even well after finishing The Last of Us Part II last month, it’s still a game that I haven’t been able to get out of my head after playing it. As much as I went into Part II unsure of whether Naughty Dog would be able to deliver an experience that could hold up to the original The Last of Us, by the end of Part II I had no doubt that the studio managed to pull it off and then some.

Though some might consider The Last of Us Part II the most “controversial” game of 2020 so far as a result of internet discourse around the game’s story and ending, to me, the game’s strengths lie in its willingness to take risks and ask questions with no easy answers. The moral complexities at the heart of Ellie and Abby’s stories in The Last of Us Part II are ones that I myself haven’t fully come to terms with yet even after finishing the game, and speak to its engrossing and unrelenting story. Though The Last of Us Part II was messaged as a game about “hate,” by the story’s end, you’ll see that it compasses much more than that, and is easily one of the most memorable (if gut-wrenching) experiences that I’ve had so far this year.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

While normally I wouldn’t usually consider a remastered version of a game on my year-end lists, I have to give a bit of the spotlight this time around to Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore. Having missed out on the game when it first released on the Wii U and in the past several years becoming infatuated with the Persona series, those two events led to the perfect confluence of finally getting to play Tokyo Mirage Sessions this year and loving it.

Taking the elements of the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series and mixing them together, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore by today’s standards isn’t a JRPG of the caliber of Persona 5, but is still an incredibly fun and refreshing experience in its own right. With its J-pop infused theme and music, an eclectic and memorable cast of characters, and an engaging combat system, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is an excellent way to experience an underrated JRPG, regardless of whether you’re an SMT/Fire Emblem fan or otherwise.

Logan Moore, Managing Editor

DOOM Eternal

DOOM Eternal rules. In my own estimation, Eternal is a drastic improvement in nearly every way over the original game. The combat is more visceral, the soundtrack is heavier, and traversal around each environment is more enticing. It’s not just what I believe to be the best game of the year, it’s very well the best shooter released in this entire console generation. Play it.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

I did not expect to like Ori and the Will of the Wisps like I did. Blind Forest never clicked with me when I played it a few years back like it did for many others, so my expectations for Will of the Wisps were pretty reserved. The final game ended up being far more engrossing, especially from a storytelling standpoint, than I thought it would be.Will of the Wisps is likely the best Metroidvania game I have played in the past few years and is deserving of endless attention. Make sure you give it a shot if you have an Xbox or PC.

Persona 5 Royal

I never got around to playing the original Persona 5. It has basically been my white whale for years and was a game that I knew I’d love if I just fully committed to actually playing it from front to back. When I found that Persona 5 was finally set to be re-released in its new Royal iteration, I knew this had to be the point where I rectified my mistake from the first time around. Fortunately, that turned out to be the best gaming-related decision that I have made so far in 2020.

Persona 5 Royal, despite having not yet finished it, has already become one of my favorite games of all-time. In a year that has been rife with stress, anxiety, and a multitude of other hardships for me personally, Persona 5 Royal has been a consistent joy to ease into regularly at the end of some very long days. I can’t wait to (hopefully) finish it up in the next few weeks.

Laddie Simco, Associate Staff Writer

Dreams

Dreams is a tough one to put a label on. I remember when Media Molecule first announced the ambitious project, I was immediately intrigued but couldn’t fully wrap my mind around exactly what it was trying to achieve. It’s a constantly evolving set of tools that is somewhat overwhelming at first, but Media Molecule takes you by the hand and guides you through the scary stuff. If creation isn’t your thing, Dreams gives you instant access to every type of game or multimedia experience you could ever imagine created by other dreamers. You become part of the “Dreamiverse,” which is the built-in community and social network where you can meet other dreamers or check out their works. So far that includes everything from all original games to re-creations of things like the PT demo or the opening section of Metal Gear Solid. Admittedly, I’ve still not created anything I’m proud enough to publish for the Dreamiverse to see, but I’ve had tons of fun trying it out. My favorite thing is tinkering with the music tools.

Dreams includes a campaign known as “Art’s Dream,” which acts as an advanced tutorial to show what the game can do. It was created entirely within the game and using the same tools that are available to anyone with a PS4 and a copy of Dreams. It’s a bit on the short side, clocking in around two hours, but not a minute is wasted. It features a cast of likable characters and incorporates many genres including platformers, puzzle games, shooters, and even throws in a few unforgettable musical numbers for good measure. I’d love to see more of “Art’s Dream,” perhaps even a new adventure starring Frances and Foxy. If you don’t finish “Art’s Dream” with a smile on your face, you are either a monster or you’re dead inside.

Ghost of Tsushima

These three games not only represent my best of 2020 so far; in many ways they also represent the best of an era as we prepare to say goodbye to the console generation that gave birth to the PS4 and the Xbox One. While initially one of my three picks went to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Ghost of Tsushima came in at the last minute and knocked it out of the list. The game is an absolute joy to play. It features stunning visuals and environments, spicy combat, and an engaging story complete with well-written characters. It’s a massive open-world game that I’m still happily exploring without feeling that fatigue I get from so many other open-world games. This has a lot to do with the side missions not feeling like they were an afterthought; some are just as enjoyable as the main missions.

Throughout the game you play as Jin, who is one of the last samurai during the first Mongol invasions of Japan. However, there are a series of side missions that feature a story arc centering around Jin’s allies and friends. I found this to be a cool feature that lets you get to know the supporting characters better, and could even set up the possibility of spin-offs or sequels. Aside from being an expert with the katana, Jin is equipped with a small arsenal of other weapons and equipment that noticeably gets more deadly as you progress to the top of the skill tree. There are a few quirks with button responsiveness and erratic movement at times, but honestly, there’s so much to love about Ghost of Tsushima that after a while, you won’t even notice.

The Last of Us Part II

Naughty Dog made a few bold choices with the direction that The Last of Us Part II took. Not everyone was happy with the outcome, but for me it not only lived up to my high expectations, it at times surpassed them. It’s brutal and violent in a way that often makes you uncomfortable, and yet, it didn’t feel gratuitous. I’m sure playing it amidst a real-life pandemic heightened my experience and made it even more poignant. While playing my emotions ran the gamut of everything I’ve ever felt. Just like in the first game, it’s hard to tell who (or if anyone) is the protagonist. You can love or hate a character in this game for exactly the same reasons. I have to say, without blatant spoilers, the way that Naughty Dog dropped you in new character Abby’s playable shoes without a formal introduction was shocking and brilliant.

The gameplay of The Last of Us Part II is much improved over the first game, but it still retains many of the same core mechanics. As far as graphics go, it’s Naughty Dog, so of course the game looks amazing. We are introduced to a few new variations of the infected, some improved and new weapons, and an entirely new playground which largely takes place in Seattle. The voice acting is top-notch with Ashley Johnson once again reprising the role of Ellie. The campaign is lengthy and depending upon how you play and if you are a treasure seeker, it can take up to 40 hours to complete. Despite having many “giraffe” moments, The Last of Us Part II isn’t the “feel-good” game of the year. It shows us a harsh reality and some of the subjects explored are not for the squeamish, which was obviously going to divide the audience. Weeks after finishing The Last of Us Part II, it still haunts me. Despite its critics, The Last of Us Part II will be remembered as one of the greatest games ever made, and I think it deserves every bit of that praise.

Nick Tricome, Staff Writer

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Part of me is still in awe that this even exists (the part of me that watched that PS3 tech demo on loop all those years ago), and another part is trying to comprehend something I never could’ve expected upon completing the game: Final Fantasy VII is brand new again.

Let’s face it: the ending of this game and the new story elements it introduced along the way are pretty divisive, and scary for some even (hell, even the characters themselves were uneasy stepping into a quite literal unknown). The development team behind this game, composed of veterans from the original and new blood that grew up playing it, knew exactly what they were making here and how important FFVII is to so many people. And it’s obvious how far they went to be faithful not just to the original game, but everything about its world and characters that came after.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is only the first part of the story, but is such a grand celebration of everything the original game has become over the past 23 years. And then it sets itself up for the story to play out differently. It’s gutsy for sure, and to me, incredible. For the next part of Remake–be it “Part 2,” “Reunion,” or whatever Square wants to call it–I legitimately don’t know what’s going to happen, and that’s all really exciting to me.

Kingdom Hearts III: ReMIND

Kingdom Hearts III was hit or miss with fans, and the ReMIND DLC fell into pretty much the same boat. For me, they were both hits. The last third of Kingdom Hearts III is still one constant exposition dump, and ReMIND didn’t reinvent that. Instead, it just added to it with more story content, some extra, more challenging boss fights, and finally giving Kairi something to do. Combine that with the merciless boss battles, the Final Fantasy fan service that was noticeably missing from the core game, and that massive cliffhanger of a secret ending that came with the “Limit Cut” episode, and ReMIND is pretty much a small encapsulation of why I enjoy the series at the end of the day. It’s an ultimately nonsensical story that’s presented so sincerely that I can’t help but love it, with gameplay that can make me question my sanity but feel so incredibly satisfying and smooth when it all finally clicks, and has an ending teaser that’ll keep me theorizing for however long it takes to get the next game.

Plus, ReMIND reaffirms that Donald Duck is the most powerful being in existence.

The Wonderful 101: Remastered

By and large, this is more of a current-gen port than a straight up remaster (granted, that term has a pretty wide definition), but that’s perfectly fine. The Wonderful 101 was a commercial bomb when it released as a Wii U exclusive seven years ago, but it was also one of the most unique and highly creative action games I’ve ever played. So just having a modern, widely accessible version of the game, I think, is a huge win both for returning fans and players who’ve heard about it but never had the means to play it for themselves.

You don’t play as one character in The Wonderful 101, you play as an entire team of Super Sentai/Power Rangers-inspired heroes all at once, all colorful both aesthetically and in their personality. You draw basic shapes to summon weapons and fight alien invaders, being able to start out with a giant fist, then switching on the fly to a sword, a whip, or a gun to keep combos going. You play through a simple but earnestly put together story, one with plenty of wit and humor, that consistently escalates towards massive scale boss battles with some of the greatest quick-time events I’ve ever seen. However, then it will throw you into a gameplay section that’s just one big tribute to another game entirely, because why not?

The Wonderful 101: Remastered is excellent, but won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. That said, the game’s first mission captures everything it’s about, so if you’re curious but still on the fence, go check it out. It should be more than enough for you to make a decision.

Scott White, Associate Staff Writer

Dungeons & Dragons

So, the world is in a pretty crappy spot right now. I miss being able to have board game and Magic nights with my friends, but one game I’ve been able to continue to enjoy is Dungeons & Dragons. And boy-o-boy has the bug bitten me bad during this quarantine. My normal Tuesday night crew made the transition to Roll20 to continue our adventures, and this social interaction grew to become one of the highlights of my week. We still play mostly online, but we’ve been able to recently play our first in-person game recently and it was a magical celebration.

I love rolling dice, I love coming up with solutions to problems, and I love when things inextricably go off the walls and things go to hell in this game. In my hunger for more dice-rolling goodness, I finally started Critical Role (started at the very beginning, “Vox Machina” episode 1, baby!), and it has only ignited an even larger desire to play. I have even started an additional bi-weekly game with another group of friends and I’m doing some Gen Con stuff too, just to try and take the roleplaying itch off.

Thank you Dungeons & Dragons for helping keep me sane during these crazy times. As sane as I can be, anyway.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Much like many people, I waited so very long for this game to finally release and the fact that it turned out so much better than we all expected was such an amazing surprise. Final Fantasy VII Remake finally nailed what Square has been attempting to create in a game since they released Advent Children, with flashy and stylish combat that retains much of the depth and strategy of a turn-based RPG. The gameplay, characters, and much of the story all snapped perfectly into place for me, and I fell in love with this world all over again. I’m hopeful that with much of the battle system figured out and a lot of the ground work now being laid, the time until the next entry of Final Fantasy VII Remake won’t be too long. Until then, I will eagerly daydream and speculate as to what many of the endgame moments mean, and hope that they add FFXII‘s Gambit system into the next game.

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 is one of the best RPGs of all time; fight me. I fell in love with the original release back in 2017, and while excited for Royal, I was curious how I would take to replaying such a long game again. 130 hours later, I came away loving the characters, story, and gameplay even more than I did the first time. From the gratuitous amount of style that oozes from every facet of this game, to the jazz-rock soundtrack that I never want to get out of my head, I can’t help but smile when I think about Persona 5 Royal.

Sam Woods, Staff Writer

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Speaking of a game releasing at the right time, Animal Crossing: New Horizons absolutely hit the sweet spot. I’ve been an Animal Crossing fan since the GameCube, so my excitement was palpable for the new release, but Nintendo did what Nintendo does best and knocked it out of the park, exceeding my already high expectations.

My girlfriend is far from a gamer. The extent of her gaming history is building houses in The Sims and playing Wii Sports or Mario Kart 8, but as we entered lockdown in the UK earlier this year, I decided to pick her up a Switch Lite and a copy of Animal Crossing, and it’s been a revelation. Since the game came out in March we’ve played together almost every day, sharing design ideas, planning out our towns, trading items and just hanging out. We’ve spent hundreds of happy hours playing this game together and it’s absolutely deserving of its spot in my top three games of this year so far.

The Last of Us Part II

While I managed to hold off from replaying Persona 5, I think I’m going to struggle to do the same with The Last of Us Part II. The gripping drama, fantastic world-building and interweaving story are calling me back. It’s a call that is getting harder to resist the more time that passes.

Although “the internet” might disagree, I felt The Last of Us Part II told a fantastic story in a really engaging way. I felt a huge range of emotions at every twist and turn, and at the end of the game I was left feeling hollow. Not hollow in a negative way, but in the way when you complete an awesome TV series and wonder what life was like before it. The Last of Us Part II is nothing short of incredible, and I implore the doubters to give it a shot.

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 was the first game in the Persona series that I’d checked out, and after completing it back in 2018, I was itching to play it again. During my time of hesitation Persona 5 Royal was promptly announced and I decided to wait it out, and boy am I glad I did.

The original game, to me at least, is an absolute masterpiece. The music is incredible, the art direction is stunning, and its gameplay loop is so addictive. While my expectations for Persona 5 Royal were high, the first game was so good that I wasn’t expecting anything groundbreaking. I was wrong. Atlus tightened up a lot of the smaller gameplay niggles from the original game, added a pair of fascinating new characters, and incorporated the pinnacle of all Palaces. Although I clocked in at close to 120 hours, it released at a perfect time where social interaction has been forced to a minimum. Persona 5 Royal allowed me to create meaningful bonds and make up for lost time all while playing through the game’s intricate story.

Now that you know what our favorite games have been from the first half of the year, what have your favorite games of 2020 (so far) been? What titles are you looking forward to for the rest of the year? Sound off and let us know in the comments down below!

July 31, 2020 1:00 PM EST

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2020/07/dualshockers-favorite-video-games-of-2020-so-far/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dualshockers-favorite-video-games-of-2020-so-far

[preserving-ferretbrain]

The Best Post-Soviet Noir Superhero Comic Ever!

by Alasdair Czyrnyj

Monday, 19 April 2010 

Alasdair gushes about The Winter Men.~

I don't believe in superheroes. Let's get that straight right from the start. I have no problem conceptualizing a costumed vigilante or a human with supernatural powers; such things have been a staple of popular culture for generations now, and to reject them out of hand nowadays is absurd. My problem starts once you take those characters and imagine them as figures of omnipotence, as people who are always in command, always know the score, and always win in the end, and expect your audience to take them seriously.

I suppose this problem largely stems from the fact that the first superhero comic I seriously read was

Watchmen

. Say what you will about it, but to me it remains the best example of what happens when you take pulp archetypes, characters traditionally in command of their environments, and place them in the intractable, fractal-edged mess that is the real world. Existential despair is the mildest outcome; mass murder is not outside the realm of possibility. It's the reason why the two big mainstream comic universes are these weird places that have superficial similarities to our own, but swarming with Nazi scientists, psychotic CEOs, aliens, and alternate universes. It gives the superheroes something to fight that can be defeated and doesn't leave the bad taste of moral unease afterward.

Of course, rejecting the standard interpretation of superheroes has been old hat for nigh-on two decades. Of course, stories that go against the grain have their own particular problems. Most of the time, these stories just amp up the sex and ultraviolence while leaving various core aspects of superherodom (superheroes are beholden to nothing and no one, you can solve the world with your fists) unquestioned. (Case in point:

The Boys

.) There are a few good examinations, of course; from what I've heard of it, Alan Moore's run on

Miracleman

is a pretty good depiction of the superhero as a figure of terror and of the uncomfortable compromises that would be required to "save" the world, and Kurt Busiek's

Astro City

manages to rearrange and rethink well-worn tropes to create some genuinely moving stories.

Sometimes, though, reshuffling is not enough. To truly rethink the concept of the superhero, you need to leave the American heartland of superheroes altogether and travel somewhere else. To a place which has very different ideas about power and its limits. To a place that would interpret all-powerful humans far differently than European or American society would, and would have the technology and competence to enforce its interpretations.

To travel, in other words, to Russia.

This is the premise of

The Winter Men

, the barely-released critically acclaimed Wildstorm miniseries by Brett Lewis and artist Jean Paul Leon. It had one hell of a publication history; it first appeared way back in August 2005 advertising an eight-issue run, only to finally finish on its sixth issue in February 2009. It's a damned shame that this series received such shoddy treatment from Wildstorm, especially since

The Winter Men

is one of the best superhero series out there.

The story is set in Russia in late 2001, near the end of the twilight period between the collapse of the Russian banking industry in 1998 and the emergence of Putin's "sovereign democracy." In the opening pages, we are introduced to Kris Kalenov, our guide to this world, as is roused from the snowbank where he spent sleeping off the previous night's boozy activities. A former spetznaz, now a militiaman by title and poet by aspiration, his actual day job consists of managing disputes at the behest of Moscow's mayor between the various interests (business, foreign, domestic, civil, and otherwise) that inhabit the city. An encounter with an old army buddy lands him a dead-end case about an abducted girl who had just received a liver transplant from an unknown source. In short order, hints are dropped that other factors are interested in the fate of that little girl, and her connection to the recent seismic shifts in the balance of criminal power in Moscow. Veiled references are made to something called "winter," a word Kalenov is intimately familiar with and which the CIA (ostensibly in Moscow to assist the Russian authorities with the upheavals in the underworld) is nosing around in, despite their pig-ignorance of Russia in general. At the same time, old friends of Kalenov, ex-spetznaz buddies who also have a connection with "winter," begin to reappear in Kalenov's life too fast to be chalked up to mere coincidence. While Kalenov finds the girl in first few issues, it only serves to further deepen the mystery in Moscow, as well as ask questions about what, exactly, became of the Soviet superhero program, in particular one hero known only as The Hammer of the Revolution, a Captain America-type figure that disappeared decades ago under unclear circumstances.

I won't go any farther into the plot, simply because there's a lot of it to unpack and theorize about. Instead, I will withhold most spoilers and briefly explain what makes this comic great.

First of all,

The Winter Men

may be the Russianest comic I have ever read. The care to detail is obvious even in the basic technical details. Lewis' dialogue, by some minor miracle, manages to beautifully capture the odd cadences and subtle elaboration of Russian-translated English without drifting into Boris Badenov-type kludges or, God help us, Jonathan Safran Foer-type literary schmaltz. I don't know enough to judge whether all the slang is correct or not, but it reads far better that the efforts of most writers.

Additionally, the violence in the comic has a appropriate understatement. While modern American comics love their visceral blood and mutilation,

The Winter Men

takes a more restrained approach, with the occasional high-octane gun battle counterbalanced by the dull brutishness of two drunk friends brawling, or by simply implying violence between panels. While it may seem like a dodge, it actually fits in very well with the milieu. After all, in a society like post-communist Russia, where violence is often the easiest way to do things (or, more likely, the only method anyone has any patience for), pain and death are dealt out so often that the mind (and the comic) just tunes it out and relativizes it into utilitarian indifference.

The real achievement, however, is in Lewis' depiction of Russian society. As someone who spent most of his undergraduate career plowing through 20th century Russo-Soviet history, the one thing that has grown to irritate me more than anything is the way most Westerners think Russian society works. The implicit assumption is that Russian society is a pyramid, with a tsar/gensek/president at the top, a hierarchy supporting him, all of which oppresses a servile population, with all of society neatly divided into rulers and victims. The truth, one which Lewis faithfully portrays and weaves into the greater tapestry of the series, is that Russia is a series of networks, of people organized into cabals to defend certain interests (be they organized crime, soft drink distribution, city government, or what have you), all forever fighting and securing their own power bases, forever living in fear that someone more powerful will come after them. This is nothing new, of course; you can find something similar while reading Gogol, and that model pretty much sums up the state of the Soviet Union after Stalin died. In the end, much of the series, consists of Kalenov learning to read and navigate the various circles of official and unofficial Russian power, to understand the ultimate purpose of the upheavals.

Of course, some people like some networks better than others. There is a sort of dull nostalgia running through the book for the Soviet Union, though it is more wistful than motivational. Everyone knows the USSR will never come back, but there is a sort of vague sadness among the characters for that weird socialist empire, a sense of "it was not good, but it was ours, and now it's gone." Even Kalenov himself, never a socialist, comes across as a man who, unlike his army friends, never found himself a role he could play in the Yeltsinite world to replace his previous role as a spetznaz.

This finally brings us down to the big question: what about the Soviet superheroes? What about them? The answer which slowly emerges from snatches of conversation and the occasion infodump, is the height of irony and a slap in the face to most other so-called "realistic" superhero comics. In the Soviet Union of

The Winter Men

, superheroes were

irrelevant

. The great majority of them appeared as military projects in the later stages of the Soviet Union, consisting of either men flying around in big, clunky Iron Man suits (in a neat little nod to DC comics' continuity, the suits bear a close resemblance to the Rockets Red suits that serve as fodder for the JLA to smack around) or people with genetically modified organs. While some old propaganda early in the comic shows Soviet supermen tearing their way through the American hordes, their actual purpose is to counter the super-people being developed by another faction of the Soviet military-industrial complex, while those supermen that do serve in combat tend to die ingloriously. And the end of the day, despite being the only country on the planet with superpeople, there is little difference between the fictional Russia and the real one. Even the plot of the comic only deals with the metahuman aspect fleetingly for most of its run.

I won't say much about the ending save that it will almost certainly bring back memories of

Watchmen

. However, Lewis cleverly riffs on Moore's work rather than lifting it wholesale, with the end result feeling like a bizarre version of

Watchmen

set decades after the original where everyone save one very particular character is gone, and the battle is between a meticulous autocrat that dwells in a realm of pure decision and a child of the original heroes, fighting for reasons he doesn't bother to consciously understand. At the end of the day, there's no real closure, but as Kalenov himself says, "this is a Russian story."

The Winter Men

is not a flawless diamond. The noir storytelling does tend to get a little too convoluted for its own good, with revelations losing their impact because you don't recognize a certain background character from a previous book. The publishing history really hurts the narrative, with the third and final installments clearly reading like Lewis had to cram too much in at the last minute in order to tell his story.

Still, Lewis can be forgiven his compromises. There is much to love in

The Winter Men

, from the bombastic wordplay, to the clever composition of the panels, to the characters that breathe their native land, to superheroes that are as alien to us as the East is from the West. And to one, little line, near the end of the book, whispered by one dying man to another, that may be the only fitting epitaph to the Soviet experience any writer has come up with yet.

Read it. Now.Themes:

Sci-fi / Fantasy

,

Comics

~

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Arthur B

at 09:40 on 2010-04-19Is there a trade paperback compilation of this? I can't abide buying individual issues of comics.

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Alasdair Czyrnyj

at 17:03 on 2010-04-19Yep, it finally came out at the beginning of this year.

Here you go.

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Alasdair Czyrnyj

at 17:18 on 2010-04-24Oh, and fun fact: about a day after this was posted, I got an email message from Brett Lewis, the creator of

The Winter Men

asking to friend me on Facebook.

And, yes, I know that this is the year 2010, when stuff like this doesn't mean any sort of deeper connection has been made. But one the other hand...

BRETT LEWIS READ MY REVIEW! AND HE LIKED IT! AND IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! YAAAAAY!!!!!

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http://fightsandtights.blogspot.com/

at 01:44 on 2010-04-25Great review, Alasdair, I'll definitely have to check this out. Jena Paul Leon is a big selling point for me; he did some awesome work on the Black Widow: Deadly Origin mini that was recently released by Marvel, and he really seems to portray Soviet-era Russia quite well. Certainly adding this to my wishlist...

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Wardog

at 11:32 on 2010-04-25Belated birthday grats :) YAAAAAY!

I have to admit, when authors inadvertantly stumble across my reviews I always over-think and second guess myself into a pit of angst.

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Alasdair Czyrnyj

at 17:10 on 2010-04-26

I have to admit, when authors inadvertantly stumble across my reviews I always over-think and second guess myself into a pit of angst.

I usually prefer to dive into that pit of angst before I start writing, when I read all the other reviews other people have written and wonder how the hell I can match the insights of all those clever and smart people whoe are better than me in every way and

isuckisuckisuck

.

Then I write the whole thing in a three-hour frenzy a week later.

[jaidajustin]

Activity #2 (Concussions)

1. Title

- “What It’s Like to Live With a Disease No One Believes Is Real ‘I Don’t Even Remember What I Used to Feel Like’”

2. Evaluate the source. Where is the info coming from? Does it seem like a credible source? Who is quoted?

- The information is coming from a international fashion magazine for women called, ‘’Cosmopolitan’’. This magazine mainly focuses on topics such as celebrity news, dating and relationships help, beauty tutorials, fashion trends, and more. Although this magazine focuses more on the materialistic world, I still think it is a reliable source because it focuses on mainly women and it is an official magazine approved by everyone around the world. The person who wrote this article is Tess Koman. The person who is quoted is Rachel F. She is a 27-year-old female who struggles with a traumatic brain injury- a diagnosis doctors didn’t take seriously.

3. Key Stats. Very important here.

- more than 2.5 million Americans suffer from a TBI.

- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious health problem in the United States. Each year TBI’s contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. In 2010 2.5 million TBI’s occured either as an isolated injury or along with other injuries

4. Key Quote

- “This time, while I was driving home, the left side of the road started to disappear.’’

- A study that was conducted on the PubMed website concluded that mild TBI’s are associated with impairment in a crash-related component of driving. This suggests that patients with MTBI should be advised to refrain from driving for at least the first 24 hours' postinjury.

- Rachel at the time was always being pushed away by doctors and did not know the consequences or restrictions that came with having a mild TBI.

- “I always wonder what other 27-year old people’s memories are like. I assume that they’re much better than mine. And here’s a great example -- I can’t even remember what I was just saying.’’

- A single concussion can cause lasting structural damage to the brain that can result in memory loss.

5 Two points each for who, what,  where, why and how.

- Rachel was diagnosed in 2012 with a Traumatic Brain Injury, a condition that more than 2.5 million Americans suffer from. Rachel is a professional horse rider who loves her sport, but she was forced to stop after having four pivotal concussions. The first concussion was in 2009. Rachel was playing tug of war and as she was pulling the rope her opponent decided to let go which resulted in her flying into the class behind her. Rachel was bleeding heavily and had pieces of class stuck in her head. The next day Rachel went to the doctor and the doctor told her that she was fine. The second time Rachel encountered a concussion was while snowboarding. While wearing a helmet she slipped and hit the back of her head. Rachel felt awful and asked her friend to take her to the hospital. Rachel was dismissed again. In 2010, during a riding lesson Rachel fell off and hit her head again. Rachel got back up on the horse and continued to ride (you should never do this if you have a concussion could result in extensive damage to the brain) Rachel doesn’t remember what happened after except that she woke up in the ER. She described this moment in the ER as useless. The last concussion was in 2012. She was schooling a horse and it bucked her off. Rachel went high up in the air then came down. Again, she hit the back of her head. When Rachel reached the ER she was dismissed with comments such as, “Oh, you’re fine. You’ll be fine, just rest.” Months after her really bad concussion, Rachel was having lingering migraines, dizziness, and the inability to concentrate. In 2013, she went to a neurologist and it was then that she was properly diagnosed with TBI. Rachel now has to alter her life to fit the needs of her TBI. Rachel can’t drink, dance, or run anymore because of her TBI. She is restricted from doing certain things in her life, but manages to do them in a different way. Rachel explains that despite her condition, she is happy and comfortable with her current life.

6 Do a little bit of research. Find more information to supplement what is in the article. Document your sources.

- In this article, Sgt. Kevin Ash, enlisted in the Army Reserves at the age of 18. Over three deployments, he was exposed to 12 combat blasts, many of them roadside bombs. He returned home in 2012 a different man.

- Sgt. Kevin Ash and his family didn’t know what was wrong with him. When Sgt. Kevin Ash went to the hospital to seek help, doctors just prescribed therapy and medication and sent him off. From this his health began to decline quickly.

- Similarly when Rachel went to the doctor she was told that she was fine and nothing was wrong as well. She was sent home every time.

- shows just how uneducated people were in 2004 when Sgt. Kevin Ash was diagnosed with CTE and still are in the year of 2012 when Rachel was diagnosed. Kevin wasn’t so lucky because he had one of the most severe stages of CTE and decided to take his life because of the amount of pain and changes he was going through. Rachel however had visited many doctors to try and figure out what was happening. It wasn’t until she met a neurologist that she was finally diagnosed with CTE. If Rachel hadn’t met with a neurologist maybe then she would have took the same root as Sgt. Kevin Ash did. Many of these athletes and veterans are convinced by doctors that what they are experiencing is just imaginary or not important. This causes many of the them to lose their minds even more and to do unpleasant actions.

- Until a few years ago, NFL players who struggled with severe depression, bouts of rage and memory loss in their retirement were often told they were just having a hard time adjusting to life away from the game. Doctors have since learned these changes can be symptoms of the degenerative brain disease CTE -- chronic traumatic encephalopathy, caused by blows to the head.

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/combat-veterans-coming-home-with-cte/