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chilly-me-softly · 5 years ago

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“Why are you naked?” • Harry Winks

Prompt taken by this list. Hope you like it ^^ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They promised her a quiet evening, which is why she finally decided to accept the exit offered by her friends. It had been a hell of a week between her normal work shifts and having to cover those of some colleagues, and she didn't feel like closing herself up in a club to fill her head with high volume music and dealing with a hangover the next day.

She had let them know she would arrive a little late because she didn't want to show up in her work clothes, so she would first go home to change and then join them. And to be completely forgiven for that tremendous delay -she hadn't thought about the traffic at all-, she stops on the street to bring them ice cream.

As expected, the girls start to harass her with messages and calls -to which she hasn’t answered obviously- and when she rings the bell the two go to open the door with arms crossed and with a bad look in the face, looking like twin murderers.

"Girls it's Friday night, it's not my fault" she tries to apologize by entering the house and stretching the envelope with the dessert towards them. Needless to say, she's quickly forgiven.

As she sets foot in the living room, she greets everyone in a general way, noticing the presence of the whole group, and goes to sit on the couch next to Harry, leaving him a kiss on the cheek and taking off the glass of wine he has in his hand to take a sip of it.

"Help yourself" he murmurs sarcastically rolling his eyes and she sighs dramatically before finishing the glass in one shot.

"Woah take it easy, tiger" he chucks as he pulls the glass from her hand, placing it on the coffee table in front of them and taking a bowl of chips, "eats something first" she thanks him slightly and accepts the bowl starting to nibble the snacks.

The girls return from the kitchen with their hands full of other food and the evening officially begins. In a short time the room is filled with laughter remembering the crap made together, low music into the background for a few moments of silence while the bottles of wine are gradually emptied of their contents. It's a nice way to free the head spending the evening with your old friends, although at first she just wanted to decline and spend an evening lying in bed. But that's what she's always liked about them, the fact they've always listened to each other and therefore always try to make everyone feel comfortable.

"Maybe I should go too" says Harry finishing his glass, placing it on the coffee table, and standing up. Some guys have already left and the girls are tidying up now, "I'll call a taxi"

"Oh no, I can give you a ride" she replies without thinking, it's quite late and he would arrive probably first at home if he went on foot.

"Are you sure?" he asks her already with the phone in his hand and she nods, "It's on my way" she replies with a shrug bringing the last glasses into the kitchen sink.

So the two grab their things and after saying goodbye to the rest they head towards her car. On the way they keep chatting because they hadn't seen each other for a while, he had to skip the last meeting and some things can't be said by phone.

"What's going on?" she asks, seeing him shake his head after reading something on his phone.

"Crystal just text me. I forgot the keys. Shit if I ring another time they'll kill me"

"You can stay at mine if you want" maybe too many wine glasses, his desperate voice or she doesn't know what, those words come out of her mouth before she even connects the brain. She glances at him as continues to drive and sees he is already looking at her with a look that she can't make out.

"Only if you want too obvious, I don't want to… create problems" she hastens to add then seeing the boy next to her doesn't decide to give her an answer.

"You'd save me from certain death" he murmurs and she chuckles.

"I have to warn you though, my parents came to see me so..."

"Oh no sure, I adore your parents" he replies seriously, earning a punch as she takes the turn to go to her house.

When they get there, she reminds him to stay quiet and directs him to her room. Having her parents there means a not-free guest room and her sofa is not even comfortable for sitting there, let alone sleeping. She goes to the bathroom to change and leaves the room for him to do the same, not that he has something like a pajama with him but she knows from experience that sleeping with jeans is uncomfortable. And when she returns to the room he is already under the blankets so she wishes him good night joking and reminding him to be on his side. And he jumps a little closer to her making her laugh. But then he returns to his place and after a while she hears his breath slow down, a sign that he has fallen asleep and stays there motionless to listen to that rhythm in hopes will lead her to fall asleep too.

A tap to the shoulder followed by someone who shakes her makes her wake up and at first she tries to push away whoever it is. But when she opens her eyes, she finds herself in front of her father's inquisitive face.

"Dad, what's wrong?" she murmurs still sleeping, running a hand over her face.

"Who is he?" he asks sternly, keeping his eyes fixed on the boy resting on his bare stomach, his face pressed halfway down on the pillow and with a relaxed expression on his face. She mentally curses herself, Harry should have been out of the house before his parents woke up or at least out of her bed.

"It's Harry, dad" she replies, hoping he remembers the boy he once considered part of the family.

"It doesn't justify him being in your bed"

"We just fell asleep" she tries to justify herself even knowing that her father won't want to hear explanations, there are simply things he doesn't tolerate. So she tries to wake up Harry to end that situation as quickly as possible.

The boy wakes up after a few taps stronger than normal and smiles at her as soon as he focuses on her figure, "Good morning" tells her stretching as he can. Her father clears his throat and he wides his eyes, realizing the situation.

"Sir, g-good morning to you too" he murmurs trying to cover himself as much as possible with the sheet.

"Come on, Harry, get off so we can all go back to our normal lives" she says with a smile to lighten the atmosphere in the room but the boy looks down, blushing slightly.

"I can't" he murmurs trying to make himself heard only by the girl next to him.

"What? Why?" she asks in the same tone.

"I'm naked" she gives him an incredulous look, "What?! Why are you naked?"

"I was too warm last night" he tries to justify himself, in vain.

"I'll wait for you downstairs" is her father's dry answer and she slaps a hand over her face.

#harry winks #harry winks imagine #harry winks imagines #football imagine #football imagines

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millennial-star-gazer · 6 years ago

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The Draconic Demon Within(Reupload from cosmicdragonwizard accounts): Chapter:2

The Draconic Demon Within (Originally for Nalu Lovefest 2017 on previous celestialgeekmage accounts and Angst Week 2015 on Twishadowhunter/teamedwardjace2 in the past and Vera's April 2018 prompt challenge on cosmicdragonwizard account )

Genres: Drama/Angst, Hurt/Comfort,Romance, Friendship/Family New Adult Fanfiction

Vera's April 2018 Prompts: Soul, Empyrean, Savage, Memory, Trust, Fear, Unstoppable , Resilient, Supernatural (Implied) Lost (Implied) and Loathing.

Nalu Lovefest 2017 Prompts: Dreams

Pairing: Nalu/EndLu,( Natsu x Lucy/ E.N.D. x Lucy)

Rating: M for language, steamy and mature adult sexual content (all consensual) in these and future chapters. Reader Direction is advised.(You have been warned!)

Summary: Now faced with the reality of who he is truly is, the son of Igneel must come to terms with the new emerging, darker instincts of his new demonic identity- all while navigating through his ever-growing, intense feelings for a particular celestial wizard. Originally a Submission (semi -au) for Nalu lovefest 2017 (on my previous celestialgeekmage account. (Also was on my earliest previous accounts of teamedwardjace/Twishadowhunter in the past. Also part of Vera's April 2018 prompt challenge from fic-writers appreciation on cosmicdragonwizard)

Chapter 2: Incinerate: A Demon's Protective Rage

A/N: Hey all, here's the next installment of The Draconic Demon Within! It was originally part of what was a longer first chapter, but has since been further revised and divided into more chapters (along with others)— enjoy and don't forget to let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: You know I unfortunately don't own Fairytail which belongs to the most Hiro-sensei instead!

Read More Here:

1. The Draconic Demon Within

A. Tumblr:

Prologue and Chapter: 1 (Click Here:) or here: (https://millennial-star-gazer.tumblr.com/post/179816192273/the-draconic-demon-within-reupload-from/amp?)

Chapter:2

Chapter: 3 (Click Here:) (or here: https://millennial-star-gazer.tumblr.com/post/185917542578/the-draconic-demon-within-chapter-3)

Chapter: 4 (Click Here:) (or here: https://millennial-star-gazer.tumblr.com/post/614628807073251328/the-draconic-demon-within-chapter-4-a-demons)

B. Fanfiction (Click Here:) (or here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13113898/1/The-Draconic-Demon-Within-Reupload-from-cosmicdragonwizardaccounts)

C. A03(Click Here:) (or here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17365061/chapters/40861472)

2. Tantric Flames (To Be Added Later)

3. Grey Days

A. Tumblr (Click Here:) (or here: https://millennial-star-gazer.tumblr.com/post/179767381833/grey-days-reuploadfrom-dragon-shield-maiden/amp?)

B. Fanfiction (Click Here:) (or here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13112482/1/Grey-Days-Reupload-from-dragon-shield-maiden)

4. The Rest of My Writing

A. Master Fic Rec Post (Click Here): (or here: https://millennial-star-gazer.tumblr.com/post/179665258923/master-fic-rec-post

Legend:

Italics: Mainly Flashbacks

Bold: First Person Thoughts

Bolded Italics (Within and Outside Bracket): A/N: (Author's Notes)

"And she's thinking of rage, like an ember or a burning acid swallowing up her knotted viscera. Blindness like the kind that leads men to perpetrate horrors, animal drunkenness, the jungles of the mind. "

(Alden Bell: The Reapers Are The Angels, Reaper Series)

"If you lay a hand on her, I will destroy you. I will rip your head off with my bare hands and watch you burn in the sun ."

(Dimitri Belikov: Vampire Academy, Book 1)

(What'd you know? Found two quotes that really fit the overall tone of this chapter again)

" You okay Natsu?"

Lucy's gentle call of Natsu's name broke through his reverie bringing his attention back to the present."

"Yeah Luce, just trying to figure out how to wrap my head around all this" came Natsu's reply, sincere words nothing but reassuring. The dragonslayer knew he mostly wasn't one to lie, but also didn't wish to run the of risk alarming his best friend any further than she was .

Besides, I am actually okay—for the most part . Just gotta try and stay positive for Lucy's sake.

Natsu did notice however, that if he concentrated just enough, he could actually will the newly-sprouted leathery wings to retract just enough until they were gone completely— a tremendous relief if nothing to say the least .

"What about you? How are ya ' holding up?"

"Not entirely well, but a bit better with you here . "

"I know, it's a lot to take in right now—believe me. But I promise we're gonna be okay."

"There's not a doubt in my mind but what're we going to do?"

"We'll figure it—"

The sound of approaching footsteps echoing on stone broke through their conversation putting Natsu's senses on high alert. It was then to the realization dawned upon the fire demon that in all the mayhem, he'd forgotten they weren't alone; mentally cursing himself for having let such a critical fact slip his mind. Not to mention the sinking knot in settling the pit of his stomach when it was the demon Tempester, Natsu lifted his head to see striding towards them with a sinister expression; which raised his hackles enough for his lips to pull back revealing a flash of canines in a savage show of teeth.

"What do you think you're doing?!" He growled, a flare of stonecold fury ticking through scarlet eyes, The sound of his warning was downright ferocious, not to mention lethal with the threat of violence if the other etherious even so much as tried to lay a hand on Lucy. "Stay the hell away from us!"

Tempester merely raised a hand in response as if to silence him, clearly not deter any of Natsu's feral growls ripping from his chest.

"Easy there Lord E.N.D— no need to be so hostile" The etherious's voice was seemingly unruffled , a chillingly stark contrast to the malicious smile gracing his lips—so much so it sent off alarm bells off in Natsu's head. "I only wished to officially welcome you to our ranks as Master for which congratulations are in order. You've finally returned home to us, all while starting to realize your true potential in the process—though we didn't know it was you at first. Still, it's good to have you back after being away so long Now allow me to be of service by disposing of the celestial wizard for you as an act of good faith."

The thinly- veiled threat kicked Natsu's already fiercely protective instincts to keep Lucy safe into high-gear, manifesting in another guttural snarl of bestial proportions he let loose when his arms automatically tightened against her of their own accord at the same time.

"Touch her you bastard and I swear I'll burn ya' to a crisp!"

If he even tries anything... I swear to God...

Something strange seemed to stirring within Natsu just then, the infinite possibilities of all the unimaginable amount of the blood he could spill if the other demon didn't heed the warning ; appealing to a darker part of him that was once dormant. His words clearly seemed to fall on deaf ears however, when Tempester took another step forward—which only served to make the dragonslayer's blood boil.

"Hey! didn't you hear what I just said? stay back—don't come any closer!" Natsu hissed, baleful voice laced with venom that bordered on lethal. "Unless you want me to incinerate you you stand." One of his hands not pressed against Lucy's back was immediately engulfed in flames to empathize his point at the same time.

Pretty sure I could quite literally roast this guy if I have to. I'm not afraid to have little blood on my hands if it means protecting Lucy.

The ominous-sounding, residual, voice Natsu heard earlier seemed to stir again ; whispers echoing in the recesses his mind of just how easy it would be to set Tempester blaze, quite literally going up in flames without so much as being touched. Thoughts swimming, tempting Zeref's most powerful etheriouswith sadistic images of sizzling flesh melting off bone, blood vessels rupturing, liquified internal organs being broiled from the inside out until there was nothing left of the worthless lesser demon- scum known as Calamity but a charred pile of ashes. Oh the demon lord thirsted for this bastard's blood, how he's—-

Wait— just what the hell am I thinking?! Natsu railed against himself. I may be a demon, but I'm not some bloodthirsty monster! Butchering people like that ain't my style—not anymore anyway. God... what's wrong with me? Still , I'm gonna keep Lucy safe regardless of who or what I am.

"Master, if you just hand the girl over me I promise to make her death as swift and painless as possible."

Tempester's coldblooded voice snapped the fire wizard out of his reverrie.

"Not a chance ! There's no way in hell that I'm giving Lucy up to you!"

"Oh? Is that you already exercising your authority I hear?" Tempester praised, words pulling the corner of lips up into a smirk as if caught was between genuine amusement and pride. "I'm impressed."

"Yeah? Well that's just too damn bad, cuz I couldn't give a crap bout being your stupid master!"

" Yes, well, you might feel that way now but you'll change your mind— you'll see. It's only a matter of time before you realize who you're truly meant to be and help restore our guild. Not to mention remake this pathetic world in our image."

It was then that Lucy finally opted to speak up who no doubt probably had been watching the tense encounter with uneasy eyes up until this point.

"You're clearly out of your mind if that's what you think Natsu is all about!" She seethed , honey-brown eyes, alight with a obstinate fire. "Don't you dare you talk about Natsu as if you know him! He's not the monster you say he is—not anymore!"

"Oh really? That so, little girl?" Tempester's scoffed , disdain colouring his patronizing tone. " Now tell me— why should I listen to pointless chatter from a pathetic human like you ?

"Cuz she's right,"The son of Igneel's words rang with steely conviction when he chimed in response to the other etherious . "And definitely not pathetic. In fact, hearing you run your god damn rotten mouth about her like that makes me want to help her bash your ugly face in." Hearing Lucy's words of faith was honestly enough for his heart to trill, Tempester's of utter contempt in regards to his best friend for his blood to boil; All in all, steeling his nerves for combat.

"Yeah? I'd sure as hell like to see that!"

"Oh, you will— trust me."

His body automatically steeling himself for battle, Natsu pledged a vow to keep his the celestial mage safe from harm.

No matter what happens, I swear I'm gonna do whatever it takes to protect Lucy and to fight this darker part of me for everyone's sake . I will prove this Calamity bastard who think he knows me wrong, not to mention make everyone I love and care for proud— especially Igneel, Lucy and Happy.

To Be Continued

Fic tag squad: @writer-appreciation @soprana-snap @phoenix-before-the-flame @nunnatheinsanegerbil @mautrino @rougescribe @goddesofimortality @phoenix-before-the-flame @nalufever @petri808 @thecelestialchick @nalu-natic @superdomo360 @pyroandtheprincess @rayhneatess @nothingbutwordsstuff @petri808 @thecelestialchick @chiire @nalufever @shootingstarssel @chamilsanya @rougescribe @lover-of-the-light117

A/N: That's Chapter 2 folks-hope you all enjoyed and don't forget to leave a review ! The next chapter should be up ASAP once I'm able to begin work on it. In the meantime, feel free to check out my other works including Tantric Flames (with the writing process for Chapter 6 underway). (Respective links above along with the rest of my writing in tumblr post, side bars and bio of my blog of on tumblr . Also on Fanfiction profile of the same name except as MillenialStargazer ). All right y'all, that's all for now! Many thanks to all those who've been supporting me and my writing thus far—stay tuned for more! Peace out!

#Fairytail #FT Fanfic #nalu #natsu x lucy #e.n.d natsu x lucy #natsu dragneel #etherious natsu dragneel #lucy heartfilia #tempester #my writing #reupload #cosmicdragonwizard #please reblog #submit to writer-appreciation #enjoy #millennial-star-gazer #millennial stargazer writes

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entergamingxp · 5 years ago

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DualShockers’ Favorite Games of 2019 — Meaney’s Top 10

December 29, 2019 10:00 AM EST

Even as I descend into the new year as a cranky old man, I still managed to find some time for video games. Here are my favorites of 2019.

As 2019 comes to a close, DualShockers and our staff are reflecting on this year’s batch of games and what were their personal highlights within the last year. Unlike the official Game of the Year 2019 awards for DualShockers, there are little-to-no-rules on our individual Top 10 posts. For instance, any game — not just 2019 releases — can be considered.

2019 is the year when I decided to finally own the fact that I’ve become a cranky old man. On the whole, I straight up just don’t care about most AAA console games anymore. They mostly feel so toothless and “built by a focus group” feeling. To me, at least. Whatever, it’s my list.

By the same token, I have absolutely become a devout lover of the goofy, sloppy razor’s edge of brilliance that is virtual reality. I’ve also really enjoyed digging into my backlog a bit.

Here are the games I enjoyed the most in 2019.

10. Creed: Rise to Glory

Years ago, my wife made me a special The Good, the Bad and the Ugly movie print for my wall. It was a gorgeous and extremely thoughtful gift. Long story short –mid-punch, I cocked back my elbow and accidentally smashed that treasured memory.

Later, I lost track of where I was facing and punched my bookshelf, knocking off a flower statue from a late relative. The statue lost a petal, but I guess it’s mostly fine.

My brother went full-pickle bloodthirsty trying to murder someone. He lunged forward and head-butted my Ikea TV stand, crashed the game and the PSVR visor while nearly giving himself a concussion.

Highly recommended experience. Try not to punch your grandma.

9. WipeOut Omega Collection

For those who don’t play VR games, you’ve probably heard of something called “comfort settings.” These vary by game, but basically, comfort settings are the equivalent of admitting you’re too weak and feeble to handle a little baby video game.

Choosing to enable them is the equivalent of saying “this porridge is too hot!” and then including your “opposition to hot porridge” in your Twitter profile. Obviously, I never use comfort settings.

On a completely unrelated note, I vomit hot red wine on the carpet every time I play a few WipeOut Omega races. Then I lie in bed, screaming “Just give me five minutes?! I have a headache. A headache from work!” at my wife and child for the next few hours.

The point is that WipeOut Omega totally owns. This game is excellent in both VR and flat flavors.

Check out DualShockers‘ review for WipeOut Omega Collection.

8. Sea of Thieves

I’m still loving Sea of Thieves. In the past year, they have added a tremendous amount of content to the game. This includes Goonies-style treasure hunts, a dedicated PVP mode and plenty more. In all, the free updates have basically been a full-blown sequel for Sea of Thieves. Rare should be commended for their efforts, now and forever.

Beyond that, Sea of Thieves requires you to make your own fun. That’s the point. It’s not a bug, it’s a feature. We don’t get many games that give you the freedom to live without a specific required path to follow. It respects you too much to pretend a guided tour is the same thing as an adventure.

Sea of Thieves is quite possibly my console game of this generation. At the very least, it’s the one that’s provided the most laughs.

Check out DualShockers‘ review for Sea of Thieves.

7. Ultrawings

Make no mistake, Ultrawings is basically “a new Pilotwings.”

Confession: I never really liked Pilotwings on SNES and Nintendo 64. It seemed very boring. I just wanted to shoot things, but Pilotwings kept wanting me to care about obstacle courses and smooth flying. Today, in VR with a stick and throttle, I suddenly get it. The thrills of flying carefully through checkpoints and diving close enough to feel the spray of the ocean are suddenly very appealing to me.

It’s one of the great VR experiences that doesn’t get enough recognition. It’s a simple flight sim that anyone can enjoy. Throw on a VR visor and aim a fan at your face. Ultrawings is one of the most immersive games I’ve ever played.

Ultrawings is absolutely a must-have experience for any PlayStation VR owner, and it shows great in party settings. And let’s face it, that party aspect is pretty important for VR stuff.

6. Destiny 2: Shadowkeep

Look, Bungie added more lore and added a whole bunch more PVP stuff. That’s all I asked for. I’m happy with this. At this point, you know how you feel about Destiny 2. I don’t buy video game merchandise…but I own two Destiny Ghosts and both physical Grimoire volumes. I’m in too deep. I serve in the Crucible at Lord Shaxx’s pleasure.

But I absolutely understand why you might hate it.

5. Planescape: Torment

If you’re someone who cares about story and choice in gaming, but hasn’t played Planescape: Torment, hop to it. This was my third play-through of this classic game.

Planescape: Torment is straight-up one of the best-written games ever. If you value quality storytelling, world-building and player agency: this is the game you’ve been searching for.

That’s it. It’s terrific. Play it, Chief.

4. Shadowrun (Genesis)

Back in the console wars of the early ‘90s, I bled Sonic blue. Admittedly, us Genesis fans lost that war. Sonic is now an indentured servant to Mario in his little racing/fighting games.

But somehow, in spite of my zealotry, I never played Shadowrun. Because I’m an idiot. This is EASILY my favorite RPG from the Sega Genesis. It feels like an old-timey PC game that’s been somehow smashed onto the Sega Genesis.

The main mission is to uncover the mystery of your brother’s death. BUT, to do so you’ll need to become a pro-tier hacker guy. And once you get good at this, you’ll make so much money that it will make the main mission trivial. Basically: you play as a hacker/thief/hitman. Your skills involve detective work, computer hackery and shooting people in the backery. You do what you want, when you want. When you get a free moment, you push the story of your brother’s murder, confident in the knowledge that you will eventually brutally murder those responsible.

Shadowrun is so open-ended that it’s downright heartwarming. If you’ve never played it, but enjoy retro games with a bit of jank, it’s a great way to pass the time until Cyberpunk 2077 finally arrives.

3. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

I absolutely adore the first Deus Ex. It lived in that raw “CONSPIRACIES ARE FUN!” Art Bell Coast-to-Coast space. But times have changed. I get it. These newer Deus Ex games had to tone down the red-pill dispensary stuff. I don’t blame them. Devs need to make money. That’s fair.

That said, I was pleasantly surprised by Mankind Divided. It dropped most of the global conspiracy stuff in favor of a cool cyberpunk Phillip Marlowe detective story. Surprisingly, it works without feeling like a cop-out. The conspiracy stuff is revealed in the first game, but these are prequels. In the end, I really, really loved it.

On the downside, the ending cuts off a bit too close for comfort, so I hope we get a third Adam Jensen game. That said, it wraps up the smaller mysteries and I really dug this one.

Check out DualShockers‘ review for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.

2. Death Stranding

Look, enough has been written about Death Stranding to fill a crater on the moon. Let’s cut it short and say that I’m on the supporting side. I adore this game.

Sue me, but I love Hideo Kojima, and I love that they let him run naked through the wildflowers for this one. It’s a damn solid hiking game and a fun open-world. I totally understand why a lot of people don’t like it. For me, it’s basically Dark Souls: American Truck Simulator…and that is directly up my weirdly specific alley.

Check out DualShockers‘ review for Death Stranding.

1. Elite Dangerous

Speaking of trucking sims, Elite Dangerous is basically space truckin’. You get a job, then you fly for a VERY LONG monotonous time across space, pick up your cargo and bring it back. OR, you can mine asteroids for rare minerals. Or murder idiots for bounties. Or smuggle contraband like Han Solo. Or a combination of all of these.

The emphasis here is on simulation. Elite Dangerous is a painstaking recreation of what it might be like if your engine were to go on fire while you’re in deep space…but you’re not sure why, so you have to quickly dig through menus to find a malfunctioning component. When you finally stop that terrible alarm…space-pirates are outside.

I have three copies of this game. I’ve reset my character multiple times just to try out new user experiences. I love Elite Dangerous.

Hell, I bought a new chair so I could attach my HOTAS to the seat.

I bought a cheap Odyssey+ VR headset so I can look around my ship.

I purchased an onboard computer AI voiced by Brent Spiner so I can listen to Star Trek’s Data explain the cosmos while I tool around in space.

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Elite Dangerous is basically a slow-moving night job that I utterly adore. It’s gorgeous. It’s complicated, and it terrifies normal people. I’ll be playing this for years.

Check out the rest of the DualShockers staff Top 10 lists and our official Game of the Year Awards:

December 23: DualShockers Game of the Year Awards 2019 December 25: Lou Contaldi, Editor-in-Chief // Logan Moore, Managing Editor December 26: Tomas Franzese, News Editor // Ryan Meitzler, Features Editor December 27: Mike Long, Community Manager // Scott White, Staff Writer December 28: Chris Compendio, Contributor // Mario Rivera, Video Manager // Kris Cornelisse, Staff Writer December 29: Scott Meaney, Community Director // Allisa James, Senior Staff Writer // Ben Bayliss, Senior Staff Writer December 30: Cameron Hawkins, Staff Writer // David Gill, Senior Staff Writer // Portia Lightfoot, Contributor December 31: Iyane Agossah, Senior Staff Writer // Michael Ruiz, Senior Staff Writer // Rachael Fiddis, Contributor January 1: Ricky Frech, Senior Staff Writer // Tanner Pierce, Staff Writer

December 29, 2019 10:00 AM EST

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2019/12/dualshockers-favorite-games-of-2019-meaneys-top-10/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dualshockers-favorite-games-of-2019-meaneys-top-10

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apsbicepstraining · 7 years ago

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Super Bowl LI prediction: Patriots’ stout protection to tip scales against Falcons

Paolo Bandini: New Englands stout defense will build the difference in a mouth-watering matchup between the two best quarterbacks in the tournament this season

Success is supposed to be fleeting in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons are a case study in how its meant to be in a league whose formation is designed to promote parity. After starting 14 -2 and contacting their first Super Bowl in 1998, they failed to even get back into the postseason for another four years. The exact same thought happened after they travelled 13 -3 and reached the NFC title recreation in 2012.

And now, all of a sudden, they are back in the large-hearted dance.

The New England Patriots, of course, do circumstances differently. This will be their seventh Super Bowl appearing since hiring Bill Belichick as leader tutor in 2000. No other squad has played in more than three over the same span.

Does that mean they will win on Sunday? Not inevitably: we have find Belichick lose on the current stage before. Admittedly, merely against the New York Giants, but six recreations maybe isnt a large enough sample size to deduce that no other adversary could disturb them.

So, lets try and violate this one down through the matchups instead. But first, a speedy update on our Pick The Playoffs contest, where three readers have called all 10 competitions accurately so far.

Can mmmbop8 6 , nbcnfl or ShadowWarrior make it a clean sweep? Or will they fall at the final impediment? Ill post the full bears in specific comments slouse shortly, but if youre within a moment of the result, do include a score prophecy for Sundays game – this will be used as a tie-breaker, if required, to decide our winner.

For now, I can announce that castigers is our overall champ for the combined regular season and postseason tournaments, having built a two-point contribute over the rest of the field with only the one competition left to play. Do assemble me in commending them on an impressive 72 remedy selects out of a possible 112 thus far( and gives not forget that two of those activities ended in ties ).

Falcons offense v Patriots defense

Atlanta extended the NFL in scoring during the course of its regular season, with Ryan averaging a nonsensical 9.3 grounds per overtaking attempt and generally performing at a tier above anything he had produced in his( already solid) career. Meanwhile , no team gave up fewer moments than the Patriots.

Its worth noting that the Falcons have not just been running up the scores against bad teams. According to Football Outsiderss advanced DVOA metrics, they faced the second-most efficient group of protections of any crew in the NFL this season. Atlanta put 38 extents on Arizona, 29 on Kansas City, 23 on Denver and then 36 on Seattle last month in the playoffs.

The Patriots have just faced a unit all season with anything close to this offensive potential. They did curtail the Steelers to a combined 33 places in two fits, but Pittsburgh were missing Ben Roethlisberger in week seven, and lost LeVeon Bell early in the AFC championship game.

What does the Falcons so dangerous is the reach of weapons at Ryans disposal. Julio Jones is an extraordinary flair quite possibly best available wide-ranging receiver in the league but if it was just a question of obstructing him in check then I would have no reluctance backing the Patriots to do so, especially after viewing how they contained Antonio Brown utilizing constant double-teams.

Repeating that strategy against Atlanta, nonetheless, would appear riskier. The Falcons do not have a standout No2 option in the receiving activity, but what the hell is do have is a whole casting of reliable pass catchers and playmakers, from Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel at receiver to Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman coming out of the backfield. Assign two advocates to Jones, and will you still have enough left over?

Julio Jones, perhaps the NFLs better wide-cut receiver, will give New Englands defense a potent objection. Image: USA Today Sports/ Reuters/ USA Today Sports

The obvious alternative would be to let Malcolm Butler track Jones everywhere. He is one of few actors in the NFL who might be capable of deeming his own in such a duel. But we have not often investigated Belichick making this rigid employment of his No1 corner.

More likely, I suppose, is that the Patriots will spate the field with defensive backs, leaving as few as six souls in the box and challenging Atlanta to stay patient and extend the dance. The Falcons are quite capable of doing so, but would they stay patient enough in that scenario?

And there is at least a possibility that such an approach could play right into Atlantas handwritings. They have applied the play-action more often,( on 27.6% of Ryans passing plays, according to ProFootballFocus) and more efficiently, than any other squad in the conference. Build the lope early on with a couple of tallying drives, and suddenly it gets that little bit harder for champions to fight the bogu.

Otherwise, the one big concern I have for Atlanta on this back of the pellet revolves around the fitness of core Alex Mack, who disabled his ankle during the NFC championship game. The single most important participate on an offensive front that has helped tremendously from being able to start the same five players in every tournament, he has practiced the coming week and expected to begin on Sunday, but will he be at 100%?

That ankle is sure to be tested by an encounter with New Englands 350 lb defensive undertake, Alan Branch. If it fails, Atlanta might be in big trouble.

Patriots offense v Falcons defense

As brilliant as Ryan has been this season and I have already obliged my example for why I think he should prevail the MVP there is at least an arguing to be made that Brady, after returning from his exclusion, was even better. How do you combat a guy who completes more than 67% of his legislates, and who has a moronic 132.8 quarterback rating on third down?

The obvious rebuttal is to hit him before he gets the chance to move. Obvious, but incredibly difficult to achieve. Brady took a merely 19 sackings in 14 starts( playoffs included) this season and has excelled against the blitz for years.

Almost every unit that has toppled New England in a playoff game in the last decade has been able to generate consistent pres without sending extra humankinds after him. In possibility, Atlanta have the personnel to do the same. Vic Beasley contributed the league with 15.5 sackings in the regular season, whilst Dwight Freeney remains a highly effective situational periphery rusher as well.

In practice, though, I have some uncertainties. Beasley is yet to record a sacking in the playoffs, and you could make a event that his regular season figures in that district overstate his effectiveness. His 56 total quarterback pressures simply graded 18 th in the NFL, and he is likely to spend a significant part of Sundays game lining up opposite New Englands right attack, Marcus Cannon a man who has not allowed a sack since week one.

Whether Atlantas onslaught can fluster Tom Brady will prove crucial to the Falcons risks. Photograph: Charlie Riedel/ AP

Brady should be content to get the ball out speedily, more. The Falcons missed 136 tackles this season, according to ProFootballFocus, and allowed opposing ball-carriers to gain an average of 2.89 gardens after initial contact. Those were, respectively, the second-worst and worst such numbers of any squad in the tournament.

A reasonable conclusion for Belichick and his coaching faculty would be that it makes more sense were concentrated in plays that get the ball into receivers sides close to the line of scrimmage rather than taking kills downfield. None executing the simple-minded slant-flats elapsing theories better than Brady, who, like Ryan, has a abundance of various types of targets to is targeted at.

Chris Hogan has been the idol of New Englands playoff display so far, and his sizing cam be an asset against a protection that prizes speed over dominance. Belichick might be allured to soften Atlanta up early, use heavy organisations with a heavy quantity of LeGarrette Blount and Martellus Bennett. But if not then, hey, Julian Edelman, Dion Lewis and James White all know how to do detriment, extremely.

Special teams

The Falcons might have a slight edge up the third phase, though I dont think its a huge one. Kicker Matt Bryant has put together best available season of his profession at 41 years old, the coverage forces have been solid and Eric Weems ranked sixth in the conference with an 11.4 yard punt income average. The Falcons own punter, Matt Bosher, should be feeling fresh-legged, afforded hes exclusively had to boot the pellet 44 times all season.

New Englands Ryan Allen is solid, as are the coverage gangs. There have been a few proceed mishaps during the course of the season, but Dion Lewis led a commencement return back 98 yards for a rating against the Houston Texans in the divisional round. The only swoon crimson observe be connected to kicker Stephen Gostkowski whose often high standards have passed rather, with three extra stages and four field goals missed over the course of the season.

Pick

What prepares this such a fascinating matchup is the fact that, on the surface, you can find so much better about these teams that look similar. Brady and Ryan have been the two good quarterbacks in the tournament in 2016 -1 7, both have benefited from strong pass protection and each has a enormous arsenal of varied weapons at their disposal. I expect this to be a high-scoring play.

In the end, though, I do fantasize the Patriots will have an edge on defense. I dont repute either unit is going to have a great deal of rejoice rushing the passer unless Mack truly does fights for Atlanta but I do expect Belichick to do a better occupation of scheming to slow Ryan down, take away the deep ball and test the Falcons willingness to play patiently and chip away.

Perhaps they will rise to that challenge. But Im more inclined to trust the team Ive looked do it before.

Prediction: Patriots 34 -2 8 Falcons

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apsbicepstraining · 7 years ago

Text

Super Bowl LI prediction: Patriots’ stout protection to tip scales against Falcons

Paolo Bandini: New Englands stout defense will build the difference in a mouth-watering matchup between the two best quarterbacks in the tournament this season

And now, all of a sudden, they are back in the large-hearted dance.

Falcons offense v Patriots defense

Julio Jones, perhaps the NFLs better wide-cut receiver, will give New Englands defense a potent objection. Image: USA Today Sports/ Reuters/ USA Today Sports

That ankle is sure to be tested by an encounter with New Englands 350 lb defensive undertake, Alan Branch. If it fails, Atlanta might be in big trouble.

Patriots offense v Falcons defense

Whether Atlantas onslaught can fluster Tom Brady will prove crucial to the Falcons risks. Photograph: Charlie Riedel/ AP

Special teams

Pick

Perhaps they will rise to that challenge. But Im more inclined to trust the team Ive looked do it before.

Prediction: Patriots 34 -2 8 Falcons

The post Super Bowl LI prediction: Patriots’ stout protection to tip scales against Falcons appeared first on apsbicepstraining.com.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2vWkJKf via IFTTT

#IFTTT #WordPress

0 notes

apsbicepstraining · 7 years ago

Text

Super Bowl LI prediction: Patriots’ stout protection to tip scales against Falcons

Paolo Bandini: New Englands stout defense will build the difference in a mouth-watering matchup between the two best quarterbacks in the tournament this season

And now, all of a sudden, they are back in the large-hearted dance.

Falcons offense v Patriots defense

Julio Jones, perhaps the NFLs better wide-cut receiver, will give New Englands defense a potent objection. Image: USA Today Sports/ Reuters/ USA Today Sports

That ankle is sure to be tested by an encounter with New Englands 350 lb defensive undertake, Alan Branch. If it fails, Atlanta might be in big trouble.

Patriots offense v Falcons defense

Whether Atlantas onslaught can fluster Tom Brady will prove crucial to the Falcons risks. Photograph: Charlie Riedel/ AP

Special teams

Pick

Perhaps they will rise to that challenge. But Im more inclined to trust the team Ive looked do it before.

Prediction: Patriots 34 -2 8 Falcons

The post Super Bowl LI prediction: Patriots’ stout protection to tip scales against Falcons appeared first on apsbicepstraining.com.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2vWkJKf via IFTTT

#IFTTT #WordPress

0 notes