BioShock Infinity 5/29/2023

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter video game in the BioShock series, developed by Irrational Games and published by 2K.  Infinite was released worldwide for the PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, and OS X platforms in 2013.  The game is set in the year 1912 and follows its protagonist, Booker DeWitt, who is sent to the airborne city Columbia to retrieve Elizabeth, a young woman held captive there.  Booker and Elizabeth become involved in a class war between the Nativist Founders that rule Columbia and the rebel Vox Populi, representing the city's underclass.  Elizabeth possesses the ability to manipulate "Tears" in the space-time continuum, and Booker and Elizabeth discover she is central to Columbia's dark secrets.  The player controls Booker Dewitt throughout the game, fighting enemies and scavenging supplies, while the computer-controlled Elizabeth provides assistance.

After the 2007 release of BioShock, Irrational Games and creative director Ken Levine were initially uninterested in creating a sequel, but they later renegotiated with 2K to produce another BioShock game.  Irrational based the game's setting on historical events at the turn of the 20th century, such as the 1893 World's Columbia Exposition, and based the story on the concept of American exceptionalism while also incorporating influences from more recent events at the time such as the 2011 Occupy movement.  The relationship between Booker and Elizabeth became central to the story, with the team working to make Elizabeth feel like a real character rather than a computer-controlled sidekick.

Development took five years to make and involved hundreds of employees at Irrational, in addition to support studios.  The development process was troubled, with Levine's management style resulting in wasted work and missed deadlines.  Outside help was brought in to make sure the game shipped.  BioShock Infinite was supported post-launch with downloadable content, including the story expansion Burial at Sea, which links Infinite's story to that of the original BioShock game.

BioShock Infinite received critical acclaim, with praise particularly directed at its story, setting, visual design, and art direction.  It is often regarded as one of the best video games of the year, of the seventh generation of consoles, and one of the greatest video games ever made.  It has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide.  Infinite was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch as part of BioShock: The Collection.

Setting and Characters

BioShock Infinite is set in 1912 and takes place in a floating steampunk city-state in the sky called "Columbia", named for the female personification of the United States.  The city of Columbia was founded by self-proclaimed prophet Zachary Hale Comstock, and funded by the United States government as a floating world's fair and display of American exceptionalism.  Tensions rose between Columbia and the government after the city intervened in the Boxer Rebellion, and Columbia ultimately seceded from the United States and disappeared into the clouds.  Comstock transforms the city into a theocratic police state, with Comstock worshiped as a prophet, and the Founding Fathers of the United States venerated as religious icons.  Institutional racism and elitism are widespread in the city, with minorities serving as a labor underclass of Columbia.  By the events of the game, Columbia is on the verge of civil war; the Founders of Columbia are opposed by the Vox Populi, a resistance group led by Daisy Fitzroy who fight for the rights of the marginalized.

Columbia is home to "Tears" in the fabric of space-time.  These Tears reveal alternate universes.  Some individuals exploit the insight offered by the tears to create new weapons and technologies, while several others replicate futuristic media heard from the Tears, bringing anachronistic elements into Columbia.

The player controls protagonist Booker DeWitt, a disgraced member of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency scarred from a life of violence.  Faced with mounting gambling debts, he is sent to Columbia to find a young woman, Elizabeth, who has the ability to open Tears.  Elizabeth has been confined since childhood in the city and guarded by Songbird, a large, robotic bird-like creature who has been both her friend and her warden.  Two individuals, Robert and Rosalind Lutece, direct Booker to Columbia and appear throughout his travels.  Though they appear as twins, they are revealed to be the same person from two different realities, having figured out how to communicate through and subsequently cross realities.

Plot

In July 1912, Booker DeWitt arrives in Columbia, where he is pursued by authorities, who recognize him as a prophesied "False Shepherd" who will corrupt Elizabeth and overthrow Columbia.  Freeing Elizabeth from her tower, Booker narrowly evades Songbird.  Commandeering an airship, Booker promises to take Elizabeth to Paris; when she realizes they are going to New York City to fulfill Booker's debts, Elizabeth knocks him out and flees.  Booker awakens to find the airship under the control of Daisy Fitzroy, who offers to return the ship if Booker helps her arm the Vox Populi.

Booker and Elizabeth join forces to secure weapons from a local gunsmith.  Traveling through Tears, they arrive in a world where Booker is a Vox Populi martyr and open warfare has erupted in Columbia.  Elizabeth kills Fitzroy to prevent her from executing a Founder boy.  Songbird attacks the duo as they try to flee Columbia, and their airship crashes back to the city.  Elizabeth and Booker discover a conspiracy behind the city's founding: Elizabeth is Comstock's adopted daughter, whom he plans to groom into Columbia's leader after his death.  Comstock killed his wife and the Luteces to hide the truth, and installed a siphon in Elizabeth's tower to limit her power.

Elizabeth is recaptured by Songbird.  Pursuing her, Booker is brought forward in time to New Year's Eve of 1983 by an elderly Elizabeth as Columbia attacks New York City.  This Elizabeth returns Booker to 1912 with information on controlling Songbird, in hopes he can save her younger self and erase the torture and brainwashing she suffered.  Booker rescues Elizabeth, and the pair pursue Comstock to his airship.  Comstock demands that Booker explain Elizabeth's past to her, and the two begin to argue; an enraged Booker drowns Comstock in a baptismal font.  Booker denies knowledge of Elizabeth's past, but she asserts that he has simply forgotten.  Booker and Elizabeth direct Songbird to destroy the Siphon, unlocking Elizabeth's full powers.

Elizabeth opens a Tear and transports them to the underwater city of Rapture.  The newly aware Elizabeth explains there are countless alternate lighthouses and versions of Booker and Elizabeth; their reality is one of an infinite number depending on their choices.[20] She shows that Robert Lutece approached Booker on behalf of Comstock to acquire Booker's infant daughter, Anna DeWitt, in exchange for erasing his debts, as Comstock was rendered aged and sterile as a result of exposure to Tears.  Booker attempted to take Anna back from Comstock, but the closing Tear severed Anna's finger.  Comstock raised Anna as his own daughter, Elizabeth; her severed finger, which caused her to exist in two realities simultaneously, is the source of her ability to create Tears.  Robert Lutece, angry at Comstock's actions, convinced Rosalind to help him bring Booker to the reality where Columbia exists to rescue Elizabeth.

Elizabeth explains that Comstock will always remain alive in alternate universes since the Luteces have enlisted the Bookers of numerous different universes to try to end the cycle.  Since stopping Comstock requires intervening in his birth, Elizabeth takes Booker back in time to a baptism he attended, in the hope of atoning for the sins he committed at Wounded Knee; she explains that, while Booker changed his mind, some Bookers in alternate universes accepted the baptism and were reborn as Zachary Comstock.  Booker, joined by other universes' Elizabeths at the baptism, allows them to drown him at the moment of his choice, preventing Comstock's existence.  One by one, the Elizabeths begin to disappear, the screen cutting to black on the last.

In a post-credits scene, a Booker awakens in his apartment on October 8, 1893.  He calls out for Anna and opens the door to her room before the screen cuts to black.

Gameplay

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter with role-playing elements.  Infinite adapts the gameplay formula of BioShock, with weapons, powers, and upgrades often functioning similar as those in the earlier game, albeit named differently.  The player may carry only two weapons at a time, and can collect other weapons and ammunition from defeated enemies or the environment.  In addition to guns and melee attacks, the player can use superpower-bestowing Vigors; these include the ability to shoot lightning, disable enemies by launching them into the air, or controlling enemies or machines.  Vigors can also be laid on the ground as traps.: 9–10 Vigors require Salt, the equivalent of magic points, to power the abilities.

Booker has health and a damage-absorbing shield; the shield automatically regenerates out of combat, while health must be replenished with medical kits or food.  If Booker dies, the player revives in a safe area at the cost of money, while local enemies are also partially healed.  Items called Gear grant passive abilities that can improve the player's strength or damage resistance.  A piece of Gear attaches to one of four slots; only one piece of Gear can be affixed to a slot at a time, with extras stored in the player's inventory.  14 Player attributes can also be improved by finding Infusions, which upgrade the players' shield, health, or Salt meters.

The player is opposed by enemies representing the Founders and the Vox Populi.  These foes range from normal infantry to Heavy Hitters, more formidable enemies that act as mini-bosses throughout the game.  Armed automatons scattered throughout Columbia act as a security defense system for the city.  Columbia is filled with large, open spaces that offer players freedom in how to approach enemy encounters.  The city is traversed on foot or via the Sky-Line, a rail system that Booker and enemies ride via special hooks.  Booker can jump on, off, and between Sky-Line tracks at any time and fire one-handed weapons while riding them.  The hook also serves as a melee weapon, capable of performing executions on weakened foes.non-player character.  Elizabeth requires no protection and assists during combat by tossing helpful items to Booker as needed.  She can also be directed to open Tears, bringing in items or pieces of the environment, such as medical kits or a ledge for higher ground.  Elizabeth can pick locks using her hairpin to open doors or find useful items.  Cash, food, medical kits, ammunition and Salts can be found scattered throughout the game's environments.  Vending machines can be used to buy supplies and powerful upgrades for weapons and Vigors.  Optional side-missions are also available, where the player must unlock safes or decode hidden ciphers; completing them rewards Booker with supplies and upgrades.  Audio logs (Voxophones) and film projectors (Kinetoscopes) scattered through Columbia expand on the characters and events of the game.

Infinite has four difficulty levels:  Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulties are available to start.  After beating the game on a lower difficulty level or inputting the Konami Code in the main menu, the hardest "1999 Mode" is unlocked.  Enemies are much tougher, the player's navigational aid and aim assist is removed, resource management is much more crucial to survival, and death is more punishing. - Wikipedia

I had the previous 2 versions of BioShock so it was a 'no-brainer' to buy BioShock Infinite.  IMHO it IS a better game.

REF:  Dell G5 5000 Desktop, Intel Core i5 @ 2.90GHz, 64GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 5300 VRAM 3056MB

 

 

RPG - Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a 2018 action role-playing video game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.  It is set in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia, an Imperial State of the Holy Roman Empire, with a focus on historically accurate content.

The story takes place during a war in Bohemia in 1403, in the times of King Wenceslaus IV.  On the orders of Hungarian King Sgismund, half-brother of Wenceslaus, Cuman mercenaries raid the mining village of Skalitz, a major source of silver.  One of the survivors of the resulting massacre is Henry, the son of a blacksmith.  Destitute and vengeful, Henry joins the service of Lord Radzig Kobyla, who leads a resistance movement against Sigismund's invasion.  As Henry pursues justice for his murdered family, he becomes involved in an effort to restore Bohemia's rightful king and Sigismund's half-brother, Wenceslaus IV, to the throne.  The game features branching quest lines, an open world environment, and period-accurate weapons, clothing, combat techniques, and architecture (recreated with the assistance of architects and historians), which encourages immersive gameplay.  - Wikipedia

I just completed my first full game play-through and found this is an outstanding RPG game.  Especially with the Developer Mode enabled (more later).

A Before You Buy look:

Gameplay

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an action role-playing game set in an open-world environment and played from a first-person perspective.  It utilizes a classless role-playing system, allowing the player to customize their skills to take on roles such as warrior, bard, thief, or a hybrid of these.  Abilities and stats grow depending on what the player does and says through branched dialogue trees.  During conversations, the time a player takes to make a decision is limited and has an effect on their relationships with others.  Reputation is based on player choices and therefore can bring consequences.

Character bodies and faces are created through the combination of multiple, individual pieces with finishing touches.  The clothing system features 16 item slots and items on many areas of the body that can be layered.  For example, a heavily armored knight may on his upper body wear a Gambeson, followed by mail and plate amour, with a Tabard or Surcoat over top, for a total of four clothing items in the chest slots.  Each clothing type provides different levels of protection against different types of weapons.  Clothing also gets progressively more worn, dirty, or bloody through use, affecting the character's appearance.  The player is able to use a variety of weapons, including swords, knives, axes, hammers, and bows.  Horses are featured heavily in the game, and are designed to act with their own AI while under the player's control, moving or jumping to avoid small obstacles or dangers.  The player can also fight from horseback and use their steed to carry items if they need additional inventory space, but warhorses are also competent combatants with their own AI.  Steeds come with five slots for armor and attachments.

Character bodies and faces are created through the combination of multiple, individual pieces with finishing touches.  The clothing system features 16 item slots and items on many areas of the body that can be layered.  For example, a heavily armored knight may on his upper body wear a Gambeson, followed by mail and plate amour, with a Tabard or Surcoat over top, for a total of four clothing items in the chest slots.  Each clothing type provides different levels of protection against different types of weapons.  Clothing also gets progressively more worn, dirty, or bloody through use, affecting the character's appearance.  The player is able to use a variety of weapons, including swords, knives, axes, hammers, and bows.  Horses are featured heavily in the game, and are designed to act with their own AI while under the player's control, moving or jumping to avoid small obstacles or dangers.  The player can also fight from horseback and use their steed to carry items if they need additional inventory space, but warhorses are also competent combatants with their own AI.  Steeds come with five slots for armor and attachments.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance also features a needs system which requires the player to sleep and eat in order to stay healthy.  Equipment and clothing also degrade and require repair.  Foodstuffs and other perishable items will spoil over time.  The game uses skill/stat-based mini-games for many of these tasks, including weapon and armor repair, as well as for gathering new items by Picking Locks or Pockets, distilling alcohol, or creating medicines.  The game uses long- and short-ranged weapons in combat which is based on a physics system using inverse kinematics to determine the reactions of both combatants based on the speed and weight of a blow.  This system aims to add greater variety and realism to the combat, coupled with a variety of basic combat moves and combination moves, some of which can be unlocked by skill points.  Different weapons have different characteristics, making them useful for different purposes.  For example, a sword is a quick weapon for striking and parrying, but is not very effective against heavy armor.

Character bodies and faces are created through the combination of multiple, individual pieces with finishing touches.  The clothing system features 16 item slots and items on many areas of the body that can be layered.  For example, a heavily armored knight may on his upper body wear a Gambeson, followed by mail and Plate Amour, with a Tabard or Surcoat over top, for a total of four clothing items in the chest slots.  Each clothing type provides different levels of protection against different types of weapons.  Clothing also gets progressively more worn, dirty, or bloody through use, affecting the character's appearance.  The player is able to use a variety of weapons, including Swords, Knives [aka Daggers for stealth kills], Axes, Hammers, and Bows.  Horses are featured heavily in the game, and are designed to act with their own AI while under the player's control, moving or jumping to avoid small obstacles or dangers.  The player can also fight from horseback and use their steed to carry items if they need additional inventory space, but warhorses are also competent combatants with their own AI.  Steeds come with five slots [Inventory (transfers from player Inventory), Tack] for armor and attachments.

Quests are intended to be nonlinear, with multiple ways to complete objectives to allow multiple character types to be viable.  The storyline features some large-scale events such as castle sieges and large battles.  Every non-player character (NPC) has a daily routine, and every routine can be affected by the player.  Characters are able to react to all player actions and adjust their routines to them.  NPCs will report crimes to authorities, who will punish the player accordingly, either with a fine or time in jail.  Crime will affect economics and people will get suspicious or aggressive after unresolved crimes.  - Wikipedia

Quests & Tasks

Main Quests - These are the primary quests that need to be done to complete the game.

Side Quests - These are quest that MAY be need to complete a Main Quest in which case they automatically start, or are standalone quest that can be ignored.

Tasks - These need to be done as needed by a quest and are loaded automatically (steps in a sequence) and sometimes can be skipped.

Inventory/Player/Horse/Questlog/Map/Other Displays

  

Developer Mode - Cheats

The first thing is to go to Nexus Mods Kingdom Come: Deliverance cheat page (current version 1.3.5).

Highly, HIGHLY, suggest printing the full Install & Usage instructions.

Key cheat commands which are case sensitive (lower):

• cheat[Tab] will list all cheats

• Enter a cheat code followed by [space]?

• EXAMPLE: "cheat_add_item ?" (without quotes) will list any parameters required and examples.

Most useful codes:

• cheat_add_item id: string:{string} amount:# (# default = 1)

• Use will require an "id:" code for items, note example for "Saviour Schnapps" above.  (see my PDF document list)

Another example using unique string: cheat_add_item id:torch amount:5 - This will add 5 troches to you Inventory, Weapon tab.  Warning you need equip a torch when in a town or you are committing a crime.

• cheat_add_buff_immortal (no parameters) - This is the equivalent of God Mode and needs reset each game start.

• cheat_repair_all_items (no parameters) - Does what it says including spoiled food, you need to check you Inventory to re-equip repaired items.

• cheat_add_money amount:# - Where # = the amount of Groschen (name of money in game) x 0.1 (9000 = 900).

• cheat_teleport_horse (no parameters) - Will teleport your hose (AFTER you own one Pebbles) to your location IF he is on the map.

 

Most helpful game guide site Game Pressure.

 

CLOSING: For those who like RPG games this one is well worth playing.

PC GAMING - The Outer Worlds (Updated)

The Outer Worlds is an action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Private Division.

The Outer Worlds is an action role-playing video game featuring a first-person perspective.  In the early stages of the game, the player can create their own character and unlock a ship, which acts as the game's central hub space.  Though the player cannot control their ship directly, it serves as a fast travel point to access different areas in the game and acts as the player's persistent inventory space.  The player can encounter and recruit non-player characters as companions who have their own personal missions and stories.  When accompanying the player, the companions act as an aid in combat.  Each companion has its own individual skills and special attacks, and it can also develop its own skill specialization.  When exploring, the player can bring up to two companions alongside them, while the rest stay on the ship.  The player can make numerous dialogue decisions, which can influence the game's branching story.  They can also respond to NPCs in various ways, such as acting heroically, maniacally, or moronically.

During combat situations, the player can use various weapon types such as melee and firearms, which have three ammo types:  light, heavy and energy.  These weapons can be customized to add elemental damage.  The player can use stealth or social skills (persuasion, lying and intimidation) to avoid combat altogether.  As the player progresses, they gain experience points, which the player and their companions can use to level up and unlock new skills.  The player can develop their technical skills, which are further divided into three categories: Science, Medical, and Engineering.  For instance, the player can use a shrink ray to shrink down an enemy.  The player is able to invest points into these skills, which will unlock new perks that enhance combat efficiency.  The player can also enter a "Tactical Time Dilation" state, which slows down time and reveals opponents' health statistics, which grants the player tactical advantages.  As the player leads their companions, they improve their companions' combat strength and resilience.  The player can also gain a "flaw" that occurs when the player fails repeatedly in certain gameplay segments.  Flaws impede the player in some way, but also give additional perks and advantages.  - Wikipedia

 

Best reference: The Outer Worlds Wiki

UPDATE

As of this date there are 2 DLCs:

1. Peril on Gorgon
2. Murder on Eridanos

WARNING:  There is a bug in "Peril on Gorgon" (a Preserved Eye is not in Lucky's safe) that will prevent completion.

RPG GAMING - Vampyr

"Vampyr is an action role-playing game played from a third-person view.  The player controls Jonathan E. Reid, a doctor who was made into a vampire, and whose thirst for blood compels him to kill innocent people.  To do this successfully, he must study and change his targets' habits, collect clues, and maintain relationships with the sixty citizens under his care in London, which serves as a fictionalized semi-open world built around hubs of neighborhoods tethered to other areas.  A skill tree facilitates the improvement of abilities, which is fueled by experience points gained from blood and, alternatively, investigation.  Feeding on human blood provides nourishment in addition to unlocking new vampire powers.  Abilities can be manually activated and passively upgraded.  Active skills afford defensive, aggressive, healing, and tactical measures; passive skills increase health, stamina, the blood gauge and absorption, bite damage and regeneration, and carry capacity." - Wikipedia

 

Before You Buy

I've just started playing this game on my Win7 PRO 64bit Desktop rig with 8GB RAM, Intel Core i5-4690 CPU @ 3.50GHz, NVIDIA Corporation GK104 [GeForce GTX 770] 2048 VRAM, and it is outstanding to play.

All you need is to view the "Before You Buy" video to see if Vampyr is for you.

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SIMULATION - Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey

"Good luck, we will not help you much." (from intro)

Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is a survival game developed by Panache Digital Games and published by Private Division.  It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in late 2019, along with a Steam release in August 2020.  In the game, players control a lineage of primates and are tasked to ensure its survival in prehistoric Africa and facilitate its evolution.  It was directed by Patrice Désilets." - Wikipedia

This title is a simulation of 'Humankind' evolution.  It is not really a game.

Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is a survival game played from a third-person perspective.  In the game, players control a member of a primate clan and have to manage the player character's health by eating, drinking, and sleeping.  The game starts in an African jungle, an open world filled with threats including Machairodus, Metridiochoerus, Crocodylus thorbjarnarsoni, Adcrocuta hyenas, African Rock Python, giant Miocene otters, African buffalo, and more.  Players can climb trees, and will suffer injuries if they fall down or are attacked by predators.  As players progress, new areas are opened up for players to explore.  When a primate is exploring new locations or being hunted by predators, it will enter a state of "fear" which can be overcome by finding glowing orbs of light, or else it will descend into a state of hysteria." - Wikipedia

There are only automatic saves but only at critical steps.  After all, there are no quick-saves in real life (you don't have a save before that drive on a freeway where you got into an accident).

I have played this simulation for several weeks and have yet to survive beyond two generations.  So it is hard.  But I will stubbornly stay with it.

There are many walkthroughs and guides available.

Below are two videos that will give you an idea of what Ancestors is.

PC GAMES - Dragon Quest XI

Dragon Quest XI

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix.  An entry in the long-running Dragon Quest video game series, it was released in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 4 in July 2017, worldwide for the PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows in September 2018, and will be released for the Nintendo Switch at a later date.  Dragon Quest XI shipped over four million copies by November 2018.

Plot

The game is set in the world of Erdrea, and begins as the kingdom of Dundrasil is invaded and destroyed by an army of monsters.  The protagonist, an infant during the attack, is among those who attempt to escape, but becomes separated and ends up floating down a river and is found by an old man known as Chalky in the village of Cobblestone.  Being adopted by his daughter, Amber, the protagonist is then raised in the village.  Unaware of his adoptive status and living in the village until his teens, he eventually participates in a coming-of-age tradition by climbing the mountain Cobblestone Tor with his childhood friend Gemma.  During the trek, they are attacked by monsters, and upon reaching the summit, a large bird-like monster attacks and leaves Gemma hanging off the edge.  Noticing a mark on his hand glowing, the protagonist then summons lightning to attack it, killing it and saving Gemma.

Upon returning, Amber reveals the truth to him about his birth and adoption, and sends him to meet king Carnelian of Heliodor.  However, upon meeting him and his royal knights Sir Hendrik and Sir Jasper, the protagonist is thrown into the kingdom's dungeons under the accusation that he is the Darkspawn, a evil being predicted to destroy the world.  Once imprisoned, he meets a thief called Erik who recognizes the mark on his hand, calling him the Luminary, a legendary hero chosen by the world tree Yggdrasil to save Erdrea from evil, and says he was fated to meet up with him.  The pair then escape by using a tunnel Erik dug, and eventually are discovered by Hendrik and Jasper and escape to another kingdom by using a special item left behind by Chalky in a buried box they found during their travels.  In a town called Hotto, the pair meet two mages who hail from the city of Arboria: Veronica, who fell into a curse that transformed her body into that of a child's, and her twin sister Serena.  The two immediately recognize him as the Luminary and swear their allegiance to him, as is their sworn duty.  The four then set on a quest to reach Yggdrasil so that the Luminary can understand more about his destiny.  On the way, they gain three other companions: Sylvando, a traveling entertainer, Rab, former king of Dundrasil and the protagonist's grandfather, and Jade, exiled princess of Heliodor who helped the infant protagonist escape during the attack of Dundrasil.

The party eventually arrives at the heart of Yggdrasil, which contains the Sword of Light, the Luminary's destined weapon.  However, just as the Luminary is about to take it, he and the party are attacked by Jasper, who was following them, and are left unable to fight further.  With Carnelian and Hendrick in tow, it is then revealed that Carnelian was possessed the entire time by an evil being known as Mordegon, otherwise known as the Lord of Shadows, and that Jasper has been an agent of his.  The two then subdue Hendrik and the Luminary's party, with Mordegon taking and corrupting the Sword of Light and absorbing the heart of Yggdrasil for himself, destroying the tree and plunging the world into an age of darkness.  Separated from his companions, the Luminary is revealed to have been rescued by mermaids from the underwater kingdom of Nautica, where he learns that the fall of Yggdrasil happened months ago, with Mordegon sending his forces to terrorize Erdrea. - Wikipedia

Dragon Quest XI is features an automatic turn-based battle system where you can set Tactics.  I found Fight Wisely for everyone, works all the time, including Boss Battles.

The game play is mostly straight forward, but you can fine many 'Beginners Guides' that will give you nice hints on how to play, with one exception (for those who haven't played Dragon Quest before).  Automatic saves are done automatically at many points.  Manual saves are done via Churches or Sacred Statues using the Confession option.

The game is very lengthy, took me a Play Time of 58hrs (close to real time) to finish.

The plot is somewhat linear that follows a long and twisting plot.  This makes the game outstanding in my book.

My Rig:  Win7 Pro 64bit, 8gb DDR3 System Memory, 4tb Hard Drive with SSD, nVidia GeForce GTX 770 with 2gb on-board video memory

Definitely worth the play.

There is a Trainer available.

PC GAMING - XCOM 2

My rig:  Win7 Pro 64bit Desktop

XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactics video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux in February 2016, and for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September 2016.  The game is the sequel to 2012's reboot of the series, XCOM:  Enemy Unknown.  Taking place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, it follows the continuity that XCOM, a military organization trying to fight off an alien invasion, has lost the war, and is now a resistance force against their occupation of Earth.  The expansion XCOM 2:  War of the Chosen was released in 2017.
-Wikipedia

My Game Rating:  4 out of 10

XCOM 2 would be an excellent game IF it could actually be played Off Line.  You can't.

1. When you first launch XCOM 2 you must have Steam OnLine AND be connected to your network.
2. When you start you are forced to logon to the 2K "Social Club"
3. Only after creating you "Social Club" account, you can take Steam OffLine (this is how I normally play)
4. But to avoid problems you still have to play XCOM 2 connected to your network (I normally disable my network during gaming)
5. XCOM 2 has a Crash Dump interface.  To avoid problems caused I had to disable this function by renaming the crash-dump files (CrashDumpPermission.exe and CrashDumpWatcher.exe)
6. Another problem is with MODs you load via Steam, the game fails to see what MODs you have enabled on first launch.  I had to find a solution (see below).
7. Last and worst, when you exit the game on a crash, you will get the 'game already running' message on Steam Launch, even though there are no [Applications] or [Processes] for XCOM listed in Task Manager.  (see my solution below)

MOD Launch fix:

I created a MOD Launcher shortcut to ModLauncherWPF.exe in my game menu.

1. On first launch of XCOM 2 I start the game in Mod Launcher (I could have an error) I then use Task Manager to kill this version.
2. I restart the MOD Launcher and the MODs are listed, I check all and [Quit]
3. Now when I start my Steam XCOM 2 Launcher the MODs are listed (I ensure all are checked)

Post Crash Game Start Fix:

I simply use the MOD Launcher, count 10sec, then [Quit].  This allows your system to actually close XCOM 2.  You don't get the 'already running' notice.

XCOM 2 Console Cheats:  See XCOM 2 Console Commands
Shows how to enable the console and the cheat commands.

See:  13 Tips for Playing XCOM 2 for help.

As I said the game play is very good, if it wasn't having to have my network online.

XCOM 2 casts the player as the commander of the eponymous military organization, now reduced to a resistance force opposing the ongoing alien occupation of the planet.  Players take control of the Avenger, the new mobile base for XCOM.  Players are tasked to give commands to squad members in battles against aliens during missions, while commanding the engineering and research department of the base between missions to create and research improved and new gadgets, weapons and technologies to assist players in battle.  Soldiers can be recruited, with each soldier class having their own skill trees and abilities.  For example, the Grenadier class can gain access to explosives and grenade launchers, while the Ranger is equipped with melee weapons like swords.  Armor and weaponry can also be researched and upgraded by the player in the (randomly located) Avenger Base.  Each mission's environment is influenced by the world's state, while maps are procedurally-generated to create a wide variety of levels, in which every map features different terrain and buildings in each play-through.  Mods are also supported.  Campaign, class and enemy types can be created by users and can be shared through Steam Workshop.  A one-versus-one multiplayer mode also returns from Enemy Unknown.  New enemies are also featured, such as units from the new faction, ADVENT, and more alien types like the Viper.
-Wikipedia

My MODS:

• Free Camera Rotation

• Numeric Health Display

• Stop Wasting My time - Legacy

• New Countries

PC GAMING - Sniper Elite 4

Weeks ago I installed Sniper Elite:Italia and some DLCs (Steam) on my Win7 Pro 64bit desktop.

I also have Sniper Elite v2 and Sniper Elite 3.

This is the best of the series from Rebellion.

It has all the elements of Sniper Elite 3 and more.

What I like about this game series is using and improving my tactics to complete missions.

In addition to the Main Mission (several parts) operations in Italy, there are 4 DLC Missions.

• "Target Fuhrer" (one mission)
• "Deathstorm" (3 part mission)

And there's "Bullet Time where you watch your shot in slow-mo.

Below are some screenshots from the game:

Your target is one of Hitler's top henchman, and what he carries, in the mansion in the far background.

When you start a mission you can choose weapons and supplies.  Your primary is (of course) a sniper rifle, secondary is an SMG, and third is your pistol.

Example

Your Level changes weapons effects:

Those bullet drop and wind.  Of course you still have the "Hold Breath" option which puts a red target where your shot will hit.

As you play, at the start of each mission you can adjust your "Skill Tree" with the skills you earned during missions.

The yellow [i] means these have not been assigned, one you have not earned are grayed-out.

Then there's your "Service Record" (aka Stats):

I have played several rounds over the weeks and have reached the Level "Ghost" and am working on the Level "Elite" (2,481,370 out of 3,000,000 pts).  And I am Death Incarnate.

And now videos:

SIMULATIONS - X-Plane Flight Sim (updated)

Finally done something I've been thinking about for years.  Got me a flight simulator and joystick.

Way, way back I did try Microsoft's flight sim but I had only keyboard-mouse.  Flight sims are almost impossible to use with keyboard-mouse.

So, finally, I got X-Plane 11 fight simulator and the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick.

X-Plane 11

Example Cockpit View

You can change your view from the cockpit including exterior like looking at the airport tower.

You can use your mouse to click on most controls and switches.  Like when starting engines, turning on lights, etc.

Where you chose your aircraft and customize for your flight

Usually the first screen you go to after launching X-Plane is to start [New Flight].  This gets to  the "Flight Configuration" window.  This is where you choose your aircraft and customize it, set weather conditions and Time of Day (includes a checkbox to use your system time).

The 'stock' aircraft:

• X-15
• Beechcraft Baron 58 
• Cessna Sky Hawk 
• McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender
• Boeing 747-800, 747-400, 747-100
• Boeing 737-80
• Stinson L-5, L-5G, L-5G Uurated Sentinel 
• ASK-21 glider 
• Boeing B-52G Stratofortress
• Skorsky S-76C  helicopter
• Beechcraft King Air C90B
• Lockheed SR-71
• Blackbird F-4 Phantom II
• Space Shuttle Orbiter
• Beechcraft Baron 58
• Cirrus Vision SF50
• Beechcraft King Air C90B
• Cessna 172SP
• McDonnell Douglas MD-82

You can buy/download more aircraft from X-Plane Org.


Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X

This version can be use for PC or PS3 via USB.  Features:

• Wide hand-rest for optimal comfort
• Programmable:  The 12 buttons and 5 axles are entirely programmable
• Dual-system aerodynamic control, by rotating handle (with integrated blocking system) or by progressive tilting lever
• Internal memory, to save all of your programming, even with the joystick disconnected
• High-precision joystick with adjustable resistance
• Programmable:  12 buttons and 5 axles are entirely programmable
• Detachable, real-size, ergonomically-designed throttle control
• Exclusive "MAPPING" button:  All functions may be instantly switched around between each other
• High-precision joystick with adjustable resistance
• Exclusive "PRESET" button to switch, while playing, instantly from one program to another
• Plug & Play for ultra-simple and fast installation with all functions pre-configured for immediate takeoff (without worrying about configuration)
• Trigger for brakes (civil flight) or for rapid fire (military flight)
• Multi-directional Hotas button to change views (panoramic view)
• Weighted base for greater stability

This is my setup

This pic was taken while going to "Flight School" sims included in X-Plane.  Note I have Thrustmaster 'detached' for easier use.


The things I learned while using X-Plane:

• This is a simulation, which means if you fly from San Diego International (aka Lindbergh Field) to Las Vegas and your route takes 2hrs, you spend 2hrs at the sim.
• To fly, you need a Flight Plan.  X-Plane comes with just one default Flight Plan.  You have to go to various WEB sites to get a flight plan:  Online Flight Planner , SkyVector (professional flight planer not for sims, but easy to get basic info, including airport charts and info), SimBrief (this is for sims, use it to actually produce a Flight Plan file for X-Plane)
• Flying ain't easy.  Really.  Especially landings.

So far, I've spent 3 consecutive days on X-Plane (Fri-Sun).  Now it's time to give it a rest.


FINALLY!

I made/published a Flight Plan via SimBrief from KSAN (San Diego International aka Lindbergh) to KSDM (Brown Field Municipal Airport) with routing.

I actually made it!  The full flight in a BeechCraft Baron 58 (twin prop).  OK, very sloppy landing but I didn't crash.  It only took me several weeks (only 'flying' weekends), with much frustration.

I also created the reverse Flight Plan, KSDM TO KSAN (same routing).

My next challenge is to figure out how to use the Baron's autopilot.


Found an outstanding site for Sim training videos:  WEH Videos
Provided many of the answers I had about Sim flying.

Today 8/20/2017, I completed a Flight Plan "Montgomery Field" to "Palm Springs International Airport" and landed without crashing.  Although I missed the designated runway.

PC GAMES - Hacker Evolution series

Ever wanted to see what it's like (or be) a Hacker?  Then you should get Hacker Evolution, a single-player simulation game from Exosyphen Studios.  Available on Steam.

From their site, About the Game:

Stock exchanges.  Central banks.  Satellite uplinks.  Transoceanic fiber optics links.  All mysteriously succumbing to an unexpected “evolution” of the web.  When the world’s critical services start to collapse, you know this is more then a simple event.  Who or what is behind it?  Only an experienced and dedicated hacker, with know-how gained as an international cyber-intelligence agent, can root out the cause and bring it down. 
The creators of Digital Hazard and BS Hacker bring you to new levels of hacking simulation, with unparalleled graphics and a pulse-pounding sound track.  Hack into computers, look for exploits and information, and steal money to buy hardware upgrades as you attempt to assemble the pieces of an international puzzle.  Your virtual operating system environment is packed with the features to immerse you in the role of world-class hacker.

Hacker Evolution is a totally unique experience, challenging the evolved gamer's intelligence, attention and focus to create a captivating mind game.  Solve puzzles, examine code and bits of information, and evade the system’s trace to reach your objectives.

Here's a screenshot of the screen:

There are 3 releases of the series available now (in order):

1. Hacker Evolution (original)
2. Hacker Evolution Untold
3. Hacker Evolution Duality

And an upcoming release, Hacker Evolution IMMERSION (on Steam's Early Access)

There is a nice "Hacker Evolution Tips and PrimerHacker Evolution Tips and Primer" in Steam Discussions.

Also "Hacker Evolution - Complete Walkthrough" 

PC GAMING - Fallout 4

I just realized I posted about the 'Song From Fallout Fan Word' which is Fallout 4 but have not posted in general about Fallout 4.

Here's my take on Fallout 4: OUTSTANDING

I've been playing for over 320 game-days, several new-games since 11/11/2015.  The game takes place in the "Commonwealth" aka Greater Boston area.



Review from IGN:

Excerpt

Most of the way this huge roleplaying-shooter game works is carried over from its excellent predecessors, Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas.  It is the Skyrim to Fallout 3’s Oblivion, if you will – it iterates on the previous game’s already amazing systems, and it’s similarly dense with locations to explore, genuinely creepy monsters to fight, and superbly engrossing post-nuclear atmosphere that blends unsettling gore and death with dark comedy.  After more than 55 hours played I may have seen an ending, yet I feel like I’ve only begun to explore its extraordinary world; from the look of it, I’ll easily be able to spend another 100 happy hours here and still see new and exciting things.

A story that begins as a basic search for your lost family evolves into something much more complex and morally nuanced.  Like in Fallout: New Vegas, we’re drawn into a struggle between several groups competing for control of the region, and deciding which of their imperfect post-apocalyptic philosophies to align with made me pause to consider how I wanted events to play out.  Even the highly questionable Institute has a tempting reason to side with them, and turning away from them in my playthrough wasn’t as clear-cut a choice as I’d expected.  I was impressed by the sympathy shown toward the villains, too - even the most irredeemable murderer is explored and given a trace of humanity.

There was a BIG problem.  The initial version downloaded from Steam has a restrictive screen resolution, would not display in my native 1280x1024.  Note I said "was."  Found fixes for this problem via Google, see below.

Also, there's no "Data" option in the Launch Dialog, so you cannot easily add MODS, but this is a minor problem for me.

The biggest feature of Fallout 4 that I really like is crafting.  With the proper Perks, you can craft/upgrade any weapon or armor you have, as long as you have the proper Crafting Items.  There's even an Crafting Item List online.

Fallout 4 is a big improvement of the Fallout series.


How to correct display resolution:

1)   Find C:\Users\[name]\Documents\My Games\Fallout4\ Fallout4Prefs.ini and edit the following entries to read...

• bTopMostWindow=0
• bMaximizeWindow=0
• bBorderless=1
• bFull Screen=1
• iSize H=1024
• iSize W=1280

2)   Get “Fallout 4 1280x1024 HUD Fixes” MOD and copy contents to your game folder, example C:\Steam\SteamApps\common\Fallout 4\Data\  (note that this MOD has no .esp file, it modifies scripts)  From MOD readme.....

   1.   Copy Data folder contents into your Fallout 4 Data directory

   2.   Edit \My Documents\My games\Fallout 4\Fallout4.ini

   - Find sResourceDataDirsFinal=STRINGS\,
   - Change it to:  sResourceDataDirsFinal=STRINGS\, INTERFACE\

   - ADD under [Interface] section

• fLockPositionY=100.0000
• fUIPowerArmorGeometry_TranslateZ=-18.5000
• fUIPowerArmorGeometry_TranslateY=460.0000

How to skip intro when loading game.

First go to C:\Users\[name]\Documents\My Games\Fallout4\ and open up Fallout4.ini and under [General] ADD:

• SIntroSequence=1
• fChancesToPlayAlternateIntro=0
• uMainMenuDelayBeforeAllowSkip=1

Now you should have no more pesky long intro video, key [Space] to get the game Load Menu.

PC GAMING - Song From the Fallout Fan World

FALLOUT 4 SONG

"Some Things Never Change"

by Miracle Of Sound

PC GAMING - Tomb Raider 2013

Now that my PC Desktop rig is powerful enough I installed "Tomb Raider 2013" (Steam) and WOW what a game.

This is the first time I've seen a console game that was very well ported to PC.  With really usable PC controls.

The graphics are outstanding, the story line very consistent, and the 'puzzles' neat.

"Tomb Raider" is addictive.  Hail Lara Croft, ultimate survivor.

Down side, check-point saves and saves at campfires.

PC GAMING - Far Cry 4

As my followers may know I am a big-time PC game player.  My latest game is Far Cry 4.

I also have Far Cry 2 & 3 and Far Cry 4 is the hardest because of one mission; "Death from Above" (needed to open Act Two) given by CIA agent Willis.

That is because you have to use a "Wingsuit" like those you see in many dare-devil videos.  The ones with 'wings' between your sides and arms, and between your legs, so you can glide down.  What makes this quest so hard is (near quest end) you have to glide through canyons and thread-the-needle at the end of a very narrow canyon.

I would likely be easier on a game console.

In the video below this canyon-glide starts at the 3:14 mark.

COMPUTER GAMING - Financing 'Oculus Rift' Gaming Goggles

"Tricking the brain with transformative virtual reality" PBS Newshour 12/18/2013

Excerpt

JUDY WOODRUFF (Newshour):  Correspondent Paul Solman takes a look at a technology that allows adventurous users to explore the latest developments in the world of video gaming.

It's part of his ongoing coverage Making Sense of financial news.

PAUL SOLMAN (Newshour):  It was a 20-year-old named Palmer Luckey who would finally make science fiction dreams come true.

Working in his parents garage, he cobbled together a headset out of ski goggles, smartphone and tablet parts to create a just-like-real-life gaming experience.  Then, hoping to raise $250,000 to take his invention to market, he turned to the crowd-funding Web site Kickstarter.

PALMER LUCKEY, Oculus Rift:  So join the revolution.  Make a pledge.  And help up change gaming forever.

PAUL SOLMAN:  Within days, he had 10 times what he needed, as gamers went gaga over the goggles.

SOFTWARE - Virtual Reality Games

"How Virtual Reality Games Can Impact Society, Encourage Prosperity" PBS Newshour 7/11/2013

Excerpt

RAY SUAREZ (Newshour):  Finally tonight: video games, virtual reality and how changes in those technologies may be connected with economic behavior.

NewsHour economics correspondent Paul Solman and Paul's avatar are our guides, part of his ongoing reporting Making Sense of financial news.

And you should know his story contains some video game violence.

MAN:  You should feel like you're there.

MAN:  Oh, gosh. Oh, my gosh.

PAUL SOLMAN (Newshour):  Video games, one of the world's fastest-growing industries, with more than $80 billion a year in revenues now, more than twice that of movies.

MAN:  The feeling of dropping is really awesome.

PAUL SOLMAN:  And at a recent developers conference in San Francisco, the race was on to try out a breakthrough that could take the industry to an entirely new level.

MAN:  This is insane.

PAUL SOLMAN:  Though not yet ready for retail -- it's expected to sell for about $300 -- the Oculus Rift is already being hailed as the Holy Grail of gaming, a lightweight, affordable headset to deliver totally immersive virtual reality, or V.R.

GAMING BUSINESS - From Valve Co-Founder

"Watch Gabe Newell Talk For An Hour About Making Video Games" by Kirk Hamilton, Kotaku 1/31/2013

Earlier this week, Valve co-founder Gabe Newell gave a talk at University of Texas at Austin about the business and art of making video games.  Today, the school has posted a full video of one of the talks.

Sit back, relax, and watch one of gaming's visionaries talk about how he does what he does, and how his company operates.

(1:02:53)

COMMENT:  When Steam first 'hit the streets' back when Half-Life came out, I and many others, ranted about it.  That was because you actually had to be online to run a Steam game EVEN FOR SINGLE-PLAYER games.

Finally, Valve/Steam listened to what users were saying and Steam now has an Off-Line Mode.  So we can play Seam games WITHOUT being online.

DRIVERS - Things to That Can Happen When Upgrading

This is about what potential glitches can happen when upgrading drivers.

For reference, my desktop system:

• WinXP SP3
• Pentium 4 Hyper Threading 3 GHz CPU (near Du Core performance)
• nVidia GeForce 7900 GS 512mb RAM
• 2 Gig RAM

I have 3 specific examples of what can happen with driver upgrades, these are games:

1. One of my favorite game series is "Thief" which is a stealth RPG.
   
   I loaded this series on an older system and had no problems. But when I upgraded my motherboard to what I have now (with P4 HT) the game had occasional crashes. Suspect the faster CPU speed was the problem.
   
   When I upgrade my nVidia drivers to the 300+ the game had constant crashes.
   
   
2. Next is the original Splinter Cell series (first 3 games).
   
   On my present system, with nVidia with drivers 200+, there was only a minor rendering problem. The second game had a scene where spotlights are sweeping the area. Originally you could actually see the spotlight beams, but with the nVidia 200+ drivers you could NOT see the beams.
   
   After upgrading to nVidia 300+ drivers, very frequent crashes.
   
   
3. Then there is the original Far Cry (aka Far Cry 1).
   
   Had no problems with the game until I upgraded to nVidia 300+ drivers. In scenes with outdoor views there were areas that were transparent. You see the sky where land should be.
   
   

Because of these issues I had to uninstall these games (sigh).

The problem in all these examples is the interface of the game engines with hardware and video drivers. Most of the problems were reported by other gamers. Also, I did try various tweaks to try to fix.

My research into tweaks for Far Cry 1 made me aware of something. The tweak guide and detailed listing of configuration entries that could be manually edited. BUT when I used nVidia Inspector to look at the calls for my card, many of the calls listed in the tweak guide were NOT there.

NOTE: nVidia Inspector latest version is 1.9.6.8. Use Google to find download, I use the Major Geeks site. Also the ZIP file is the entire utility, you make a folder and put all the files there then create a shortcut to run the EXE.

This tells me that nVidia drivers MAY not be fully backwards compatible. Newer drivers may not have older function calls.

This means that game engines that have hard-coded calls to specific functions MAY not work with newer video drivers.

Note that my system has no problems with 'newer' games like Skyrim or Far Cry 2.

This is just a reminder that upgrading drivers is not always smooth.

GAMES - Video Games As Art

"'The Art of Video Games' at the Smithsonian American Art Museum" PBS Newshour 4/4/2012

"The Art of Video Games" at the Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of the first exhibitions to explore the 40-year evolution of video games as an artistic medium. Featuring 80 games and 20 video games systems, starting with the Atari VCS in 1976 and ending with today's Sony PlayStation 3, the exhibit walks through the tremendous advances in design, technology and storytelling.

Last year, the museum invited the public to help select the video games to be included in the exhibition. From a list of 240 games chosen by guest curator Chris Melissinos, who worked with the museum, game developers, designers, industry pioneers and journalists, more than 3.7 million votes were cast (by 119,000 people in 175 countries) to choose the 80 games.

Art Beat talked to Melissinos about the exhibit, which runs through Sept. 30.

So why exactly are there are video games in an art museum?

Chris Melissinos: The answer in my opinion is very simple. Video games are an amalgam of what we consider to be traditional art. Within video games we see illustration, narrative, sculpture, painting, music, poetry, and all of these things conspire to create a form of art whose output is greater than the individuals parts. It is has never been a question that video games would be in art museum; it was at what point would we see them. And here we are today.

Who then are the artists? What kinds of skills or talents go into making this art form?

Chris Melissinos: When we look at video games, depending on the era, the term artist could be defined in different ways. In the earliest form of video games, the programmer was typically not only the programmer but the artist and the designer and the musician and the coder, and would even do the artwork on the boxes of these particular games. Today, video games, because of their complexity, because of their ability to tell very large, grand stories, we may see teams of artists and designers and developers of 200 or more working toward the goal of a single vision. So much like you would see a very large movie by Steven Spielberg -- it was not just Steven Spielberg who created the movie. There are other artists and people with vision who were in concert with Steven to bring those forward. It is not that different for the largest and most expansive video games that we see today.

So many of the people that are creating video games today are just like you and me. They are everyone. They are everywhere. I think the democratization of tools have allowed for the platforms for game development to exist at the hands of just about anyone. And while many game developers may not be a household name yet, there certainly some who are. So designers like Shigeru Miyamoto, anybody who grew up playing Mario in any of its forms could probably tell you who Shigeru Miyamoto is. So, again, while we do not have necessarily the artists as front and center of the experience that people have in their home, they are certainly present and there many more than people believe.

In an art museum you see different kinds of art. There is realism, expressionism, abstract art, surrealism and on so. Within the genre of video games, are there different kinds of art that you see?

Chris Melissinos: Within video games one may discover many different types of traditional art. From surrealism in games like "Myst," to woodcarving and painting such as in "Okami," to abstract art to photo realism. You can take a look at the earliest games, because the technology was so limited and the power of those platforms were so anemic, that the developer had to work in very abstract terms to convey the mystery of the story that they wanted to impart. Which meant that the player had to go ahead and bring their imagination to fill in the void, to fill in the gaps the technology did not provide for the narrative to occur. You can find just about every form of traditional art reflected in video games today.

What is the relationship between the artwork, or the video game, and the person who plays the game?

Chris Melissinos: Video games become art through distinct voices. The first voice of a video game is that of the author, the artist or the designer. They have a story that they want to tell the world. The second voice in games is that of the game itself. How it presents itself to the player, the mechanics of that game, the possibility of space that the game provides to the player. But it becomes art in the playing of the game and that's where the third voice, the voice of the player comes in. Because what video games allow to occur is a narrative arc that retains the authority of an author or a storyteller, but allows us as players to laterally explore the environment, to pull bits of the game out that are personal to us, that are important to us and thereby creating a unique form of art for each individual person who plays.

What makes one game more artistic than another? What are the qualities that stand out?

Chris Melissinos: In my opinion, the term art is a very subjective term. It means something very different to anyone that tries to apply it to works of beauty and in their life. My definition is quite serviceable for myself, which is quiet simply to say if you can discover an author's intent in the work that you are observing and find personal resonance with that message, then it transcends the medium to become art. So it's very difficult to say which games are art, which games are not art. It will be different for everyone that observes it. This exhibition does not attempt to draw a line in the sand and say video games are art. I leave that for you to decide whether or not you believe video games to be art in your life.

One of the main differences of having video games in an art museum is the interactive aspect. You can't touch a painting, but you can play a video game.

Chris Melissinos: One of the things that you can expect in visiting an exhibition like this is to be fully engaged in the experience. The art is in the playing. That is when video games transcend just the medium to become art. It was important to engage the visitors in this exhibition and allow them to go ahead and project themselves into the games that they've enjoyed playing. So we have games that allow you to sample an era, that did something different to propel video games forward, to propel design change, to make people think differently about video games within their era. We also provide materials that help to illuminate the artists' intent, to illuminate the story that may be behind the veneer that may not be so apparent when you first played it at home.

How did you pick the games and the game systems?

Chris Melissinos: What I wanted to do was illustrate the impact that video games have had as an art form in American culture over its 40 year existence. I couldn't create an entire historical compendium of every machine and every game that spans those 40 years, so what instead we picked 20 systems that really stood as anchors within their respective generations, ones that the public would most identify with. Through those 20 systems we demonstrated four games of particular genres that then showed the evolution of the form of art over time. Instead of just picking 80 games, which would have been my favorite 80 picks over 40 years, I decided to make sure that we had the voice of the public represented. This is not just about my love of gaming and the art form, but about the United States' and the world's love for the form as well.

COMPUTERS- Performance-Capture

"‘Heavy Rain’ video game creator David Cage innovates with high-tech ‘Kara’ performance" by Associated Press, Washington Post 3/8/2012

The future of performance-capture technology is right around the corner, and its name just might be “Kara.”

David Cage of video game developer Quantic Dream unveiled a new way to simultaneously capture and digitize an actor’s performance — including voice, face and body — during a presentation Wednesday at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. The innovation came in the form of a 7-minute non-interactive demonstration titled “Kara.”

In the footage, which Cage said could be entirely run on a PlayStation 3, actress Valorie Curry portrays an android named Kara who gains self-awareness as she’s being assembled by a squad of robotic arms. The virtual Kara emotively speaks in English, French and German, as well as sings in Japanese, as she converses with an operator who is heard but never seen.

“I think the most interesting future feature in the next-gen platforms should be meaningful content,” said Cage. “Yes, technology is great and is going to be better and better, and we’ll have more power until you won’t be able to tell the difference between reality and virtual, but what are you going to use this technology for and what do you have to say?”

Cage, who wrote and directed the 2010 thriller game “Heavy Rain,” noted that “Kara” is a demo, not Quantic Dream’s next project. He said the new technology from the French studio could be used for full performance capture, a technique where all aspects of a portrayal are recorded at once, rather than the common practice of separately capturing them.

Unlike the methods used to capture actors’ performances in “Avatar,” Cage said the performance capture technology developed by Quantic Dream used about 90 sensors placed on an actor’s face instead of a small camera mounted in front of the actor’s noggin. It’s also faster, less expensive and requires quiet because the audio and movement are captured together.

OUTSTANDING!