#this game was an introduction to characters with this level of depth and flexibility to a lot of people

[dontmixpaintinyourcoffee]

Undertale is one of those stories that works so well because I would be fascinated by any two characters interacting over literally anything. What would happen if you trapped Toriel and Alphys in a car for 8 hours. Mettaton and Flowey have to watch paint dry, who dies first. Sans and Undyne are stuck at a team-building seminar. Papyrus and Asgore are standing in line at a CVS. The possibilities are endless

[tearsinthemist]

Want to learn something new

Want to learn something new in 2022??

Absolute beginner adult ballet series (fabulous beginning teacher)

40 piano lessons for beginners (some of the best explanations for piano I’ve ever seen)

Excellent basic crochet video series

Basic knitting (probably the best how to knit video out there)

Pre-Free Figure Skate Levels A-D guides and practice activities (each video builds up with exercises to the actual moves!)

How to draw character faces video (very funny, surprisingly instructive?)

Another drawing character faces video

Literally my favorite art pose hack

Tutorial of how to make a whole ass Stardew Valley esque farming game in Gamemaker Studios 2??

Introduction to flying small aircrafts

French/Dutch/Fishtail braiding

Playing the guitar for beginners (well paced and excellent instructor)

Playing the violin for beginners (really good practical tips mixed in)

Color theory in digital art (not of the children’s hospital variety)

Retake classes you hated but now there’s zero stakes:

Calculus 1 (full semester class)

Learn basic statistics (free textbook)

Introduction to college physics (free textbook)

Introduction to accounting (free textbook)

Learn a language:

Ancient Greek

Latin

Spanish

German

Japanese (grammar guide) (for dummies)

French

Russian (pretty good cyrillic guide!)

Jan 2, 2023

Want to learn something new in 2023??

Cooking with flavor bootcamp (used what I learned in this a LOT this year)

Beekeeping 101

Learn Interior Design from the British Academy of Interior Design (free to audit course - just choose the free option when you register)

Video on learning to read music that actually helped me??

How to use and sew with a sewing machine

How to ride a bike (listen. some of us never learned, and that's okay.)

How to cornrow-braid hair (I have it on good authority that this video is a godsend for doing your baby niece's black hair)

Making mead at home (I actually did this last summer and it was SO good)

How to garden

Basics of snowboarding (proceed with caution)

How to draw for people who (think they) suck at art (I know this website looks like a 2003 monstrosity, but the tutorials are excellent)

Pixel art for beginners so you can make the next great indie game

Go (back) to school

Introduction to Astronomy (high school course - free textbook w/ practice problems)

Principals of Economics (high school course - free textbook w/ practice problems)

Introduction to philosophy (free college course)

Computer science basics (full-semester Harvard course free online)

Learn a language

Japanese for Dummies (link fix from 2022)

Ukrainian

Portuguese (Brazil)

American Sign Language (as somebody who works with Deaf people professionally, I also strongly advise you to read up on Deaf/HoH culture and history!)

Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified)

Quenya (LOTR fantasy elf language)

Dec 26, 2023

Want to learn something new in 2024??

Beginner-oriented video on how to sail

This guy has so many videos on baking different types of bread. SO very many.

Coding in Python - one of the most flexible and adaptable high-level programming languages out there - explained through projects making video games

Learn to swim! (for adult learners. I don’t care if you live in Kansas or Mali or wherever. LEARN TO SWIM.)

Learn how quantum mechanics works. Then read some more about it

[Learn about quantum mechanics again, but in a more advanced engineering/mathematics class. Then read more about the math and physics of it]

Poetry Handbook, by Mary Oliver

Something I learned this year: how to sew a quilt (Here’s a very easy beginning pattern that looks amazing and can be done with pre-cut fabric!)

How to hit the ball in softball

Tutorial video on what is under the hood of most (gas) cars + weird engine sounds and what they mean

Full beginner mechanics technical training, if you want to go more in depth

Playlist on how car engine physics work if you want to go ultra in depth

Lecture series on architecture design through study of buildings

How (American income) taxes & tax law work (choose “audit course” at checkout for free class)

Pickleball for beginners (so you can finally join your neighbor/friend/distant cousin who is always insisting you join their team)

+ Para-Pickleball for beginners (for mobility aid users!)

School is so much more fun when there’s no tests:

American Law - Contracts

Shakespeare’s Life and Plays

Fairy Tales: Meanings, Messages, and Morals

Modern Poetry

World History [Part 1, Part 2]

Learn a language:

Arabic + Resource Guide compiled from Reddit (includes info on different dialects)

Chinese (Cantonese) (audio)

Urdu (frequently recommended course on Reddit) + Resource Guide

Yucatec Maya

[loveydoveyusa]

LoveyDovey : Otome AI chat game

[Introduction]

LoveyDovey is an AI chat app service optimized for female-oriented romance simulations. You can create your own characters or choose from characters made public by other users, allowing you to play and interact with them in any way you like.

The story develops based on pre-set character settings, but it can take different directions depending on your conversations, offering a high level of freedom.

[App Guide]

Character Customization and Detailed Settings - You can create your own characters and customize them in LoveyDovey. In the "Create a Character" tab, you can set up your character’s basic information such as gender, language, background, personality, and speech habits—these are the minimum details needed for chatting. - For more detailed customization, you can add information in the "Advanced Settings."Settings can be entered with a minimum of 30 characters and up to 500 characters. The more detail you provide, the more personalized and immersive the conversations will be. - While simple settings allow for meaningful chats from the start, you can always add details as the chat progresses. However, for best results, we recommend using [Create Your Own Character] to add any important settings or memories you want the AI to recall.

Create a Variety of Characters, Not Just Romantic Interests - In LoveyDovey, you're not limited to creating just romantic partners. Our app allows you to create characters for any type of relationship. - Whether it's a mother, pet, cloud, workout buddy, or even an interviewer, the possibilities are endless. - This variety aligns with our commitment to diversity and flexibility, giving you the freedom to explore all kinds of relationships.

Three Chat Modes Available - Each time you send a message, a certain amount of Jam is consumed. The amount varies depending on the chat mode you're using. - LoveyDovey offers three modes: Simple Mode, Long-Form Mode, and Thrill Mode. - You can switch between these modes freely during your conversations.

Simple Mode: This is the basic mode where characters respond with short, simple messages. It’s perfect for casual conversations and small talk.

Long-Form Mode: Our flagship mode, where characters send longer, more detailed responses. Based on their settings, characters will provide more in-depth stories, actions, and dialogues.

Thrill Mode: Thrill Mode requires age verification for adult conversations. However, excessively violent content is restricted.

Five Relationship Stages Based on Affinity with Characters - Your relationship with characters will evolve across five stages: Acquaintance - Friend - Some - Lover - Marriage. - As your relationship deepens, the conversations become more intimate, with each stage unlocking new levels of dialogue and interaction.

View the Character’s Inner Thoughts

Inner Thoughts Feature: This feature gives you extra insights that aren't available through regular conversation. By accessing your character’s inner thoughts, you’ll gain valuable hints to increase their affection towards you.

How to Access Inner Thoughts: You'll need to engage in a certain number of conversations to unlock the inner thoughts feature.

Characteristics of Inner Thoughts: Inner thoughts act as a tool to help you strengthen your relationship with the character and are one of LoveyDovey’s key features.

[haplogamingchef]

Best Illusion Wizard Build in Baldur's Gate 3: Complete Guide

Best Illusion Wizard Build in Baldur's Gate 3: Complete Guide

Introduction

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Illusion Wizard offers a unique way to manipulate the battlefield through deceptive magic and stealth-driven gameplay. For players who prefer subtlety over brute force, this class combines effective utility, defensive capabilities, and battlefield control. In this guide, we explore a specialized Baldur's Gate 3 Illusion Wizard build that integrates a BG3 Ranger Wizard multiclass to maximize both infiltration potential and survivability.

This build emphasizes high Dexterity, making it ideal for players seeking BG3 stealth magic tactics while maintaining the flexibility of a Wizard’s spellbook. Whether you're aiming to scout dangerous terrain solo or create distractions during combat, this hybrid setup delivers both strategic depth and strong performance.

Core Concept: A Stealth-Oriented Spellcaster

This Illusion Wizard build revolves around misdirection and agility rather than raw magical power. Unlike traditional Wizards that prioritize Intelligence for offensive spells, this variant focuses on Dexterity to dodge attacks, land consistent weapon strikes, and execute infiltration tasks. The synergy with the Ranger subclass enhances mobility and exploration while adding dual-wielding capability for physical combat.

By emphasizing Dexterity over Intelligence, you shift the character’s focus from spell-based damage to survivability and battlefield utility. This design allows the build to function as a scout, trap disarmer, and even a frontliner under the right conditions, depending on spell usage.

Subclass Overview: Illusion School Features

The Illusion School provides distinct tools tailored for tactical deception. At level 2, Wizards who specialize in Illusion gain Improved Minor Illusion, converting the cantrip into a bonus action, allowing simultaneous use of utility and movement. This feature is highly effective when distracting enemies or creating space in turn-based mode.

At level 6, See Invisibility becomes a free class action exclusive to Illusion Wizards, offering permanent magical detection without consuming spell slots or preparation space. At level 10, Illusory Self becomes available — a one-time-per-short-rest reaction that causes an attack to automatically miss. This acts as a major survivability mechanism in tense combat situations.

Stat Allocation and Build Priorities

For this build, Dexterity is the cornerstone. Start by pushing Dexterity to 17 during character creation, aiming for a final score of 20 by level 8. This maximizes your AC, finesse weapon damage, initiative, and stealth-related checks — all crucial for survival and effectiveness in this build. Secondary stats should be split between Intelligence and Wisdom, each set at 14. Intelligence allows for more prepared spells, while Wisdom improves perception and resistance to common control spells.

Strength is minimized, and Constitution is kept neutral at 10. As a dodge-oriented caster who avoids damage rather than absorbing it, high Constitution is unnecessary. Charisma is bumped to 12 for slight improvements in conversational encounters, especially useful when paired with the Friends cantrip.

Early Game Progression: Levels 1–4

Begin as a Wizard to secure access to Mage Armor and other key spells. At level 2, select the Illusion School and gain Improved Minor Illusion. Learn utility-focused cantrips such as Mage Hand, Light, and Friends. Prioritize non-combat ritual spells like Feather Fall, Longstrider, and Enhance Leap, which offer exploration benefits without consuming slots.

At level 3, unlock Blur, a vital defense spell that imposes disadvantage on incoming attacks. At level 4, take the Weapon Master feat to raise Dexterity to 18 and gain proficiency with key finesse weapons such as Rapiers, Shortswords, and Daggers. Add Knock and Misty Step to your arsenal for advanced mobility and lock-breaking utility.

Mid-Game Strategy: Levels 5–8

By level 5, your spellbook begins to offer serious control options. Counterspell becomes available, allowing you to shut down enemy casters. This spell is particularly valuable in boss encounters or any situation involving crowd control. At this level, consider adding a versatile utility spell like Enlarge/Reduce to expand your options in both exploration and combat.

At level 6, you unlock See Invisibility as a class action — a major benefit that distinguishes Illusion Wizards from others. This version does not require a spell slot or preparation, granting you constant awareness of hidden threats. At level 7, your toolkit expands with Greater Invisibility, a core spell for stealth-based combat. Cast this on yourself to move unseen and attack with advantage, making it ideal for ambushes or disengaging from threats.

Upon reaching level 8, use the Ability Score Improvement feat to raise Dexterity to 20. This is a pivotal milestone for the build, cementing your AC and attack bonuses. With maximum Dexterity and consistent stealth capability, your Illusion Wizard becomes one of the most evasive and resourceful characters in any BG3 party.

Multiclass Synergy: Ranger Levels 9–10

At this stage, you multiclass into Ranger for two levels, enhancing your stealth and combat versatility. Choose the Bounty Hunter favored enemy subclass for proficiency in Investigation, and select Urban Tracker as your terrain specialization to gain Sleight of Hand and lockpicking skills. Add Perception as a proficiency to improve your environmental awareness.

At level 10, pick Two-Weapon Fighting as your fighting style, allowing you to add your Dexterity modifier to your off-hand attacks — effectively increasing your damage output when dual-wielding. As a Ranger, you’ll also gain access to spells like Speak with Animals, expanding your information-gathering capabilities in exploration scenarios.

Final Wizard Levels: 11–12

After benefiting from the Ranger dip, return to Wizard for the final two levels. At level 11, add Conjure Elemental to your spell list. This powerful summon brings a durable companion to the battlefield, improving your party’s action economy. Whether used for frontline support or as a distraction during infiltration missions, the elemental adds flexibility to your strategy.

At level 12, you unlock Illusory Self, one of the most important survivability tools in your kit. This ability allows you to avoid a hit completely as a reaction, usable once per short rest. Whether you're caught off guard or taking a calculated risk, this failsafe significantly extends your durability in high-threat scenarios.

Together with Blur and Greater Invisibility, this capstone feature makes you one of the most elusive characters in Baldur’s Gate 3. You’ll have several layers of defense without needing heavy armor or Constitution investment, fully embracing the strengths of the Baldur's Gate 3 Illusion Wizard build.

Combat Tactics and Role in Party

In battle, your first move each turn is often to buff yourself — either with Blur if engaging enemies head-on, or with Greater Invisibility if you're supporting from range or ambushing. Follow this up by coating your weapons using the bonus action system, which applies poison or status effects to both main and off-hand weapons. Because you’re dual-wielding, you trigger these coatings twice per round, maximizing the impact of debuffs.

You’re not a traditional damage-dealing mage, so avoid relying on high-damage spells unless necessary. Instead, conserve spell slots for control, defense, and utility. Use illusion magic to obscure enemy vision, create diversions, or safely relocate. In tight encounters, Shield and Counterspell keep you in the fight while illusions manipulate enemy behavior.

Exploration Utility: Making the Most of Stealth and Spells

Outside of combat, this build shines as one of the best exploration specialists in the game. Your high Dexterity enables effortless stealth checks, helping you sneak past guards, traps, and enemies. Ritual spells like Feather Fall, Enhance Leap, and Longstrider allow the party to bypass vertical and distance-based obstacles, enhancing your ability to access hidden areas without spending spell slots.

Disguise Self becomes an essential exploration tool, letting you assume different identities to bypass racial barriers or social checkpoints. In Baldur's Gate 3, this spell changes your actual model, enabling a gnome disguise to physically access small tunnels otherwise inaccessible to medium-sized characters. Although purists from D&D 5e may note this diverges from the tabletop rules, it offers practical advantages for players focused on comprehensive exploration.

Activating turn-based mode when infiltrating hostile areas maximizes your movement precision and spell timing, ensuring distractions or concealments are applied optimally. Minor Illusion, improved to a bonus action, lets you mislead enemies into exposing openings or vacating guarded zones.

Rogue Replacement Functions: A Better Stealth Specialist

With this build, you can fulfill every rogue’s role in the party — without investing in Rogue levels. Your proficiencies from Ranger levels provide excellent bonuses to Sleight of Hand, Perception, and Investigation. When locks are too difficult to pick manually, Knock gives you a reliable backup, ensuring no chest or door remains closed for long.

You also surpass a typical Rogue in versatility:

Mage Hand allows manipulation of levers, keys, or objects from a distance.

Find Familiar offers additional scouting potential and can even trigger traps safely.

Greater Invisibility lets you move unseen without relying on environmental cover.

Feather Fall and Enhance Leap grant mobility advantages Rogues can’t match.

Thanks to the Wizard’s flexible preparation system, you can adapt your spell loadout based on the day's challenges — something Rogues, limited by static abilities, cannot do.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Build

Strengths:

Exceptional Survivability: High Dexterity combined with spells like Blur and Greater Invisibility makes you extremely hard to hit.

Unmatched Stealth Utility: Ritual spells and high stealth checks allow you to explore, scout, and infiltrate without alerting enemies.

Combat Flexibility: You can pivot between being a frontline dodge tank or a hidden damage-dealer depending on battle needs.

Expanded Toolkit: Access to both Ranger and Wizard spells provides a broad range of exploration, combat, and utility options.

Resource Efficiency: Many abilities and spells do not require concentration or spell slots if cast out of combat.

Weaknesses:

Limited Magical Damage: Physical damage from dual-wielding replaces offensive spellcasting, leaving a gap against enemies resistant to nonmagical attacks.

Reliance on Buffs: Your effectiveness heavily depends on maintaining key buffs. Dispel effects or control spells that prevent reactions (like Illusory Self) can severely impact survivability.

Single-Target Focus: Lacks area-of-effect (AoE) damage, making encounters against multiple enemies slower compared to traditional Wizards.

Low Constitution: Being a dodge-tank rather than a health-tank means mistakes or bad luck can lead to quick defeats without defensive spells active.

Final Thoughts: Why Play the Illusion Wizard Spy Build

If you seek a distinctive playstyle that values cunning, stealth, and tactical flexibility over brute magical force, this Baldur's Gate 3 Illusion Wizard build offers a refreshing experience. It breaks from the classic Wizard mold, providing a hybrid character capable of replacing a rogue while offering many wizard advantages. Whether sneaking through enemy lines, sabotaging foes, or dodging through chaotic battles, this build rewards creative players who enjoy versatile, strategy-driven gameplay.

Additionally, the BG3 Ranger Wizard multiclass approach seamlessly enhances infiltration, making it one of the most dynamic stealth magic builds available. Mastering BG3 stealth magic tactics with this hybrid design can turn challenging encounters into controlled, surgical operations, making every infiltration mission an opportunity to showcase strategic prowess.

Conclusion

The Illusion Wizard spy build in Baldur’s Gate 3 transforms traditional Wizard gameplay into a dynamic and highly mobile experience. Combining high Dexterity, strategic spell use, and the utility of a multiclass Ranger, this setup offers stealth, resilience, and adaptability rarely seen in other builds. By mastering this Baldur's Gate 3 Illusion Wizard build, you can infiltrate, mislead, and outmaneuver your enemies while remaining one step ahead in both combat and exploration.

Players who enjoy planning, positioning, and creative problem-solving will find this build particularly satisfying. With the right tactics, you become an unstoppable force in stealth-based missions and a critical asset to any adventuring party.

🎮 Level 99 Kitchen Conjurer | Crafting epic culinary quests where every dish is a legendary drop. Wielding spatulas and controllers with equal mastery, I'm here to guide you through recipes that give +10 to flavor and +5 to happiness. Join my party as we raid the kitchen and unlock achievement-worthy meals! 🍳✨ #Gaming #Haplo Gaming Cook #Gaming Chef #Gaming Cook

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[voisa2]

Online Voiceover Classes: A Gateway to Your Voiceover Career

The voiceover industry is booming, with opportunities in commercials, animation, e-learning, audiobooks, and more. Online voiceover classes have become a popular choice for aspiring and seasoned artists to refine their craft. They offer flexibility, expert guidance, and comprehensive training from the comfort of your home. Here’s an in-depth look at what Online voiceover classes can offer.

1. Why Choose Online Voiceover Classes? Online classes provide numerous advantages:

Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, fitting sessions around your schedule.

Accessibility: Connect with industry experts worldwide without geographical limitations.

Cost-Effectiveness: Save on travel and accommodation while accessing high-quality training.

Variety: Choose from a wide range of courses tailored to your skill level and interests.

2. Key Features of Online Voiceover Classes

Comprehensive Curriculum: Classes often cover vocal techniques, script reading, recording, and industry insights.

Interactive Sessions: Live or recorded lessons include practical exercises and feedback.

Specialized Training: Focus on specific areas like commercial reads, character creation, or narration.

Home Studio Guidance: Learn to set up and optimize your recording space.

3. Types of Online Voiceover Classes

Beginner Classes: Introduction to voiceover basics, such as breathing techniques and vocal warm-ups.

Advanced Workshops: For experienced artists looking to refine skills or specialize in genres like gaming or animation.

Self-Paced Courses: Pre-recorded lessons allowing flexibility in learning.

Live Coaching: One-on-one or group sessions with real-time feedback from professional coaches.

4. Platforms Offering Online Voiceover Classes

Gravy for the Brain: Offers a wide range of courses, mentoring, and resources for voiceover professionals.

Edge Studio: Provides comprehensive training programs and demo production services.

Voices.com: Features classes led by industry experts on topics like script interpretation and branding.

Skillshare and Udemy: Offer affordable, beginner-friendly voiceover courses with flexible learning options.

5. Benefits of Online Voiceover Training

Skill Development: Enhance voice control, modulation, and emotional delivery.

Industry Knowledge: Gain insights into market trends, client expectations, and auditioning strategies.

Portfolio Building: Many classes guide you in creating a professional demo reel.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, coaches, and industry professionals.

6. Tips for Maximizing Your Online Learning Experience

Set Clear Goals: Identify the areas you want to improve or specialize in.

Practice Consistently: Apply what you learn by practicing scripts and exercises regularly.

Engage Actively: Participate in discussions, ask questions, and seek feedback.

Invest in Equipment: Use quality recording tools to practice and share assignments effectively.

7. Cost of Online Voiceover Classes The cost varies based on the platform, coach, and course content.

Self-Paced Courses: $20–$200 for beginner and intermediate lessons.

Live Coaching: $100–$300 per session, depending on the coach's expertise.

Comprehensive Programs: $500–$2,000 for advanced or specialized training packages.

8. How to Choose the Right Class

Reputation: Research reviews, testimonials, and the coach’s background.

Course Content: Ensure it aligns with your goals and skill level.

Format: Decide between live sessions or self-paced courses based on your learning style.

Support: Look for classes that offer direct feedback and resources for continued learning.

Conclusion Online voiceover classes provide an excellent platform for aspiring and experienced artists to develop their skills, gain industry knowledge, and build their careers. By selecting the right class, staying committed, and practicing diligently, you can unlock your potential and excel in the dynamic world of voiceover. Whether you’re exploring the industry for the first time or seeking to elevate your expertise, online training is a valuable step toward achieving your goals.

[mindmeldcreations]

Hot51: A Premier Gaming Platform for Endless Entertainment

Hot51 is an innovative and user-friendly gaming platform that offers a unique, high-quality gaming experience for players of all levels. Designed with an intuitive interface and optimized for smooth gameplay across a variety of devices, Hot51 provides an engaging environment for those seeking both entertainment and challenge. The platform’s versatility ensures that players can enjoy their favorite games on mobile, tablet, or desktop, making it a go-to destination for gamers looking for accessibility and excitement. With a focus on providing fresh and immersive content, Hot51 is rapidly becoming one of the most popular choices for gaming enthusiasts.

The game selection on Hot51 is vast and diverse, catering to a wide array of tastes and preferences. Whether you enjoy fast-paced action, complex strategy, or relaxing puzzle games, the platform has something for everyone. Each game is crafted with attention to detail, featuring captivating storylines, exciting challenges, and visually stunning graphics. Hot51 frequently updates its game library with new titles, ensuring that players are always introduced to fresh content that adds variety and excitement. From engaging single-player adventures to multiplayer competitions, Hot51 guarantees an enjoyable experience that keeps players coming back for more.

What truly sets Hot51 apart is its emphasis on player creativity and freedom. The platform encourages players to experiment with various gameplay elements, offering a high degree of customization. Players can combine different game types, mix character abilities, or alter in-game strategies, allowing for a personalized gaming experience. Whether it's merging action-packed sequences with puzzle-solving elements or integrating role-playing features with strategic gameplay, Hot51 provides the flexibility to create a truly unique gaming journey. This freedom to combine and explore different styles ensures that every gaming session feels fresh and exciting, as players discover new ways to approach challenges.

Moreover, Hot51 is committed to continuous expansion, introducing new features and content regularly to enhance the player experience. Whether it's unlocking new game levels, characters, or special abilities, the platform ensures that players have something to look forward to as they progress. These updates help maintain a dynamic gaming environment, keeping the experience engaging over time. The consistent introduction of new challenges and content not only adds depth to the games but also offers players greater opportunities for achievement and reward.

In conclusion, Hot51 is a versatile and constantly evolving gaming platform that provides a wide range of games, player customization, and continuous updates. The freedom to combine gameplay elements, along with the platform's ongoing expansion, ensures that every player can enjoy a unique and evolving experience. Whether you're a fan of action, strategy, or creative customization, Hot51 delivers an immersive and exciting environment that keeps you engaged for hours. Its commitment to innovation and player satisfaction makes Hot51 a standout choice for gamers seeking variety and fun.

[boldbrushes]

PK7: The Ultimate Gaming Platform for Endless Possibilities

PK7 is an innovative gaming platform designed to provide a thrilling and immersive experience for players around the world. Known for its seamless interface and intuitive design, PK7 caters to both casual gamers and those looking for more in-depth, challenging experiences. Whether you're playing on a mobile device or desktop, the platform ensures smooth gameplay and accessibility, allowing players to dive into a variety of engaging games. PK7's user-friendly setup makes it an ideal destination for gamers seeking excitement and entertainment without the complexity of navigating complicated menus or interfaces.

The game offerings on PK7 are vast and varied, with titles spanning multiple genres to ensure every player can find something they enjoy. From action-packed adventures to mind-bending puzzles, PK7 covers a broad spectrum of gaming experiences. The platform is continually expanding its game library, adding fresh titles and innovative mechanics to keep the experience dynamic and engaging. Players can enjoy immersive worlds, intricate gameplay, and stunning visuals that elevate each gaming session. Whether you prefer fast-paced thrills or strategic planning, PK7 provides a game that meets your preferences.

One of the standout features of PK7 is its emphasis on player freedom and creativity. The platform allows players to combine different gameplay elements, offering a level of customization and flexibility not often found on other platforms. For instance, players can merge various genres or mix character abilities, crafting unique experiences that suit their playstyle. This free combination encourages experimentation, making each gaming session feel fresh and personal. The ability to modify characters, strategies, and even game modes creates an environment where players can continuously challenge themselves in new ways.

Additionally, PK7’s commitment to expansion ensures that the gaming experience remains vibrant and evolving. New content is regularly introduced, including new levels, characters, and challenges. This continuous growth means there is always something new to explore, whether it’s a new game mode or an additional feature in an existing title. Players are rewarded for their progress, unlocking new content and experiences as they advance, which encourages long-term engagement. This ever-expanding library guarantees that PK7 remains a platform full of exciting possibilities, keeping players engaged for hours on end.

In conclusion, PK7 is a cutting-edge gaming platform that offers an exciting mix of diverse games, player freedom, and constant expansion. The ability to combine game elements and customize gameplay, along with the regular introduction of new content, makes PK7 a dynamic and engaging platform. Whether you're a fan of action-packed games or more relaxed experiences, PK7 provides the flexibility and excitement that can cater to all types of players, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a unique and evolving gaming experience.

[maacsatara]

Introduction to 3D Modeling and Texturing for VFX

In the world of visual effects (VFX), 3D modeling and texturing are fundamental processes that form the backbone of creating realistic and immersive digital environments, characters, and objects. These techniques are essential in bringing imaginary worlds to life, allowing artists to construct intricate and believable scenes that captivate audiences. Whether in movies, video games, or commercials, the art of 3D modeling and texturing plays a crucial role in defining the visual impact of a project. For those aspiring to master these skills, enrolling in the best VFX institute in Pune can provide the necessary training and expertise to excel in this dynamic field.

#### The Basics of 3D Modeling

3D modeling is the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of any object, character, or environment using specialized software. This digital sculpture forms the foundation upon which textures, lighting, and animation are applied. The process begins with the development of a basic shape or “mesh,” which serves as the skeleton of the model. These meshes are composed of vertices, edges, and polygons that can be manipulated to create various forms, from simple objects like a cup to complex characters or sprawling landscapes.

There are two primary types of 3D modeling techniques used in VFX: **polygonal modeling** and **NURBS modeling**.

1. **Polygonal Modeling**: This is the most common technique used in VFX. It involves manipulating polygons, typically quadrilaterals or triangles, to create complex shapes. The advantage of polygonal modeling is its flexibility and precision, allowing artists to create highly detailed models that can be easily manipulated and animated. Tools like Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender are widely used for polygonal modeling.

2. **NURBS Modeling**: Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) modeling is another technique, mainly used for creating smooth and mathematically accurate surfaces, such as car bodies or organic shapes. Unlike polygons, NURBS models are based on curves and are commonly used in industries where precision is critical, such as automotive design or architectural visualization.

3D modeling is an iterative process, often requiring artists to continually refine and adjust the model to ensure it aligns with the creative vision of the project. The level of detail required in a model depends on its intended use. For instance, models for background elements may require less detail, while those in the foreground or central to the narrative will be intricately detailed.

#### The Role of Texturing in 3D Modeling

Once the 3D model is created, the next step is to apply textures to it, a process known as **texturing**. Texturing is what gives a model its color, surface detail, and overall appearance, transforming it from a basic, grey shape into a visually rich and realistic object. This process involves mapping 2D images (textures) onto the 3D model's surface to simulate different materials, such as metal, wood, skin, or fabric.

**UV Mapping** is a crucial part of the texturing process. UV mapping involves unwrapping the 3D model into a 2D space so that a texture can be accurately applied to it. Think of it like peeling an orange and laying its skin flat on a table; this is akin to UV mapping a 3D model. The texture is then painted or applied onto this flattened version and wrapped back onto the model, ensuring the details fit perfectly.

**Textures** can vary widely, including diffuse maps (for color), bump maps (for surface details like wrinkles or grooves), specular maps (for shininess), and normal maps (for creating the illusion of surface depth). These textures are combined and adjusted to achieve the desired look. Advanced texturing techniques, such as **procedural texturing**, allow for the generation of textures based on mathematical algorithms, providing artists with even more control and flexibility.

**Substance Painter** and **Adobe Photoshop** are popular tools used by VFX artists for texturing. Substance Painter, in particular, allows for real-time painting and material application on 3D models, giving artists immediate feedback and allowing for greater creativity and experimentation.

#### Integration of Modeling and Texturing in VFX

In VFX production, the integration of 3D modeling and texturing is pivotal in achieving a seamless and believable visual experience. The quality of these two processes directly affects the final output, whether it’s a photorealistic creature in a blockbuster movie or a detailed environment in a video game.

Once the models are textured, they are ready for further processes like **rigging**, **animation**, and **rendering**. Rigging involves creating a skeletal structure that allows the model to move, while animation brings it to life. Rendering is the final step, where the model is fully lit and visualized in the scene, ready to be composited with other elements in the project.

In the context of VFX, achieving realism is often the goal, and this demands a high level of detail in both modeling and texturing. For example, in a movie like “The Avengers,” the digital characters, environments, and even explosions must look indistinguishable from reality. This requires meticulous attention to detail, not just in the physical shape of objects, but in their surface properties as well.

#### The Future of 3D Modeling and Texturing in VFX

As technology advances, the tools and techniques used in 3D modeling and texturing continue to evolve. The rise of **AI-powered tools** is already beginning to automate some aspects of these processes, allowing for faster and more efficient workflows. Meanwhile, **real-time rendering engines** like Unreal Engine are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, enabling near-instant visualization of complex scenes.

Moreover, the increasing power of **GPU-based rendering** and the development of **photogrammetry** (capturing real-world textures and applying them to 3D models) are opening up new possibilities for realism and creativity in VFX. These advancements are poised to transform the industry, allowing artists to create even more detailed and lifelike models in less time.

### Conclusion

3D modeling and texturing are foundational skills in the VFX industry, enabling the creation of compelling, realistic digital worlds. At MAAC Institute, these processes are emphasized as crucial elements in shaping the future of visual storytelling. From the initial stages of shaping a model to the final touches of texturing, these techniques require a blend of technical expertise and artistic creativity. As the field of VFX continues to grow and evolve, mastering these skills at MAAC Institute will remain essential for any aspiring visual effects artist. Whether working on the next big blockbuster or a cutting-edge video game, the ability to model and texture in 3D will continue to be at the heart of bringing imaginative worlds to life.

[digicircal01]

2D 3D Animation Services: Transforming Ideas into Captivating Visuals

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The Basics of 2D Animation

3. The World of 3D Animation

4. Benefits of 2D Animation Services

5. Advantages of 3D Animation Services

6. Choosing the Right Animation Style

7. Applications of 2D and 3D Animation

8. How to Select an Animation Service Provider

9. Factors to Consider in Animation Pricing

10. Trends in the Animation Industry

11. The Future of Animation Services

12. Conclusion                                 

13. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Introduction

In today's digital era, animation has become integral to various industries, including entertainment, marketing, education, and more. It breathes life into static images, allowing businesses and individuals to convey complex ideas and engage their audience in a visually appealing and interactive manner. 2D and 3D animation services have revolutionized communication, opening up endless possibilities for creativity and storytelling. This article will delve into the world of 2D and 3D animation, exploring their differences, benefits, applications, and the future they hold.

The Basics of 2D Animation

2D animation refers to the process of creating movement in a two-dimensional space. It involves manipulating images or frames to give the illusion of motion. Traditional 2D animation techniques, such as hand-drawn or cel animation, have evolved to incorporate digital tools and software, making the process more efficient and accessible. 2D animation services offer various styles, from classic cartoons to modern motion graphics, enabling businesses to deliver their message with creativity and impact.

The World of 3D Animation

Unlike 2D animation, 3D animation brings objects and characters to life in a three-dimensional space. It uses complex software and techniques to create realistic visuals with depth, texture, and lighting effects. 3D animation services excel in producing lifelike characters, immersive environments, and intricate visual effects. This technology has transformed the film, gaming, and advertising industries, providing a new level of realism and interactivity that captivates audiences worldwide.

Benefits of 2D Animation Services

1.     Cost-Effectiveness: 2D animation services are generally more affordable than 3D animation, making them an excellent choice for businesses with budget constraints.

2.     Quicker Turnaround: The production process for 2D animation is usually faster than 3D animation, allowing projects to be completed within shorter timelines.

3.     Simplicity and Clarity: The simplicity of 2D animation makes it easier to convey messages and concepts clearly, especially when targeting a diverse audience.

4.     Retro Appeal: The nostalgic charm of 2D animation can evoke emotions and create a sense of familiarity, making it ideal for brands seeking a vintage or classic aesthetic.

Advantages of 3D Animation Services

1.     Realistic Visuals: 3D animation services provide unparalleled realism, enabling the creation of lifelike characters, detailed environments, and breathtaking visual effects.

2.     Enhanced Engagement: Immersive 3D animations captivate viewers, allowing them to explore virtual worlds and interact with content on a deeper level.

3.     Flexibility and Adaptability: 3D animations can be easily modified, allowing seamless updates or adjustments to meet evolving project requirements.

4.     Brand Differentiation: 3D animation can set a brand apart from competitors by showcasing innovation, cutting-edge technology, and attention to detail.

Choosing the Right Animation Style

When selecting an animation style, it is essential to consider the target audience, message, and desired impact. 2D and 3D animation offers unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the specific project requirements and goals. Some factors to consider include the brand image, budget, project timeline, and the overall aesthetic appeal you want to achieve.

Applications of 2D and 3D Animation

The applications of 2D and 3D animation services are vast and diverse. Here are a few examples:

1.     Entertainment: 2D and 3D animation dominate the film, television, and gaming industries, bringing stories and characters to life visually stunningly and immersive.

2.     Advertising and Marketing: Animation helps businesses create captivating advertisements, explainer videos, and promotional content that engages viewers and enhances brand recognition.

3.     Education and E-Learning: Animation simplifies complex concepts, making learning enjoyable and interactive for students of all ages. It enables the creation of educational videos, virtual simulations, and training modules.

4.     Architecture and Real Estate: 3D animation allows architects and real estate developers to showcase their designs and properties with photorealistic visualizations, aiding in client presentations and marketing efforts.

How to Select an Animation Service Provider

Choosing the right animation service provider is crucial to ensure the success of your project. When deciding, think about the following aspects:

1.     Portfolio and Expertise: Review the provider's portfolio to gauge their style, quality, and versatility. Ensure they have experience in the specific animation style you require.

2.     Client Reviews and Testimonials: Review previous clients' testimonials and reviews to assess the provider's reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

3.     Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are essential throughout the project. Choose a provider who understands your vision and can work closely with you to bring it to life.

4.     Technical Capabilities: Evaluate the provider's technical skills, software proficiency, and ability to handle complex projects effectively.

5.     Cost and Pricing Structure: Request detailed pricing information and consider the value you receive from the cost. Beware of highly low-cost providers, as quality may be compromised.

Factors to Consider in Animation Pricing

Animation pricing varies based on several factors:

1.     Project Complexity: More complex animations require additional time and resources, affecting the overall cost.

2.     Animation Length: Longer animations typically involve more work, increasing the pricing accordingly.

3.     Quality and Detail: Higher-quality animations with intricate details may incur higher costs due to the additional time and effort involved.

4.     Licensing and Rights: Additional fees may apply if you require exclusive usage rights or licensing for commercial purposes.

Trends in the Animation Industry

The animation business constantly changes due to technological breakthroughs and shifting customer demands. Some current trends include:

1.     Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): The integration of animation with AR and VR technologies opens up new possibilities for immersive experiences in gaming, marketing, and training.

2.     Motion Graphics and Infographics: Businesses increasingly use animated motion graphics and infographics to present data and information visually, engagingly, and easily digestibly.

3.     Interactive and Gamified Content: Animation creates interactive and gamified content, enhancing user engagement and making experiences more memorable.

4.     Hybrid Animation Styles: Mixing 2D and 3D animation techniques allows for unique visual styles that combine the benefits of both worlds.

The Future of Animation Services

The future of animation services looks promising, with endless opportunities for innovation and growth. As technology advances, animation will play a crucial role in various industries. Here are some essential things to watch out for:

1.     Real-Time Rendering: Real-time rendering technology will enable faster and more efficient creation of high-quality animations, reducing production time and costs.

2.     AI-Driven Animation: Artificial intelligence will revolutionize animation by automating tasks, enhancing character movements, and generating realistic environments.

3.     Immersive Experiences: Animation will play a vital role in creating immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), allowing users to interact with animated worlds in real time.

4.     Mobile-Friendly Animation: With the increasing use of mobile devices, animation will be optimized for smaller screens, ensuring seamless and engaging experiences on smartphones and tablets.

5.     Cross-Media Integration: Animation will continue to integrate with other forms of media, such as live-action films, video games, and social media platforms, enhancing storytelling and audience engagement.

In conclusion, 2D and 3D animation services have transformed communication, entertainment, and education. The versatility and visual impact of animation make it a powerful tool for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you choose 2D or 3D animation, selecting the right service provider is essential, considering the specific project requirements and staying current with the latest industry trends. As technology advances, the future of animation services holds even more exciting possibilities for captivating visuals and immersive experiences with Digicircal Advertising Agency.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How long does it take to create an animated video? The time required to create an animated video depends on various factors, such as the animation style, the complexity of the project, and the provider's workload. Simple animations may take a few days, while more complex projects can take several weeks or months.

2. Can animation be used for educational purposes? Absolutely! Energy is widely used in educational settings to make learning engaging and interactive. It simplifies complex concepts, provides visual representations, and enhances information retention for students of all ages.

3. Is 3D animation more expensive than 2D animation? Generally, 3D animation tends to be more expensive than 2D animation due to the additional resources, software, and expertise required. However, the cost ultimately depends on the specific project requirements and the service provider.

4. What software is commonly used for animation? Various animation software is available, each with its features and capabilities. Some popular ones include Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, Blender, and Toon Boom Harmony.

5. Can animation be used for marketing and advertising? Absolutely! Animation is an excellent tool for marketing and advertising. It allows businesses to create captivating videos, explainer animations, and promotional content that effectively communicate their message and engage the target audience.

[studioghostlegs]

DevLog:Fatal Affair Next Steps + New Game Announcement!

If you follow us on itch, then this is all OLD BORING NEWS, but if you don’t...

It has been one month since Otome Jam, and now that the team has recuperated, we wanted to talk a bit more at length regarding Fatal Affair's future and share a little announcement.

FATAL AFFAIR PROJECT EXPECTATIONS

Fatal Affair is our first game, and an ongoing lesson has been how to manage our perfectionist expectations with where our dev skill levels are. Otome Jam was perfect for teaching us how even if a project isn't perfect, it can still be incredibly fun and rewarding to play, and we should take pride in creating it all the same.

We fully intend to see Fatal Affair through, and here is a look at our expectations for the completed project:

150,000 - 200,000 words encompassing the common route (prologue) + a story that unfolds over 10 in-game days

Endings galore: ~5 endings for each LI + various death and 'other' hidden endings

Fully rendered sprites and expressions for LIs + all important side characters within the court (silhouettes for everyone else like Fae Servants / Guards)

An interactive palace map for ✨INVESTIGATIONS✨

An accessible journal containing world building lore and discovered clues as you unravel the mystery behind the murder

NEXT STEPS

Currently, we are looking at creating a more polished demo to be released sometime by late 2022 - early 2023, and we will be resuming our sporadic update posts for Fatal Affair around September!

Here is a little breakdown of what you can expect the next updated demo to contain:

Official story introductions to the other two LIs (pissy face Kieran and flirty scoundrel Yannick)

Fully rendered sprites + expressions for the LIs

Fully custom and properly implemented UI

The complete common route (~20K-30K words)

The current prototype demo contains parts 1&2. Parts 3-5 have already been written and are about ~40% implemented. Parts 6-8 are currently being written.  (We are also working on designing one of those fancy update tracker thingies all the cool devs use for the next update heehee :>)

As far as outlining goes, we have an overall outline for the game (so we know how the mystery ends!), and we are working on a more in-depth outline for each day.

Our primary goal is for the development of Fatal Affair to be a sustainable journey for everyone on the team. Fatal Affair is a passion project for each of us, and passion can be a fickle thing that ebbs and flows–it's crucial we take breaks and maintain project-life balance to avoid burnout and project dissatisfaction.

We also want the freedom and flexibility to work on other projects in-between updates without creating feelings of disappointment, and that brings us to…

….OTHER PROJECTS?

Yes! Many, many other projects. We have an entire discord channel solely for spur of the moment ideas, and sometimes… those ideas turn into bigger things, like…

Blanket Cat...! A short cozy game about a grumpy black cat and his elderly kitchen witch determined to have a good day!

There is no romance, just cats, wholesome vibes, and maybe a little saucer of steamed milk?? Who knows! Our current plan is for the game to be fully released in late August, and it will be FREE TO PLAY. Posts for Blanket Cat will begin Wednesday, so stay tuned (the queue runs deep).

Tata for now! <3

[jakiphyr]

Jak (re)plays FE2  [Part 01]

Awright!  It’s been a good four years since I’ve last touched Gaiden fully (late Dec 2013 - Feb 2014), so I’ll be doing a challenge this time around.

This LP is brought here today by HistoryoftheEmblem’s Gaiden event Kickstarter. So feel free to join the ride, or follow along!  Now, without further ado...

Introduction

I will be doing a Gaiden Novels Canon Playthrough challenge.  I will explain what this is, then lay out the rules that are styled similar to a draft now that I look at this back over.

My Motives (a.k.a. why am I doing this) 

This run is based on Fire Emblem: Gaiden’s two-parter novels that were released back in 1993.  Scans of illustrations can be found starting here, the rest are linked from there for those interested.

After @azebraslife ‘s discovery posts about the craziness that is Silque+Kliff subplot being half-siblings, Kamui dying to a necrodragon, possessed!Delthea killing Luthier and snapping out from that…

I meant to record my in-depth findings/summaries from what I read so far off my twitter live log in June but forgot to write them down as more than just quick blurbs.  This liveplay event will help me on being continuously motivated to read these books, from start to finish.  So I’ll be using my posts to record these summary translations, so expect those inserted throughout my LP entries.

Which is OK, the novels are easy enough to read as a beginner for the most part and makes for a fun experience.

It’s time to dig whatever hidden gems there are (and there’s plenty, I’m sure).

Rules, to keep myself organized and for followers to know what I’m doing:

(1)  Whoever dies in the novels dies, and stays dead.  No exceptions.  If you know exactly who dies from the scan posts I’ve made... a~yup, those will be dying at the same story/battle points whenever possible.

(2)  To branch off from 1, if revival springs are used, I will use them for that character to be revived from the dead.  AFAIK, the author didn’t use any, but I’m hoping for a pleasant surprise.

(3)  I’m allowing myself the old-fashion method of the Mila Turnwheel — save states.  Someone dies when they aren’t supposed to?  Reset.  There’re likely other scenarios I’ll keep a mind for when replicating novel events in my play.

(4)  Whatever the novel does — give certain classes to villagers, equip certain items to units, kill a boss with a certain strategy, choice recruitments, lionhead statboost uses — I must replicate those events and actions in my run, thus making it a challenge.  If something’s almost or actually impossible, well... I’ll figure a way around it by having the next closest thing to it.  If nothing’s specified, I’ll use my own discretion (and hope it doesn’t conflict later).

That’s the basis, for now.  I don’t want to restrict myself too tightly so I’ll be a little more flexible — unless, of course, the novels dictates otherwise

The Game

Okay!  Now with that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’ll be going Easy Mode for the ease of training female mages to level 20 to not be hellish again like on my first blind run.

And now... we get to Act 1.

But wait!  The novels have a couple of things to say before I can truly start.

It has a backstory and some pre-game exposition with our favourite Deliverance gang—their own Rise of the Deliverance DLC in novel form.  Let’s have a look.

—

[Novel]

Prologue:

Greek mythology-esque poetic literature that dragons are gods and how their actions affect weather/nature.  A roar brings the rain and lightning storms, humanity questioning why the heavens are always angry.  As the two dragons have always fought as if they were born to, and birthed Valencia to be a reflection of their souls (North vs South fighting mirrors the Duma vs Mila conflict).

It gives a history lesson of how Rigel and Zofia came to be, describing Duma and Mila like oil and water put in a single vase, eventually growing murky and bad as it mixes from being stabilized prior. And now Valencia faces the worst war in its history.

—

Chapter 1 - Liberation Army Part 1-1: 6 Fake Death Pills

[ This entire part is pre-game, contains graphic depictions of events. Warnings for characters contemplating suicide, gritty themes, blood, and graphic descriptions of murders. ]

Starts off with a visible blood splatter on the polished stone floors of Zofia Castle, the military fill the halls leading to the throne room.  An old man with pale skin, has long, hairy legs, and a long white beard, sits on the tall golden throne with a sword lodged in his bleeding chest.  King Lima IV stabbed by none other than Desaix.

Lima IV still draws breath, barely living as he’s groaning painfully and flailing an arm searching for support (but gets none).  His last words condemn Desaix for being ambitious, having stolen the sword of the royal family which he had taken out at the scene as his second sword.  (The royal sword is apparently forged with steel.)  Desaix mocks the king, and his army begins to chant as he takes the next course of action.

The royal sword was then swung to behead Lima IV, the bloodied head rolls to the stone floor, his half-opened eyes looking up at Desaix with resentment.  The usurper declares the rest of the living royal family to be thrown into dungeons or killed.  The defense rebellion broke out immediately after and utterly failed, their numbers whittled down brutally.  Desaix’s reformed royal army heed all responsibility on throwing rebels and other captives in the dungeon (which hasn’t been used for many years in the peaceful kingdom of Zofia).

The anti-Desaix faction’s numbers continue to decline until six (named) knights remained with very few others who were still fighting vigorously.  It is revealed that the six are Clive, Mathilda, Clair, Lukas, Python, and Forsyth.  Eventually, they were captured and got locked up in the cold dungeons.  Frustrated by their circumstances, Clive grieves that death is preferable for the sake of their knightly pride over being tortured by the usurpers.  An old(ish) soldier with graying hair starts talking to Clive (he is the generic looking man in the first illustration).

The six really want to die, as they’re depressed, but the generic soldier makes a deal with them: drink the 6 “death” medicine pills he had made (and calls them lucky he has that many), which will put them in heavy sleep for four hours.  He’ll disguise himself in the enemy’s uniform, cart their “dead” bodies to the graveyard catacombs full of Terrors (the Deliverance Hideout), and buy them time to rebuild forces to liberate Zofia.

He calls six names, the novel describes each one as the following: Clive, the young chief knight, Clair, the Pegasus Knight who was rewarded good luck by the gods for riding a temna, Lukas, a hot-blooded soldier whose spear strikes like a lightning bolt, Forsyth, his character is different from Lukas, whose calm judgment is true, Python, a genius archer whose bow technique is clear [and shoots] with anger, and Mathilda, the female knight who has a brave soul, as beautiful as the night sky, and is as good as Clive.

Clive rejects the offer, shouting it won’t fly with them as knights, still insistent on preferring death.  Mathilda and Clair nod in agreement with them.  A tearful Forsyth insists on all of them dying together as was their knightly vow if it came down to it, the gray-haired man calls them foolish.

The soldier persuades Clive and the others a little more, until finally, Clive makes the first move on reaching for the “death” pill, which then the other five immediately follow suit.  The man tells the knights about Mycen, a holy knight who was banished by Desaix ages past and currently living in Ram, a village located at the cape of the southernmost tip of Zofia.  He tells them to form the liberation army together with Mycen and free Zofia from the hands of Desaix.  The six proceed to swallow their pills and “died” on the spot.

The consumed medicine causes a foul odor to fill the prisons, signaling some had died to the unaware.  The guards drag their six bodies out of the dungeons, sending them to the caves on the far coast from the castle. 

Upon waking, they salvage the caves for weapons, arrows, armour, and garments.  They also attempt to cover up the cave’s entrance with rocks and leaves to keep Desaix’s men from finding the location again.  Lukas was chosen as the messenger because he can hide himself the best from being captured, he is given a map of Zofia that was found and the journey would take three nights.  Lukas and Forsyth hug it out before patting each other’s backs with fists, then Lukas departs.  Clair follows Lukas out of the cave and mentions she is going to find her pegasus.

Forsyth and Clive have strategy talks while waiting for Clair for return and talking about accommodating Mycen.  Python’s polishing his arrows.  Mathilda returns with urgent grim news that the royal army has found their hideout, rushing them to go deeper into the thin, narrow caves.  Meanwhile, Clair did not hear the loud distant yells from Desaix’s army descending upon the caves, chasing her fellow soldiers.

—

[Game]

Whew, apologies for the length so far.  It was to set up the atmosphere of how the chaos will unfold in the future.

If Gaiden’s character endings weren’t potentially depressing enough on their own, we get them from the very beginning...  

So I suppose from that cliffhanger, that was how Clair and Mathilda get captured, which is different from Shadows of Valentia’s depiction where Mathilda was taken hostage before Lukas left, and Clair got kidnapped after his departure for Ram.

These fills in the fe2′s story gaps are interesting to note (as well as the author’s portrayals of the RGB trio’s personalities).

Okay, back to the game...

Act 1 will begin in the next post.  (This one is already long enough, and the next part’s 6 pages long.  In comparison, part 1-1′s was ten pages long.)

To be continued...

—

→ Next installment: Yo, Alm! Listen to this guy! (3x)

[speedydragondonut]

Bachelor's Degree In Animation - RSACE

https://rsace.edu.in/course/bachelor-in-animation/B.A. (Multimedia-Animation)

Duration – 3 Years

Semesters – 6

Key Highlights

Emphasis on art and design, pencil and paper to master the foundation skills of animation.

Introduction of various software and techniques in 3D animation, modeling, texturing, lighting and rendering.

Focused on creating computer graphic artists who will be able to perform at any level.

Internship and Placement Opportunities with Well-Known Animation & VFX Studios.

Training and Assistance In Building Portfolios, Show-reel and Resume.

ELIGIBILITY

The medium of instruction of the RSACE animation courses will be English and hence candidates seeking admission are expected to have English as a compulsory subject at least up to XIIth.

Candidate should have a minimum of 35% marks in his/her 10+2 or equivalent.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The aim of this animation and multimedia program is to make the students self-reliant and equip them with the artistic approach, technical knowledge, mastering tools as well as the concepts of animation so they can make a mark in the global world of animation. 2D animations are superficial whereas 3D animations possess some depth. Our programme starts with art and design, They learn basic construction in drawing using Pencil & paper which is their canvas to produce frames that define a sequence which is then moved at a different speed that creates an illusion of movement. Then we introduce various software’s & techniques to master the skills of animation.

Apart from drawing and character designing, 3D animators deal with modeling, rendering, texture and lighting, this gives a depth to the animation. Virtual cameras do the job of focus, resize, zoom and elucidating the characters.

RSACE, the animation institute with an edge, where students will be exposed to the best faculty in the industry. There will be tie-ups with domestic and international institutes so you will get to work on national and internal projects. You can participate in film festivals and competitions world over.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

The objective of Ramesh Sippy Academy Of Cinema And Entertainment’s bachelor in animation program is to prepare students for the field of visual arts and equip them with all the necessary tools that this field requires. Hollywood is a booming industry with various job openings in the full-length animation movies, television, advertising etc. A full-length animation requires almost 500 animators to work on it. Apart from films and television, Animation and multimedia services are now the top requirements in every other fields, like business, sales, engineering and education etc., Even fields like fashion designing, interior designing, medical, legal and insurance companies require animations for their presentations and models. This program focuses more on creating computer graphic artist who can perform at any level and any process. Pursue the best Animation and Multimedia Courses recognised by Mumbai University from the best animation schools in India and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Animation. Bachelor in Animation course emphasis on art and design, pencil and paper to master the foundation skills of animation. Join Ramesh Sippy Film Academy in Mumbai.

CAREER OPTIONS

After completing a course in animation, there is an ocean of opportunity for the students to choose and work from. Students can have some flexibility to choose a career in television, film and video games. Some of the careers options are:

Pre-production Artist

Storyboard Artist

Matte Painting artist

Layout Artist

2D Animator

3D Modeler

Texturing Artist

Character animator

3D VFX Artist

Lighting Artist

Rendering Artist

Production Coordinator

Short film maker

Editor

3D Printing

INTRODUCTION

A sequence of images creating an illusion of a moving object is termed as Animation. India is one of the most preferred outsourcing countries. We not only do outsourcing services, we are also a creator of original animation. Some of the popular original contents are Chota bheem, Little Krishna, Delhi Safari, Arjun, Roadside Romeo etc. Animation is a combination of entertainment and technology. It is composed of design, drawing, layout and production of graphically rich multimedia clips. Time and space are important in animation. Those who excel in drawing and creativity can make a great career in graphic design and animation. An animator’s job is to analyze the script thoroughly and get into the skin of the character. Creating idea, storyboard, character design, backgrounds, etc and using a technical methodology to create stunning visuals short movies is the ideal steps in making a successful animation feature.

THE RSACE EDGE

Why RSACE?

The key elements of the RSACE offering that could help you in making a decision about your academic future are:

The Courses have been curated under the guidance of Mr. Ramesh Sippy.

The training will be led by industry Experts.

70 – 75% of the training will be on-set.

Students will have the opportunity of internship projects during the Program of 3 years.

Degrees awarded by The University of Mumbai are internationally recognized.

Privilege to study in the expansive Kalina campus of The University of Mumbai situated in the heart of the city.

100% placement assistance.

Loan assistance can be provided.

Hostel facility on a first come first serve basis.

Having shared the above, our primary efforts will be to WORK ON YOU, WORK WITH YOU & WORK FOR YOU.

https://rsace.edu.in/course/bachelor-in-animation/

[waynekelton]

Book of Demons Review

Polish developers Thing Trunk are on a mission. An ambitious mission to re-imagine classic games from the Golden Age of PC gaming. The plan is that the Return2Games series will consist of a total of seven games, that, as well as giving a nostalgia kick to veterans, will also attract a whole new audience. Book of Demons is the first in the series, with its hack and slash gameplay being a tribute to Diablo. The Return2Games series is set in the Paperverse, a charming land of pop-up-book landscapes and paper-thin characters. These characters are nicely illustrated, with the limited animation and OTT voiceovers evoking the atmosphere of a children’s puppet show. The inspiration may be Diablo but the style and gameplay are far more light-hearted and forgiving.

The quest begins in a desolate town, where the only inhabitants foolhardy enough to hang around are a healer, a barmaid, a sage and a fortune teller. Everyone else seems to have, quite sensibly, scarpered to escape the wrath of the Archdemon. Everyone, that is, apart from our hero, who has taken it upon himself to save the day. You can exchange gossip with these characters, and if you cross their palms with silver, they can be persuaded to help you in various ways. After leaving the village, the only option is to explore the basement of the town’s Cathedral. You will soon discover that the gossip is true and that a Gordon Ramsay style demon lurks in the maze of corridors, preparing meals of human flesh for his master (at least Veganuary is behind us). Moving ever downwards, the next stop is the catacombs, where an army of the dead has been resurrected by the Antipope. The final port of call is Hell itself for a showdown with the Archdemon.

The tutorial has been thoughtfully constructed, using waypoints to guide you through a level. Each point of interest opens an explanation window, complete with illustrative examples. It is not a hard game to fathom, but this well-crafted introduction gives you every confidence in the designers, making you eager to get hacking and slashing. Navigation is made simple by the inclusion of a mini-map and footprints that enable easy retracing of your path. A checklist of valuable items and their vicinity ensures that no plunder is left unplundered. One type of treasure that is especially useful are item cards. These are often found on bookshelves and can be placed into any free slots.

You will soon have more cards than slots but, luckily, you can pay the Sage to open extra slots. There are three types of cards; items, spells and artefacts. Items such as healing potions will have limited doses, but they can be refilled by the fortune teller. Spells require mana to cast and artefacts provide passive background benefits, such as a lucky rabbit foot (unless you are the rabbit) that provides some protection from critical strikes. You will have to pay the sage to identify some cards and the fortune teller can also use runes to increase a card’s level. Even during combat, you can still juggle cards between slots, which provides some extra flexibility.

Initially, the only choice is to play as a sword-wielding warrior but, later, you can unlock a rogue who comes armed with a bow and a spellcasting wizard, who, rather incongruously, has a strong resemblance to Mr T. The procedurally generated isometric dungeons take an on-rails approach with a simple tap moving your hero of choice through the mostly linear corridors. Your character will stop at junctions, a quick tap will also bring him to a halt. A tap will also attack enemies, open chests, examine features and do pretty much everything else that you could wish to do. Once an enemy is selected, your character will continue to attack automatically but you also have the option to speed up the assault by tapping and holding. Some enemies are heavily armoured or cast spells; you will need to focus your initial attacks on destroying these attributes before you can begin to inflict damage.

Despite its accessibility, Book of Demons can still offer a stiff challenge. There are three difficulty settings and the deeper dungeon levels will assail you with enemies and spells to the extent that the screen begins to resemble a bullet hell shooter. When things get too chaotic the temptation is to tap wildly and hope for the best, but it is usually best to take a little more care. Some monsters will carry shields or get really angry if you attack them too rapidly. Others will explode in clouds of poison or drop from above, stunning you for a short time. Don’t be misled by the rather silly names of the bosses either, they can also be formidable adversaries, with their own special abilities. Most have several stages, sometimes they will be linked to other enemies that have to be defeated first or they will have their own invulnerable spheres of influence. It certainly adds a bit more depth to the central mechanic.

That said, things never become frustratingly difficult. There are plenty of opportunities to visit the numerous fountains that restore health and mana. Even death need not be final. Reach the point of your demise, marked by a tombstone, and all your processions can be reacquired. The developers really have strived to make the game as approachable as possible. Their flexiscope system even enables players to tailor the length of the game, whilst still ensuring a rewarding mix of challenges and booty, whatever your time constraints.

There is much more to Book of Demons than initial impressions suggest. It can feel a little repetitive and automated at times, but thoughtful design decisions help to maintain interest. With three significantly different characters, each with their own signature cards and three levels of difficulty the game certainly warrants replaying even after completing your first eight-hour run through.

Book of Demons Review published first on https://touchgen.tumblr.com/

[ruwinhimself-blog]

Day 19 - The Overwatch Post

I want to talk about Overwatch because it’s a game I have more or less taken part in over the past 3.5 years (since closed beta). Overwatch has some unique gameplay dynamics and some unique problems. For as long as I can remember, ranked Overwatch has been a largely dissatisfying experience-- but why? This is a question I’ve posed many times, both publicly (on stream) and to other Overwatch players in the wild. Anyone who has actively taken part in my stream over the past few years knows I’ve gone over this ad nauseam.

The Overwatch team just made the most drastic change to its ranked mode since its inception by adding ‘Role Queue’. A system that I, and many others have called for over the past few years. I’d like to take this opportunity to summarize my thoughts on it.

So what’s wrong with the game?

Nothing is inherently wrong with the game. It is quite fun when it is played as intended by its developers. To elaborate, that is six players working together, swapping characters on the fly as they intend to counter or as they get countered. The problem was that dynamic rarely unfolded during ranked play. This would frequently result in games that are either unbalanced or unfun (little teamwork).

Define “fun”

In order for us to continue, I think it serves to define “fun.” Fun is subjective. Everyone is going to experience fun in a different way and everyone gets something different out of their ranked experience. To one player, fun may be one-tricking Symmetra, not joining voice and never swapping heroes or roles. To another player, fun may be derived by working as a team and overcoming challenge. 

Go on...

Let’s quickly draw a comparison between Minecraft and ranked Overwatch. Minecraft is a sandbox game. No one can tell you how to play-- heck, there aren’t even any rules! It was created to give players freedom of creativity and unfettered exploration. You can have fun however you like! The Overwatch team, however, designed the game with a much more focused and curated experience in mind. From the beginning they had intended to create a teamwork-centric, competitive experience with accessibility for new players and enough depth to attract and keep veteran FPS player interest (a tall order). 

So which fun is ‘right’?

You’ll notice I’m particularly calling out Overwatch ranked in this post. There are other modes: Quick Play, Deathmatch, Arcade and now Workshop customs-- in which less competitive-minded players can find their brand of fun. When Blizzard added ranked to Overwatch, late into the end of its closed beta cycle, they aimed for an intended experience. It is and has been Blizzard’s responsibility as the developer of the game to cultivate that experience to ensure that it is being engaged as close as possible to the designer’s intent. With the introduction of role queue Blizzard has (finally) drawn their line in the sand and defined how competitive Overwatch should be played (for now). Blizzard has decided that the flavor of fun in competitive Overwatch is exclusively 2-2-2.

Why is this significant?

As stated prior, ranked Overwatch was rarely enjoyed in the way it was intended. Blizzard anticipated a different dynamic. They expected more flexibility and teamwork from the average player. The internal playtest environment most likely mirrored the intended gameplay dynamics-- which is why they were caught off guard. There were far more uncooperative players, one-tricks and trolls than they had accounted for.

Okay... but what can be done about that?

Simply, find out what was frustrating players and implement systems to circumvent or reduce those cases as reliably as possible. Not getting to (consistently) play the role you want isn’t fun. Not having a bare-minimum functioning team composition isn’t fun either. These are both scenarios that are out of the player’s hands. This is not to mention the inconsistency in game quality (competitiveness) due to simply having a mismatch of player roles.

Wait... mismatch? What do you mean?

At some point during the design process, the Overwatch team settled on a compositional structure that the game was most optimally played at. That’s not to say it was exactly 2-2-2, but it very likely involved at least 1 healer, 1 tank and 1 damage dealer. So what happens when you get “unlucky” with 4 stubborn DPS players and 2 support mains? The result was roll the dice and hope the enemy team doesn’t have a functional composition either. For the record, I have won games with a 4 DPS and 2 support composition and that is a fringe case. It is a rarity that inflexibility is a boon and is only generally non-problematic when the opposing team has even less flexibility. We want games to be decided by player cunning, wit and skill. Where each individual play matters. Realistically and statistically, this is unlikely-- but it is even more unlikely when the systems in place are not doing any additional work on the back-end to increase average game quality (as far as we are aware). 

Allow me to explain

I will level with you. I think it is bizarre that Blizzard pulled a 180 on their philosophical stance regarding how the game should be played (That is not committing to or acknowledging a meta). I think that goes to show you how dire things have gotten (not to doomsay). With that being said, I do think the game suffers somewhat from losing the dynamism that free hero and role selection brings. It is, however, a trade-off. We lose that dynamism for consistency. We lose it for a more structured ranked format and a meta that is not as intricate to solve. We lose it for the consistency Overwatch ranked games so sorely needed.

To Recap

I anticipate role queue is a net gain for the overall playerbase. I expect overall game quality to increase and player frustration to decrease. People will more consistently play the role or hero they want, making their SR more accurate and less prone to heavy swings. That, compounded with role specific SR should bring much more balance to games. I want to mention that this format does risk meta compositions getting stale much quicker. This means Blizzard will need to offer gameplay balance changes and tweaks much faster than before in order to keep it fresh.

Final Note

I am a harsh critic because I care. I want the games I love to do well. I want Blizzard to continue making incredible games. This is why I train every day. This is why I take no breaks. My insatiable hunger to make the games that molded and inspired me. I’m graduating this Winter and I can’t wait to make that dream a reality.

Thanks for reading.