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WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS.
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Mass Effect (PC) - Part 2
WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS.
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Mass Effect (PC) - Part 1
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| Developer: | BioWare | | | Release Date: | 2007 | | | Systems: | Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 3 |
Today on Super Adventures I'm finally taking a look at a Mass Effect game! I started the month with a sci-fi two parter and now I'm ending it with one too! Next month: I dunno... zombies.
The Mass Effect series is basically what happened when the developers of Baldur's Gate and Knights of the Old Republic decided they could really do with some of that Gears of War and Halo money. They'd already switched to full 3D visuals and moved the camera behind the characters for KotOR, and this took another step by swapping out the tactical combat for cover shooting, to appeal to more of the console owning mainstream. In fact the game was an Xbox 360 exclusive for 7 months before BioWare's original PC fanbase finally got to have a go of it. PlayStation 3 owners on the other hand were left waiting so long that they were able to buy both Mass Effect 2 and 3 first! Which is just dumb.
I've actually had all three in my library for years and I've played all of them once before, but I've been putting off writing about them because it either didn't seem the right time to show off another modern AAA shooter, or I didn't have time to do it properly. If I start playing one I'll have to finish playing all of them, and that's a whole lot of space adventure to document. But it's BioWare's 20th anniversary this year, so to celebrate I'm going to put the effort in!
THIS WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST FEW HOURS OF MASS EFFECT (AT LEAST). IN FACT I MAY END UP ACCIDENTALLY SAYING MORE THAN I SHOULD ABOUT THE SEQUELS TOO, SO... STOP NOW IF THAT'S AN ISSUE.
(Click the screenshots to open them up big.)
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Fausseté Amour (TurboGrafx-CD)
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| Developer: | AIM | | | Release Date: | 1993 | | | Systems: | PC Engine CD |
Today on Super Adventures I'm taking a quick look at Fausseté Amour, which is almost certainly some kind of platformer. Probably.
One of the special talents I possess that sets me apart from the average game writer is my ability to consistently spell 'TurboGrafx' right without looking it up, but it's turning out to be a pretty useless skill seeing as everything I play for the system lately turns out to be exclusive to the Japanese PC Engine version of the machine. Like this for instance.
The title 'Fausseté Amour' on the other hand, I've been having to double check every time. I keep putting in too many 't's or not enough 's's or throwing in an 'r' and changing it to 'armour'. Google Translate tells me that it's French and is pretty close to meaning 'false love'. Which is a bit of a warning sign perhaps, but it's a console game so I'm sure it'll be perfectly wholesome and safe for the whole family to enjoy! Probably.
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Did You Find A Bunny Nest In Your Yard?
This is a new post for me as I usually stick with topics about animals we care for in my pet sitting business, like cats and dogs. However, just recently I was able to observe a bunny nest in the front of my house.
This got me doing some research as I watched the mommy Bunny give birth right under the bush in front of my house and then watched as she fed them and raised them.
She had 5 baby bunnies and all but 1 of them have left the area. We still have one baby bunny left who does not seem to want to move on. We named him Sherman. We hope it's a boy since we like that name. LOL !
There are many sources of information on wild bunnies on the internet so if you have questions about your newfound family members, get on the internet so you can understand what exactly is going on. I think it is fascinating.
So here is what I have learned so if you happen to come across a bunny nest this is just some information to help with your newfound family.
- A female rabbit will dig a hole for her babies. This can actually be smack in the middle of your yard or in our case she chose a bush in the front of the house. She will use materials from your yard and line it with some of her own fur by biting her fur off of her body.
- Once she gives birth she will cover up the hole and leave. She is NOT abandoning her babies. She is doing this to protect them. She stays away from the nest so predators do not follow her and know where they are.
- She will return to the nest only once or twice per day to feed her babies. Her milk is super rich with a lot of nutrients so the babies can survive with only 1 or 2 feedings per day. Feeding is usually done in the very early hours of dawn or at dusk. Again, she does this to protect them from predators. She will then cover up the babies in the hole and disappear for the day to eat for herself.
- She will continue to do this until they are about 3 weeks old. Once they get to about 4 weeks old they will start moving out of the nest on their own just to explore. They do not go very far and the Adult bunny will continue to come back and feed them and then leave again.
- Once the babies are about 5 weeks old they will start moving farther and farther away from the nest but do not leave the nest at this time.
- Baby bunnies will stick around the home nest for about 6-8 weeks then they will move on, however, in our case our one bunny has decided he seems to like it here and has stuck around eating and growing.
- Adult bunnies will start mating at 6 months old.
- Adult bunnies breed from February to September.
- Adult bunnies will start to mate again 30 days after the birth of their babies. The mortality rate of baby bunnies is low so constant reproduction helps maintain the species.
- Adult bunnies do not abandon their babies. They only feed their babies once or twice a day for about 5 minutes. The rich milk sustains the babies for 24 hours.
- Adult bunnies will not abandon their babies if humans touch them. This is a myth.
I am really enjoying "Sherman" who decided to stick around for a while. He seems to like it here and we like having him here.
Serious games: a definition
In this moment I'm reading the excellent book "Design and use of serious games". In this text I found a very objective and didactic definition of this kind of game. In the words of Kankaanranta and Neittaanmäki (2009, p.21) we can define serious games as
This idea helps us think games beyond entertainment. It is certainly an inspiration to understand games as tools in the areas of education, health and business training. Let's think about it and discuss.
#GoGamers
Reference:
KANKAANRANTA, Marja; NEITTAANMÄKI, Pekka (Eds.). Design and use of serious games. Jyväskylä: Springer, 2009.
games that engage the user, and contribute to the achievement of a defined purpose other than pure entertainment (whether or not the user is consciously aware of it). A game’s purpose may be formulated by the game’s designer or by the user her/himself, which means that also a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) game, used for non-entertainment purposes, may be considered a serious game. The desired purpose, i.e. a serious game, can be achieved through a spectrum ranging from the mere utilization of game technology for non-entertainment purposes to development of specifically designed games for some non-entertainment purpose or the use and/or adaptation of commercial games for non-entertainment purposes. We also propose that any combination of the above would constitute a feasible way to achieve the desired effect
This idea helps us think games beyond entertainment. It is certainly an inspiration to understand games as tools in the areas of education, health and business training. Let's think about it and discuss.
#GoGamers
Reference:
KANKAANRANTA, Marja; NEITTAANMÄKI, Pekka (Eds.). Design and use of serious games. Jyväskylä: Springer, 2009.
Messiah (PC)
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| Developer: | Shiny | | | Release Date: | 2000 | | | Systems: | Windows |
Today on Super Adventures I'm playing... a PlayStation demo disc I guess. I mean check out the menu theme I'm hearing right now: Youtube link. A Fear Factory soundtrack's not entirely what was I expecting from a game with a cherub on the cover by the makers of Earthworm Jim.
I've actually had a few requests for Messiah, all of them coming after I wrote about Dark Messiah: Might and Magic a few weeks back. I figured that eventually someone might have suggested the Japanese survival horror Dark Messiah (AKA. Hellnight) instead, but nope everyone wants to see the one with the baby angel in it. So a creepy baby angel's what you'll get.
(Click the gameplay screenshots to view them at their original resolution.)
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Adding some entertainment in advertising campaigns
I like to show Brazilian examples of advergaming. First of all, because I’m Brazilian. Second, because Brazil has a rich field of excellent examples to illustrate this contemporary kind of advertising, which uses games in its core.
Today, I bring one very interesting example to discuss here: one app created for Vivo (one of the big mobile companies in our country) that mixes gaming language, educational concepts and rewarding. The app’s name is UNLOCK LESSONS, and the idea is to put some serious content in children’s mobile devices for everyday life. Every time the child will unlock their phone, they must answer a quiz question about some scholar content.
Check the video below to understand:
This kind of advertising piece proves a possibility to transform serious content in a funny content with relevant results. About this subject, Miller (2004, p.69) says “The special qualities of games and stories are equally valuable when it comes to projects that are designed to be more functional—works that marry entertainment to some other task. Such projects are used for education (edutainment), information (infotainment), and advertising (advergaming). They also serve a role in training, promotion, and marketing. Game and story elements can make such interactive works far more palatable to the target users, and more successful at accomplishing their intended mission”. I’m gathering some good examples of Brazilian advergames for a more complete post. Wait for news.
References:
MILLER, Carolyn Handler. Digital storytelling: a creator’s guide to interactive entertainment. Oxford: Focal Press, 2004.
Today, I bring one very interesting example to discuss here: one app created for Vivo (one of the big mobile companies in our country) that mixes gaming language, educational concepts and rewarding. The app’s name is UNLOCK LESSONS, and the idea is to put some serious content in children’s mobile devices for everyday life. Every time the child will unlock their phone, they must answer a quiz question about some scholar content.
Check the video below to understand:
This kind of advertising piece proves a possibility to transform serious content in a funny content with relevant results. About this subject, Miller (2004, p.69) says “The special qualities of games and stories are equally valuable when it comes to projects that are designed to be more functional—works that marry entertainment to some other task. Such projects are used for education (edutainment), information (infotainment), and advertising (advergaming). They also serve a role in training, promotion, and marketing. Game and story elements can make such interactive works far more palatable to the target users, and more successful at accomplishing their intended mission”. I’m gathering some good examples of Brazilian advergames for a more complete post. Wait for news.
References:
MILLER, Carolyn Handler. Digital storytelling: a creator’s guide to interactive entertainment. Oxford: Focal Press, 2004.
D.D. Crew (Arcade)
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| Developer: | Sega | | | Release Date: | 1991 | | | Systems: | Arcade |
Today on Super Adventures I'm hoping that D.D. Crew doesn't turn out to be another game about shooting guns on a spaceship, or else I'm going to have to rename the site to 'Sci-Fi Adventures in Gaming'. Which I don't want to do, because... uh... hmm...
Oh right, I bought a bundle of fantasy RPGs a while back that I still need to get to. Can't change the title until I've played all of them, and they're all 18,000 hours long each so you're safe for a while.
I'm not entire sure what D.D. Crew is about yet, it's another name I picked from the request list, but it's an arcade game from the early 90s and that pretty dramatically narrows down what genre it's likely to be. It's not going to be a 18,000 hour long fantasy RPG for instance. Could it be Sega's attempt at an all-female fighting game perhaps? Wouldn't shock me, but arcade titles can be devious and misleading, so I wouldn't bet on it either.
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Thinking about iterative design
The idea of iterative design synthesized in a very didactic video. Check below:
My favorite subject of study today.
#GoGamers
My favorite subject of study today.
#GoGamers
Top 10 Restaurants in Chicago That Allow Dogs
We are finally getting some nice warm weather here in Northern Illinois. Each year Bring Fido lists the places in Chicago that allow dogs at their Restaurants.
Of course, there are rules when bringing your dog to a restaurant so make sure you call ahead or read about the restaurant before bringing your dog.
There are 140 restaurants in Chicago that allow dogs. To see the entire list go to: http://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/chicago_il_us/
Here are the top 10 most popular restaurants in Chicago that allow dogs.
Bad Dog Tavern & Grill, Chicago, IL, US
Bad Dog Tavern & Grill in Chicago is dog friendly and serves up tasty food in a fun atmosphere.
Bad Dog Tavern & Grill in Chicago is dog friendly and serves up tasty food in a fun atmosphere.
Harry Caray's Tavern Navy Pier, Chicago, IL, US
Harry Caray's Tavern boasts a licensed dog friendly patio on beautiful Navy Pier. They will serve your canine companion a souvenir water bowl and a treat while you enjoy a Holy Cow!
Harry Caray's Tavern boasts a licensed dog friendly patio on beautiful Navy Pier. They will serve your canine companion a souvenir water bowl and a treat while you enjoy a Holy Cow!
Cody's Public House, Chicago, IL, US
Cody's Public House has great service and is dog friendly, with a large outdoor area in back, darts and pool.
Cody's Public House has great service and is dog friendly, with a large outdoor area in back, darts and pool.
O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe, Chicago, IL, US
O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe features Continental cuisine in a casual, elegant atmosphere with outdoor seating available for pups.
O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe features Continental cuisine in a casual, elegant atmosphere with outdoor seating available for pups.
Big Star, Chicago, IL, US
Big Star serves fancy tacos in a cool atmosphere, with a walk-up window that allows you to bring your pup.
Big Star serves fancy tacos in a cool atmosphere, with a walk-up window that allows you to bring your pup.
Wrightwood Tap, Chicago, IL, US
The Wrightwood tap is a great dog friendly neighborhood place with a chilled bar that keeps your beer cold.
The Wrightwood tap is a great dog friendly neighborhood place with a chilled bar that keeps your beer cold.
90 Miles Cuban Cafe, Chicago, IL, US
This Cuban spot offers delicious authentic cuisine that is a steal for the price. Dine on the patio, and your pet is welcome to join you.
This Cuban spot offers delicious authentic cuisine that is a steal for the price. Dine on the patio, and your pet is welcome to join you.
Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern, Chicago, IL, US
Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern is a dog friendly bar with pool table, juke box, friendly staff and a projector for the Cubs games.
Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern is a dog friendly bar with pool table, juke box, friendly staff and a projector for the Cubs games.
Dunlays on Clark, Chicago, IL, US
When you just want to relax with friends, the appetizers and drinks are a major draw for patrons. Dine on the patio and Fido can join you.
When you just want to relax with friends, the appetizers and drinks are a major draw for patrons. Dine on the patio and Fido can join you.
Corner Bakery Cafe, Chicago, IL, US
Corner Bakery Cafe offers fresh baked breads, sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries, and allows dogs to dine at outside tables.
Corner Bakery Cafe offers fresh baked breads, sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries, and allows dogs to dine at outside tables.
So head on out this summer with your friends and your dog !!
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Fallen (PC)
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| Developer: | The Collective | | | Release Date: | 2000 | | | Systems: | Windows, Mac |
Today on Super Adventures... it's another licensed sci-fi game! Apparently they come in pairs this year. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Fallen comes from the Star Trek gamesplosion of 2000, when a ridiculous amount of Trek games all appeared at once, and some were even good! The 'Deep Space Nine' spin-off itself had actually ended back in '99, but they boldly went forward and gave the fans a couple more games anyway.
You might think your game backlog is bad, but this has been sitting on my shelf unplayed for like 15 years now. Mostly because I could never get the damn thing to run properly. It always came out running too fast, or way too dark, or with unfiltered textures and giant space pixels in place of stars.
This time though I'm using the dgVoodoo 2 Glide wrapper to trick the game into thinking I have a 3dfx card, and it's actually working pretty great... except for the low resolution and 16-bit colour depth. So be aware that the game can theoretically look better than it does in the upcoming screenshots.
Warning: this will likely contain spoilers for the 'Deep Space Nine' TV series. Like the fact that it has one episode entirely about one of the main cast having a sex change to stand in for his mother, and it's still a better series than 'Voyager'.
(Click an image to see the original screenshot, if you're in the mood for disappointment. They ain't HD by a long shot.)
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Star Wars: Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast (PC)
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| Developer: | Raven | | | Release Date: | 2002 | | | Systems: | Windows, Mac, Xbox, GameCube (but not PS2) |
Today on Super Adventures I'm taking a look at Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, the third in the Jedi Knight series. Poor Dark Forces: it was the one that started the games off in the first place but Jedi Knight was the name that stuck. Because it has 'Jedi' in it and every Star Wars fan wants to be a telekinetic space samurai.
I've played this before, but it's been so long now that all I remember about it is that the lightsaber combat is a step up from the last game and it probably does the shooting better. I mean you'd expect it have decent gunplay considering LucasArts passed the series on to FPS veterans Raven Software for this one, who were coming off Soldier of Fortune and Star Trek: Voyager - Elite Force at the time. It seemed like Raven were getting around to all the big space sci-fi franchises in turn and giving them each a shooter, but instead they switched to making Marvel action RPGs weirdly, and now they make Call of Duty DLC.
The game has a 'mods' option right in the menu, which is cool, but I won't be touching any of them. I want the pure, unedited, non-Special Edition Jedi Outcast experience. Well, the single player experience anyway, I won't be showing multiplayer, and I won't be turning it off until I get to a proper Jedi duel.
Warning: This may contain spoilers for the earlier Jedi Knight games, including the fact that the hero becomes a Jedi Knight.
(Click images to expand them into bigger images.)
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Teaching Your Dog To Swim !
It is coming up on that time of year here in Northern Illinois. Summer ! Yay ! We had a pretty rough winter again this year. Seriously cold so we are all excited to see flowers blooming, grass turning greener, leaves on the trees and yes even swimming soon !!!
When my dog Sebastian was younger he loved to go swimming. I do remember, however, the first time he swam, he was a little scared of it and not sure of himself.
Here are some tips to teach your dog how to swim:
Safety Comes First:
Just because you have a dog doesn’t mean she’ll be a natural swimmer. In fact, some breeds -- the bulldog, for example -- cannot swim at all and will sink right to the bottom if tossed in the water without a flotation device holding them above water.
Dogs that are lightweight, have short legs, or will be spending time out on the boat in deep waters with you should be outfitted with their own life vest or jacket. Too much noise and activity can be distracting. Begin with a quiet area of the lake, river or pool, and keep your dog leashed at all times in case she gets into trouble -- and to keep her from swimming too far out. The leash should not come off until she is able to swim unassisted and is consistently returning to you when called back.
Never leave a dog unattended in the water, not even for a minute. And please don’t throw your dog into the water for her first swim. It’ll only frighten her to the point that she’ll never want to swim again.
Start Out Very Slowly:
When teaching your dog to swim, it’s best to start in a shallow area where you can walk beside your pet. Put on the flotation vest if needed, attach the leash, and walk slowly into the water, letting her get used to having wet feet.
If your pet is reluctant, bring a toy or a few training treats to coax her in farther. Use a positive tone of voice and lots of verbal praise when she enters the water. Gradually take her into deeper water until she must start paddling to stay afloat. At this point, you can use an arm to provide support under your dog’s belly if she appears to need the extra support. This gives her the incentive to paddle her rear legs along with the front legs.
You don’t want your dog to use only her front legs to swim, as she will tire more quickly and splash around. Keep supporting her until she seems comfortable in the water and is using all four limbs to swim. If at any point she appears to be panicking, back up into the shallow water and let her calm down before trying again.
Good Dog!!!
When the lesson is over, it's time to get your dog out of the pool or boat. Take your time showing her the proper and safe way to exit the boat or pool so she can find her own way out the next time. A good final rinse with fresh water will help get rid of any residual chemicals or algae that might be clinging to her haircoat. Finally, give her lots of verbal and physical praise after the lesson, and maybe an extra treat. This will help your dog to associate fun and positive times with the experience of swimming.
Also, if you are out boating with friends and family it is ALWAYS good idea to put a "life jacket" on your dog while in the boat. Dogs can fall overboard and can tire quickly while you turn the boat around and get back to them.
Keep your pets safe and everyone will have a "swimmingly" good time!