#tactical game innovations

[asclepias0819]

ALSO I GOT UTK2 FOR CHRISTMAS FROM MY MOM!!!!!!!! i hate the inflation of prices for ds games tho like she said it was $100 and it didn’t even come in the box like there’s no way it’s THAT obscure and “rare” or whatever ://// BUT I WILL TREASURE IT SO SO SO SO MUCH AND PLAY IT A LOT!!!!!!!!!

[legionofmyth]

How to play a tabletop RPG, and how to be an elitist jerk about it at the same time.

Level up your #TTRPG skills! 🎲 Our latest blog post demystifies tabletop RPG gameplay, explores the Hickman Revolution, and debunks elitist myths. Perfect for both newbies and veterans! Dive in now and roll your way to greatness. #TabletopGaming #RPGRevolution

I AM RIGHT; YOU ARE WRONG – GET OVER IT I received a lot of flack because of the second segment of the 12 Jan 2024 Some Rando RPG Livestream. There are many people who think that by focusing on one aspect of a role-playing game that they are some sort of true RPG purist or better at playing RPGs than other people. Newsflash: They are not! For my rant I cited my own RPG Harmony Axes graphic and…

[thealchemyofgamecreation]

Crafting "Hakan's War Manager": A Game Designer's Journey of Struggle and Discovery (Part I)

Check out my latest blog article about my suffering when designing our game "Hakan's War Manager". 🎮📚 Discover the challenges of creating a unique war simulation. #GameDesign #Hakan'sWarManager #ObaGames

Game development is a complex and challenging process that demands creativity, passion, and a deep understanding of the target audience. As a game designer, I embarked on a journey to create a unique simulation game that combines the elements of early Turkish tribe systems and ancient warfare history. This led to the birth of “Hakan’s War Manager,” a game where players assume the role of a…

[anim-ttrpgs]

Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy by A.N.I.M.

Allow us to introduce ourselves, we are The Agency of Narrative Intrigue and Mystery, or “A.N.I.M.”, a very small TTRPG studio based out of the southern U.S. but ultimately made up of people from many different walks of life.

Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy, our debut TTRPG, is a neo-noir investigation-focused RPG with (as you can probably guess from the title) a supernatural twist, that is currently in production after an extremely successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.

How far would you go to learn the truth?

Play amateur detectives caught up in things they barely understand, and explore how the lives of your characters unravel as they push themselves to dig deeper into the unknown!

Eureka innovates on and revolutionizes investigative gameplay, TTRPG combat, and what it means to play as a monster as a character in a TTRPG, filling several voids we have noticed in the TTRPG space. Eureka supports investigation to a degree never before seen, ensuring that searching for clues is a granular and player-driven process, but also ensuring that the whole story doesn’t grind to a halt after one single failed investigation check.

Character-driven gameplay!

Stats and abilities are based on who your character is as a person. Freeform character creation allows you to build a totally unique little guy, and have a totally unique gameplay experience with him! This is supported by the backbone of the Composure mechanic. Stress, fear, fatigue, and hunger will wear your investigators down as they trudge deeper into the unknown. Food, sleep, and connections with their fellow investigators are the only way to keep them going!

Secrets inside and out! 

Any investigator could be a monster, helping their friends while trying not to reveal their true natures. The party will learn to trust and rely on each other, or explode into a tangled net of drama!

Though most PCs will be mundane humans—or perhaps because most PCs will be mundane humans—Eureka also supports playing monstrous PCs, such as a vampire, in a way never seen before. This isn’t just a watered-down stat bonus, it’s like playing an almost entirely different game, with all the monster’s strengths and weaknesses to account for while solving the mystery, plus the added incentive to keep it a secret from the other PCs as well as their players.

(You can also play as something like The Thing from John Carpenter's The Thing!)

If you like or are interested in Call of Cthulhu, Monster of the Week, Dresden Files, X-Files, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Apocalypse Keys, World of Darkness, or Gumshoe, you’ll probably find something in Eureka to really enjoy.

Intense, tactical combat! 

Hits are devastating, and misses are unpredictable–firing a gun will always change the situation somehow, for better or for worse!

Now in Technicolor!

Evocative artwork from talented femme-fatales @chaospyromancy and @qsycomplainsalot and the mysterious @theblackwarden paint a gorgeously-realized portrait of a world with shadows lurking in every corner.

Elegantly designed and thoroughly playtested, Eureka represents the culmination of three years of near-daily work from our team, as well as a lot of our own money. If you’re just now reading this and learning about Eureka for the first time, you missed the crowdfunding window unfortunately, but you can still check out the public beta on itch.io to learn more about what Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy actually is, as that is where we have all the fancy art assets, the animated trailer, links to video reviews by podcasts and youtubers, etc.!

You can also follow updates on our Kickstarter page where we post regular updates on the status of our progress finishing the game and getting it ready for final release.

Beta Copies through the Patreon

If you want more, you can download regularly updated playable beta versions of Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy earlier, plus extra content such as adventure modules by subscribing to our Patreon at the $5 tier or higher. Subscribing to our patreon also grants you access to our patreon discord server where you can talk to us directly and offer valuable feedback on our progress and projects.

The A.N.I.M. TTRPG Book Club

If you would like to meet the A.N.I.M. team and even have a chance to play Eureka with us, you can join the A.N.I.M. TTRPG Book Club discord server. It’s also just a great place to talk and discuss TTRPGs, so there is no schedule obligation, but the main purpose of it is to nominate, vote on, then read, discuss, and play different indie TTRPGs. We put playgroups together based on scheduling compatibility, so it’s all extremely flexible. This is a free discord server, separate from our patreon exclusive one. https://discord.gg/7jdP8FBPes

Other Stuff

We also have a ko-fi and merchandise if you just wanna give us more money for any reason.

We hope to see you there, and that you will help our dreams come true and launch our careers as indie TTRPG developers with a bang by getting us to our base goal and blowing those stretch goals out of the water, and fight back against WotC's monopoly on the entire hobby. Wish us luck.

[mynicosensesaretingling]

A change of mind

Jenson Button x fem!reader

summary: (Y/N) is Hertz Team Jota‘s physiotherapist at Le Mans. However, there seems to be a mutual sense of dislike between her and Jenson Button.

warnings: none.

note: I wrote this immediately after the race ended ( state of brain is error)

Hope you enjoy x

——

The sun had just settled over the Circuit de la Sarthe, casting a golden hue across the track and surrounding pits, as the air was buzzing with anticipation for the Le Mans 24 Hours race. Teams and drivers were running through their garages, making final preparations, striving for perfection in the gruelling endurance race.

Among the sea of mechanics and engineers belonging to the Hertz Team Jota, (Y/N) stood with a confident expression on her face as she oversaw the final checks on her equipment. (Y/N) was the lead physiotherapist within the team, renowned for her innovative approach to sports medicine. Her methods were a blend of traditional techniques and cutting-edge science, a combination that had earned her respect in the male-dominated field.

Noting down some tactics, the girl was determined to ensure her drivers were in peak physical condition and ready to tackle the gruelling demands of the race.

As she checked her equipment one last time, she noticed Jenson Button, the former Formula 1 champion, making his way towards her. He was surrounded by his entourage, exuding confidence and charisma. (Y/N) couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation. During one of her physio sessions, a fellow teammate had offhandedly mentioned Jenson's scepticism towards her rather new methods – making her silently feel offended by the fact that the former F1 driver was so quick to judge her work, without ever scheduling a session himself.

"Morning, Button," (Y/N) greeted him with a professional nod. "Morning," Jenson replied, his tone polite but guarded. "I hear you're the chosen miracle worker who's supposed to keep us in one piece for the next 24 hours."(Y/N) raised an eyebrow. "There are certainly no miracles required. All it takes is me doing my best and you trying to follow my advice, and we should get through this without any major issues." She huffed, focus falling back to her notes. Jenson smirked. "Ah, well. We'll see about that. I've been doing this a long time, you know." "I'm aware," (Y/N) replied coolly, not bothering to spare him another glance. "But endurance racing is a different beast. You'll need all the help you can get."

Jenson chuckled, though there was a hint of tension in his eyes. "I guess we'll find out soon enough." With that, he walked away, leaving (Y/N) to her preparations. Despite the clash, (Y/N) couldn’t let his scepticism distract her. The race was about to begin, and she needed to be at the top of her game.

The engines roared to life as the starting signal was given, and the cars took off, speeding down the track. The energy was electric, with fans cheering and cameras flashing. (Y/N) watched the cars disappear around the first bend, her mind already focused on the next 24 hours. This race was a marathon, not a sprint, and she knew that her role was crucial for the entire team.

The physiotherapist’s first patient was Norman Nato, another driver for Hertz Team Jota. He came in for a quick massage and some muscle taping before his stint. “How are you feeling, Norman?” she asked, her hands expertly working on his tight muscles. “A bit nervous, but ready,” he replied, wincing slightly as she applied pressure to a particularly tight spot. “You’ll do great,” she reassured him with a gentle voice. “Just remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body. If you feel any discomfort, let me know immediately.”

Norman nodded, his confidence bolstered by her calm demeanour. He quickly thanked her before being ushered back to the front of the garage. As he left to take his position, (Y/N) couldn’t help but let her eyes wander through the garage, when suddenly her ears picked up the familiar tone of Jenson's voice. “You really think a massage and some tape will do wonders for you?” the blonde’s tone wasn’t mocking rather amused, yet still annoying enough to earn an eye-roll from (Y/N) as she overheard the two drivers conversing.

Stretching her arms above her head, the woman let herself fall back into her chair, propping her legs up on a crate, as her eyes wandered to the screens displaying the Hertz Jota drivers’ vitals. “I gotta admit,” oh no, there he was again “a good old massage and a roll of tape- you’re TRULY revolutionising your field.” the sarcastic voice which previously had been at a safe distance, now was too close to her for comfort. Sighing, (Y/N) glanced up, finding Jenson leaning against the wall beside where she was sitting in her chair. “Just because my methods are rather modern, doesn’t mean I completely abandon the fundamental basics of my occupation.”

“Mhm.” the former champion hummed, arms crossed above his chest as he turned his head to look down at her. “Then I really don’t get what the fuzz is about.” His lips moved into a nonchalant pout, as he shrugged and kicked off the wall. “ Now,I’m even more certain that I am completely fine to manage without your ancient magic.” His eyes held a mischievous glint, as he glanced back at her before leaving the medical area. “God, I hope you don’t drive as unserious as you behave!” (Y/N) called after him. The rather unprofessional outburst earning her a few glances and the occasional chuckle from her fellow team mates.

Hours passed, and the race took its toll. The drivers rotated in and out of the cars, each stint pushing their physical and mental limits. (Y/N) was constantly on her feet, treating cramps, managing hydration, and applying her blend of traditional and advanced physiotherapy techniques to keep the drivers in top shape. In between treating several members of the team, (Y/N) couldn’t help but glance towards the monitor showing Jenson’s car. He was performing well, his experience evident in his smooth handling and strategic maneuvers.

Jenson’s first break came after a particularly grueling stint. Squinting at the bright lights withing the garage, he walked into the medical bay, his body language a mix of exhaustion and frustration. “Y/N,” he said, dropping into a chair. “I hate to admit it, but I think I could use some of that magic of yours.”

The physiotherapist who had previously stretching her aching muscles, stopped in her tracks and put her hands on her hips. "Oh, so now the great Jenson Button suddenly believes in my 'ancient magic'?" she replied, a hint of annoyance and sarcasm in her voice. Jenson gave her a rather tired smile in return. "I appreciate the flattery. Let's just say I'm open to trying new things." With a sigh, (Y/N) approached him, her demeanor professional but her irritation still simmering underneath her skin. "Alright, sit tight and let's get you sorted."

Jenson settled into the chair, stretching out his legs as he tried to hide the full extent of his exhaustion. Rounding the chair, (Y/N) began working on his muscles, the tension between them was almost palpable.

"You don't have to look so annoyed," Jenson muttered, wincing as she applied pressure to a particularly sore spot. "I'm not annoyed," (Y/N) replied, her tone clipped. "I'm just focused." "Right," Jenson said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because you're always this charming." (Y/N) paused for a moment, her hands still on his shoulders. "Look, Jenson, I don't know what your problem is with me, but I don't have time for this right now. It’s who knows how late at night and I have a job to do, as do you." The driver sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't have a problem with you. I just... I don't know. Maybe I underestimated you." "Maybe?" (Y/N) arched an eyebrow at the man’s words, resuming her work. "You're a real piece of work, Button." "Yeah, I've been told that before," he admitted, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

As the minutes ticked by, the silence between the pair grew more comfortable. (Y/N)'s hands moved expertly over his muscles, and Jenson found himself closing his eyes in relaxation despite his initial irritation.

"You're good at this," he said quietly, almost as if it pained him to admit it.

(Y/N) didn't look up. "I know." Jenson chuckled softly. "Confidence is key, I guess." "Confidence and skill," she corrected, finally meeting his gaze. "Which, believe it or not, I have plenty of." Jenson stared at her for a moment, a flicker of something in his eyes that she couldn't quite place. "I believe it," he said finally, his voice softer than she'd heard it before. "I guess I've been too quick to judge."

(Y/N)'s hands paused for a moment before resuming their work. "Apology accepted, but you're going to have to do more than just talk to prove it." He nodded, eyes darting back to the front of the garage, a determined look crossing his face. "Fair enough."

The hours of the night ticked by, the demanding weather testing everyone’s endurance. (Y/N) was a whirlwind of efficiency, moving between drivers, ensuring they were in the best possible condition to tackle their next stint. She had little time to dwell on Jenson, though she couldn’t deny a newfound respect (or was it even fondness?) for him as she watched him on the track.

During one of his breaks, Jenson found himself sitting next to the female physiotherapist yet again. "How's it going?" he asked, his tone more genuine than before. The woman shrugged, exhaustion starting to creep into her voice. "Busy. But we’re holding up."

He gave her a once-over, noticing how she kept flexing her hands and rubbing her shoulders. "You should take a break too, you know." (Y/N) scoffed. "I’m afraid the only break I’ll take , is when the race is over." Jenson shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Stubborn." "Takes one to know one," she shot back, but there was no malice in her voice.

As the night wore on, the grueling nature of the race became evident. Drivers, engineers, mechanics and several other crew members came and went, each stint pushing their physical and mental limits. Leading (Y/N)’s hands to seemingly never stop their movement, her mind laser-focused on her job.

Jenson’s final break came as the morning faded into noon. He was exhausted, every muscle in his body screaming for relief. His mind was set on autopilot to the medical area. Upon seeing him making his way over to her, (Y/N) wordlessly guided him to the chair with a gentle touch.

"Alright, Button.” she almost clapped her hands, but refrained from doing so upon remembering that some of the crew members were napping in the garage. “Let’s see what we can do," she exclaimed, her tone almost teasing.

Jenson, who was by now slumped in the chair, let out a tired laugh. "Do your worst."

The girl chuckled amused , as she stood behind him, starting to work on his neck. The former Formula 1 champion closed his eyes and let out a low satisfied hum upon feeling some of the tension leave his muscles."You know," he said, voice low,as he tilted his head to give her better access. "I never really gave you a chance. And I regret that."

Keeping her eyes trained on the movement of her fingers, she hummed. "You’re not the first one to underestimate me. But you actually might be the first to apologize."

Jenson sighed, one of his hands dragging over his face as his voice took on a sincere tone. "I mean it, (Y/N)." She paused, her hands moving from his neck to his shoulders, giving them an appreciative squeeze. "I appreciate that, Jenson. And I’ll hold you to it." He nodded, craning his neck to look up at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "Deal."

The race continued, the track conditions continiously deteriorating as the final hours ticked away. Jenson’s last stint was slowly coming to an end and (Y/N) almost felt annoyed with herself, as she caught her eyes once again wandering to the monitors in order to watch over Jenson’s vitals, as he navigated the treacherous course.

When afternoon arrived and both Hertz cars came into the pit, after successfully finishing the race, (Y/N) joined the rest of the team in gratulating the drivers outside of the garage. Despide the crash during hyperpole, Hertz Team Jota had managed to secure points by making an incredible comeback. The celebrations were loud and joyous. The happiness of her teammates infectious. She found herself surrounded by the jubilant crowd, laughter and cheers filling the air, as the adrenaline slowly started to vanish from the grounds of Le Mans.

As she was making rounds congratulating the other drivers, she spotted Jenson making his way towards her, his eyes sparkling with a mix of exhaustion and triumph, lips pulled into a satisfied grin and his hair an absolute mess.

"You did it," she cheered, her voice carrying a mix of pride and relief.

"We did it," Jenson corrected, stopping in front of her. "You were right. I needed all the help I could get." (Y/N) felt a smirk forming on her lips,as her eyes met his. "I'm glad you finally realized that. All it took was a 24 hour race to humble you." Jenson chuckled, his right hand resting above his heart as he looked down at her. "I have to admit, your methods truly worked wonders. I still feel like I owe you an apology for doubting you."

Upon hearing his genuine words,(Y/N) just waved a hand dismissively. "Let's just call it a learning experience." He nodded, his expression turning serious as he softly took hold of her arm. "I mean it, though. You kept me in top shape, and I appreciate it more than I can say."

"You're welcome, Jenson," she replied, her tone softening. "I'm just doing my job."

"Still," he insisted, "you went above and beyond. How about I make it up to you? Dinner, maybe?"

(Y/N) blinked, surprised by the offer. "Dinner?" "Yeah," Jenson said, a hopeful, almost sheepish, smile on his lips. "A chance to start over and get to know each other without all the bickering."

"Alright. Dinner it is." she accepted his offer, excited to explore where that new understanding, which had formed between the two, would take them.

[justmaghookit]

I've seen a lot of reviews and even casual saying that dav is "a bad dragon age game but a good action rpg" but i gotta say i...

I don't think it's a good action rpg? I think it's kinda mid?

I'm not gonna go on about the story and characters because you all already know how i feel about that. But the gameplay???

The gameplay doesn't innovate in anyway that hasn't been done before and done better by other games.

As I was playing I often turned to my partner and says "It feels like I'm playing God of War, but less fun." I remarked that Atreus was a far better combat companion than you companions in this game. That a character that was literally a CHILD was capable of taking down enemies on his own where the supposed Heros of the Veilguard cannot.

I felt like I was doing all this combat alone and the only thing my companions where good for was combos and occasional heals. I saw my partner desperately struggling to play as a ranged mage because there really are no dedicated tank options to pull enemy agro and the ones you DO get are inefficient. If you want to feel like a powerful ranged character you literally have to go into the combat settings and turn enemy agro DOWN.

The gameplay is also hurt by trimming the party down to a total of three instead of four.

Maybe I'm just a tactical games pilled bitch but i think to do away with those parts of DA entirely have hurt it. I think letting Rook use the dagger to access all your companions abilities was a mistake.

You SHOULD have to go back and switch your companions out to access hidden areas! And the maps should be flavoured in such a way that the companion who calls them home should be able to flex more when on their home turf!

"ooooh but its tedious" i hear you cry

and i cry back "i don't think you actually enjoy rpg's!!"

Personally I find a game holding my hand and going "its ok sweetie we did away with all those hard gameplay decisions for you" beyond insulting!

the repetitive enemy hordes, the copy and paste mage boss fights, the environmental puzzles that aren't really puzzles because you have the master key in your back pocket! You don't have to think about your party composition because everyone can heal and they're only useful for combos really because their damage output fucking sucks.

Honestly it just adds to the feeling that Rook is shouldering everything on their own, even though the game repeatedly tells you you aren't!! Look at all your friends helping!! Aren't they cool and strong and powerful? Best in their fields!!

And i go "really? i don't see it"

Your gameplay isn't good when every time I'm fighting a new repetitive horde of enemies all I could find myself thinking was

"Damn I should play BG3 again." Or "Man I should play God of War again."

And of course the always in the back of my mind "I wish i was playing Bloodborne"

[jovial-thunder]

Downtimes, module editor, water temple

Happy summer! There's smoke in Portland but it's not too bad. Bless firefighters. Work on Lancer Tactics continues apace.

This month has been mostly focused on the largest heretofore-untouched section of the game: downtimes and the module editor for designing the sequences between combats. We're not planning on doing anything particularly innovative or new in its design — if you've played Banner Saga, Fire Emblem (gameboy versions), or Rogue Squadron you'll recognize what's going on here.

Repair, level up, have visual-novel-style conversations with companions, do some light choose-your-own-adventuring, and pick & launch the next combat. All pretty standard downtime fare — games have pretty thoroughly explored these patterns as vehicles for narrative at this point.

The unique thing that Lancer Tactics is offering on this front is an editor to make your own entire campaigns. Classic games like Warcraft or Age of Empires had incredible scenario editors, but making anything more than a one-mission map was solely the domain of modders. Over the last few weeks, we've gotten a full basically-visual-novel-editor working ingame where you can orchestrate NPC story arcs, clocks ticking, branching paths, and triggered events for all the stuff that happens between combats.

All of the campaigns we ship with the game are going to be made with these same editors, which'll force us to really make sure that they're solid tools. I think it'd be very funny to someday see someone like completely ignore all the mech stuff and just make a visual novel in this engine.

There's no new preview game build this month because adding this big section of the game means too many things are under construction. I'm happy with how fast we've been able to get this going, but making ingame editors is a lot of unglamorous UI piping and data refactoring work. Fingers crossed that it'll come together enough that we'll be able to get the first version of this editor in your hands in time for the next update

Other Changelogs

Carpenter has started re-making the tutorial level from the demo in this new engine, which is pushing us to add a bunch of stuff to the combat editor. I added triggers for playing arbitrary effects on the map, moving the camera, storing arbitrary data to the battle/module states, enabling/disabling/triggering other triggers, AND/OR conditions, and putting execution limits on triggers.

Triggers can highlight UI or actions (so it can be like "use the boost to get through!" and the boost button becomes all shiny)

New "camera start" zone type

Added a "hotspot" zone type that has a little floating title, and plastered the names of other zones on the map (visual style stolen from some Foundry VTT modules)

Added water, whose level can be set via the editor or triggers.

Added unmounted pilots who can mount up into Shut Down mechs. We continue to plan to not have pilot combat be a part of the core game, but it'll be useful for scenario or scripted sequences.

Added activation pips and template icons to the mini healthbar on units.

A bunch more portrait editor assets from Martina, including facial hair. Here's a check Carpenter did where he tried to recreate some official Lancer art ingame. ✨

Schedule update

Taking a look at our original date for the "bones" of the game ("finishing the battle engine, basic character creation, 2 mechs per manufacturer, and an a 'instant action' mode"), we estimated being able to get it done by the end of November. The emotional milestone for me on this front is getting the game to a complete enough state that I feel OK about swapping it in on the itch.io page.

I've been saying that the 3D cataclysm has pushed us back back about 3 months, and I think that's still holding true. Carpenter and I haven't officially made the call yet, but I think it's likely we'll need that time to port more mech content; here's a graph they made that shows about where we're sitting on the PC and NPC mechs for the "bones" target in terms of mechanics and action icon/sprite. 

(This data is pulled from a big table they made that includes ALL talents/gear/traits where we've been marking things off as we've implemented them. Very handy for tracking where we are.)

That's all for now. Tata!

[txttletale]

Wtf is Lancer and why is it shit (serious question)

lancer is a tabletop roleplaying game made by the guy who drew kill six billion demons and another guy. i wouldn't call it 'shit', necessarily--it's good in a lot of the ways that matter. it's first and foremost a tactical mech combat game and on that level it's incredible. its ruleset is finely tuned, provides great amounts of GM support to make running what might otherwise be overwhelmingly crunchy combat easier, and has a truly stunning and cool level of character customization available. so as a game, i think it's great fun to play and run, genuinely innovative, and a huge step forward for battlemap tactical wargame type TTRPGs in general.

the lore though, kind of sucks. i think it has two clear and overlapping core problems. problem #1 is that it is a utopia as envisioned by a social democrat. it's a world which the text describes as 'post-capitalist' (but there are still evil megacorporations with private armies who own slaves) and 'post-scarcity' (but only in the developed 'core' systems, so. y'know. there's scarcity). at many points in the text they say that Union (the game's main faction) is utopian, throwing around that exact word a bunch of times as well as 'mutual aid' and 'direct action' and the like. but what they describe is just kind of an imperialist Space Sweden with several distinct forms of slavery that constantly expands and uses its Benevolent Imperial Power to intervene on the Backwards Violent Worlds on its outer border but its good because its just trying to bring them UBI.

to show what i mean, here's one of the game's writers¹ talking about how it would be morally wrong for Union to, say, appropriate the property of a private military corporation that also operates as a fascist nation-state:

it's 'revolution' as imagined by the limpest of social democrats. and of course this would honestly be fine, whatever, most sci-fi settings are fundamentally achingly liberal, but the game goes so out of its way to signpost how Radical it is and how Hopeful and Liberationist you're meant to see the setting as

the other core problem is closely related--it feels like the lancer guys put every cool sci-fi idea they had into lancer even when it completely clashes with the core ideas behind it. like, AIs in this settings are callled 'NHPs' (non-human persons) and they're eldritch god-like beings from another dimension who have be kept 'shackled' (lancer's words, not mine!) to keep them as pliant and obedient AI assistants instead of hostile eldritch abominations. this is obviously horrifying and dystopian but it rules, it would be sick fucking worldbuilding for something with the tone of 40k or a one-off doctor who or star trek episode--but as a fundamental technology foundational to what we are supposed to believe is a post-revolutionary society founded on mutual aid and solidarity and blah blah blah it's glaringly dissonant.

bear in mind this is all just going off the rulebook. lancer fans have told me that the supplements and campaign modules fix some of this or contextualise it. but on the other hand communists have told me that they make it worse and i trust the communists more. i leave you with this incredible passage from the game's foreword:

[cator99]

My favorite things to draw when I was 5-7: crazy water slides, public pools, pages upon endless pages of what I felt were incredibly innovative water park designs, sometimes roller coasters but I'd never been on one nor was I interested in them in the slightest it was just that when I was feeling really bold I would try to find a way to implement moving parts or more complex machinery in my water park designs and then I'd have to think about the implications of that and accept that roller coasters were "in" and at least consider adapting that to my plans, death traps if I was angry (separate journal), water park death traps, tigers eating people (i believe my dad still has one of these because he thought it was funny), people from the Maury show, my own Maury show original characters complete with backstories, games based on the "is it a woman, or a man dressed as a woman?" segment of the Maury show (I would try to make my sisters guess which one in the line up of my drawings was a man dressed as a woman which made sense to me– as the artist– but seemingly very little sense to anyone else. They humored me regardless. But if they guessed it too fast i would just straight up lie n be like WRONG that lady was just tall for no reason and I tricked you! ...I had to switch up my tactics add more height variation and assign the ladies hairyness & no boobs at random but I couldn't make it so there was absolutely no give-aways for the man in the lineup because there always had to be some sort of Tell... bigger hands usually......... yeah very difficult game to play on paper), my jazz singer and ice skater OCs, sometimes I would draw weird things and then leave them in my neighbours mailboxes and this varied anywhere from just whatever I thought was "scary" (tigers eating people, for example) to innocent drawings of the people in the house, to depictions of these people naked or "having sex"(very interpretive as I was still workshopping what that might look like based on information gleaned from Maury and my older sisters diaries), uh, sometimes if i thought the people there were nice i drew pictures of flowers and stuff too though so it's not like i was entirely a public menace... although–

[isthepame]

Review Ch. 281: "The Formula of Evolution."

Evolutionary Symbiosis

The chapter kicks off with Ego explaining genetic evolution. As we all know from our school biology lessons, every individual is born with half of their genetic material coming from their father and the other half from their mother. That’s the standard rule. But sometimes, copying errors occur, and children are born with traits neither of their parents possess. For instance, the child could have a small limb, an unusual height, or extraordinary speed. Usually, this child gets excluded for their differences and doesn’t pass on their genes when they reproduce. However, that unusual trait might be advantageous and perfectly suited to the environment. Something positive happens, and this trait proliferates through natural selection, eventually becoming a standard for the species. This process repeats over and over until the original species transforms into something entirely different. That’s evolution in a nutshell.

Ego emphasises to Anri that we need to study and evolve; we can't stagnate, or else we’ll be eliminated by natural selection.

As mentioned earlier, those born with such traits often face exclusion and struggle to be understood by their peers; their lives tend to be tough. That distinctive trait could be a gene that allows humanity to evolve. This trait is something that simply can’t be ignored. These characteristics, these areas, generate unique expressions of both body and mind, and those who have them project these expressions to the world.

To Ego, those who possess such revolutionary expressions are what he calls ‘geniuses’. Nowadays, society believes that innovation isn’t something a genius can achieve alone. Someone has to discover that seed, understand its value, and communicate it to the world. By showcasing its viability and reproducibility, it becomes a global standard.

The concept of genius is transformative because it challenges the traditional view of genius as something isolated and solitary. For Ego, the true genius doesn’t just stand out because of natural talent; they excel because of their ability to recognise and exploit the potential of things others can’t see. That’s why the evolution of humanity doesn’t solely rely on geniuses; it also involves talented learners, who play a key role in adapting and applying a genius’s ideas to new realities.

Geniuses and talented learners must coexist. The latter are the ones who develop new tactics, using data to counteract the geniuses. This is where talented learners create plays based on that new type of logic.

The combination of geniuses and talented learners is the formula for evolution. They are always on the same stage. Within this stage, the talented learners have their own path to becoming the best in the world. This symbiosis mirrors how ideas and action complement each other in the process of evolution, both in football and in life. As we’ve seen with the characters in Blue Lock, geniuses aren’t just individuals with exceptional skills—they’re also those who know how to leverage their talents alongside others to create something even greater.

At first, Isagi still believes that the geniuses around him on the field are unattainable. That is, until he realises that he’s always fought as a talented learner. He copies, analyses, and makes his own adjustments based on what he observes from his opponents.

Yoichi comes to the realisation that the geniuses on the field are battling it out amongst themselves, and none of them are going to pass the ball to someone like him. People just want to see that one perfect goal that’ll end the game. Isagi understands that he has to steal the ball himself, but again he’s outpaced by Loki, taking another hard hit to his reality. He starts to believe that he’s not capable, that he doesn’t have a chance as he watches Loki and Noa battling for the ball. He sees himself facing a genetic wall he can’t surpass.

This moment is pivotal because Isagi is confronting his deepest limitation: his perception of being just a learner in the presence of geniuses. However, this confrontation with reality is exactly what drives him to grow. Personal evolution, in this case, doesn’t happen through luck or innate talent; it’s about the will to push forward despite the odds.

Suddenly, Kaiser appears beside him, ready to challenge those two geniuses for the ball. Michael feels that the situation is unfair, but he heads into the thick of things, competing alongside the geniuses, because the genius and the talented learner coexist in the same space, unlocking their potential.

This last point highlights a fundamental idea: "geniuses" aren’t isolated—they can be surpassed or complemented by those who, through learning and observation, adapt to circumstances and, at the same time, make the geniuses evolve. This struggle, which seems like an unfair fight for the learners, is ultimately what differentiates those who remain stagnant from those who reach new heights.

In conclusion, the chapter reminds us that evolution isn’t just a biological process; it’s also a constant battle between the established and the new. The key lies not just with the geniuses, but in the ongoing interaction between them and the talented learners, those who can observe, adapt, and transform the rules of the game. Isagi, in his confrontation with the geniuses, is not only facing a wall of skill but also the realisation of his own limitations. However, it’s in this very struggle where his true opportunity for growth arises.

Evolution, both in football and life, isn’t a fixed destination, but rather a journey filled with challenges and transformations. It’s the result of the coexistence of innovation and adaptation, how the extraordinary merges with the seemingly ordinary to create something entirely new. As Ego says, the key is not to stagnate, not to give in to the pressure from the geniuses, because even in adversity, the talented learner has the power to change the course of history. The real challenge is to keep evolving, to recognise opportunities to learn, and ultimately, not to fear being the one who challenges the established order to create something truly unique.

by @isthepame / isthepame

[bitchiswild]

Sweet Confessions Confections

Nakamura Kazuha x F! Reader

Warnings: None, Fluff

Word Count: 4k

A/n: enemies to lovers>>>>>>>(but like barely)

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Opening Sugar & Spice had been a dream come true. Customers adored the freshly baked goods crafted with love, and the bakery was a buzzing hub of delight. But then, like a sudden storm on a sunny day, Kazuha's Sweet Serenade appeared right next door, stealing the spotlight and, worse, my customers. Her treats were undeniably good, and people were flocking to her bakery, leaving mine emptier by the day.

At first, I tried to brush it off, believing that competition was just a part of the game. But as days turned into weeks, and the bustling traffic around Sweet Serenade remained constant while mine dwindled, frustration bubbled within me. I felt like my hard work was being overshadowed by her sudden presence. My passion for baking was my lifeblood, and seeing customers flock elsewhere was disheartening.

I began considering drastic measures. Thoughts of retaliating in ways that weren’t exactly above board crossed my mind. Perhaps I’d spread rumors about Sweet Serenade’s ingredients or start a smear campaign. But as much as I was seething with anger, I knew that wasn’t the way to handle things. Resorting to underhanded tactics would only tarnish the integrity I’d built with Sugar & Spice.

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The morning sun painted the street in warm hues as I approached my bakery, ready to start the day's preparations. Kazuha’s playful banter always added an extra layer of challenge to the morning routine.

“Good morning, Y/n!” Kazuha chirped as we both reached our respective doors.

“Ready for another bustling day?” Her playful tone carried an undercurrent of competitive spirit, which, truth be told, both frustrated and intrigued me.

“As prepared as ever,” I retorted, unlocking the door with a determined twist.

“I bet I’ll be seeing more customers than you today,” Kazuha teased with a mischievous grin.

Her comment got under my skin, not just because of the dwindling foot traffic but because there was a silent war of pride between us. I kept my cool, not letting her see the effect her words had on me.

“We’ll see about that,” I replied, masking any irritation in my voice, even as a spark of determination ignited within me.

Stepping into my store, the familiar scent of freshly baked goods enveloped me, providing a sense of comfort amidst the brewing rivalry. Kazuha's teasing lingered in my mind, mingling with a renewed sense of determination to reclaim my customers' attention.

Throughout the day, I threw myself into the tasks at hand, focusing on every detail of each treat. Yet, a part of my attention kept drifting towards Sweet Serenade next door. It wasn't just about the business competition anymore; it was about proving my commitment and passion for Sugar & Spice.

As I interacted with customers, I couldn’t help but sneak occasional glances at Kazuha's bustling bakery. The competition was fierce, but there was an unspoken understanding between us—a mutual respect for our craft.

While the rivalry fueled my determination, it also sparked a desire to innovate, to find new ways to draw customers back to Sugar & Spice. This wasn’t just a battle of bakeries; it was a test of resilience and creativity.

It was a bustling afternoon, with both Sweet Serenade and Sugar & Spice drawing in a steady stream of customers. The holiday cheer was palpable, and despite the equal turnout at both stores, I chose to focus on serving with a smile, letting the atmosphere speak for itself.

As the door chimed, signaling a new arrival, a friendly man greeted me, setting a pleasant tone for the encounter.

“Good afternoon!” he exclaimed.

“Good afternoon to you too, sir! What can I get for you today?” I responded warmly, eager to assist.

The man chuckled, a light-heartedness coloring his words, “Oh, goodness! I shouldn’t, my doctor would kill me. But I’m here to hand you this flyer for the town's annual holiday festival! And I think you should have a pop-up there!”

Receiving the flyer, I studied it with curiosity. “Sure, that sounds like a fantastic idea! It could be a great way to connect with the community and give a festive boost to business,” I replied, genuinely intrigued by the opportunity.

“Exactly! Who wouldn’t want their business booming, right?” The man chuckled as he headed towards the door. “Anyways, I have to go hand out some more flyers. Have a wonderful day!” he called out before stepping out of the store.

The idea of having a pop-up at the town's holiday festival was exhilarating. It seemed like a perfect chance to showcase Sugar & Spice to a broader audience, to spread the joy of our treats beyond the confines of the bakery. It also felt like a positive step, a glimmer of hope amid the recent challenges.

I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. This festival could be the opportunity Sugar & Spice needed to reignite the spark with our customers, to remind them of the warmth and delight our treats brought, especially during the festive season. With renewed enthusiasm, I started brainstorming ways to make our pop-up a memorable experience for everyone who'd attend.

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It was the day of the festival. I had all my treats ready and all the preparations set. I was ready to make my business boom again. But what I didnt know was that Kazuha was here too with her own pop-up… right across form me. I sigh in frustration and annoyance. Why does she have to be here. I questioned to myself.

“Hi Y/n!” Kazuha yelled across from her end to mines.

I had a blank stare and waved slightly.

“Ready to see whos business is buzzing today?” She said teasingly.

“Yeah its going to be me since my treats are better than yours.” I retored.

“Oh? Is that so? We’ll see about that.”

The festive atmosphere at the holiday festival was in full swing, both Sugar & Spice and Sweet Serenade drawing in crowds eager to sample our treats. The day was going splendidly, customers flocking to our pop-up, indulging in the holiday delights we had to offer.

But then, chaos struck. The heater meant to keep us warm malfunctioned, overheating and igniting a sudden blaze. Panic ensued as screams filled the air, my team and I desperately trying to contain the fire, our efforts futile against the spreading flames.

Amidst the pandemonium, I was so consumed by the urgency to douse the fire that I hadn’t noticed Kazuha darting across from her own pop-up with a fire extinguisher in hand. Her quick action was a blur amidst the chaos until I caught a glimpse of white smoke billowing from the extinguisher, suffocating the flames.

Her presence beside me, combating the fire, startled me, breaking through the panic. The initial shock was swiftly replaced by a deep sense of gratitude and relief. There she was, not just a competitor but someone willing to leap into action in a time of crisis.

As the chaos of the fire subsided, a surreal calm settled over the scene, the crackling flames replaced by wisps of smoke drifting into the winter air. Amidst the fading urgency, I turned towards Kazuha, our eyes meeting in a moment that transcended the rivalry between our bakeries.

There was a shared breath, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected unity in a time of crisis. Her presence beside me, fighting the flames with determination, spoke volumes—a testament to her quick reflexes and willingness to leap into action.

In that fleeting moment, something shifted, a subtle undercurrent of admiration mixing with the relief. It was more than just a rival offering aid; it was a glimpse of the person beyond the competition, someone whose courage and readiness to act resonated deeply.

As we stood there, our gazes locked amidst the fading smoke, I couldn’t help but sense a connection, an unspoken understanding that extended beyond the confines of our competing businesses. It was a moment that felt strangely intimate, a shared experience that brought us closer in an unexpected way.

There was an undeniable tension in the air, a complex interplay of emotions swirling amidst the aftermath of the extinguished fire. Despite my outward frustration and dislike for Kazuha due to the competitive situation, buried deep within me was an unexpected truth—I harbored a secret crush on her.

Beneath the surface of my annoyance at the rivalry she sparked, there existed a tangled web of conflicting feelings. The playful banter, the teasing exchanges, and even our disputes seemed to conceal a hidden attraction that I hadn't fully acknowledged until that moment.

It was an odd sensation, this realization. Amidst the chaos and the competitive edge, there was a peculiar warmth in my heart whenever Kazuha was around. I found myself drawn to her infectious enthusiasm for baking, her determination, and the spirited energy she brought to our shared neighborhood.

Despite the competitive facade and the outward attempts to outdo each other, there lingered a subtle magnetism—an unspoken connection that went beyond mere rivalry. It was as if there was an invisible thread linking us, hinting at unexplored possibilities that contrasted sharply with the outward friction between our bakeries.

As much as I resented the way her bakery seemed to steal my customers, there was a part of me that couldn't deny the admiration I held for her passion and dedication. It was a conflicting mix of emotions—dislike tinged with a hint of admiration and, somewhere beneath it all, an unexpected crush that I hadn't fully acknowledged until that moment of chaos and unexpected unity during the fire.

Though the festival continued around us, the air felt charged with a newfound energy, an unspoken promise of something more. Whether it was the beginning of a different kind of connection or simply a fleeting moment in the chaos, only time would tell. But in that moment, amidst the aftermath of the fire, it was clear that something had shifted between us, something that hinted at a deeper bond waiting to be explored.

In that moment of vulnerability, as tears threatened to spill, Kazuha's reassuring presence was a comforting balm. Her embrace was unexpected yet comforting, a silent reassurance amidst the chaos.

"Thank you, Kazuha. I don't even know what would have happened if you weren't here to help extinguish it," I confessed, my voice trembling with emotion.

"Hey, it's okay," Kazuha's calm tone offered solace as she hugged me, her gesture soothing the rawness of the situation.

As the reality of my ruined tent sank in, a tear escaped, and I couldn’t help but express my distress. "My tent is ruined," I gasped, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me.

"Y/n, it's okay. You can move to my tent. I'll make room for you, don't worry," she said, her gentle smile offering a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.

"Are you sure? I mean, we're competitors, and I wouldn't want to impose," I hesitated, my mind clouded with embarrassment and uncertainty.

Kazuha's unexpected proposal to cease our competition and collaborate left me momentarily speechless. It felt like a sudden shift from the rivalry that had defined our interactions for months.

"Even after all the banter that's been going on for months?" I questioned, taken aback by the sudden change in tone.

Her laughter, soft and reassuring, floated in the air. "I started those banters to get closer to you, because I like you," Kazuha confessed, her eyes revealing a vulnerability beneath the surface. "I have a hard time trying to talk to you and get very nervous around you, so the only way I can talk to you is through our banter, which is why I always initiate it."

Her admission caught me off guard, a mixture of surprise and understanding washing over me. The playful banter, the teasing exchanges—those were her attempts to bridge the gap, to break through the barriers between us.

The realization softened my stance. Beneath the competitive facade lay something more profound—an attempt to reach out, to connect in her own way. It was a revelation that shifted my perspective, unveiling a vulnerability I hadn't expected from Kazuha.

Her confession carried a sense of earnestness, of someone trying to navigate their feelings amidst the challenges of communication. And in that moment, the rivalry seemed trivial compared to the unexpected confession and the desire for a genuine connection.

Perhaps, amid the banter and competition, there was a mutual longing for understanding and connection that had eluded us both. Her words echoed in my mind, inviting the possibility of a different, more harmonious dynamic between us.

In that moment, amidst the chaos and the unexpected turn of events, a weight lifted from my shoulders. The competitive facade melted away, revealing a genuine connection that had been shrouded by misconceptions and playful banter. It was a revelation that left me feeling both relieved and oddly elated, realizing that perhaps there was something more meaningful waiting to blossom between us.

Kazuha's confession caught me off guard, her words weaving a surprising narrative behind her actions. Her admission of having a crush on me since the inception of her store left me feeling a mix of astonishment and a strange warmth in my chest.

"You like me?" I repeated, my voice tinged with disbelief and a hint of flattery.

She nodded, a sheepish smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, I thought you were the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. But I couldn't figure out how to get your attention. So, I kind of resorted to bantering, which, I know, was not the best approach, but it did lead us to talk, and my crush for you just deepened," she explained, her words tumbling out in a rush, her nervousness evident in her fidgeting.

Her confession unveiled a new layer to our dynamic, one that was both unexpected and oddly endearing. It was a revelation that brought clarity to the playful rivalry and teasing banter between us.

"I had no idea," I admitted, feeling a mix of surprise and a flicker of something more. "I guess I misinterpreted your actions completely. I thought it was all about the competition."

Kazuha let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head gently. "I should have been more direct. I'm sorry if I made things complicated. But I couldn't help myself; you were just... captivating."

The air felt charged with newfound understanding and a tinge of excitement. The tension that once hung between us now seemed to dissipate, replaced by a more genuine connection—one that had been there all along, buried beneath the facade of rivalry.

As we stood amidst the aftermath of the fire, our conversation took on a different tone, one laced with vulnerability and a growing sense of mutual attraction. It was a moment where barriers crumbled, allowing us to see each other beyond the roles of competing business owners, unveiling the potential for something deeper between us.

The transition to Kazuha's tent with our treats felt like a significant step, a merging of our efforts that surprisingly resonated with the customers. The day took a turn for the better as people flocked to our joint setup, eager to sample the array of pastries and treats we offered.

As the hustle and bustle of the festival continued, an older couple approached us, their smiles warm and their eyes filled with nostalgia for sweet delights.

"Oh, aren't you two such a cute couple, baking and working together," the lady cooed, her words laced with a hint of admiration.

Kazuha and I exchanged glances, our cheeks tinted with a simultaneous blush. "Sorry, ma'am, but we aren't dating. We haven't even been on a date," I explained, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

"Yet," Kazuha interjected with a teasing glint in her eyes, her gaze lingering on me, a playful grin tugging at her lips.

The older couple chuckled knowingly, sharing a knowing look between themselves. "Well, you two make quite the team, whether in business or," the gentleman paused, giving us a conspiratorial wink, "potentially something more."

Their playful comment left us both blushing and laughing, a shared moment of embarrassment and a hint of something unspoken hanging between us. It was as if the universe was nudging us, gently teasing at the possibility of a connection beyond the bakery rivalry.

As the day continued, the festival buzzed with excitement, our joint efforts proving to be a success as customers continued to flock to our tent. Amidst the laughter, the joy, and the shared tasks, there was an unspoken acknowledgment that perhaps, beyond the delightful treats, something sweet and unexpected was blossoming between us.

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The anticipation for the date with Kazuha had me both nervous and excited. As I got ready, the doorbell's ring signaled her arrival, prompting an excited flutter in my chest. I greeted her with a smile, my nerves tingling with anticipation.

When Kazuha revealed the bouquet of daffodils hidden behind her back, a gasp of delight escaped my lips. "Oh my gosh, they're beautiful!" I exclaimed, taking the flowers from her hand, their vibrant colors adding to the excitement bubbling inside me.

“The flowers mean new beginnings” Kazuha's soft words carried a weight of sincerity as we embarked on our date. The significance of the daffodils she had given me lingered in the air, their symbolism echoing in my mind.

"New beginnings between me and you," she murmured softly, her words laden with a sense of hope and possibility.

"Thank you," I uttered, moved by her heartfelt gesture. Embracing her in a hug, I couldn't contain the rush of warmth and appreciation that flooded through me. The simple act of presenting the flowers transformed the moment into something truly extraordinary.

With flushed cheeks betraying a mix of surprise and delight, I cherished the memory of that heartfelt exchange. After that sweet moment, we decided it was time to venture out, letting the excitement of our time together linger in the air.

As Kazuha drove us to our bakery, confusion flickered across my face. "What are we doing here?" I questioned, unable to fathom the reason behind our sudden visit.

Her gaze turned shy, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I thought for our first date, we could do something we both love doing, which is baking," she explained softly, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Her words instantly warmed my heart, a surge of happiness flooding through me. The thoughtful gesture caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of affection for her. "Kazuha, that's incredibly sweet and such a fantastic idea," I expressed, my voice brimming with gratitude and excitement.

Her consideration and willingness to share our mutual passion in such a meaningful way made the moment feel special. It was a subtle yet profound start to our first date, one that hinted at the potential for a beautiful connection rooted in our shared love for baking.

As we dived into baking together, the atmosphere brimmed with shared laughter and a sense of closeness. Mixing ingredients, shaping dough, and decorating pastries became a lively adventure.

In the midst of our baking frenzy, Kazuha's eyes glimmered mischievously. With a playful smile, she grabbed a handful of flour, aiming it in my direction. "Incoming!" she exclaimed, sending a cloud of flour flying towards me.

Caught off guard by her playful gesture, I burst into laughter, quickly retaliating by grabbing some flour of my own and tossing it back in her direction.

Before long, our light-hearted exchange evolved into a spirited flour fight. Flour billowed in the air as we laughed and dodged, both of us gradually becoming covered in the powdery substance. The once-pristine bakery now resembled a flour-covered playground, but the joy and mirth that filled the space made it all worthwhile.

Amidst the flurry of flour, our laughter rang out, creating an orchestra of delightful moments. The carefree ambiance allowed us to let loose, embracing the playful chaos as we continued our floury escapade.

With each toss and shared giggle, a sense of connection deepened between us. The shared experience of the flour fight became a testament to our budding relationship, forming memories that would forever hold a special place in our hear.

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The night air carried a gentle breeze as Kazuha walked me to my door, a quiet sense of contentment settling between us. Her voice broke the silence, soft and tentative.

"Y/n," she called out, her tone carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I know we started off on the wrong foot, but I had a wonderful time with you today."

A warmth blossomed in my chest at her words. "I had a great time with you too, Kazuha. I've never felt this way about anyone before," I confessed, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Kazuha's breath hitched slightly as she stepped closer, her eyes searching mine. "May I kiss you?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.

In that moment, I felt a surge of boldness. Without hesitation, I gently pulled her closer by the nape of her neck and leaned in, capturing her lips with mine. Kazuha responded immediately, her arms encircling my waist as our kiss deepened, filled with a mix of longing and passion.

The connection between us felt electric, a surge of emotions flowing between our intertwined bodies. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of our embrace and the tender fervor of our kiss.

As we finally pulled away, a softness lingered in the air, our breaths mingling as we held each other close. It was a moment filled with unspoken promises, a silent affirmation of the budding romance between us, signaling the beginning of something beautiful and exciting.

As Kazuha whispered her parting words, a soft smile graced my lips. "I'll see you in the morning," I confirmed, the warmth of the moment lingering between us.

With a gentle peck, our lips met one more time before she turned to walk away. I stood there, watching her leave, feeling a comforting warmth spread through my heart.

As I gazed at her retreating figure, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled me. The night felt like a prelude to something wonderful, a promise of shared mornings and the possibility of a beautiful future together.

With a contented sigh, I closed the door behind me, the echoes of our evening together lingering in my thoughts. The warm feeling in my heart reassured me that whatever the future held for both of us, it would be a journey filled with love, joy, and the blossoming of a beautiful connection that had only just begun.

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Years have flown by, and now Kazuha and I stand united in marriage. Our shared love for baking and each other led us to embark on a new chapter together. We made the decision to open a bakery, a dream we both held close to our hearts. Sweet Confections became our joint venture, a manifestation of our love for creating delightful treats and sharing them with the world.

As partners in life and in business, Kazuha and I poured our hearts into Sweet Confections. Our bakery became more than just a place to showcase our culinary skills; it became a reflection of our shared journey, a testament to our commitment to each other and our passion for crafting sweet delights.

Every morning, we'd step into the bakery, greeted by the aroma of freshly baked goods and the excitement of another day together. Side by side, we'd create an array of delectable pastries, cakes, and confections, infusing each treat with the love and care that defined our relationship.

Together, we welcomed customers, sharing not only our sweet treats but also the warmth and happiness that radiated from our partnership. Sweet Confections wasn't just a business; it was an embodiment of our shared dreams, a testament to our enduring love story.

With each passing day, our bond grew stronger, our partnership flourishing both in life and in our beloved bakery. Sweet Confections became a place where people didn't just come for delicious treats; they came for the love and dedication we put into every creation.

And as we continue our journey together, hand in hand, our love for each other and for the art of baking remains the sweet foundation upon which Sweet Confections thrives, a legacy we're proud to build and share, now and onward.

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[rottenshotgungames]

I want to start talking about my personal game design philosophy

Stop Saying “No”

Let’s be honest here, you’ve written a hard limit into at least one of your games. We all have, I certainly have. It’s one of those simple yet effective pieces of tech (one that’s existed since the dawn of games) that can be introduced to bring an option in line with some other option, or to prevent a scaling into eternity, or some other third thing. Maybe skills have maximums, or you can only use a certain number of consumables in a combat, or an item can only be activated every other scene or round. Whatever it is, you’ve written into your game a rule that tells the players, “No. You cannot do this thing.”

I think we overuse hard limits. My goal is to convince you that hard limits, that the “No” you’ve introduced into your rules, is the game design equivalent of junk food: easy to use and bad in large quantities.

My argument boils down to two simple points:

Hard limits are frustrating and boring

Hard limits limit your design

In addition, I will be detailing three alternatives to hard limits:

Costs

Consequences

Balance

Hard vs. Soft

Before we begin, I want to clarify the difference between a hard limit and a soft limit:

A hard limit can generally be defined as, "A rule which expressly forbids or otherwise disallows something, either in a given circumstance or in general."

A soft limit, in contrast, can generally be defined as, "A rule which disincentivizes or otherwise indirectly limits something."

Alright, on with the show.

Hard Limits are Frustrating and Boring

This is what I like to call the, “What do you mean I can’t use my telekinesis to disarm that guy??? That’s fucking stupid!” Put simply, people like using their toys, and people dislike being told they can’t use their toys for whatever reason. Even if you haven’t had as vitriolic of a reaction as the one described earlier, I’m more than positive you’ve felt this way toward some rule in an RPG at some point. Even if a hard limitation is completely reasonable, it can still be frustrating to encounter; I understand why I can’t raise my Skill levels above my character level in Pathfinder, but it was still annoying and saddening the first time I heard it.

There’s this tweet from a while back, in which one Mr. Joshy McCroo (@riseupcomus) argues that any hard CC that fully prevents you from taking actions is inherently poor design as it does nothing but frustrate the person that it’s used on. This is the very same concept, and for the very same reason: it’s just not fun.

The fundamental reason for the frustration caused by hard limits is that they restrict player choice. When you introduce a hard “no,” you often remove an opportunity to create interesting decisions, and decisions are the foundation of play. Boredom with a system or a situation is spawned by a lack of choice, by a necessity to perform the same action over and over or an inability to do anything. When you give players a variety of tools that can each be used consistently—particularly in tactical games—they will use those tools in interesting, creative, and fun ways; if you restrict those tools, restrict the freedom to use those tools as desired, boredom and frustration can set in quickly.

Hard Limits Limit Your Design

This point is less objective and far more experiential / personal. This isn’t meant to demean opposing views or differing design philosophies.

As stated earlier, hard limits are simple, effective, and easy to use. If you come up against a design wall, such as an option being too powerful or players over-centralizing, it can be easy to just institute a rule that says “You can’t use this constantly,” or “You can only have this many Gizmos™️,” but doing so will often deprive you of an opportunity to innovate or otherwise improve your design sense.

For me, learning design was a serious process of Example and Trial. I’d use reference points (such as RPGs or Video Games that I really liked) to guide me through tough decisions, and when I didn’t have that guide I’d just write and revise until something fit. Eventually, I realized that growing as a designer and developing my own philosophy meant expanding beyond (even if ever-so-slightly) my influences, and the balance shifted from Example(60)/Trial(40) to Example(30)/Trial(70). For me, the fun of design is coming up against these kinds of issues and seeing if I can develop a novel approach or take a stale approach and spice it up, and I feel myself getting better every time I try.

Hard limits are easy to use and generally (relatively) easy to implement, as such they offer less opportunity for growth.

Some alternatives to hard limits, and why you might consider using them:

Costs

Two prevalent examples of costs are weapon ammunition and (≥2) times per Scene/Combat/Rest/Day abilities (both of these can be found in D&D 3e onward and many of its derivatives).

A cost is basically just a hard limit that's been a few steps removed, but those few steps manage to turn it into a soft limit of sorts. Costs fundamentally take a hard "No" and turn it into a "Yes, but . . ."

This is probably the easiest alternative to implement, which explains why it's kinda found everywhere. Even spell slots in the Dragon Game are a form of cost limitation. It's also just a generally strong solution, usually removing a significant amount of frustration and adding opportunities for resource management gameplay. However, if not implemented with care or consideration for surrounding options, you could end up with people carrying over 500 arrows at any given time or once more falling into a set rotation of combat abilities that they perform round-to-round (thereby negating the boredom fix).

Consequences

This is my personal favorite alternative.

A consequence, like a cost, is a "Yes, but" that disincentivizes an option or changes how a player thinks about using that option. There are two major differences between a cost and a consequence:

Costs are always negative in nature (you are spending something as part of doing something), consequences can be but aren't necessarily negative.

Costs always lead to a state that acts as a hard limit (once the resource is empty, you cannot do the thing), consequences do not directly involve a hard limit.

Two prevalent examples of consequences are taking damage for doing something (such as the Stress generated by Blades in The Dark's flashback mechanic) and gaining / losing affinity with a person or faction (a la Over War: The Night Comes Down).

The primary benefit of implementing a consequence is the interconnection with other mechanics. Costs are relatively self contained—usually only branching out to a currency mechanic, a weight mechanic, or a leveling mechanic at the very most—because the threat of a hard limit somewhere down the line is often enough to change how players approach a specific mechanic or situation on its own; consequences, on the other hand, necessitate an understanding of and interaction with other mechanics in the system because they literally cannot exist without them. If using a specific ability is going to give you a status condition—for example—that status condition inherently affects other mechanics and how you interact with them as well, changing how you think about that ability and its place in your toolset pretty substantially.

As an example, there's a Priest ability in Hollow Halls (my fantasy dungeon crawler) entitled Glimpse The Plan. Glimpse The Plan doubles the user's Believe proficiency (stat used for casting Parable spells), but also afflicts them with the Blind and Afraid statuses (which are both pretty bad). The Priest playtester quickly realized that if he was Afraid all of the time, then he effectively eliminated half of the consequences—and wouldn't ya know it, there's an option to become permanently Afraid at character creation to increase your health.

All of that being said (and my favoritism clearly on display), consequences can suffer from a difficulty of implementation. Some consequences, particularly the taking of damage, are really easy to throw about haphazardly and thereby suffer from the same "limitation of design" problem that hard limits do; but escaping those, adding consequences that are unique and create interesting choices, takes time and care and an awareness of how certain mechanics can and do interact. Even the easier-to-implement consequences can often take a few tries to fine-tune.

Balance

This is simultaneously the simplest and most complicated alternative. To balance something here means to compare an option to other surrounding options, weigh the value of each, and slowly tweak numbers until they're all in line with each other. Generally speaking, the easiest way to do this is to craft an option as a baseline and balance everything else around that option, but there are times where you'll create a more powerful ability that you don't want to change, thereby causing it to become the new baseline and so on and so forth.

This alternative involves a lot of trial and error, a lot of guesswork, a lot of testing, and a willingness to add, remove, and change elements of any given option. It’s time consuming, stressful, and incredibly rewarding. I don’t recommend going pure nitty-gritty numbers-hound in every situation, or even in every game, but—if used properly—this option can create an incredibly healthy and interesting environment of options.

The primary strength of numbers balancing is that you'll probably be doing it at least a little bit anyways. Unless you're part of the "balance is for pussies" crowd, some amount of balance work will be done on every option you introduce into the game. This is kinda just, y'know, the logical extreme of that process.

All three listed alternatives can be used with each other, even on a single mechanic.

Conclusion

I do not think that hard limits are inherently bad. I really need to make it clear that I DO NOT think that you should never use them (as much as that may be suggested by the title of this post). Sometimes you'll be on a serious time crunch, or you won't be able to come up with a suitable alternative, or it's the most thematically or mechanically sound option, so on and so forth. There are instances in which it will be appropriate, or even preferable, to use a hard limit—but that doesn’t make an over-reliance upon them any better for you or the people playing your game.

Honestly, what I want people to take away from this post is very simple: every design decision matters. Even seemingly inconsequential choices with limited impact can have profound effects on an important moment for some of your players, and as such are worth considering carefully.

Self-Promo

Hey, I'm Gio. I run Rotten Shotgun games. If you wanna support me, or keep up to date on my work, you can find me on Itch.io at https://rotten-shotgun-games.itch.io/

Otherwise, I hope y'all have a great night and a great day!

[vellichorom]

Thoughts on the iOS TSP port and that exclusive paywall content?

" You're just a poor baby boy playing checkers with his thumbs & I'm a GOD! "

-surely vindicated those who believe the narrator as a divine being & vindicated my belief of his god complex. we all win, also why on god does he talk like that. " rat boy, baby boy " who are you

JOKES ASIDE, i genuinely find it fascinating. this is like- what. the third technical demo under the game's belt? if you consider the mod a technical " demo? "

have you guys noticed that since ultra deluxe's release, we've been seeing an influx of stanley parable stuff SINCE? where ( assumedly; i wasn't following the game pre-UD unfortunately ) there was a bit of radio silence inbetween the initial release of the game & the release date(s) of UD?

& NOW it feels like every other couple of months, we get something new regarding the game? ironically befitting with the themes introduced by UD, as though the narrator is trying to milk his game to the nth degree, as though he's trying to stay relevant after his & the game's rise from the ashes, begging for our attention ( as well as our money ).

can we talk about how he advertised the skip button ending like " ooh what's going on here I BET YPOU WANNA FIND OUT HUH " king SHIT advertising his DEATH. is he okay. can we get someone to check on him

this isn't me dunking on crowsx3's product & saying that THEY'RE milking the franchise of course, & if anything, i'm really truly impressed by the way they come up with these kooky marketing tactics that Really tickle our balls, KEEPING the stanley parable relevant in innovative & exciting ways, without ever making it feel like the game has overstayed it's welcome. it keeps with the same humor & attitude it always has too! which always begs for your reaction, & yet EARNS it with it's outlandish EVERYTHING. i'm considerably new to the world of games, but this is the first i've seen something like it & i REALLY enjoy it.

uh YEAH! i hope kevan is getting paid well for telling me what's going to happen to my butthole. can't forget how his game is going to lubricate me. 👍

you know what. maybe he's actually getting paid too much

ANYWAY I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO PLAY IT FOR MYSELF. DAMN YOU OLD MAN I DON'T HAVE AN APPLE PRODUCT

[cheatsru]

Battlefield 2042

Battlefield 2042 has stepped onto the battlefield with a mix of ambitious innovation and nostalgic charm, offering players an expansive environment where chaos reigns supreme. The immense maps are not just backdrops; they are integral to the gameplay experience, encouraging tactical strategies and dynamic encounters that keep players on their toes. Each skirmish feels unique as new elements like weather changes and vehicle warfare transform ordinary scenarios into extraordinary moments of tension and triumph.

Moreover, the introduction of specialists adds a fresh layer to team dynamics, allowing players to leverage unique abilities that suit different play styles. This shift from traditional classes fosters creativity in how squads collaborate—players can now blend roles more fluidly to counter overwhelming odds or capitalize on strategic opportunities. The challenges presented by this evolving battlefield demand adaptability, pushing you beyond mere reflexes into the realm of strategic mastery and teamwork.

Yet, amidst these exhilarating experiences, Battlefield 2042 has faced its share of criticism regarding bugs and balance issues at launch. Rather than overlooking these concerns, they provide insight into developer transparency and community feedback’s importance in shaping future updates. As DICE continues refining the game, it opens doors for a collaborative evolution that could redefine modern multiplayer experiences—a journey worth joining for any serious fan of the franchise ready to embrace both chaos and camaraderie in this groundbreaking installment.