Last Person to Reply Wins!
Plus, the "weekend" is at both ends of the week when you go Sun-Sat
would you start reading a book with the last chapter, then go to the first?
No.
But I would put that book back on my shelf between the two book ends.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
Time for Halloween shopping. What I want is a Corvo Attano mask (dishonored), but the cheapest kind is made of paper. The best deal I can find for a decent one is $48.00. I wouldn't mind a used one for less, but searches on Amazon and Ebay yielded only new ones. Any suggestions on where else to look?
Here's a resin mask for $40. Sounds like a good deal:
http://cosplaysky.com/dishonored-corvo-attano-mask-dunwall-assassin-cosp...
I just found this video yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AewCqOZdLIs
Did anyone here try anything like this in AC3?
It would make a fun video if you could assassinate some targets this way... I guess we'd just have to see how the arrow physics work in AC3 to see if it's possible... ie, if you shoot up, do they come down.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
Don't think that would work, but it's worth a shot (heh heh, worth a shot). Gravity doesn't seem to affect ranged weapons in AC, like how a thrown knife stays the same elevation as it flies through the air endlessly, but the revamped system introduced by AC3 might have changed that.
Those kind of physics are more often found in shooters and Bethesda games like Oblivion, Skyrim and Dishonored.
Don't think that would work, but it's worth a shot (heh heh, worth a shot). Gravity doesn't seem to affect ranged weapons in AC, like how a thrown knife stays the same elevation as it flies through the air endlessly, but the revamped system introduced by AC3 might have changed that.Those kind of physics are more often found in shooters and Bethesda games like Oblivion, Skyrim and Dishonored.
And Metal Gear Solid V. A decent way of knowing if a particular recent game has physics like that is to check out Rabbit's Respawn. If he has a video of it (all of which are short, sweet, and freaking INCREDIBLE) it's got the type of physics he likes (bullet drop/player creativity possible etc.)
Here's a resin mask for $40. Sounds like a good deal:http://cosplaysky.com/dishonored-corvo-attano-mask-dunwall-assassin-cosplay.html
Behold my wrath!
Anyone think I should spray paint the gloves leather brown?
I suggest drawing this on the left one instead:
Also, it looks pretty freaking cool.
In Assassin's Creed Syndicate, main Targets do not need to be killed using the Hidden Blade. Any weapon that reduces their health to 0 will Kill them and trigger Memory Corridor/White Room. Headshots with Ranged Weapons (Knives for Stealth, Gun if you're a madman) now open up. Explosive Crates now open up. Voltaic Bomb kills now open up. There aren't many Ranged weapons in Syndicate, but I mean, you can also Kidnap targets, walk them out (Kidnap does not let you be Detected unless an enemy steps INSIDE your Blend Circle which you can make VERY tiny) and slit their throat in a dark alley. Or choke them out and throw them in water. Or throw their unconscious body off a building. Or just "Free"/"Release" them toward a lethal drop/water from a Kidnap state.
All that good rogue-y stuff. Mmm... Rogue-y stuff...
I thought this was significant to mention because nobody was a huge fan of the restriction in Unity, and HiddenBladers should know this.
Finally I hear something about Syndicate that excites me. This is coming from someone who normally would be be ecstatic for the grapple hook. Interesting, the kidnapping feature sounds like a glorified stealthy grab with weapon. If a target is unconscious, does he have to be fully killed for the memory corridor to start? Also, are assassinations plentiful and about creating opportunities like in Unity? Better yet, if you can make a video that would be nice.
Finally I hear something about Syndicate that excites me. This is coming from someone who normally would be be ecstatic for the grapple hook. Interesting, the kidnapping feature sounds like a glorified stealthy grab with weapon. If a target is unconscious, does he have to be fully killed for the memory corridor to start? Also, are assassinations plentiful and about creating opportunities like in Unity? Better yet, if you can make a video that would be nice.
Rope Launcher works perfectly, and it still feels like Assassin's Creed. It's not suddenly Batman because of it, so you'll be happy to know that. Kidnapping is way stronger than what you're imagining. The Kidnapped person will occasionally Struggle but tapping Legs Button/Jump will Restrain them and quiet them down again. There is an early Skill in the Skill Tree called Intimidate: "Kidnapped guards no longer try to break free." This basically makes you only have to worry about movespeed versus blend-circle size. It might be the strongest ability in the game - save for Smoking an area and doing whatever you please in the Smoke Cloud before zipping back up to a rooftop. I need to test and confirm if you need to kill an Unconscious target for the Memory Corridor to start, but I assume so. The game distinguishes between Knocked Out and Killed in its code on SOME level - because there are missions whose Full Sync is "Do not Kill X" and using KnockOuts on X doesn't ruin the Full Sync. Assassinations are plentiful like in Unity, and about creating Opportunities like in Unity. I like a few of Syndicate's Assassinations a bit better. Unity's took place in more Outdoor areas, though. Many of Syndicate's seem to take place in indoor environments or Restricted Areas. Even still, they're enjoyable enough. Each Sequence ends with one, so it feels very AC1/AC2-ish. Also, pretty much every single Assassination Target except for the two Tutorial ones have Unique Kills now, if you want to go for them. Unity only had two, I think. Videos I can make, alright. What would you like me to include in it?
I never really doubted the grapple hook would be great. One Youtuber talking about the game before it came out said it looks too futuristic, but even then he didn't dislike it.
I don't mind minor spoilers, except for the unique kills. I have to experience them for myself. 
What would satisfy me to see are, in the first story assassinations, use of the grapple hook in the assassination and for escape if needed, the kidnapping mechanic with its limitations, and changes in combat.
changes in combat
The Frye twins fight like Jackie Chan - 10 punches per second.
Actually, I'm really enjoying Syndicate so far. The assassinations have AC1 qualities:
- Stealth is possible but if you blow it you can still fight the main target and his bodyguards.
- Memory corridor looks like AC1. Target alternates between lying down and standing for last words.
- Assassin wipes blood with feather (or perhaps a piece of cloth).
The map isn't all cluttered up like Unity. Sometimes I'll stumble upon an unmarked mission like a Save Citizen.
FINE! Okay! I'll buy it. Screw you guys. 
Also, I need to carve pumpkins and pass out Candy, so maybe I SHOULDN'T buy it just yet... 
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
Thanks for the videos, DAZ.
The Frye twins fight like Jackie Chan - 10 punches per second.
Next AC in Asian setting confirmed?
So far, the only gripe I have about Syndicate (I rented it for cheap just in case it was still bad) is that the fight animations are ridiculously fast and somewhat cartoony (see Stabguy's comment above). I got over it pretty quickly after realizing how difficult it is to fight too many foes. I do feel like there is a lot of freedom in missions. Some missions in between assassinations feel like filler, though; something to just continue the story but at the same time increase the game length.
I haven't beaten it yet, but I'm liking it. I think Ubisoft made a lot of good decisions this time around.
I'm mostly fine with the fight animations being as they are, because at least it means combat feels better in my hands than Unity's combat did. It's choppy but it's the lesser of two evils between that, and sluggish. And it IS quite tough to fight lots of foes unless you're over-leveled and have a really strong weapon. I agree on the sentiment that some missions in-between Assassinations seem like filler, and while Syndicate is a Good game, I don't feel that it's a Great game, and would still like to see Ubisoft change things a bunch for the next one. Some of the Assassinations are pretty cool, and fit with my playstyle in a janky way by having Smoke Bombs be really strong! xD
My favorite addition to Syndicate is the "Perks" bonuses. It makes sense. If your assassin practices one thing a lot, they get better at it.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
My favorite addition to Syndicate is the "Perks" bonuses. It makes sense. If your assassin practices one thing a lot, they get better at it.
Agreed! I thought those were pretty awesome. Some of them are a bit too "out of the ballpark," (as in, they don't make sense to do in any practical context/you have to Grind them) but the ones that are more practical like Headshots, Cover Assassinates, Dual Assassinates, Knife Kills and such, all of those make sense. The effect of the Perk Bonus is usually not too great, the only one that really felt huge to me was reduced Knock-Out time. I'd like to see them keep something like this in for future AC games, make it more practical and boost the effect of the Bonus to where it feels noticeable.
Also, my first thought was: How does someone not get to 120 Assassinations on accident? I mean, I got it in sequence 3 or 4 just running around exploring the city. Maybe I'm a bit too vicious.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
I'm sure that the 120 Assassinations Perk was the one designed so everyone would pick it up at some point. Stealth Kills are too quick and too useful for a normal player to forgo using them over the course of the main story. I got it at around Sequence 2-ish purely for the Reduced Knock-Out Time. Which is totally sinister/weird/makes no sense; I murdered 120 people just so I could make it easier to not murder people. I think that might be the only perk that's a bit ehhh...
Still not sure how I feel about the combat, especially with the button mashing. It's gotten less fun since AC3, and considerably more in Unity, but I'll have to experience it myself in Syndicate.
(I rented it for cheap just in case it was still bad)
I first read that like this: "I rented it for cheap just in case. It was still bad". 
Combat has been button-mashy ever since they moved away from AC1-Revelations' Timing/Combo based system where you would tap-tap-tap against their Guard until they died, which was awesome. AC3 was button mashy until you needed a counter or needed a Stun on different enemy archetypes. Black Flag was the exact same. Unity was the same, except it was HORRENDOUSLY SLOWWWWW. Syndicate is the same, just the quickest the series has gotten. The only thing that has changed is animation speeds, and in that regard faster is always better than HORRENDOUSLY SLOWWWWW, as long as your enemies attack that fast too. Syndicate is easy because it's more of an RPG and you can give yourself stacked advantages like more Damaging Weapons and being a Higher Level, which causes you to obliterate health bars in two strikes. All in all the combat is serviceable for a game like this. It's no Batman, you probably won't ever die in combat, but it flows nicely at the very least and has a spring in its step.
Agreed. The combat is too button mashy for my tastes as well. Maybe it will get better when I venture to harder regions/missions. I know they tried to get away from the parry every attack until you decide what to do thing from previous games. It's nice to not just sit there with a counter all button, but it seems you can spam attack with near impunity, especially with some of the combo skills.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
There's this poll on IMDB on what game franchise you would like to see come to an end, with 26 of them listed. What came to my mind was the first really big cash cow, Call of Duty (not really the first though, more like the first obvious). Then I figured AC was probably in the top few. The results: http://www.imdb.com/poll/snuQWT-PBmI/results?ref_=po_sr
After Metal Gear Solid V, which makes failure in stealth an opportunity for improvisation between player and game, the less-frequent-but-still-too-frequent insta-fail moments in Assassin’s Creed feel more tired and frustrating than ever. Even with improvements like the rope line, I wish this game were more systemic, less reliant on printed on-screen instructions in lieu of trusting the player to come up with solutions for the challenges it presents.Then again, Big Boss can’t climb to the top of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral and leap off.
Each “memory sequence” (a bit of genetically encoded history that the player is reliving) climaxes with an assassination that does afford the player some room for creativity. The boring way to play these—which the game allows for—is to barge in and kill everyone in a straight-up fight, which pretty much lets you get away with mashing square (or X on an Xbox controller) to win.
The more rewarding method—the way the game wants you to play—is to explore each space to find people who can assist you. Maybe you kidnap one to get past some guards, or steal someone’s keys, or talk to someone who will tell you where to hide for what the game calls a “unique kill” (a cutscene that plays after you Press Square to Assassinate, but it’s usually better than that sounds). Your options are still prescribed, chosen from a very limited menu that the game presents. It’s not Dishonored, but it’s closer than this series usually gets.
Boo!
Came outta nowhere.
FLAE - I'm sending up an NBA flare! It's shaping up to be one hell of a season so far.
everyone, play Life is Strange.
just trust me on this, play it
It's a pretty interesting (and sad) game.
the other day I had a job interview at a company selling KIRBY vacuum cleaners door to door.
came in at training today. half the time they just talk about how everyone in the company earning almost obscene amounts of money and bonuses and everything like that.
it really stinks of Pyramid schemes-bullshit of the whole thing.
Googled a bit, and it just confirmed my suspicions.
it is an "training" thing tomorrow too. so I can either:
A - ignore it, stay home and watch a movie / play with myself or something.
B - go there, and openly show that I know it's crap, for my own entertainment's sake.
vote now
the other day I had a job interview at a company selling KIRBY vacuum cleaners door to door.
came in at training today. half the time they just talk about how everyone in the company earning almost obscene amounts of money and bonuses and everything like that.
it really stinks of Pyramid schemes-bullshit of the whole thing.
Googled a bit, and it just confirmed my suspicions.it is an "training" thing tomorrow too. so I can either:
A - ignore it, stay home and watch a movie / play with myself or something.
B - go there, and openly show that I know it's crap, for my own entertainment's sake.vote now
A
I got wrapped up in a couple of these sh*tty schemes. Just don't even bother.
Can confirm Joey's claim. I almost fell for a few of these. The idea is that it can work but someone else will always be making more money out of YOUR labor. World's capitalist enough as it is. Don't subject yourself to like, CapitalismSquared. Screw that idea, ROB, just stay away man.
yeah. that's what i figured. i'm just gonna ignore that thing
On Thanksgiving morning I participated in a race called the Turkey Trot. The entry fee is used for the local park and some charities. So there I was, running the 5K (roughly three miles). Only time I considerably slowed down was at the halfway point to grab a cup of water. Near the end, a forty-ish guy running beside me says, "you don't want to get beat by an old man, do you"? So I go at full sprint to the finish line with a time of 17:10. 
So I go at full sprint to the finish line with a time of 17:10.
Hey, that's a really good time for a 5K. Practically a 5:30 mile pace. That's the same pace I used to run 3 mile cross country races before I retired from competitive running at age 15.
Even back then there were hecklers in public races. One time an old guy said the same thing to me in a 10K race about letting an old man beat me. I explained that we had a league championship race coming up later that week so I was holding back in the fun run. Somehow I still managed to set a personal record of 38:08 that day.
aurllcooljay wrote:
So I go at full sprint to the finish line with a time of 17:10.Hey, that's a really good time for a 5K. Practically a 5:30 mile pace. That's the same pace I used to run 3 mile cross country races before I retired from competitive running at age 15.
Even back then there were hecklers in public races. One time an old guy said the same thing to me in a 10K race about letting an old man beat me. I explained that we had a league championship race coming up later that week so I was holding back in the fun run. Somehow I still managed to set a personal record of 38:08 that day.
fun run
That sounds an awful lot like "jumbo shrimp," "virtual reality," "old news," "act naturally," "civil war," and "military intelligence" to me...
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
A few of my buddies from college tried to get me to do a mini triathlon with them a couple years ago, and I quickly passed. The day of the race it was very windy and cold. A couple of them nearly drowned in the bay during the swim portion, and all swore they'd never attempt that again. It didn't help their egos that one of their wives smoked them all in the entire thing.
Cyber Monday Deal:
AC Unity only 9.99... Finally found a price I'd fully recommend the game at.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
Anyone pick up anything good on the eShopper's holy day?
Anyone pick up anything good on the eShopper's holy day?
I got 4 things this weekend (including 1 deal today):
1 - a ton of cheap holiday socks (like 60% off) - socks are the only thing I really have fun with at work
2 - a good boogie board for $35 (may not have actually been on any extra sale, ha)
3 - an outdoor fire pit for $48 (50% off)
4 - an iRobot Roomba 780 for $369 (40% off)
I WAS going to get some video games, but forgot. Had my eye on Tour de France 2015 for $20 at the PS store but never pulled the trigger. Lots of other games, but I decided to sit tight on them as well.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
Stabguy, half question, half rant...
Do you know of any legal or semi-legal ways to keep my microsoft office home and student 2013 activated? Short of finding someone with a Yale ID and logging in through VPN, my student license is set to expire this month.
I don't know if Microsoft is even selling software these days or if they've gone the way of "subscription" bullshit like adobe did. That's the reason I still have my old desktop - full Adobe CS5. And now my laptop that had it on it died so it really is the only PC that has it, these days... 
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
1. The Order 1886 ($20) (Amazon)
2. Wolfenstein: The Old Blood ($20) (Amazon)
3. Bloodborne ($20) (Amazon)
4. Recipes for Disaster: An Anarchist Cookbook ($12) (CrimethInc.) (Unrelated but still really neat.)
Wolfenstein runs at 60fps on PS4 and my eyeballs have been gently massaged by its Leo-K-Approved Buttery-SmooveTM framerate. Started playing it on Uber (hardest) difficulty right away, and the Stealth is practically necessary in many sections. Was not expecting this much Stealth out of a straight-up Shooter, but I don't think enemies respond to distractions so it's pretty much Lethal stealth for the most part. Which I'm fine with here, I mean, it's a freaking WOLFENSTEIN game. I specifically wanted The Old Blood more than The New Order for aesthetic/gameplay reasons. Also it was way cheaper while still giving me the same type of experience.
I played and beat The Order 1886. Very short game, enjoyable for twenty dollars for sure. The most graphically-intensive game I've ever seen on a console. Shooting feels good. Some players feel the letter-boxing gets in the way of the player seeing over cover. I liked this a lot, made firefights more tense. When I broke down the game's design a bit, I also realized this is why hostiles do not move at all most of the time.
Haven't played Bloodborne yet but it's installing at the moment and I've been excited about it for quite a while. It only got cheaper recently, probably because of the Sales so I decided to get it. As usual, I bought all three of these in Discs so I can let my friends borrow them once they all get PS4s (many are still waiting.)
Recipes for Disaster is surprisingly not at all what it sounds like. It has a lot of interesting thoughts on how to build up a community, understand and launch protests, scout areas, evade capture, build affinity groups and other kinds of stuff. To me the most usefulness comes from knowing about these things so I can write them into my stories better, since all of my fiction contains (anti)heroes who push back against an oppressive world. Having a bit more practical knowledge is one of those research-y things authors tend to do before they write something to prevent themselves from sounding like fools.
The Order at $20, the Witcher at $25 and Shadow of Mordor for $35 were the other ones I was looking at... but decided against.
I almost bought that Bread game, and Fluster Cluck for $1.50 too.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
I did pick up two PS3 controllers at GameStop, which were dropped to $35 each. So, I finally got to raise Ezio from the cryo chamber. I spent a couple hours running through AC:B and it was glorious.
Anyone here super confident in their html/css skills? I have a final project due next week and it's building a Portfolio website. It's VERY basic right now but includes all the requirements needed for the assignment.
I love playing with css. What's your question?
here's the page I built for my fantasy football league 6 years ago: http://www.wdle.is-great.org/ the bottom half's the menu.(it's small on purpose to fit inside the ESPN league page - http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/leagueoffice?leagueId=24996 )
A lot of it is antiquated and bulky, but it still works 6 years later. I'd send you my other one (the crowning achievement of my css/html days) but I deleted it two years ago.
“Force has no place where there is need of skill." Herodotus
I love playing with css. What's your question?
Well my (again, VERY basic) website is here. I was hoping to somehow make the banner image (the collage you see on the Home page) adaptable to any window size. So, if someone resized the window, the aspect ratio of that collage would change dynamically to it. Or maybe, since every screen is sized differently, the banner's size would get bigger or smaller to fill the confines of the screen view.
Also, if you know how to make the footer stick to the bottom of the window, even better (mostly for mobile device view).