belart-the-illiterate-reader

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Fun interview I had with Kelly Lacey not too long ago which she published today. If you're curious about me or my work on any level, this one has some good nuggets. I might also post other interviews I've had over the years.  Thanks again, Kelly!

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5/9 is always a good day. (at Warren, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdWUZ0npjVZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Seeds of Evil | Galena | Jump Force 05.5

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Trust fail BL2 #shorts This is the worst friendship exercise. ♦Help Us Get to 1,000 subs: https://bit.ly/2BW6wld ♦Check out my books: https://amzn.to/2NwB3un ♦Twitter: https://twitter.com/BelartWright ♦Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OccultLitRPG/

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My lazy ass #shorts

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Is this worse than accidentally taking someone's favorite tupperware home?

Liandra and the Average Joe: Average Joe Universe - Chapter 9: Go for the Gold (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/558485156-liandra-and-the-average-joe-average-joe-universe?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=BelartWright&wp_originator=GOI6aBt7I2yFBBH%2BGW7aKEDN0QbaWWj1mkpCwtzuFKbPqc4%2FcMJMzOpNj2cT4gwo%2Fx73eSIG%2FKY2dcTEXFvRJHrsW%2FzhhWdTbrbppeMqUJVNCdc0W5l9ek56GynmMkG7 Introducing the Average Joe Universe, a universe of magic, action, adventure, heart, and discovery. Meet Liandra, a young girl with some spectacular and terrifying powers laying dormant inside of her, and Joe a completely average young teen who is caught in an adventure far bigger than he imagined. Liandra's parents have sought every medicine and method under the sun to cure her from the vicious nightmares that have plagued her since early childhood. However, when Liandra comes across a terrifying dream creature and strains herself too far, her parents must seek methods outside the realm of normal medicine. In their desperation, they turn to a strange man known as a Dream Reader to help cure Liandra of her terrible nightmares. Just who is this Dream Reader, and what is it inside of Liandra that's plaguing her mind so maliciously? Liandra, in her determination to finally rid herself of her nightmares, is prepared to do whatever it takes even if it kills her.

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Fighting in a Virtua dream. Liandra and the Average Joe: Average Joe Universe - Chapter 8: Progress

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Should've been posted ages ago. Excerpt: "He smiled at her, warmly this time, and she found herself suddenly glad to have someone to talk with like this. Especially someone who knew her pain so intimately that she barely needed to describe it." Liandra and the Average Joe: Average Joe Universe - Chapter 7: Robert Grabas (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/558479224-liandra-and-the-average-joe-average-joe-universe?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=BelartWright&wp_originator=DN%2BZlcGn%2BPsNeIfdV4PE50YhpPXoIExZAIHhyV207TZ%2BQlN8G7w67v%2Fw4SF%2Bt9r0fBHVbQ7%2F1lKvVQfZjG9LqQZKe4IFqo0pV3nlYqD52EFw3%2BQH4miyCIbTsPDtUmcs Introducing the Average Joe Universe, a universe of magic, action, adventure, heart, and discovery. Meet Liandra, a young girl with some spectacular and terrifying powers laying dormant inside of her, and Joe a completely average young teen who is caught in an adventure far bigger than he imagined. Liandra's parents have sought every medicine and method under the sun to cure her from the vicious nightmares that have plagued her since early childhood. However, when Liandra comes across a terrifying dream creature and strains herself too far, her parents must seek methods outside the realm of normal medicine. In their desperation, they turn to a strange man known as a Dream Reader to help cure Liandra of her terrible nightmares. Just who is this Dream Reader, and what is it inside of Liandra that's plaguing her mind so maliciously? Liandra, in her determination to finally rid herself of her nightmares, is prepared to do whatever it takes even if it kills her.

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Liandra and the Average Joe: Average Joe Universe - Chapter 6: Crossed (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/558478264-liandra-and-the-average-joe-average-joe-universe?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=BelartWright&wp_originator=CHuLFY7tk7Uf%2FD8jrEczs0NCWgqniWulUxbZsLaaRcQGkk2fmIJKk30OJAI2wJRGTfFcNuwaNCisZgSp%2BfE1o%2FxaRMCQF7AiHQIGiTyesFGZLSSttJ46ZfWfQuBXSolQ Introducing the Average Joe Universe, a universe of magic, action, adventure, heart, and discovery. Meet Liandra, a young girl with some spectacular and terrifying powers laying dormant inside of her, and Joe a completely average young teen who is caught in an adventure far bigger than he imagined. Liandra's parents have sought every medicine and method under the sun to cure her from the vicious nightmares that have plagued her since early childhood. However, when Liandra comes across a terrifying dream creature and strains herself too far, her parents must seek methods outside the realm of normal medicine. In their desperation, they turn to a strange man known as a Dream Reader to help cure Liandra of her terrible nightmares. Just who is this Dream Reader, and what is it inside of Liandra that's plaguing her mind so maliciously? Liandra, in her determination to finally rid herself of her nightmares, is prepared to do whatever it takes even if it kills her.

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Liandra and the Average Joe: Average Joe Universe - Chapter 5: The Desperate Girl From Baalbek (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/558475946-liandra-and-the-average-joe-average-joe-universe?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=BelartWright&wp_originator=l94pT63eb9JnUL1PHXOSYa7J9e1j%2FLnpQcM%2FQigw1tPbjIxVJhzxwZGRGPka08e%2B83UkXD3JOr%2FfY74YmEzSddsxtewdFvP5bJzO0UnCoV3P9Xl8qR6lMm5aAgYDrF%2FW Meet the Average Joe Universe. A universe of magic, action, adventure, heart, and discovery. Includes the coming of age stories of Liandra, a young girl with some spectacular and terrifying powers laying dormant inside of her, and Joe a completely average young teen who is caught in an adventure far bigger than he imagined. Witness Liandra's rise to the cool, confident, heroine that Joe meets in the latter part of the story as she uncovers what's hidden away in her very dreams. Liandra, a young girl from Lebanon, has suffered from vicious nightmares since she was a child. Her parents have sought every medicine and method under the sun to cure their daughter of her unhealthy mental affliction. When Liandra comes across a terrifying dream creature and strains herself too far, her parents seek methods outside the realm of normal medicine. In their desperation, they turn to a strange man known as a Dream Reader to help cure Liandra of her terrible nightmares. Just who is this Dream Reader, and what is it inside of Liandra that's plaguing her mind so maliciously? Liandra, in her determination to finally rid herself of her nightmares, is prepared to do whatever it takes even if it kills her.

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Darksiders is urban fantasy. New timestamps and story synopsis are up for episode 12 of the video guide! Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmd6t-R2WY #darksiders #warmastered #letsplay #gameguide #ps4 (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMXhw9RDTK8/?igshid=474sqhihukxi

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Finally, they've all arrived. Not mine but they'll make a great gift for someone. #demonslayer #manga #shonenjump #happybirthday (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMUu9yzjP3_/?igshid=13wblswqo6hs5

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Guardian Heroes Breakdown: What is Guardian Heroes?

Guardian Heroes XBLA Version

Release Date: 10/12/11

System: Xbox Live Arcade

Guardian Heroes was originally released for the Sega Saturn in 1996.  This Game Breakdown will be focused on the new “Remix” version released for the Xbox 360’s Xbox Live Arcade.  This version is an high definition remake of the Saturn version with some massive gameplay, graphical, and user interface tweaks.

This type of article of mine will typically cover: a brief history of the game, what the game’s about, a summary of the gameplay and story, who was involved in the making of the game, and what makes the game unique.  Later on I’ll Breakdown which features of the game the games industry can learn from and which features could’ve been expanded on.  I’ll also note what I liked and disliked about the gameplay.  If you’re not familiar, these videogame breakdowns are not made for the purpose of reviewing.  I make these to take a critical eye to games I like and don’t like to understand what makes them enjoyable or not so enjoyable.  This is, of course, all subjective to my opinion so take it with a grain of salt.  Now let’s start!

Today we’ll talk about the history of the game.  Particularly its release date and a little about the creators.  I should probably also tell you what the heck Guardian Heroes is even about.

History

Wish I had a Saturn :’(

Guardian Heroes was originally released January 26, 1996 in Japan.  I’m not 100% sure on the date that the game was released in the U.S.  Wikipedia lists it as January 25, 1996 while IGN lists it as May 26, 1997.  I’ve even seen it listed as January 23, 1996 while elsewhere other sites simply and safely list it only by year, the year being 1996.  It was released on the Sega Saturn by Treasure and Sega.  Treasure developed the game while Sega published it.  Because a lot of Saturn games didn’t have a ton of media coverage in the U.S. at the time (mostly guessing on my part), this game went on to be considered a cult classic with a niche fanbase despite everything about it having mass appeal and in many ways being ahead of its time.  Maybe it wasn’t dark enough for the 90’s, oh well who knows.  To this day there isn’t a beat ‘em up quite like Guardian Heroes, discounting the Nintendo 3DS game Code of Princess whose development team is headed by the same brilliant lead designer and lead programmer as Guardian Heroes.

  What is Guardian Heroes?

Guardian Heroes is a multitude of things but it is mainly a beat 'em up videogame with heavy role playing game (RPG) influence which includes character growth and a deep narrative with lots of world lore.  It is a bright and vibrant game that encapsulates the best of early nineties anime and videogames.  Think Slayers or Dragon Quest meets Streets of Rage or Final Fight.  There is plenty of character interaction, dialogue, and scenarios that seem right out of a novel or T.V. show.  The world of Guardian Heroes is inhabited by all manner of men and creatures: from swordsman and townsfolk to magicians, all manner of fantasy creatures, towering mechs, angels, demons, angelic and demonic monsters, and even more.  The combat is incredibly deep for a beat 'em up, I mean 2D fighter levels of deep.  Think of this as Street Fighter – or better yet Blazblue – except you’re fighting a horde of enemies instead of a single opponent.  It’s a multiplayer game with co-op and versus modes with nearly fifty playable characters.  The XBLA version sports some really good drop in, drop out online support and the game has multiple difficulty settings.

 The Creators

Treasure Co. Ltd early logo

  This game was created by the now legendary Treasure Co., the developers behind such hits as Gunstar Heroes, Dynamite Heady, Radiant Silvergun, and Ikaruga.  They have a much much larger library of hits and have also worked on stellar licensed titles like Wario World for Nintendo and Astro Boy the Omega Factor for Sega.

The team for this game was headed by Testuhiko Kikuchi (also known as HAN) and Masaki Ukyo who also worked as a programmer for Treasure.  Both had previously worked on several projects.  Between the two, albeit mostly seperately, are such projects as Silhouette Mirage, Bangai-O Spirits, Mad Stalker: Full Metal Force, Silpheed: The Lost Planet, Advance Guardian Heroes, Phantom Breaker, Rakugaki Showtime, Sin and Punishment: Star Successor, Yū Yū Hakusho: Makyō Tōitsusen, Mischief Makers, Gunstar Super Heroes, Half-Minute Hero, and most recently Code of Princess.  As you can see, they have quite a proven track record of quality titles between them.  I respect and revere the design decisions they’ve made and the ways they’ve blended several genres, especially in Guardian Heroes.  The pair is currently not with Treasure anymore and now (peddle) their talents independently.  Their design legacy and talents can currently be spotted in the Bones/Atlus title Code of Princess for the 3DS which borrows the core gameplay principles of Guardian Heroes.  Of course, Treasure has also given us the amazing subject of this very Breakdown, Guardian Heroes, remix version.

What Influenced This Game

The two games that the wiki stated to have influenced this game are the arcade games Aliens vs. Predator a frenetic side scrolling beat 'em up/shooter by Capcom and Mad Stalker: Full Metal Force an equally destructive combat experience featuring mechs from studio Fill-In Cafe.  I watched longplays of both of these games on youtube and can definitely see how they may have influenced Guardian Heroes.  With AVP you have powerful combos that have characters leaping across the screen to dispatch foes combined with strong projectiles which is a rarity in most beat 'em ups but also prevailant in Guardian Heroes.  It’s even possible that some of Randy’s and Han’s attacks may have even been inspired by the Predator Warrior’s attacks.  Some inspiration for the mech designs of Guardian Heroes as well as the idea to stick most of the combat on one plane or rather lane may have come from Mad Stalker: FMF.  Masaki Ukyo is even stated to have worked on Mad Stalker as a programmer and designer. Both aforementioned games are brilliant games in their own right and worth checking out and possibly playing if you can find the right emulator or if you have the money for an original copy.  You should check out extended playthroughs of the games at the Youtube channel of World of Longplays (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVi6ofFy7QyJJrZ9l0-fwbQ).  You can also go to their site at http://www.longplays.org which is where I found videos of these two rather obscure games.

Aliens vs. Predator, for Arcade

Mad Stalker: Full Metal Force for PC

Next we’ll go into more detail about what makes Guardian Heroes so special including a detailed synopsis of its gameplay, story, characters, and the differences between the original version and the XBLA remix version.  Stay tuned for that and as always, thanks for the browse!

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I finally got this achievement after a straight year of playing. I came close to winning before but someone wanted it more. Legendary means I scored the most in the highest league on the game. #duolingo #legendary #achievement #languagelearning #2ndlanguage #german #deutsche (at Warren, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLB6423DONX/?igshid=bxgt2mmahs9p

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Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition DEATHINITIVE Walkthrough | DLC 2 The Abyssal Forge

Hey guys! Welcome back to the channel! I hope your New Year's celebrations put the perfect ending on 2020. Here today, I'm uploading something I finished many months ago after I'd ended my recording of the Darksider's 2 Walkthrough. Here's DLC 2, The Abyssal Forge. I hope you enjoy this as it's more Darksiders content from a huge Darksiders fan! Any Darksiders fans out there? Go ahead and give this vid a like and subscribe to the channel as I have a lot more content planned for the series. ♦Help Us Get to 1,000 subs: https://bit.ly/2BW6wld ♦Check out my books: https://amzn.to/2NwB3un ♦Twitter: https://twitter.com/BelartWright ♦Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OccultLitRPG/ ♦One-time sponsorship (Thank you!): https://www.paypal.me/belartwright

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Old but gold. Rewatching the show and this immediately thought of MR when I heard Bradley.

Oh my god. I just realized that Mitt Romney sounds like the English voice actor for Fuhrer King Bradley from Fullmetal Alchemist.

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Done. Missed some days but now I can read the language. (at Warren, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJol9hKjta8/?igshid=1rd1868lb7hno