#technology new era

[swtechspecs]

Jedi Holocron

Source: The Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology (Del Rey, 1997)

[neondreams83]

[islamprotestan-blog]

new era has come...

[twilight-zoned-out]

"Seven years ago we all went through the flames; and the happiness of some of us since then is, we think, well worth the pain we endured."

Although Dracula was published in 1897, some think that it takes place in 1893 because of the way the days and dates used line up. If that's the case, Jonathan Harker's epilogue, seven years later, would have been added around 1900. A new era bubbling with new change and new conventions. The story ends with Jonathan looking ahead to a new century filled with the unknown and being able to look on the past, despite its darkness, "without despair."

[miloscat]

[Review] The Legend of Korra: A New Era Begins (3DS)

A cromulent companion game.

Platinum's console/PC Korra game was accompanied by a 3DS release. Well I say accompanied; unlike that game, Activision only bothered to release this one in North America. Now I finally have a chance to play it thanks to custom firmware! I know developer Webfoot Technologies best for their Legacy of Goku GBA games, and now here they are with another handheld game based on an animated licence. But how does this tactics RPG stack up against its action sibling?

Despite the new subtitle, this game is built on the same story as the console game. Creepy old guy blocks Korra's bending, the alliance of Triads/Equalists/dark spirits, returning to the Spirit World via the South Pole. But this version has some additional details, like the inclusion of Amon's lieutenant as a miniboss, Korra seeking the advice of spirits in Republic City's spirit wilds only for them to turn dark and attack, or visiting Wan Shi Tong's library for help relearning spiritbending (complete with a boss fight against the big owl himself!) I also enjoyed entering the cosmic universal energy dimension for little puzzle challenges when Korra was regaining her bending powers. In addition to these additions, a big change in how things play out is the extended cast joining her on the adventure, an upside to the shift in genre.

From the start, Bolin and Mako are with Korra, then Tenzin and Kya join in, and finally Lin making for a team of six bending powerhouses. Bumi and, sadly, Asami are still conspicuously absent. But the extra tag-alongs make for actual conversation and more convincing bridging exposition in cutscenes, more appropriate elemental tutelage as Korra relearns her bending styles, and some choice quips. For example, we learn that Bolin named his fists Juji and Roh-tan after Nuktuk's animal sidekicks, and that he has become genre-savvy as a result of his mover career: "when there is fog, something bad happens."

There are understandable presentational drawbacks that offset this. Gone are the full animated sequences, replaced by brief motion comic-style cutscenes. There’s no voice acting either, which is fair enough. And gameplay just cannot look as flashy when you’re just moving sprites around a grid.

To be fair, the sprites look very good. And you get an adorable graphic of Korra riding Oogi on the menu screen. When it comes time to make an attack, the game cuts to a short (and skippable) 3D sequence showing the results, complete with decent little models doing mocapped martial arts moves. The spirits and the main antagonist Hundun can look a bit goofy in these but the mecha tanks are pretty cool if low-detail. The latter in particular have hilariously tiny sprites on the battle map, a stark contrast to their humongous chungus depiction in Platinum’s game.

The tactical gameplay is competent for the most part with decent map designs. The controls and interface can be a bit clunky but they get the job done. There’s a shield mechanic that’s a neat twist, as well as an elemental weakness system that lets you bypass the shields. I liked how each character had their own niche: Mako has many ranged attacks, Lin and Bolin get area effects, Kya can heal, and Tenzin can replenish mana energy points which I had him doing almost every turn once he learned it.

Any attack or even healing and support moves get you experience points which is nice, and every other level-up you get to choose between two skills. These can be new moves or passive bonuses but choose carefully because you can’t change them later! I found myself with a Korra who only knew waterbending for the vast majority of proceedings, and you only get one shot at each other element. Everybody was max level (15) a few stages before the end, but if you’re having trouble with a battle there’s a training stage you can do freely for some extra XP and money (used for buying healing items). You can’t replay completed levels though, even though you get graded on side objectives.

I was pleased by this little tie-in. I’m not a huge expert on tactics RPGs but this one seems good for intermediate gamers like me, not too punishing. There’s some amount of crunchy depth to the elemental system and using each character effectively. And as a Korra fan it’s nice seeing the characters and world rendered in a different style, especially those cute sprites. Not to mention the slight expansions to the storyline. If you’ve got a 3DS, there’s no reason not to head to your local flea market hShop to pick this up!

[samuelbush7578]

At the 2025 Grammys, Taylor Swift makes a stunning appearance

Throughout the evening, Swift was a prominent figure, both as a presenter and a nominee in six categories, including Album of the Year for "The Tortured Poets Department" and Record of the Year for "Fortnight" with Post Malone. Her appearance not only underscored her enduring influence in the music industry but also showcased her ability to convey personal narratives through her fashion choices. More details...

[thebinturong]

This is completely random but pentiment has been on my mind again a lot lately (both because of friends playing it and going to the medieval museum so shortly after christmas) and i had this thought that (spoilers ahead) the main character switching in act iii isn't only cool from a gameplay perspective but goes incredibly well with the theme of not being able to cling to the past, things changing for better or for worse etc.. People like to complain about it, and the ones who are actually mad about it (cough cough pentiment subreddit cough cough) are just being a baby about it imho, but when we go from ii to iii there IS a moment of frustration like 'hey wait, what happened to him?? I don't wanna move on from that?" and it's actually sooo good at like, helping to get the point across. You WILL find yourself in a world that is new and unfamiliar with the people/things you love suddenly gone. You cannot go back and change that. Now are you going to move on and find beauty and meaning in the next chapter or are you gonna moan and cry about it. God i love pentiment. Sorry if this is incoherent the thought just came over me

[sherlock-is-ace]

i feel like moffat's era of doctor who was really trying to be a mix between sherlock and black mirror... not achieving either and also forgetting it was supposed to be doctor who

[rozerfridrick9897]

At the 2025 Grammys, Taylor Swift makes a stunning appearance

Swift's choice of attire extended beyond mere aesthetics; the vibrant red hue not only paid homage to the Chiefs' team colors but also evoked her own "Red" album era. She completed the ensemble with her signature red lipstick and a glittery pink eyeshadow, creating a cohesive and impactful look. More details...

[swtechspecs]

General Grievous's Custom-Built Geonosian Cybernetic Frame

Source: The New Essential Guide to Droids (Del Rey, 2006)

[craig960114]

why my brother sqaig will help me take over the world

In the imaginative world where Craig reigns supreme, his brother Sqaig emerges as a formidable ally in their quest for global domination. While Craig possesses cunning and adaptability, Sqaig brings his own unique strengths to the table, making them an unstoppable duo poised to reshape the world in their image.

Firstly, Sqaig complements Craig's abilities with his own brand of charisma and charm. While Craig may excel in clandestine operations and behind-the-scenes manipulation, Sqaig shines in the spotlight, captivating audiences with his magnetic personality and infectious enthusiasm. Together, they form a dynamic duo capable of rallying followers from all walks of life to their cause.

Secondly, Sqaig's ingenuity and creativity add a new dimension to their plans for world domination. While Craig may rely on tried-and-true tactics, Sqaig isn't afraid to think outside the box and innovate. Whether it's devising bold new strategies or leveraging emerging technologies, Sqaig's inventive spirit ensures that they stay one step ahead of their adversaries.

Furthermore, Sqaig's unwavering loyalty to his brother Craig strengthens their bond and solidifies their alliance. In a world where trust is a rare commodity, Sqaig's steadfast commitment to Craig serves as a powerful foundation for their partnership. Together, they weather the storms of opposition and adversity, emerging stronger and more determined than ever to achieve their shared goals.

In conclusion, the union of Craig and Sqaig represents a formidable force in the world of global politics and power struggles. With their complementary strengths, unwavering loyalty, and shared ambition, they stand poised to conquer all obstacles in their path and usher in a new era of dominance and influence. Beware the rise of Craig and Sqaig, for their reign may soon be upon us.

[crownconstellation]

3000 years is such a short time that chrom still uses weapons that where obsolete during marths time

this series timeline truly stresses me out so bad. where is he getting those. why are they still usable atp. why can Everyone use them. like surely you could excuse jugdrali weapons still being in good condition even after millennia if they were still blessed, but since they can be used by anyone with the required weapon rank..........

[westeal-photo]

[samuelbush7578]

At the 2025 Grammys, Taylor Swift makes a stunning appearance

Swift's choice of attire extended beyond mere aesthetics; the vibrant red hue not only paid homage to the Chiefs' team colors but also evoked her own "Red" album era. She completed the ensemble with her signature red lipstick and a glittery pink eyeshadow, creating a cohesive and impactful look. More details...

[shaibtheherbanlegend777]

Moving forward into this age its imperative to not be dependent on technology and things externally that take you away from yourself

[sergioguymanproust]

Here’s proof again that there’s nothing new under the automobile sun.We keep reinventing the wheel and yes,the technology keeps changing but the main ideas remain the same.In my book folks ,this is only proof of how we hybrid humans keep believing that it is our imagination and intelligence alone fanning the sails of our never stopping ship called progress.Well, here’s where I jump off the ship to remind you ,with the advent of a new era in discovery and implementation of new technologies there’s been gaps in time and assimilation which can’t never be understood ,sometimes it has taken years and suddenly a spark associated with a genius has resolved a glitch in a particular field of study and pushed us into the future .We have known for years that such geniuses have been extraterrestrial beings that have appeared at a precise point in time working in our government within agencies and the Pentagon developing new propulsion systems for our warbirds working in complete secrecy.The civilian population often take it for granted and are ready to buy any machine or gadget the military releases for mass consumption .The most interesting in my book was the released of the famous black box that made possible the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon. Regardless of all the controversy and speculation about this mission ,we did go to the moon with the help of an extraterrestrial being that solved many of the human made mistakes and glitches. One more bit of info ,well even the Nazis had extraterrestrial help in designing their famous Bell shaped craft,folks regardless of all governments trying hard to keep all these advances secret ,our very hybrid human nature will not allow it and blow the lid .This is something really bluntly put exasperates our galactic cousins about us . More in future postings.Words by Sergio GuymanProust.