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tag:,2017:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2017-02-17T10:30:00Ztag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=419214Dennis Cardenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dennis+CardenTaro Yoko's next project is a mobile game titled SINoALICE2017-02-17T10:30:00Z2017-02-17T10:30:00Z
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not much of a mobile gamer. While I do enjoy the occasional session of Ridiculous Fishing or Downwell on my phone, I'll usually gravitate towards other platforms whenever I just want to pick up and play something. Even when I'm trying to kill time on public transport, I'll almost always have a handheld console in my bag for such an occasion.

Despite my apparent apathy for mobile gaming, I can't help but find myself intrigued by SINoALICE -- an upcoming title for both iOS and Android that's being published by Square Enix and is currently being developed by Pocket Laboratory. The reason for this is simple; the creative director attached to the game is none other than Taro Yoko, whose more recent works include Drakengard 3, as well as the flawed-but-fantastic NieR and its upcoming sequel.

As of this moment, not too much is known about SINoALICE, other than what's presented in its trailer, which, according to Siliconera, makes mention of a story of some girls who desire to revive their "creator."

Unfortunately, while Square Enix has announced that SINoALICE will hit both Google Play and the iOS App Store sometime during the Spring of 2017 in Japan, the publisher is yet to confirm the availability (or lack thereof) of a Western release for the game. I can't help but hope that this one does eventually get an English localisation, if only out of sheer curiosity. After all, I'm interested to see how Taro Yoko's often-bizarre and eccentric style of game design would translate over to a mobile format.

One can only hope that SINoALICE contains at least one singing dragon, or something that's equally strange and entertaining. At the very least, I suppose that it'll provide a decent opportunity for some lewd fan art. I'm certain that Taro, himself, would approve of it.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=418589Zack Furnisshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Zack+FurnissPath of Exile's Fall of Oriath update has me wanting to reinstall the game2017-02-14T15:00:00Z2017-02-14T15:00:00Z
I'll readily admit that I bounced off of Path of Exile when I first tried it in 2013. I played it when it was in open beta, and the overwhelming skill tree and muddy aesthetic didn't gel with me, so I shelved it. After playing a preview of the upcoming update, The Fall of Oriath, I can see that I was a hasty butthole to dismiss it and I'm downloading it as we speak.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=416682Mike Cosimanohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+CosimanoMonster Hunter clone Dauntless seems perfect for players on a budget2017-02-04T15:00:00Z2017-02-04T15:00:00Z
For me, there's an important distinction between "budget-friendly" and "a budget game." The former may be a little sanded down or rough around the edges, but is an otherwise solid experience that can be had for a low price (or no price at all, in many cases). The latter is an unremarkable or messy game clearly made for pennies that is often written off because, well, you only paid like $15 for it at Walmart. A "budget-friendly" game is one you come to when you don't want to spend too much. A "budget game" is one you come to when you're curious why Samurai Jack wants to beat up Chowder and that $20 is just burning a hole in your pockets.

Based on my time with Dauntless, a four-player co-op action-adventure giant monster hunting game, I feel safe calling it "budget friendly." You can't get much cheaper than free, and as a nice bonus, playing the game ain't half bad either! It was pitched to me as a cross between Monster Hunter and Dark Souls, with a little bit of Destiny thrown right in. Of course the dev team would go right to those comparisons -- all three franchises have strong, devoted fanbases that you'd be a fool to not tap if your game was even a little bit similar in any way.

That comparison might be a little too ambitious. Yeah, you hunt monsters like Monster Hunter, you roll around a whole lot like in Dark Souls, and there's a hub world and loot system that will apparently resemble Destiny. So although the games look similar on paper, my PAX South demo failed to convince me that Dauntless will eclipse or even fully meet its inspirations.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=415919CJ Andriessenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/CJ+AndriessenReview: Pokemon Duel2017-02-01T14:00:00Z2017-02-01T14:00:00Z
One of the big challenges of getting a competitive free-to-play game just right is making sure it never feels like someone can simply pay-to-win. As a person who isn't totally against buying a microtransaction or two, I want to make sure that it's skill, determination, and perhaps a little luck that decides the victor, not who spent the most cash.

Pokémon Duel sits right on the bubble of feeling quite unfair to anyone who doesn't care to pay up, but launch issues have kind of evened the playing field.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=415448Nick Valdezhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Nick+ValdezTrove is the cutesy, blocky MMO kids could get addicted to2017-01-30T16:00:00Z2017-01-30T16:00:00Z
I've never been much of an online RPG player, so when I first heard about Trion Worlds' Trove I didn't think I'd be interested. But hearing about it and playing are two completely different things. Standing out among the other offerings around it at PAX South, was this brightly colored game that a lot of kids seemed to really dig. In fact, one little girl didn't want her dad to pull her away from it.

After getting some hands-on time with Trove, I can definitely see why.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=414567Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiDeus Ex's Breach mode has been released as a free standalone product2017-01-24T18:30:00Z2017-01-24T18:30:00Z
While the main attraction in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided was Adam Jensen's fight against the Illuminati for the rights of augmented people (or something like that), it's not the only part of the game. There's also a sideshow called "Breach" that adds an arcade twist. Now, you won't need the full Mankind Divided experience to play Breach.

Today, Square Enix broke Breach mode off into its own thing, listing it on Steam as a free and standalone product. It has all the same content as the version in Mankind Divided has; there's nothing held back to appeal to free-to-play sensibilities. It's even getting an update next month to add some new maps.

There are a couple explanations as to why Square Enix did this. First and most obvious, Breach mode already had an egregious wealth of microtransactions. In a way, they kind of overshadowed the rest of Breach. It probably makes more financial sense to get those in front of an audience of non-paying customers in hopes that they'll make small investments. Second, it serves as a trial of sorts for those who want to know how Mankind Divided plays.

This is a fitting move and one that probably should've been made from the get-go. Breach always felt a bit tacked-on to the larger Mankind Divided product. Now it doesn't have to contend with Adam Jensen's travels for attention, a battle it was never going to win.

Deus Ex: Breach [Steam]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=409740Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreLet it Die has passed a million downloads2017-01-04T13:30:00Z2017-01-04T13:30:00Z
Let it Die is one of those games I want to see continue doing what it's doing. Aside from Twitter clips and occasional forum mentions, I haven't seen all that much conversation surrounding Grasshopper Manufacture's hack-and-slash survival title. It seems to be resonating, though -- it's garnered one million downloads in North America and Europe since December 3, 2016, according to GungHo.

This is a free-to-play release, of course, but given how niche and challenging the action-survival game can be at times, that's reassuring to hear. (Also, it hasn't launched in Japan yet.) As a thank-you of sorts, players can claim one Death Metal as a daily log-in bonus from Friday, January 6 to Sunday, January 8.

At two bosses down with presumably plenty left to go, I'm still feeling out Let it Die, but gosh do I just love its peculiar world and aesthetic. The slick introduction videos at the arcade, the oddly cute frogs (that I always feel guilty about munching on), the crazed mushroom lady, the game-within-a-game concept -- it's all so very weird and, more importantly, good. Unexpectedly good.

Here's hoping that download figure continues to climb, then. Support the weirdos and risk-takers.

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=404755Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiTurtle Rock's next game will be another cooperative shooter2016-12-13T17:30:00Z2016-12-13T17:30:00Z
Turtle Rock Studios has had quite the mixed history with cooperative shooters. As Valve South, it developed Left 4 Dead which was an undeniably huge success. And, once the studio went independent, it created Evolve, which more or less flopped. Turtle Rock's sticking to the same formula for the rubber match.

In an interview with GamesIndustry International, Turtle Rock co-founder Phil Robb reveals that the developer's third title will be another cooperative shooter. This one will be free-to-play right out of the gate, and it'll be published by Perfect World. It's also said to have a strong dark fantasy bent. No title was announced, and it's scheduled for 2018 at the earliest.

While Robb refrained from divulging too many specifics about the next project, he did offer some glowing quotes about the free-to-play model. Stuff like: "We can't overstate how helpful [free-to-play] is to us as developers. It's a direct line toward taking the game that we wanted to play when we first started working on it and ensuring that it will be a game that our community wants to play for years to come." It's the exact sort of thing you'd expect from a person who has a financial interest in free-to-play working in his favor.

But, those stock fare quotes were supplemented by a worthwhile indictment of the triple-A $60 product model and how publishers are incentivized to not invest in new properties. "If I was going to boil down our key learnings into one thing, it's that the triple-A boxed product is just not a welcome home for independent developers. It's now a nearly impossible proposition, actually. The major publishers out there are spending [over] $100 million on developing the next iteration of a franchise... and at the same time, they are increasingly hesitant to spend on new IP," Robb said.

He continued "So, as an independent, let's say you are fortunate enough to land a deal for a new boxed product IP, it won't be at a budget which is nearly enough to compete head-to-head against the latest franchise release. At the same time though, that budget will be high enough that it will make it almost impossible to receive any royalties. So, your best prospect in making a new boxed-product IP is to hope you sell enough units that a sequel is greenlit, which again will be at an even higher budget than what you had on the first title. The cycle continues and you still won't be profitable. I think we are now at a point where a $60 asking price will be solely left to the domain of already-established franchises."

It's a bleak, yet realistic, take on the current state of big budget video games. The words "free-to-play" have a Pavlovian effect on some people, causing their eyes to glaze over and their interest to be immediately lost. But, it's also what makes the most fiscal sense for a lot of new properties. We just need to find an equilibrium where free experiences are consistently worthwhile experiences. Turtle Rock's pedigree will hopefully add to that trend in a few years' time.

Turtle Rock: AAA boxed product "not a welcome home" for indies [GamesIndustry International]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=404319Patrick Hancockhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Patrick+HancockDota 2's 7.00 patch fundamentally changes the game 2016-12-11T12:30:00Z2016-12-11T12:30:00Z
I'm uhh, not even sure where to begin here. Fresh off of the Boston Major, Valve has just released the update page for Dota 2's newest patch: 7.00. The community has anxiously been awaiting the patch just for the brand new Hero of Monkey King, but everyone also knew that this patch would shake things up,

Holy cow, this patch changes everything.

One of the biggest changes that immediately caught my eye is the new talent tree, similar to Heroes of the Storm. It's hard to grasp all of the details since the website is currently in Chinese and being translated by Chrome, but it looks like at levels 10, 15, 20, and 25, players will choose an "either or" upgrade to their Hero -- damage increases, stat changes, etc.

Monkey King looks ridiculous, as he can jump onto trees and also turn into them! He's probably the closest thing to a Spy character Dota 2 will ever have, and that makes me very excited. It's going to take me a while to parse through all of the changes (and for the website to actually be able to display them), so for now just stare with your mouth agape at the update page.

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=403332Peter Glagowskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Peter+GlagowskiBuild your own home in the Homestead update for Elder Scrolls Online2016-12-06T19:00:00Z2016-12-06T19:00:00Z
Hearthfire may not have been the best DLC for Skyrim, but fans latched onto the base-building mechanics and loved their inclusion in Fallout 4. Many felt it was an integral part of the fun factor for the title, allowing you to stake a claim in the vast world Bethesda had created. The joy of buying furniture is soon coming to The Elder Scrolls Online with the "Homestead" update.

Slated for early 2017, Homestead will give players the chance to buy a home in ESO. Each house will be an instanced location, so there shouldn't be any fighting over plots of land. Players will have the ability to customize the house to their liking as well as invite their friends to tea.

There is going to be a wide range of items available for customization. Around 2,000 pieces of furniture will be include along with 40 different types of homes with styles ranging from elaborate manors to small cottages. Some of the home exteriors will be based on the different Elder Scrolls races.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=403201Nic Rowenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Nic+RowenAll the changes coming to MechWarrior Online2016-12-06T13:00:00Z2016-12-06T13:00:00Z
While the biggest announcement of Mech_Con by far was the existence of MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, a new single-player story-driven game and the first "proper" sequel to the series in 15 years, it wasn't the only one. Big things are on the way for MechWarrior Online, the free-to-play multiplayer title. I spoke with Piranha Games president Russ Bullock about some of the changes MWO has experienced in the last year and what players can expect moving forward.

"MechWarrior fans are so varied in what's important to them it can sometimes be surprising," Russ said when speaking about the biggest developments in MWO over the past year and what fans responded to the most. MWO made its way to the Steam platform just on the tail end of 2015, and since then has seen the implementation of Faction Play Phase 3 (the persistent player driven meta-war), a new customization system including custom decals for players to personalize their mechs, and a slew of new and revamped maps. "For me though, it was about getting the tournament going. It was the first official Piranha cash prize tournament, and that was a huge undertaking... probably the biggest thing for us."

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=402530Kevin McCluskyhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kevin+McCluskyHearthstone's new expansion takes some cues from story updates2016-12-02T19:00:00Z2016-12-02T19:00:00Z
I've been playing Hearthstone regularly for about a year now, and I've seen the game change pretty significantly during that time. Hearthstone is Blizzard's most popular game by a large margin, and it's not hard to see why. Streamlining the esoteric rules of Magic: The Gathering is something that probably needed to happen, and Blizzard's made their fortune by making hardcore formats and genres accessible to the masses. Furthermore, giving you the first hit of dopamine for free is a proven business model, and it works just as well in card games as with less savory products.

Earlier this year, Blizzard changed Hearthstone's rules, rotating out some of the older cards to make way for new ones, and updating many that they felt were too far off the power curve. It looks like that's what they plan to do well into the future, rotating out older sets as new ones become available. Hearthstone expansions come in two different formats. There are story-themed expansions like One Night in Karazhan that you can pay cash for or unlock with in-game gold. Playing through one of these unlocks the same cards for everyone, and they're the best place for new players to begin earning powerful cards. The newest set is the other kind, with randomized packs which can be earned through Arena play or bought with gold or cash.

The cool thing about the most recent update, Mean Streets of Gadgetzan, is that it takes some cues from the story expansions. When you load up the game client right now, you'll be introduced to a two-headed ogre, a representative of Gadgetzan's Grimy Goons faction. (By the way, if he's not being voiced by John DiMaggio, it's an incredible soundalike.) Each of Gadgetzan's factions works with three of Hearthstone's nine hero types, and has some special cards that any of the three classes can use. The ogre will ask you to win three games as any of the heroes his faction works with, and doing so will win you a couple of free packs from the newest expansion. Once that's done, you're introduced to representatives from the Jade Lotus and the Kabal, who represent other sets of three heroes.

The Gadgetzan expansion plays to the wackier side of the spectrum, with Goblin mobsters, Troll alchemists, and Walrusman police officers fighting over territory. Every new expansion includes a new game board to play on, and Gadgetzan's includes several references to Overwatch, including Junkrat's Rip-Tire, Genji's Dragonblade, and a Pachamari doll hidden in the corners of the play field.

Once you've completed the quests for all three of Gadgetzan's competing factions, you'll unlock six of the new packs, which will contain 30 new cards. It's not as good as unlocking all of the cards from one of the story expansions, but it's a good place to start.

Each of the factions has a different theme to build a deck around. The Goons work with Hunters, Warriors, and Paladins, and can give stat buffs to creatures that are still in your hand. The Jade Lotus are aligned with Rogues, Druids, and Shaman, and their theme involves summoning Jade Golems that get more powerful each time you play one. The Kabal is a group of Warlocks, Priests, and Mages who gain huge bonuses if their decks don't have any more than one of the same card.

I'm not sure if there's ever a right or wrong time to jump into Hearthstone, and I'm well aware it's not for everyone. It's free to start and has marvelous production values, though some people will be turned off by the randomness of the cards. It is possible to play without spending any money if you're patient. Eventually you'll be able to work your way towards some of the more powerful cards, though Blizzard does their best to make whipping out the credit card an attractive shortcut. For me, it scratches the itch I get when I'm not able to play Magic: The Gathering in person, but your mileage may vary. I've had a lot of fun with it though, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of Gadgetzan's Mean Streets.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=401841Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiDauntless sounds like it could be PC's Monster Hunter2016-12-01T20:49:00Z2016-12-01T20:49:00Z

A cooperative action role-playing game where you slay giant beasts is a formula that has worked before. Capcom has found great success over the years by applying this to its Monster Hunter series. Now a new developer aims to capture the essence of that idea for a PC audience.

One of the reveals out of tonight's Game Awards was Dauntless. It's the debut title from Phoenix Labs, a studio led by industry veterans who have worked at places like BioWare and Riot. In Dauntless, players assume the role of Slayers who are tasked with killing Behemoths.

While we don't yet know much about Dauntless' setting, Phoenix Labs has shared a broad overview with us. The developer describes it in a press release as such: "The world of Dauntless has been shattered by a cataclysmic event, creating a vast array of uncharted and majestic floating islands. Behemoths, as cunning as they are vicious, consume the land, and it's up to the Slayers to hunt them down before they destroy what remains of the world. Slayers will explore an ever-changing frontier, brimming with verdant flora and unique wildlife."

Along with world-building, we also know a bit about gameplay details. Dauntless, like Monster Hunter, is a cooperative action RPG. It can be played solo or with a party of up to four people. Armor and weapons can be crafted with the rewards that are dropped from successful hunts. It's free-to-play and is seemingly only coming to PC.

Although the parallel to Monster Hunter is obvious, Phoenix Labs says that it's drawing from other sources too. The developer lists Dark Souls and World of Warcraft as other inspirations for Dauntless. That's certainly a trio of renowned games.

We shouldn't have to wait too long to see if Dauntless scratches the same itch as its inspirations. It's eyeing a 2017 release. If everything goes according to plan, that free-to-play co-op Behemoth slaying is coming sooner rather than later.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=399882Peter Glagowskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Peter+GlagowskiSwapnote just got a sequel!2016-11-17T11:00:00Z2016-11-17T11:00:00Z
Out of the blue, Nintendo has released a sort of sequel to Swapnote called Swapdoodle. Similar to the previous iteration, you can write messages and send them to your friends. This time, though, you can make 3D images and partake in lessons to learn how to draw...sort of.

It seems that this new, free-to-start application will teach you how to draw your favorite Nintendo characters. You'll start with stamps based on the icons from games in your play history and you can purchase additional lessons from the eShop. There doesn't seem to be any price listed, at the moment, but I can't imagine it would be too pricey.

I'm surprised Nintendo returned to this. With the decreased emphasis on the 3DS' 3D technology, I would have figured no one was actually interested in creating 3D images. Then again, I guess this is mostly a way to let fans fool around with their favorite characters in a different way. I wonder how long it will take before we get 3D animated dicks.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=399568Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiAfter 13 years, EVE Online goes free-to-play today2016-11-15T15:00:00Z2016-11-15T15:00:00Z

For 13 long years, EVE Online has subsisted solely on a subscription model. All those capsuleers were paying $15 per month for access to New Eden's universe. That changes today.

In late August, developer CCP announced that the November update would introduce a way to play EVE Online for free. Clone states are way this is being done. Non-paying players have access to Alpha clones, accounts that have full access to the game but earn experience at a lowered rate. Still, Alphas can train, use a specific set of skills, and partake in all the economy (trading, mining, etc.) that defines the game.

Subscribers have more powerful accounts in exchange for their monthly fee. These players have Omega clones, which are marked by unlimited skill progression and rapid skill training. Basically, these function the same as EVE Online accounts had before it went free-to-play.

At EVE Online's Fanfest earlier this year, executive producer Andie Nordgren sort of foretold the move by telling us that the game gets a ton of new players, but that most of them quit shortly after starting. The idea seems to be that maybe more of them will stick around if it doesn't cost them anything.

A few months ago, Nordgren said "We know that the mandatory monthly subscription is a big barrier for new players. It's also one of our most common cancellation reasons for those who leave EVE. At the same time, EVE was very much designed as a subscription game from the start, and it has been a challenge to find a way to change that without also messing with the fundamentals that we really love."

Alpha and Omega clone might be the key to changing the game without messing with those fundamentals. We won't be sure for a little while. But, the experiment starts today.

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=395644Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreQ-Games' perplexing The Tomorrow Children goes free to play2016-10-25T22:00:00Z2016-10-25T22:00:00Z
Q-Games' hard-to-pin-down The Tomorrow Children has been out on PlayStation 4 since early September, but that was only if you ponied up $20 for a Founders Pack. Starting this week, as promised, the labor-centric cooperative town-builder will be offered as a free-to-play title.

There's also a new Frontier Pack ($20) with: "the Bourgeoisie papers, Lv1. Arms License, Lv1. Tools License, EagleCorp Jetpack, 3 avatars, and 500 Freeman dollars ($25 value)." These items are a part of the normal progression in the game, and you can work toward them by lending a hand around town or out on the harvestable "islands," but it's going to take a significant time investment that way.

"We have also released a major update to the game, not only to address some of the user feedback we have been receiving but also simply to add a selection of new content to the game," says Q-Games president Dylan Cuthbert. "We'll be adding new islands, tools, costumes, void powers, facilities, missions and much more. The megaphone, for example, allows for improved communication and will help players cooperate better." You'll find a spooky limited-time costume, too. Just log in this month.

Frankly, I'm still not sure what to make of this strange, largely monotonous game. But I do hope that it can catch on well enough to find an audience and give the developers room to let it grow and improve.

Play The Tomorrow Children For Free Starting Today [PlayStation Blog]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=395655Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreTurtle Rock Studios is done with Evolve, but it'll stay online 'for the foreseeable future'2016-10-25T20:00:00Z2016-10-25T20:00:00Z
Evolve had a rush of buzz going for it pre-release, but the four-on-one monster-shooting game was never quite able to bring in -- and, crucially, hold onto -- players to the extent that developer Turtle Rock Studios and publisher 2K hoped and expected it would. The DLC situation certainly didn't help matters. Given the high stakes involved, it was only a matter of time before something had to give.

The companies recently relaunched the game as Evolve Stage 2, a free-to-play version meant to bolster the player base and enable Turtle Rock to build on the foundation from there. That plan, reasonable as it sounds on paper, hasn't panned out. The studio has ended its support of Evolve. Development is done.

"Today, Turtle Rock finishes development on the project and begins to transition day-to-day server operation to 2K, as we take the operation of the Evolve franchise fully in-house," explained 2K.

"Evolve Stage 2 will continue to be free-to-play on PC and players can expect the in-game experience to remain the same, as we continue to experiment with the business model. We'll also continue to evaluate the possibility of bringing the Stage 2  experience to consoles in the future, though right now our focus is on bringing in new players and maintaining the game's audience on PC."

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=385424Josh Tolentinohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Josh+TolentinoReview: Star Trek Online2016-09-29T16:00:00Z2016-09-29T16:00:00Z
In the interests of full disclosure, I'll tell you right now: I'm really into Star Trek Online, and have been for the six-plus years of its life so far. By Steam's count I've logged nearly three thousand hours in the Cryptic-developed free-to-play MMO, and that's not even counting the many hours I spent with the game before it actually debuted on Steam. I own a "lifetime" subscription to it, and have spent more time with Star Trek Online than any other single title. I doubt any opinion I have on it could ever be considered truly unbiased, after all this.

But that was all on PC, though. The game I've given so much time to has just recently debuted on PS4 and Xbox One, and I've had the chance to give it yet more time, though now in pretty much the same situation as any new player, and to take stock of how this old bird flies through fresh eyes.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=390034Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiBattleborn is allegedly going free-to-play2016-09-29T15:12:00Z2016-09-29T15:12:00Z
Gearbox Software's MOBA-lite shooter Battleborn never stood much of a chance. It released in the same timeframe as the likes of Overwatch and Doom, and everyone's collective interest gravitated toward those titles. Amid low player counts, early and aggressive sales were staged. In an earnings call, publisher 2K Games confirmed that it performed below expectations.

As many predicted, Battleborn will seemingly get a second shot in the free-to-play sector. Kotaku reports it has a source that confirms this shift should take place in the next couple of months, probably by mid-November. This has allegedly been in the works for a while, and that the announcement has already been delayed a few times.

Interestingly enough, the Kotaku piece mentions Gearbox wanted Battleborn to be a free-to-play title all along. It was supposedly under insistence from 2K that it was sold as a full-priced retail product. That strategy obviously didn't work, so it seems as if Plan B is to switch to what Gearbox wanted all along.

There's recent precedent for 2K breathing new life into its games by going this route. Evolve was recently re-branded as Evolve: Stage 2 and made free-to-play. Initially, it shot up the Steam charts. At time of writing, it sits far lower (but still in Steam's top 100 best performers of the day) with approximately 2,700 concurrent players. If this report pans out, we'll see in due time whether or not free-to-play can work the same magic for Battleborn.

Source: Battleborn Is Going Free-To-Play Soon [Kotaku]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=389911Peter Glagowskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Peter+GlagowskiTribes: Ascend gets a final patch and unofficial goodbye2016-09-29T08:00:00Z2016-09-29T08:00:00Z
[Header courtesy of Steam user Apoc Hedgie]

Tribes 2 was one of my favorite games as a pre-teen. I would wake up super early so I could get some uninterrupted play in on my dial-up modem. That is a piece of technology I haven't thought about in a long time, but those memories were joyous. I learned to type really fast because of Tribes 2.

Tribes: Ascend, while solid, never clicked with me. I couldn't seem to get into the series after the glory that was Tribes 2. I did give the game a fair shot and even accumulated about 10 hours on Steam, but I eventually grew tired of the free-to-play schemes that were bolted on. I just wanted different weapons without paying, despite being pretty damn good at the game.

After a surprise patch last year, it looks like developer Hi-Rez Studios is done with the title. In a new update, titled "Parting Ways," Tribes: Ascend will be coming to an end. The game will still remain up for download (and with all of its microtransactions up for purchase, heaven forbid), but there will be no official support moving forward.

I think this would be a great opportunity to turn the game over to the community. Much like how, in the distant past of 1997, id Software turned over the keys to Doom, it would be wise to let people go nuts with Ascend. It runs on the Unreal 3 engine, so people could easily mod the hell out of it.

If nothing else, at least remove all of the free-to-play nonsense. I'd love to actually have a different weapon and class without playing for an exorbitant amount of time. The game was really fun, at first.

Tribes Is Dead Again [Kotaku]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=388052Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreOrcs Must Die! Unchained is dropping PvP to focus on Survival2016-09-20T09:00:00Z2016-09-20T09:00:00Z
I loved Orcs Must Die! and its sequel. I haven't played Orcs Must Die! Unchained, the third game in the trap-laying, crossbow-firing tower defense series, and I get the sense that I'm hardly alone. The player-versus-player focus combined with the free-to-play model kept me from ever giving it a chance.

Robot Entertainment has been "thinking really hard" about the game as of late, and the studio has determined that Survival, "by far the most popular element of OMDU," is the way forward -- not Siege, the aforementioned PvP mode. "Ultimately, the Siege game mode has a small hardcore group of players, but it isn't building a healthy long-term community around itself."

The problem, according to Robot, is that it can't focus on both. Trying to do so has made Survival and Siege suffer. As such, Siege is going away in the next update for Unchained and while competitive gameplay could one day return, it would do so in a new form. "Our focus will now turn entirely toward making Survival feel, look, sound, and play more like a clear evolution of OMD and OMD2," the developer said. "We're doubling down on Survival mode to bring back the kick-ass OMD gameplay you love."

Those are the magic words. For those of you who have kept up with Unchained and put real-world money into it, "Any gold that was purchased and then spent in the game will be put back into your account, and ALL players will get an additional $5 worth of gold if they login within the first two weeks of the new update." More in-depth information on the upcoming "reset" can be found here.

I can appreciate that Robot experimented with this game, but if the data is saying folks wanted an extension of the first two titles, that's clearly not something to ignore.

Big updates coming to OMDU [Orcs Must Die]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=386004CJ Andriessenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/CJ+AndriessenGuardian Codex is Square-Enix's next mobile game2016-09-10T15:00:00Z2016-09-10T15:00:00Z
Did you know last year the worldwide gaming industry hit $91 billion? Did you also know of that, 24% came from smartphones? $22 billion dollars from the mobile market, a number expected to increase to nearly $27 billion this year in a forecast made before the announcement of Super Mario Run. No wonder Square-Enix is so heavily invested in these things.

Yesterday, the gaming giant announced its latest foray into the mobile market with Guardian Codex. This free-to-play RPG casts you in the role of a Resistance soldier trying to bring down the Empire. To do so, you'll journey into a digital world called Codex in search of ancient Guardians and attempt to bring them back into the real world. You can take this journey alone or with up to three other players.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=383922Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiEVE Online is going free-to-play later this year2016-08-31T16:00:00Z2016-08-31T16:00:00Z

EVE Online developer CCP has shifted the game's subscription model more than 13 years after its original launch. Starting in November, EVE Online will be free-to-play for those who would prefer to go that route. And, in doing so, CCP is creating two different sorts of players.

The way CCP is handling free-to-play is by introducing clone states. As executive producer Andie Nordgren explains in the above-embedded video, players who are interested in free accounts are granted Alpha clones -- a base state that is able to train and use a specific set of skills, but gains experience at a lowered rate. Still, Alpha clones have the same access to all the trading, industry, and exploration in the game.

People who opt to continue to pay for EVE Online will have access to Omega clones. Omega clones function exactly as every EVE Online account functions right now. The main perks of an Omega account are unlimited skill progression and rapid skill training.

CCP says that any account can be upgraded at any time from an Alpha clone to an Omega clone. No progress will be lost or require starting over. Similarly, Omega accounts revert to Alpha accounts in the event that a subscription is cancelled or goes unpaid.

In explaining the move, Nordgren says "We know that the mandatory monthly subscription is a big barrier for new players. It's also one of our most common cancellation reasons for those who leave EVE." She continues "At the same time, EVE was very much designed as a subscription game from the start, and it has been a challenge to find a way to change that without also messing with the fundamentals that we really love."

Earlier this year, we talked to Nordgren at EVE Online's Fanfest and she told us that CCP has no problem getting new players, but retaining them is a big issue. This free-to-play maneuver is obviously an attempt to counteract that trend. Whether of not it works remains to be seen. One thing's for sure, though -- you can bet that corporations are chomping at the bit to welcome thousands of new recruits.

[Correction: The headline was updated to clarify that EVE Online hasn't yet gone free-to-play, but that it's doing so later this year.]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=382926Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiUbisoft's shutting down two free-to-play games later this year2016-08-26T20:00:00Z2016-08-26T20:00:00Z
Ubisoft's cutting ties with two of its free-to-play titles that weren't as successful as it had hoped. Later this year, the servers for both Ghost Recon Phantoms and The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot will be permanently shut down.

Ghost Recon Phantoms is a shooter based on Ubisoft's Ghost Recon franchise. It has been around for four years, but that comes to an end on December 1. According to SteamDB, Phantoms has around 1,000 concurrent players at any given time (although this number is likely low given that some people play directly through UPlay). This is a sliver of the 20,000 concurrents it was pulling two years ago.

Accompanying the announcement, Ubisoft disabled the Phantoms' online shop. In-game currency can no longer be bought. However, existing already-purchased currency won't be refunded or transferred over to any other Ubisoft game. It simply has to be used before December 1.

The other title, The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot, sees its shuttering a bit sooner. That game will cease operations on October 25. In a surprisingly sterile FAQ, the publisher outlines the same details as with Phantoms: It wasn't as successful as everyone hoped and no refunds will be offered.

Bad news for the few people who were still playing these games, but inconsequential news for everyone else. That's business. If something stops making money, pull the plug. Cynical and callous, maybe, but also smart.

Ghost Recon Phantoms Is Coming To An End [Ghost Recon]

The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot Closure FAQ [The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=382460Kevin McCluskyhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kevin+McCluskyYou can try out Evolve's new co-op mode right now2016-08-24T19:00:00Z2016-08-24T19:00:00Z
Evolve has had a complicated history since it launched in February of 2015. The concept is fascinating, sort of a cross between the best parts of Monster Hunter and Left 4 Dead, but somehow it never really shook out that way in practice. Our review mentioned how much different the game is depending on whether you're playing with your own crew or with Rando Calrissian, and that's probably why it didn't perform as well as publisher 2K would have preferred. Since it didn't offer any sort of single-player content or a campaign mode, there wasn't anything to do if you didn't enjoy playing with strangers.

Evolve went free-to-play on PC this July, and that seems to have breathed some new life into the franchise. Earlier today, Turtle Rock released a new expansion for the free-to-play version of Evolve. Called The Deepest Dark, this co-op mission tasks the players with hunting down a Gorgon Queen before her eggs hatch. The difference in this mode is that the monster is strictly controlled by the AI, and players can't take over for her as they would in a normal game.

The new mission is in open beta right now, and changes a few of Evolve's rules. The Gorgon Queen has no armor, and eating wildlife grants no energy. Instead, the monster must incapacitate hunters to gain energy. To make this a little more fair, the hunters will have to deal with aggressive, rabid wildlife as well as the Queen's eggs hatching Gorgon minions. This mission is narrated by an announcer who gives constant progress updates, sort of like Bastion.

I got kind of a Cthulu/Stranger Things vibe from the trailer, though that latter bit is probably due to the font they used to spell out The Deepest Dark. You can check out gameplay of this new content here, or try it for yourself on Steam right now by selecting it from the Co-op vs. AI menu.

Turtle Rock seems to be doing its best to salvage Evolve, and adding a cooperative mode seems like a good start. The studio has also been releasing regular content updates, including the Cataclysm expansion earlier this month. The developers have stated that if the change in format does well enough on PC, they may bring the free-to-play model to console versions in the future.

LIVE NOW - Update 2.07 and The Deepest Dark (Beta) [Steam]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=382113Josh Tolentinohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Josh+TolentinoAfter six years, Star Trek Online releases its most sought-after starship2016-08-23T09:30:00Z2016-08-23T09:30:00Z
Normally, it's not news when Star Trek Online releases a new playable starship. After all, over six years in operation Cryptic's Trek-themed MMO has added hundreds of ships to shoot aliens with. However, this is no normal ship. It's the ship, the original Star Trek series Constitution-class starship, and it's Star Trek Online's white whale. Sort of.

Mind you, that class of starship has been technically "playable" in the game since its 2010 launch. In fact, it was a preorder bonus for back when Star Trek Online was sold as a retail product. The problem was, its stats were locked at a pitiful "Tier 1," barely better than the tutorial starship every new captain gets. For years, players have clamored for the affectionately named "TOS Connie" to be re-released with attributes suitable for the highest level of play, Tier 5 (and later, Tier 6). And also for years, Cryptic has answered with a flat "no," supposedly because CBS, owners of Star Trek, took a dim view of having Kirk's old girl being able to go toe-to-toe with starships centuries more advanced.

Something must have changed since then - a certain TV show's fiftieth anniversary, perhaps - because the TOS Connie is finally getting a Tier 6 edition, allowing original series fanatics to get their top-tier DPS on in the ship that started it all. Of course, there is a catch, though: The ship is only available as a rare bonus reward from opening premium crafting materials loot boxes sold between August 25, 2016 and September 15, 2016.

This limited method of delivery automatically ensures that the ship will be one of the rarest in the game, far less common than anything normally available in STO's premium shop or the regularly released "lockbox" promotions. Players unwilling to try their luck with RNGesus should also be able to buy the ship for in-game currency at the auction house, but since that place's prices are set by players, it probably won't go cheap.

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=380899Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevorePerhaps unsurprisingly, The Tomorrow Children will be free-to-play2016-08-16T20:30:00Z2016-08-16T20:30:00Z
The multiple beta tests for The Tomorrow Children have totally messed with my sense of how far along the game actually is and when it's coming out. Much sooner than I would have thought, it turns out!

The PlayStation 4 game will first launch on September 6 with a paid early-access "Founders Pack," followed by a wholly free-to-play option arriving sometime "in the coming months."

Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert is better than me at summing up the subversive sandbox game. "As 'projection clones,' players will be tasked to work together -- And unite for the glory for all! -- in an alternate future Soviet Union in order to restore civilization to a world that has been annihilated by a failed science experiment. Gather resources, build and customize your town, build defenses, fend off gigantic 'Izverg' kaiju monsters, and much more." And those are the more comprehensible parts!

The full breakdown of what's in the Founders Pack ($19.99) can be found in the link below but, in short, it's some virtual "Freeman Dollar" currency to get you started, licenses to access higher-end weapons and tools, and the bourgeoisie papers needed to be a town-building citizen. Considering the game's multiplayer focus, I shouldn't be surprised that it's free-to-play. That'll get more folks in.

The Tomorrow Children Arrives September 6 on PS4 [PlayStation Blog]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=380641Josh Tolentinohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Josh+TolentinoBehold Star Trek Online's console UI2016-08-15T13:30:00Z2016-08-15T13:30:00Z
Generally speaking, it's a good thing when a game is made available on both PC and console. Then again, it's not always an easy or smooth process, getting a game from one platform dynamic to the other, and many players are justifiably wary of titles that aim to make that transition.

Star Trek Online's getting ready to explore that frontier, and the devs at Cryptic are eager to show off what they're trying for the free-to-play MMO's console iteration. Based on the trailer below, the key mechanic seems to be the use of radial command wheels, combined with freely reassigned face buttons and a "smart autofire" system that help automate some of the keyboard-centric aspects of the PC interface. For my part, I'd like to see a system like that make its way to PC as well, given that a lot of high-level play in STO depends on maintaining maximum "uptime" for one's various abilities. The video also shows off some of the new lighting tech that makes Klingon ships look like appropriately shitty places to serve on. It's like flying a photographer's darkroom.

Players who want to get their mitts on the game and can't be bothered to try the PC version can try it out at the Star Trek Mission New York event in early September. The game itself is due on consoles later in the year, and the PS4 version won't require a PS Plus subscription to take online.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=379219Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreAdVenture Capitalist is setting up shop on PS42016-08-08T22:00:00Z2016-08-08T22:00:00Z

As far as games about making progress for the sake of progress go, AdVenture Capitalist does the trick. That's not exactly an endorsement -- and in fact I would specifically recommend not playing it or other idle/clicker games, for the sake of your sanity -- but I've been there before, so I know how these silly things can become horribly tempting once you get going. My not-so-secret shame.

AdVenture Capitalist is heading next to PlayStation 4 on August 16 (as a free-to-play title), which is novel in terms of genre and platform. If for whatever reason you'd prefer to watch your ultimately meaningless numbers climb on a console instead of on PC or mobile, well, there ya go.

Go from Rags to Riches in AdVenture Capitalist, Out August 16 on PS4 [PlayStation Blog]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=378439Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenMan rams car into game studio for 'ruining his life'2016-08-03T17:30:00Z2016-08-03T17:30:00Z
This happened last week, so it's not news, but since I also feel like driving my car through the ostentatious glass walls of several institutions just for the moment of ecstasy as the sun shines brilliantly against a billion pieces of shattered glass, I'm going to inform y'all about it. Cool? Cool.

A 33-year-old Chinese man staying with his older brother in South Korea for three months, in a fit of alcohol-fueled rage, took said brother's vehicle despite not having a valid license and drove said vehicle right through the glass walls of game studio Nexon at 7AM two Sundays ago.

I was #withhim until learning alcohol was a factor. Man, that's dangerous. Someone could have gotten hurt.

The man made the impulsive decision because he claims the MapleStory and (Cliffy B's) Lawbreakers publisher "ruined his life" by fueling his addiction to the publisher's free-to-play games.

Man blames Nexon for game addiction, crashes car into head office [The Korea Herald]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=377127CJ Andriessenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/CJ+AndriessenI'm ready to dump Hearthstone for a Compile Heart collectible card game2016-07-26T10:30:00Z2016-07-26T10:30:00Z
We still have another day or so in that Compile Heart teaser site countdown, but it looks like Dengeki PlayStation has already spilled the beans. According to Gematsu, the game set to be revealed this week is NepuNepu Connect: Chaos Champions, a free-to-play card battle game for the PlayStation Vita. Yes, it will have microtransactions. Why do you ask?

NepuNepu Connect stars a new character named Yuriina, who sets off to find gold fragments to save her world from the threat of chaos energy. The game will feature more than 100 Compile Heart characters. An official trailer is expected this Thursday.

NepuNepu Connect: Chaos Champions is a free-to-play card battle game for PS Vita [Gematsu]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=376749Nic Rowenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Nic+RowenReview: Hawken2016-07-24T15:00:00Z2016-07-24T15:00:00Z
Hawken is a game I keep checking back in on. When it originally released back in 2012, it seemed ahead of its time, a free-to-play shooter with AAA production values featuring mech combat. For someone who is both cheap and a mech fan, it was a done deal.

All too soon though, cracks began to show. Hawken spent a protracted period of time in a nebulous beta state (with a functioning in-game shop) and was re-tooled several times with sweeping patches that changed just about every element of the game. Eventually it was re-released on Steam in "Early Access" and then seemingly abandoned by the original developer, Adhesion Games. To the delight of the game's faithful fans, it was then picked up by Reloaded Games, but the honeymoon soon ended after another lengthy period of inactivity and few updates.

I've jumped back into the game during each major change to check on the state of things. Now, with a console release brought to us by 505 Games, is it finally time for Hawken to shine? Or will this just be another heart-breaker in its long and sordid development history? Well, you know what they say: "Fool me once..."

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=373922Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiPeople are actually playing Evolve again2016-07-08T16:30:00Z2016-07-08T16:30:00Z
Evolve, a game that was left for dead by all accounts, has had new life breathed into it. Servers are no longer ghost towns, as players are playing again. Like, a respectable number of people.

It's amazing what making your game completely free can do.

The reason for this resurgence is because Turtle Rock and 2K Games re-branded and relaunched Evolve as Evolve Stage 2. The moniker firmly states that the game that launched in February of 2015 is a thing of the past. This is the future for Evolve.

And it has worked so far (even if the sample size is only one day). At time of writing, 24,569 people are playing Evolve Stage 2 on Steam. That's good for the 17th most-played game right now. It can't hold a candle to the likes of Dota 2 or CS:GO but it also beats the hell out of the 157 player-peak that Evolve had two days ago.

Of course, this renewed interest in Evolve hasn't netted the publisher or developer anything beneficial in the way of profits. Remember that Evolve Stage 2 isn't free-to-play with microtransactions or whatever; it's just straight-up free. Some form of monetization is likely planned, but the game's technically in a beta state right now. Expect some sort of money-making hook once Turtle Rock and 2K are more comfortable with the new model. It can't be any worse than how Evolve originally launched.

For now, everyone should just be happy that Evolve is somewhat relevant again. It really isn't a bad game; it's just a game that never really felt at-home with a traditional retail release. Maybe this should've been how Evolve initially launched. Maybe, just maybe, Evolve really is staging up. But, that's not a story that one day's worth of numbers will tell.

Steam & Game Stats [Steam via PC Gamer]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=373634Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterHa, Evolve is going free-to-play on PC2016-07-07T07:00:00Z2016-07-07T07:00:00Z
[Update: Game Informer had a chance to chat with Turtle Rock, confirming that these changes might come to consoles if successful on PC, and touching on a few aspects of how combat flow will be altered, as well as how exactly it will transition to free-to-play.]

Turtle Rock Studios had so much good will going into Evolve. With experience in the Counter-Strike series and as the creators of Left 4 Dead, it was like an extension of Valve -- beloved by PC gamers everywhere. Then it got involved with 2K Games and DLC-ed the crap out of Evolve.

So that countdown thingie (that isn't done yet)? It will seemingly lead to this free-to-play announcement for the game, which actually makes sense since it felt like it was using that model all along. Turtle Rock even honestly calls the situation a "DLC shitstorm," and plans on improving the game overall.

There's going to be balance changes, UI and map improvements, better load times and optimizations, bug fixes, and more customization options (the latter of which I just think of as "tons of DLC"). On July 7 the package will be free as a "beta," to test server loads. If you previously bought the game you'll be known as a "Founder," and all your content will transfer -- plus you're promised nebulous "gifts" at some point.

My feelings are mixed. Maybe the team can salvage this IP with a sequel, and fund it with this free-to-play fest. It's not like the original game "failed" per se, as people bought it on good faith -- they just didn't stick around and the community was a ghost town over time (not just because of the DLC, but because of other design flaws). We've reached out to see how they're handling the console editions, as the PC platform was the only one mentioned in the missive.

Message to Our Community [Turtle Rock]

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=368351Vikki Blakehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Vikki+BlakeConsole release window confirmed for Hawken2016-06-14T04:00:00Z2016-06-14T04:00:00Z
Hawken is coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 "in late June/early July".

We suspected the free-to-play game — originally released in 2012 — was making an appearance on Xbox One, but had yet to have it officially confirmed.

The mech-tastic shooter features "incredible alien landscapes, customizable and upgradable mechs, and dynamic experiences across multiple competitive game modes".

There are 30+ mechs in multiple classes, "exceptional" customisation options, a half dozen game modes and nine "stunning" environments.

The game will be available digitally from the console store of your choice.

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=368121Patrick Hancockhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Patrick+HancockWarframe is adding a Quidditch-looking sports mode2016-06-13T15:21:00Z2016-06-13T15:21:00Z
I don't know anything about Warframe, other than people really like it. I've been meaning to try it one day, but that day has yet to come. It's free-to-play nature, which is evidently not too intrusive, has garnered a rather big following and it's constantly in the top 20 most played games on Steam at any given time. That's impressive!

Anyway, a new mode has been announced called "Lunaro." It's a sports-ball mode with goals, passing, and everything in between. Check out the trailer to get a gist of what it will play like. PC Gamer is also holding a giveaway for in-game items, which also has a trailer with the relevant details.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=367466Josh Tolentinohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Josh+TolentinoStar Trek Online debuts its Original Series expansion in July2016-06-11T07:00:00Z2016-06-11T07:00:00Z
Summer may not be the final frontier, but space sure is, and if Star Trek Online has its way, you'll be able to get all "these are the voyages" up in the 23rd century soon. Cryptic Studios have announced that Agents of Yesterday, the new free content expansion for the game, will go live to the public on July 6th.

The expansion gives players the opportunity to start characters in the timeline of the original Star Trek series (i.e. Captain Kirk's era) to command period-appropriate starships, have nostalgic fan-service adventures, and engage in time-travel shenanigans.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=366021Josh Tolentinohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Josh+TolentinoNeverwinter achieves platform parity by going to PS42016-06-04T21:30:00Z2016-06-04T21:30:00Z
Back when the news broke that Star Trek Online was heading over to both PS4 and Xbox One, a few folks were curious as to the status of Neverwinter, another free-to-play MMO designed by Cryptic Studios that was already present on Xbox One. That question has officially been answered, as the game is now making its way to PS4 as well.

Perfect World has announced that the PS4 edition of Neverwinter, with nine expansions worth of content, will be appearing on PS4 this summer, and will also feature bespoke control adaptations to use the PS4's touchpad and party chat integration, among other things.

And more folks will be able to try the game, as it will not require a PlayStation Plus subscription to access, so even the relative minority of PS4 owners that don't maintain one can dip their toe into the Sword Coast. I tried the game myself for a time on PC, and the combat certainly seemed more involved and engaging than what Cryptic had come up with for Champions Online and Star Trek Online.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=364789Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerFable card game by ex-Lionhead developers is heading to Kickstarter2016-05-30T20:30:00Z2016-05-30T20:30:00Z
Apparently there has been a free-to-play Fable card game in the works for the past 18 months at Lionhead before the studio closed. Now that game, titled Fable Fortune, is heading to Kickstarter with Microsoft's blessing under a new indie developer, Flaming Fowl Studios, founded by ex-Lionhead developers.

Just like Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls: Legends, the game draws heavily from Hearthstone, having eight different heroes to choose from when building a deck. Cards and heroes feature familiar faces from the Fable franchise, with all that cheeky British humor the series is known for. Instead of having the cards appear on the battlefield when played, a 3D pedestal drops from the sky with a bust of the character. There is also an online co-op mode planned where players team up to take on AI bosses with special themed decks.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=363164Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerThe beautiful Monster Hunter Online is getting an English patch on May 302016-05-23T08:00:00Z2016-05-23T08:00:00Z
Did you know that there is a free-to-play Monster Hunter that runs on Cry Engine 3 on PCs? You might not since the game has only been released in China, but that's about to change thanks to a modding team named Team HD. The plan is to release a beta English translation patch a week from today on May 30. You can already get the game installed and running by following guides the team has provided and can apply the patch once it is released.

After having mostly played series on Wii U and 3DS this ultra texture video running at 60 frames-per-second looks a billion times better. Meanwhile, the next Monster Hunter game to get officially released in English is going to be the 3DS exclusive Generations which looks about on par with a decent looking PS2 game.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=361555Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerIf you're thirsty for virtual boobies but broke, the free-to-play version of DOAX 3 is out now2016-05-16T10:00:00Z2016-05-16T10:00:00Z
Remember that awful and grind filled booby game Dead or Alive Xtreme 3? The free-to-play versions of it are available now on both the Hong Kong and Japanese PSN stores for PS4 and Vita. This free version includes Kasumi, and every mode besides the casino. The casino and characters can be purchased for real money separately.

As long as you're intelligent enough to create a Hong Kong-based PSN account you too can take artistic photos of scenery in English for the low, low, price of whatever you value your brain cells at.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=360626Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreGigantic is no longer an Xbox One and Windows 10 exclusive2016-05-11T16:15:00Z2016-05-11T16:15:00Z
If you have been wondering what's up with Gigantic as of late, I'm right there with you. These past few months, I think I've heard more about layoffs at developer Motiga than the game itself.

Gigantic is still in fact coming to Xbox One and Windows 10, but now, there are also plans for the free-to-play MOBA to support Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 with a same-day release. What changed? The studio has partnered with publisher Perfect World Entertainment.

"We couldn't be more excited about this announcement, as it has been the number one request from our community over the past year," said Motiga CEO Chris Chung. "At the same time, we are also working to make significant improvements to the game over the next few months, based largely on the feedback we gathered from our beta community during the last phase of testing."

Chung added that the team is "humbled by the amount of love and support that has come from the community throughout the journey. There were friends who wanted to raise money for the studio through donations and crowdfunding. I received daily messages of encouragement in my inbox from our fans; it's been an incredibly grateful experience. I can't give enough thanks to all of you for the love and support you've shown us."

I'm glad to see more supported platforms, but I'll be anxious about the monetization.

Introducing a New Partner and New Future for Gigantic [Gigantic]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=359629Nic Rowenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Nic+RowenDreadnought is the sci-fi battleship spectacle you didn't know you wanted2016-05-06T19:00:00Z2016-05-06T19:00:00Z
It's been a good couple of years for spaceship combat games. After a long dormancy, games like Elite Dangerous, Star Citizen, EVE: Valkyrie and the upcoming No Man's Sky have put players back in the cockpit of all manner of dangerous, zippy star-fighters.

Dreadnought is also getting in on the space combat action, but from a decidedly different angle. Instead of sitting in the cockpit of a one-seat fighter, players take command of the massive capital ships usually reserved for villains and admirals. At the helm of a massive, slow, and fully-loaded ship reminiscent of the Battlestar Galactica, players slowly maneuver themselves around each other to try and best bring their armament to bear while diverting power to engines, shields, and all kinds of other sci-fi ship clichés. It's a much slower, removed, and calculating kind of combat.

The weird thing is, I kind of love it.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=359455Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerOnly masochists could possibly enjoy Lost Reavers2016-05-05T22:30:00Z2016-05-05T22:30:00Z
Moments before breathing his last breath, my grand peppers said to me, "Jed, there is nothing in this world that is free and one day you'll realize that your time is what is valuable." He was right. I've let him down by wasting so much of it playing Lost Reavers, the multiplayer free-to-play title available exclusive on the Wii U's eShop.

Sometimes free-to-play games are done really well and end up garnering a large fan base and equally large amounts of revenue. Games like Hearthstone, League of Legends, Dota 2, and others are great examples of this in action. Lost Reavers, on the other hand, is one of the worst free-to-play games I've ever played in my life -- but not because of microtransactions.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=359411Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreAtlas Reactor is dropping its free-to-play system2016-05-05T16:30:00Z2016-05-05T16:30:00Z
While the closed beta for Atlas Reactor has been reasonably well-received, Trion Worlds has decided to move out of the free-to-play realm with its multiplayer strategy game in favor of premium pricing.

There's a specific breakdown of the new buy-once-to-play structure and how current beta players will be affected over here, but the short of it is the game will be $19.99 for a limited time (and then normally cost $29.99) and folks who already purchased a Founder's Pack or spent $10 or more on in-game credits won't have to pay more to continue playing in the future -- they're all sorted.

Why the change, and why now? According to producer Peter Ju, Trion has been "figuring out how to best tune [Atlas Reactor as a free-to-play title] to create a sustainable business. To make it viable, we would have had to do some things that run counter to your feedback, making the game less fun."

In his letter to the community, Ju also stressed that going this route will enable the team to better focus on "the competitive, balanced fun rather than store mechanics."

In most cases, I would see this shift as a good thing, but for a game in Atlas Reactor's position that will live or die based on its player base, I'm not so sure. If Trion can get lots of folks in the door under the new premium model and keep them engaged, more power to it, but I have my doubts.

April Producer's Letter [Atlas Reactor]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=357533Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesLet It Die maintains Suda's sense of style without sacrificing accessibility2016-05-01T12:30:00Z2016-05-01T12:30:00Z
Grasshopper Manufacture (GhM) has built up a reputation over the years for being "different" in ways that some love and others hate. That's not necessarily what the studio wants though. My conversations with GhM founder Goichi Suda over the past few years have me convinced me that he isn't satisfied with putting out games that people don't enjoy or understand. Suda is in love with fun, and he wants everyone who plays his games to have fun along with him. He's at a point in his career where the only place left to go is mainstream, but only wants to do so on his terms.

In that way, you could say Suda's partnership with mega-publisher Gung Ho mirrors David Bowie's decision to sign a $17.5 million contact with EMI back in 1983. Having already established himself as an avant garde darling in the 1970s, fans had come to take Bowie's brand of surrealist detours from "AAA" pop music for granted by the time the 1980s had rolled around. Then they heard Let's Dance, his debut album with EMI, and all that changed. By embracing simplicity and accessibility, Bowie challenged his existing fans to follow him down a new path. In doing so, he managed to unite fans of "high art" and "normal" music under one roof, scoring him the biggest hit in his career.

I meant to ask Suda if it was just a coincidence that his upcoming free-to-play multiplayer death sport Let It Die and Let's Dance are just a few letters away from having the same name, but I was too distracted by all the violence, comedy, and frog fungus to remember.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=358210Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreForza Motorsport 6: Apex opens its beta next week2016-04-28T21:00:00Z2016-04-28T21:00:00Z
Turn 10 is bringing Forza over to PC soon, but if you missed the initial announcement, well, this isn't exactly a dream scenario we're talking about here. Importantly, Forza Motorsport 6: Apex is a free-to-play title, one with a "curated single-player tour of Forza Motorsport's best content" and no livery design editor or online multiplayer. Just Drivatar versions of your friends.

If that sounds fine to you, or at least worth looking into, the open beta starts May 5, 2016.

"As a first-party Microsoft studio, Turn 10 is obsessed with performance in Forza games and, during the open beta for Apex, we will be working to improve the game's performance across a diverse selection of hardware setups," reads today's post. Future updates will range from covering wheel support to basic PC-centric features like "the ability to disable Vsync and an in-app framerate counter."

These are the current system requirements for the beta version:

Minimum

OS: Windows 10 64-bit version 1511

Processor: Intel Core i3-4170 @ 3.7 Ghz

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 740 / Radeon R7 250X

Hard drive space: 30 GB

RAM: 8 GB

VRAM: 2 GB

DirectX: DirectX 12

Suggested Input: Xbox One controller

Recommended (1080p at 60 frames per second)

OS: Windows 10 64-bit version 1511

Processor: Intel Core i7-3820 @ 3.6 Ghz

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 970 / Radeon R9 290X

Hard drive space: 30 GB

RAM: 12 GB

VRAM: 4 GB

DirectX: DirectX 12

 Suggested Input: Xbox One controller

Ideal (4K at 60 frames per second)

OS: Windows 10 64-bit version 1511

Processor: Intel Core i7-6700k @ 4 Ghz

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980ti / Radeon Fury X

Hard drive space: SSD + 30 GB

RAM: 16 GB

VRAM: 6+ GB

DirectX: DirectX 12

 Suggested Input: Xbox One controller

Meanwhile, I'm still playing that fun daily game where I keep closing out prompts in Windows urging an upgrade to the new operating system already. Nah. I'm in no rush.

Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Open Beta [Forza]

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=357799Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerWhispers of the Old Gods expansion now out for Hearthstone sans 'sorry' emote2016-04-26T21:00:00Z2016-04-26T21:00:00Z
Well met! Whispers of the Old Gods, the new 134-card expansion for Hearthstone, is now available for you to purchase or spend in-game gold on. Upon your next login, you'll be rewarded with three free packs with the first pack you open containing two copies of Beckoner of Evil and the legendary C'Thun.

Players can earn 10 more free packs by winning 9 total games in the new Standard mode that launched today, which is the mode that will be used for official Hearthstone tournaments from here on that limits certain cards from being used.

Those who want to play with their whole collection of cards can still do so in the Wild mode, which also launched today though it is technically the mode we have all been playing from the start.

Also added is a new game board, some nerfs to cards, and the "sorry" emote has been removed and replaced with a "wow" emote. I guess Blizzard must have read my opinion piece about gaming needing more safe spaces. Thanks, Blizzard!

As someone who had played Hearthstone obsessively since launch, I stopped when the Standard and Wild modes were announced, but I'm not sure why. Now that they are here I can't help but think the game is better off for it and it's a better time than ever to play. The playing field is fresh again. I'll be sinking time in again as soon as I have the time to sink in!

 tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=357151Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerThe Elder Scrolls: Legends is a brown, clunky, cash-in of a card game2016-04-23T05:00:00Z2016-04-23T05:00:00Z
Bethesda seems to be on a streak of trying to cash-in on already saturated markets. First it was The Elders Scrolls Online, and now it's the Hearthstone-like card game, The Elder Scrolls: Legends. Publishers can't help but see the amount of money that World of Warcraft and Hearthstone rake in and not want a piece of the pie, but they don't understand that everyone has already had their fill.

Legends had its first gameplay revealed just before PAX East 2016 with the announcement of a beta, and I was excited. I love The Elder Scrolls, and I love Hearthstone, so maybe this would be my new addiction?

Sad to report, that most likely won't be the case.

 Read more...tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2017:/post.phtml?pk=356842Joe Parlockhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Joe+ParlockAtlas Reactor is shaping up to be something great2016-04-22T10:00:00Z2016-04-22T10:00:00Z
We're drowning in a sea of MOBAs. Dota 2, League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm, Smite, the list goes on and on and on. So it's really nice to see Trion, developer of Rift and Trove, try something slightly different with their upcoming MOBA-inspired free-to-play game Atlas Reactor.

Atlas Reactor takes the main pull – a large cast of different characters, each with their own abilities and strengths to learn – and rams it into a simultaneous turn-based battle between two teams of four. I didn't go into it expecting much, but I was really impressed by what I found.

 Read more...


text:
Yeah I know, I just didn't get the connection in your original post. I had WSU as a backup school....and they offered me a scholarship for being a "Future Cougar of Color". LOL.
The first 2 underlined are me saying that washu is in washington for some unsuspecting people who don't know u of w and washu. For those that know, they'd scoff at me. Then I threw in the last part to make their thoughts invalid :D

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Message view
|« Date » · « Thread »
|« Date » · « Thread »
|DO NOT REPLY [Bug 45081] New: <available> condition doesn' t pay attention to whether a file is readable.
|Tue, 27 May 2008 15:59:33 GMT
https://issues.apache.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=45081 Summary: <available> condition doesn't pay attention to whether a file is readable. Product: Ant Version: 1.7.0 Platform: PC OS/Version: Windows XP Status: NEW Severity: normal Priority: P2 Component: Core tasks AssignedTo: email@example.com ReportedBy: firstname.lastname@example.com If a file is visible in the filesystem but there is no authorization to actually read the file, available still returns true. My opinion on this is.... the <available> condition should either check whether the file is actually readable or else document explicitly that is doesn't check this and there should be an additional condition for checking whether the file is readable. -- Configure bugmail: https://issues.apache.org/bugzilla/userprefs.cgi?tab=email ------- You are receiving this mail because: ------- You are the assignee for the bug.
|View raw message


text:
Beef With Mushrooms
|3⁄4 Pound, sliced thin
|2 Tablespoon
|1 Teaspoon
|1⁄8 Teaspoon
|Chicken stock
|1⁄2 Cup (8 tbs)
|3⁄4 Pound, sliced
|For thickening
|Soy sauce
|1 Tablespoon
|2 Tablespoon, mixed with water
|1⁄4 Cup (4 tbs)
Heat a pan with the oil, salt and pepper and when it is very hot add the beef and saute for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add the stock and the mushrooms, cover and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the thickening to the meat, and when it becomes thick and smooth, serve immediately in a shallow bowl.
Rate It
Nutrition Rank
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: Complete recipe
Calories 1169 Calories from Fat 654
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 73 g112.6%
Saturated Fat 20.2 g100.9%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 214.5 mg71.5%
Sodium 3163.9 mg131.8%
Total Carbohydrates 44 g14.7%
Dietary Fiber 3.8 g15.2%
Sugars 7.8 g
Protein 85 g169.1%
Vitamin A 0.1% Vitamin C 12.3%
Calcium 3.2% Iron 50.9%
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet


text:
WorldNetDaily Poll: 3rd Party Candidates
Poll: 3rd party scores with border backlash: Presidential candidate focused on fence, enforcement would tie Dems, beat GOP/WorldNetDaily
Question: Would you support a 3rd-party candidate who make enforcement of immigration law the top priority?
1. No, I don't believe we have an immigration problem
2. No, a third-party candidate always ends up being a spoiler and the worst candidate wins – like Ross Perot and Bill Clinton in 1990
3. No, I'm voting for the Democrat nominee no matter who it is
4. No, I'm voting for the Democrat nominee – Hillary Rodham Clinton
5. No, I'm voting for the Republican nominee no matter who it is – otherwise we'll be stuck with Hillary
6. No
7. Yes – normally I wouldn't vote for a third-party candidate but this Rasmussen survey has convinced me
8. Yes, it's the only way to get the attention of the two major parties
9. Yes
10. Other
DFO: No. 6
For the WorldNetDaily news report, click here.
You must be logged in to post comments. Please log in here or click the comment box below for options.comments powered by Disqus


text:
Library QuickLinks
This is a general Research Help guide for the major print and online bibliographic resources written on Philosophy.
- This Research Help guide is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of sources. Rather, it can serve as a starting point for beginning your research.
- Use the tabs at the top of the page to find help locating books, reference materials, journal articles, and more.
- If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, please use our Ask-a-Librarian instant messaging service (more information here), or stop by the library's Reference Desk for more help.
Philosophy Program Resources Site
Subject Guide
Contact Info
Division 1 Liaison
600 West Walnut
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Send Email
Profile & Guides


text:
Clearcam for the iPhone is an incredible app made by Occipital that will increase your iPhone 4/s and iPhone 5 camera resolution from 8 megapixels to a huge 18 megapixels.
Whilst this app is not universal it can of course run on an iPad although with 2x magnification. In fact it can be of most use to iPad's and iPod Touches with lesser cameras as this app will more than double the resolution. It will increase the iPad and iPad Mini's 5 megapixel camera from 5mpx to 11.2!
In terms of features the app is really a one trick pony and doesn't offer the camera features we have come to expect from more professional camera apps like the ability to lock focus and exposure, but this app isn't designed to be a camera replacement app for one simple reason: it needs to be held steady (a tripod is ideal) and it relies on you not having much motion in your scene. If you can achieve these two things you will get stunning results — if not, then you will get interesting results, but not that usable.
Under the right conditions this app delivers really sharp images and doesn't sacrifice any colour information either. You will see a slight increase in image size from 2mb to about 3.5mb which isn't a big deal. You will have to remember to delete your image queues in the app as it will save the 6 images there (not your camera roll) and these will start to eat up your iPhone/iPad's space.
Overall a truly great app for when you need that extra resolution and well worth the $0.99 price tag. Download it from the App Store:


text:
Our guide to the world of food, drink and entertaining, The Menu serves up interviews with the world's most creative chefs, introduces the makers behind the scenes and the ingredients that will soon be landing on your restaurant table.
April 19th, 2013
Episode 157 of 492 episodes
Where do you go after you have worked for the world's best restaurant – Noma? We head to Copenhagen to meet chefs launching their new ventures. We also find out what was going on at Seoul's second Coffee Expo and speak to double-Michelin-starred chef Michael Wignall.
You'll need to sign in to write a comment.
Welcome to the daily audio workout for your head.


text:
Facility management
Are you owner of an apartment unit? You do not have time to look after its management and/or to search for the tenants?
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Tel.: +420 840 111 840
Emergency service for Trojský vrch building ensures Skanska Facility:
Green line: 267 095 615
For heating and warm water, whitch ensures Veolia Energie Czech republic a.s.


text:
Developing Management Skills
A Comprehensive Guide for Leaders 4th Revised edition
By (author) James Carlopio Graham Andrewartha David A. Whetten
Format: Paperback
Checking availability...
Developing Management Skills by James Carlopio
Book DescriptionCarlopio: the practical approach to management Developing Management Skills, 4e provides students with a practical and effective approach to developing management skills necessary for today's workplace. With updates to reflect modern management issues and challenges this new edition has been streamlined to better match a one-semester course. Carlopio's easy-to-read writing style ensures this text is essential to the manager of tomorrow.
Buy Developing Management Skills book by James Carlopio from Australia's Online Bookstore, Boomerang Books.
Book DetailsISBN: 9780733991066
(253mm x 203mm x 24mm)
Pages: 575
Imprint: Addison Wesley Longman Australia Pty Ltd
Publisher: Pearson Education Australia
Publish Date: 1-Apr-2008
Country of Publication: Australia
Other Editions...
Customers who bought this also bought...
Books By Author James Carlopio
Sherlock Holmes and the July Crisis, Paperback (August 2015)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is brought back to life in this new story created by Dr. Carlopio using the words of the original master in his unique editorial fiction method. The incomparable Sherlock Holmes is involved in the build-up to WWI.
Strategy by Design, Paperback (February 2013)
Strategy by Design illustrates how to use many of the principles, processes and tools of the design profession to create innovative break-through organizational strategies.
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Minds, Paperback (December 2006)» View all books by James Carlopio
Thoughts, reflections and experiences voiced by ancient sages appear in this book as 'coaching conversations'. Their wisdom creates a vibrant landscape populated with insights which help us to reflect upon and discuss emotions encountered in personal transformation and constant workplace change.
» Have you read this book? We'd like to know what you think about it - write a review about Developing Management Skills book by James Carlopio and you'll earn 50c in Boomerang Bucks loyalty dollars (you must be a member - it's free to sign up!)
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text:
Health, Self-Help, Religion & Spirituality, Buddhism, Other, SpiritualityFollow
|Religion & Spirituality
May all Beings be Happy
January 3rd, 2010
Episode 181 of 400 episodes
Evaluating Your Practice- Gil Fronsdal This teaching is given freely courtesy of Audio Dharma. Audio Dharma ; IMC ; Gil Fronsdal
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Welcome to the daily audio workout for your head.


text:
Peace, Locomotion
- Brief Synopsis:
- Lonnie is at ease with his foster family. He writes what happens while growing up and is happy that they have new families though it brings new qualms. Peace has new meaning for him in his foster family.
- Long Synopsis:
- Lonnie feels comfortable with his foster family. Since he's living apart from his little sister, Lili, he decides to write what happens while growing up. He's happy that he and Lili have new families, though it brings new qualms. With his foster brother being in the army, peace has new meaning for him.
- Book Quality:
- Excellent
- Book Size:
- 136 Pages
- 9780399246555
- Publisher:
- Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
- Date of Addition:
- 05/27/09
- Copyright Date:
- 2009
- Copyrighted By:
- Jacqueline Woodson
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Categories:
- Children's Books, Literature and Fiction
- Submitted By:
- Daproim Africa
- Proofread By:
- Daproim Africa
- Usage Restrictions:
- This is a copyrighted book.
Reviews of Peace, Locomotion (0 reviews)
0 - No Rating Yet


text:
Cold Sandwich Recipes
Looking for cold sandwich recipes? Find delicious cold sandwich recipes including cold cut sandwiches, cold lamb sandwiches, and more cold sandwich recipes and ideas.
Recipe Spotlight
Ham & Potato Salad Sandwiches
Cara McDonald
These little sandwiches with zingy toppings are super simple to pull together. This classic version originated in a deli in Prague, where they're a really popular winter party food. —Cara McDonald, Winter Park, ColoradoGet Recipe


text:
Artichoke Soup
|Chicken stock
|1 Liter
|45 Milliliter
|All purpose flour
|45 Milliliter
|500 Milliliter
Remove the stems from the artichokes.
Remove the bottom leaves and trim the top.
Par boil the artichokes in boiling water until tender.
Plunge into cold water.
Drain and spread the leaves.
Open the artichokes with your fingers and remove the choke by scraping with a spoon.
Heat the chicken stock in a kettle.
Add the artichokes and simmer for 1 hour.
Transfer the artichokes to a food processor and process into a puree.
Return the puree to the soup.
Continue to simmer.
Heat the butter in a small sauce pan, add the flour and cook 2 minutes over low heat.
Whip into the soup.
Add the milk and simmer until thick.
Taste, adjust seasonings if required, serve hot.
Recipe Summary
Rate It
Nutrition Rank
Nutrition Facts
Serving size
Calories 710 Calories from Fat 293
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 33 g50.8%
Saturated Fat 18 g89.8%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 88.4 mg29.5%
Sodium 1090.5 mg45.4%
Total Carbohydrates 78 g26.2%
Dietary Fiber 16.3 g65.1%
Sugars 24 g
Protein 33 g65.3%
Vitamin A 17.4% Vitamin C 58.2%
Calcium 43.4% Iron 32.7%
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet


text:
Winchester 1885 Black Powder Cartridge Lever Action Rifle .45-70 Government 30" Barrel Single Shot Case Colored Receiver Oil Finished Walnut Stock Medium Gloss Blued Finish 534169142
- All firearm sales are final. NO RETURNS.
- Return to manufacturer for warranty service.
- Actual buyer must pickup from FFL dealer who will conduct the background check. Learn more
- Firearm transfer must be the actual transferee/buyer. Click here to see BATFE form "Transaction Record Part 1".
- Firearms are only available for purchase online.
- Purchasing a Firearm Online
Additionally Spirit level tunnel front sight with multiple apertures gives you precise sight picture for the distance and range of your target. The spirit level helps you keep the rifle upright eliminating tilting inaccuracies. A Soule windage style Creedmoor rear sight is precision machined from steel and folds down when not in use for easy storage and cleaning. The Creedmoor sight comes with 1/4 MOA windage adjustment and 1/2 MOA elevation adjustment with 2 1/2" total elevation adjustment.
Specifications and Features:
Winchester 1885 Black Powder Cartridge lever action rifle
.45-70 Government
30" Badger half round, half octagon barrel
Single shot
Oil finished Grade III/IV Creedmore style stock
Schnabel forearm
Case colored receiver, lever, and buttplate
Rear tang drilled and tapped for sight
Creedmoor sight
Spirit level tunnel front sight with multiple apertures
Weight: 10 lbs 8 oz
Medium gloss blued barrel
- Add your selected firearm(s) to your shopping cart and check out.
- Select a local Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) Dealer that will accept the firearm and complete the transfer. Find a FFL Dealer HERE.
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- Pick up your firearm from the FFL Dealer, who will need to do a background check. Transfer fees may apply.
Federal law requires firearms to be shipped to FFL Dealers. For an individual to receive a firearm from Cheaper Than Dirt! it must be shipped to an FFL Dealer in your state.Locating a Federal-Firearm License Dealer (FFL) in Your Area
There are thousands of FFL Dealers in the United States. You may choose an FFL Dealer from our preferred listing or you may find a dealer in your area. To find a list of FFL Dealers in your area area CLICK HERE. If you choose a dealer that is not on our preferred list, either you or the FFL Dealer will be required to submit a copy of the Federal Firearms License referencing your Cheaper Than Dirt! order number. The FFL Dealer will usually charge a fee to conduct the transfer. There are duties that the FFL Dealer is required to do during the process which include a background check. Remember, the FFL Dealer is doing you a favor and the process takes time to complete. Fees can vary so check with the FFL Dealer ahead of time to request a quote on the fees associated with your firearm transfer. The FFL Dealer is in business to make a profit and your internet purchase may be viewed as competition to their retail business. If you feel the fees are too high, you can search for another FFL Dealer.Completing the Transaction
Once you place the firearm in your cart and checkout you will receive a confirmation email that has your order number and further instructions. We will verify the FFL license and also make the FFL Dealer aware that an order from Cheaper Than Dirt! will soon be arriving for you. Most orders are processed within 2-3 business days from the time we receive and verify the FFL Dealers information. Once shipped, your firearm will arrive at the FFL Dealer within 3-7 days business days. The FFL Dealer will begin processing the shipment. It may be an additional day or so before the FFL Dealer is ready to conduct the transfer of the firearm to you. Call the FFL Dealer and set an appointment to confirm that the firearm is ready to be transferred.Please note! All Firearm Sales are Final
It is important to thoroughly inspect your firearm before completion of the transfer. Once the firearm is transferred into your name, Cheaper Than Dirt! will not accept a return or exchange under any circumstance. If a defect is discovered after completing the transfer, you must contact the manufacturer directly for repair or replacement.