#Project Xanadu

[professoricepick]

Speculation on: Falcom, circa Spring 2025

Betcha didn’t expect to wait this long for the next one of these, did ya? Admittedly, there were a few things holding this one up. For starters, I’m still slowly chipping away at my backlog of journal entries for Cold Steel III. On the plus side, I’ve managed to all of Chapter 3 posted now and as of this writing, I’m two entries deep into writing for Chapter 4 — that just leaves eight to write…

[satoshi-mochida]

Tokyo Xanadu New Project announced for console

From Gematsu

Falcom has announced the tentatively titled action RPG Tokyo Xanadu New Project for unspecified console(s) in celebration of the series’ 10th anniversary. A release date was not announced.

Get the first details below.

It has been 10 years since the release of Falcom’s first modern-day action RPG Tokyo Xanadu… Set in Japanese city of Kyoto, this new game depicts the story of juveniles who travel around the otherworldly realm known as “Xanadu.” While it shares the same world as Tokyo Xanadu, which is set in the Japanese city of Tokyo, the setting is all-new. It is currently in development as a “completely new title” with all game systems built from the ground up, so please look forward to it!

Watch the announcement teaser trailer below. View a piece of artwork and teaser trailer stills at the gallery. Visit the official website here.

Announce Teaser Trailer

[twinklestarsprites]

Go play EGGCONSOLE

The Switch has basically turned into a game historian's dream come true, with classic titles getting ported, remade, remastered and localized for the first time all over the place. From Hamster's weekly Arcade Archives, to M2's fantastic as always work with Sega Ages, and Nintendo's own library available via their online service, there's no shortage of great titles for anyone who wants to revisit their own childhood, or just dive deep to better understand the past.

What I definitely didn't expect was for classic Japanese computer games to start ending up on the console, much less in North America. For a long time, these games have kinda had a forbidden fruit appeal for Westerners, a last frontier of games that was difficult to navigate due to the language barrier, the aging hardware, Windows cannibalizing all other operating systems during the 90's and of course, few of the games being exported over here, but it's gotten a lot better in recent years, mostly thanks to D4 enterprises.

They started with Project EGG, ostensibly Japan's equivalent of GOG, and after a few other ventures on various platforms, they've decided to port their most classic titles to Switch under the label of EGGCONSOLE, including, as I mentioned earlier, on the Western eShop. This seems odd at first, but considering the vintage of these games, they don't have that much Japanese text to parse, and often using joysticks and controllers back in the day, rather than keyboards, meaning they transfer to typical console controllers rather easily (you can still use an emulated keyboard in-game, if you wish).

As you can imagine, not all of the games have aged super gracefully; the action titles are straightforward enough, but the adventure games or RPG's with more complex systems and labyrinth-like levels are a bit too incomprehensible, though the releases have a lot of effort put into them to make sure you can see what they're all about, from level selects, to savestates to rewinds.

The three titles I've definitely put the most time into are Thexder, Silpheed, and Relics. Relics is definitely the most stymieing of the three, but it's so cool I keep trying to slog through it; it's got a body stealing mechanic which is always great, and a cool biomechanical aesthetic way ahead of its time.

But the two titles that are the easiest to get into are sort of a duology that compliment each other, as they're both by Game Arts and insanely impressive on a technical level; Thexder and Silpheed.

Silpheed is insane. I was aware of the Sega CD release before, but I didn't realize it was a sorta-sequel, sorta-remake of the computer original, and that it was basically Star Fox running on an 8-bit computer. I dunno how they got wireframes and polygons like this on the PC-88, but it's insane. The actual gameplay is pretty good, nothing compared to other shmups of the era and especially now, but the level design is pretty good and the weapon loadout select is pretty great, and adds a strategic wrinkle.

Thexder is a sidescrolling mecha-action title, and again, the technical prowess on display really steals the show. The animation on the robot as he lethargically strides forward, then turns into a plane blasting enemies down with an Itano Circus-type laser really makes the whole experience and feels really satisfying, even if the enemy layouts are a little too insane, at times. It's also nice to have a perfectly emulated version on a console since the Famicom version, developed by pre-Final Fantasy Square, was a bit of a disaster, and the PS3 remake (which included the original) is probably gonna be delisted soon.

It really does fill me with a glee that these titles are so much more easily playable now; you can really see how some of them shaped and molded more accessible contemporaries (such as the streamlined RPG's on the Famicom) while having their own identity that would never really be replicated. I'm super excited to see what other titles they rerelease down the line, though I'd really like to see titles from other platforms, like the PC-98, MSX or X68000. Looking at the upcoming titles, they seem to be sticking to PC-88 for now, but there's always hope for the future. For how much we (kinda rightfully) complain about game companies not doing enough to preserve the past, you gotta pay due respect to the few that are, to serve as a blueprint of what we need more of.

[colitcollp]

Unlocking Opportunities: Platina Resources Embraces Gold Market Momentum

Platina Resources, a visionary player in the mining industry, has strategically pivoted its focus from platinum to gold, a move set to unlock new avenues of success in the current market landscape.

This strategic transition aligns perfectly with the surging momentum witnessed in the gold market, propelling the company into a realm of promising possibilities.

[colitcomedia]

Discovery-Driven Value Creation: Unlocking Investor Opportunities in Platina Resources' Gold Projects

PLATINA RESOURCES (ASX: PGM) is a gold exploration company with promising projects in Western Australia. Its portfolio encompasses seven gold projects in the Ashburton Basin and Yilgarn Craton, spanning a land area of 1,487KM². With a solid history of successful exploration and drilling, the Company possesses ample funding to execute its strategic plans. The Projects are strategically situated in highly favorable regions, offering the potential for significant discoveries. PLATINA RESOURCES boasts advanced exploration and drilling capabilities, supported by an experienced team that excels in exploration and acquisition execution. Given its advantageous position in the current gold market, the Company is well-prepared to achieve substantial breakthroughs. Mr Corey Nolan, the Managing Director of Platina Resources, recently delivered exciting updates on the Company’s gold-focused projects through a recently published INVESTOR’S PRESENTATION.

Platina Scandium Project sold for US$14 million

Platina Resources Limited has entered into a legally BINDING AGREEMENT with a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Ltd to transfer its highly promising Platina Scandium Project for US$14 million. The Platina Scandium Project is a significant global deposit of scandium known for its outstanding quality and the potential to become Australia’s first scandium producer. It also holds valuable cobalt and nickel resources.

According to the agreement, upon the successful completion of the transaction, Platina Resources will receive a cash payment of US$8 MILLION. Additionally, there will be a warranty retention payment of US$1 million, which Rio Tinto will repay after 30 months. As part of the deal, Platina Resources may also receive up to US$6 million in cash payments contingent upon Rio Tinto meeting specific project milestones, such as granting a Mining Lease. This agreement reflects the strong commercial viability of the Platina Scandium Project and highlights Platina Resources’ leading position in scandium exploration.

The finalisation of the transaction depends on obtaining the necessary approval from the NSW Ministerial Consent, which is expected to be concluded soon.

Mr Corey Nolan, Managing Director of Platina Resources, said, “This transaction with Rio Tinto will also allow Platina shareholders to benefit from an injection of new funding to advance its extensive gold portfolio and pursue other more advanced project opportunities without shareholder dilution.“

Gold Focus Transformation of Platina Resources

Platina Resources has transformed its strategic focus from platinum to gold, positioning the Company to capitalize on the solid momentum in the gold market. The scandium sale has boosted the implied value of its Western Australia gold projects, including Xanadu, Brimstone, Beete, Binti Binti, Challa, Mt Narryer JV, and Jubilee.

Before exploring individual gold projects, it’s crucial to acknowledge the favorable gold price environment. As of June 9, 2023, the gold price stood at AUD 3,000 PER OUNCE and USD 2,250 PER OUNCE. The upward trajectory of gold prices enhances the potential returns for investors, making this an opportune time to participate in Platina Resources’ gold exploration endeavors.

Exploration Projects and Drilling Plans of Platina Resources

Platina Resources has three key gold projects scheduled for drilling in 2023: BRIMSTONE, XANADU, AND BEETE. These projects are strategically located in the Ashburton Basin and Yilgarn Craton, renowned for their rich mineral endowment. The vast tenement package spanning 1,487 KM² provides an extensive area for exploration and discovery.

Brimstone Project

The BRIMSTONE PROJECT, located 40km northeast of Kalgoorlie Eastern Goldfields in the Yilgarn Craton, is close to the high-grade Penny’s Find deposit. Historical drilling has revealed extensive gold mineralization, with interpreted geological structures covering approximately 10km of strike length. Brimstone states numerous walk-up drill targets, and the planned reverse circulation drilling in July 2023 will test mineralization at depth and along strike at Brandy, Garibaldi, Old Camp, and Billabong North prospects.

Xanadu Project:

Xanadu Project is situated 29 km south of Parabardoo in the Ashburton Basin. The Project benefits from its proximity to the 1.44MOZ Mt Olympus Gold deposit. The Project shares a similar structural and geological setting to the Mt Olympus deposits located 10 km northwest, indicating significant potential. Rock chip assays have indicated gold values of up to 1.98G/T AU. The upcoming systematic exploration program aims to unlock the Project’s full potential by targeting shallow oxide mineralization and deeper structural targets. Planned activities include the Hermes rock chip and mapping program, cultural heritage approvals, reverse circulation drilling, and diamond drilling at Xanadu West.

Beete Project:

The BEETE PROJECT is 10 km south of the Scotia Mining Centre, which has a significant gold resource of 1 million ounces and is located north of the recently discovered Salmon Gums deposit. The Beete Project, positioned 42km south of Norseman in the Yilgarn Craton, offers substantial gold, lithium, and nickel potential. The Project benefits from its location near the Norseman Greenstone Belt, known for its historical gold production of over 5 million ounces. Aircore and reverse circulation drilling programs are planned in Beete Project for the fourth quarter of 2023, targeting the extension of known gold mines and prospective areas near Scotia Mining Centre and Salmon Gums.

In summary, Brimstone, Xanadu, and Beete are three gold projects that offer substantial potential for gold mineralization, featuring extensive areas for exploration and promising opportunities for discovery.

Financial Overview and Market Dynamics from the Investor’s Presentation

Platina Resources maintains a solid financial position, with a market capitalization of approximately A$16.2 MILLION. As of March 2023, the Company had A$1.3 MILLION IN CASH, and as of June 16, 2023, its investments totaled A$2.36 MILLION. With the recent sale of the scandium project and the injection of new funding from Rio Tinto, Platina is well-positioned to drive value creation through exploration and development activities.

The current market dynamics, characterized by solid gold price momentum, further enhance the investment outlook for Platina Resources. As of June 20, 2023, the gold price stood at A$2,870.45 PER OUNCE, reflecting positive market sentiment and an attractive backdrop for gold exploration and production companies.

As Platina Resources continues its journey towards unlocking the hidden treasures in the Ashburton Basin and Yilgarn Craton, it positions itself as an attractive investment proposition with substantial upside potential.

[whirligig-girl]

My interpretation of Chris Wayan's Planetocopia, a set of alien worlds that test the limits of planetary habitablity (and also, as it happens, alien furry design.)

Planetocopia can be found here.

The planetary science based design of Planetocopia has been a huge influence on my planet-scale worldbuilding style ever since I learned of it probably close to a decade ago.

These drawings were mostly done by projecting the planet maps onto an orthographic projection and then tracing the coastlines, with all other features done manually, but some of them were traced from the photos of the physical globe models, and Kakalea, Xanadu, and Serrana were done freehanded.

Cloudless version below the cut.

[aigoos]

Obikin Shrine Journey

Today, I went to work for the last time this year, and I added to my Obikin shrine some new merchs that I received a few days before. This shrine has been my project for all of 2024. What started as a few charms (or danglies, as I call them) and buttons grew into this as I spent the entire year collecting enamel pins, stickers, charms, prints, plushies, buttons, figures, magnets, and photo tiles.

I started off with a much smaller board, but then in the summer, my co-worker and I had to change offices, so I took the larger board in our office (which was good, because I had run out of space), and then even took over the refrigerator and expanded the shrine onto my desk, shelf, cabinet, and wall.

Let's just say I am grateful that my current co-worker and my former co-worker support my obsession. I've never mentioned to them about the actual ship, only stated that they are my favourite characters from Star Wars, and I did do my best to keep the shrine platonic as possible . . . until a gay colleague saw my shrine and said, "It's giving off a homoerotic vibe." LMAO. If he thinks my work shrine is homoerotic, then I wonder what he'd say if he saw the sexy shrine I have at my work home. See below on why that shrine is staying home LOL.

Anyway, I also wanted to mention that @barmadumet's collection is what heavily inspired me to start my own collection. Thanks to her, I finally personalised my workspace that I hadn't bothered to do anything to for three and a half years. This adventure has brought me many joy -- though my bank account says otherwise, ahaha! But seriously, it got me to support many small businesses and artists (50+!!!!), and it allowed me to meet many other like-minded collectors, and they also helped me get some of the pins that are no longer available. Plus, a couple of my friends and colleagues even gifted me some items for my shrine. This adventure has not only brought me happiness, but it has humbled me as so many people have helped me along the way.

Oh, and it has also taught me to just accept that I cannot put things up straight and to know when to just let the crookedness be.

That said, I've compiled a list of all the businesses/artists below with links to their shops and/or social media~ To conclude, I hope 2025 will allow me to fill up that remaining space on the board!

Amanda Baldwin Art Armstrong Outpost A Sirens Pins BBCre8 BCRCustom BlackWandaShop Cedric @cherriielle @christinechangart Designs by Gen Designs by Joe Distant Fantasy Boards EchofromtheMill @faivsz FestiProper FoldItCreations Foundling Mercantile @geekipopstudio @ginalongillustrations Ginshi Hatters Designs Holy Pins Hunter and Convor IchigoTokki Joy Addict Junction Point Workshop @kana7o KJones Crafts LaDecorEU @dinagastuff Lantern Pins Laser Brain Patch Co Liminal Pins MaxxMerch @mouyashii @mushbuzz-do-not-repost Mythmore Mythos Merchant Co @nickytess Odder Than Antiquity Osiripengin PinButlers Inc Pinculture Co Pins of Marvel and Magic PlushiShop PotatoClone RebelArt Design Roobean Art Ruzovy @saeuchelle @saltyseaturtle Shannon Burton Art SnowFoxTrading Co SuppieDoodles Sword and Whetstone These Pencil Shavings Winter Aifu Xanadu Pins

[bell-swamp-fitzjames]

Oops all Beechey Boys! for Terror (2018) playlists

As promised, if I finished them in time, here are John Hartnell, John Torrington, & William Braine playlists! Although technically only in the show in spirit/by name, I thought it would be a funny addition and honestly I do think about the Hartnell brothers often. It occured to me the approach I was going was already incorporating songs that were introduced to me by dearest companions, my family. So in John Hartnell's today, and when I post Tom Hartnell's playlist on Sunday, they were both made with those folks in mind, who mean everything to me. Not that this project is deep, i just play by my own rules. Thanks to anyone who checks these out in any capacity, peace and love on planet earth <3

John Hartnell [LINK]

Take Your Time (Coming Home) - Acoustic by fun. || Microphone by Coconut Records || Moonshadow- Remastered 2021 by Yusuf / Cat Stevens || Ashes to Ashes by Jherek Bischoff, Amanda Palmer || And I Love Her by John Denver || Save The People by The Mountain Goats || Pretty Ballerina by The Left Banke || Landslide by Fleetwood Mac || Gold Day by Sparklehorse || Phoenix by The Jane Austen Argument || Hang Me Up To Dry by Cold War Kids || Birdies Singing by Kelley Stoltz || Life Is Hard by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes || Dedicated To The Ones I Love by The Mamas & The Papas || Old Black Train (feat. Justin Rubenstein) by The Blasting Company, Justin Rubenstein || Creek, Thunder by The Reverent Marigold || Los Angeles, I'm Yours by The Decemberists || Queen Of The Surface Streets by DeVotchKa || Me and You by Barry Louis || On My Way by Phil Collins

John Torrington [LINK]

Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles || Crack of Doom by The Tiger Lillies || Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds || Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart || Stayin' Alive by Brian David Gilbert || Foxes Mate For Life by Born Ruffians || Write Me Letters by Hot Freaks || Washing Machine Heart by Mitski || Instrumental 3 by Florist || Du hast by Rammstein || Copacabana (At The Copa) by Barry Manilow || Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode || Evil by Interpol || The Sea by Owen Pallett || Did My Best by The Voidz || Alles aus Liebe by Die Toten Hosen || Xanadu by Olivia Newton-John, ELO || Mad World by Tears For Fears || We Are Going To Be Friends by Bright Eyes, First Aid Kid || Riptide- FlicFlac Remix by Vance Joy, FlicFlac

William Braine [LINK]

Call Me- Stereo by The Foundations || Out of Touch by Hall & Oates || Africa by TOTO || Pay No Mind (Snoozer) by Beck || Dancing In The Street by The Mamas & The Papas || Poison by The Symposium || Neurotic Nirvana by Fuzz Sagrado || Venus Ambassador by Bryan Scary || Life Is Real (Song For Lennon) by Queen || Girl From Germany by Sparks || People I Don't Like by UPSAHL || Cure For Pain by Morphine || The Stranger by Billy Joel || Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft by Klaatu || Cherub Rock- 2011 Remaster by The Smashing Pumpkins || Save It For Later by The English Beat || Crazy On You by Heart || All Seeing Eye by Blasphemous Creation || All the Rage by Allie X || 25 or 6 to 4- 2002 Remaster by Chicago

[imgibbon]

a random sampling of Atom, Joker, and the Secret Six of the Tangent Comics through the decades

The Nineties- The Atom #1, The Joker #1, The Joker's Wild #1, Secret Six #1, The Trials of the Flash #1

It all began with The Atom. The first Atom that is. He gained superpowers in American experiments in the wake of WWII and stayed a government secret until he became involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 60s... which went down very differently, resulting in the loss of part of the East Coast of the United States. His grandson, Adam Thompson, carries on the family mantle as a powerful figurehead for the superheroes of the world, albeit a reluctant one.

Three Women; reporter for World's Finest magazine Lori Lemaris, tech wiz Mary Marvel, and virtual reality millionaire Christy Xanadu; all share the identity of The Joker, and take turns being each others' alibi. The Joker serves as a wise-cracking vigilante in New Atlantis, built on the now-coastal site of old Atlanta, mocking the inadequate powers that be and serving up her own prankish brand of justice in aid of the cops (though they're less then thrilled about it).

Together with Flash, Atom and Joker teamed up with Plastic Man (who can project his mind out of his comatose body into a form of living plastic), Spectre (genius anarchist wizkid who gave himself intangibility on accident, and Manhunter (former child soldier & survivor of the post-Cuba WW3 battles in Czechoslovakia) in order to fight off a world-ending threat, and decide to keep the team together as the Secret Six, the Tangent world's analogue to the Justice League.

The Aughts- Superman's Reign

Ten years later, under Superman's rule, Mary Marvel was killed, Lori was on probation, Manhunter got murdered trying to rescue Atom from confinement, and Plastic Man had lost his original body and much of his ability to keep his plastic one stable. Lori was eventually scouted to rejoin the remnants of her old team, this time taking up the mantle of her fallen friend Manhunter, alongside newcomers Batman, Green Lantern, and Hex, to form a new team of six, The Outsiders. They were the main resistance group against Superman's regime and aided the Justice League of the main DCU in taking him down.

The Teens- Convergence: Justice League of America #1, & #2

During the Convergence event, the original Secret Six were among the heroes pulled from across the multiverse to compete in Brainiac's games. They faced off against a post-Crisis iteration of the Justice League of America, putting up a good fight and looking like they were going to win, but ultimately failing in their goal of keeping their city safe as more and more JLA heroes arrived on the scene, outnumbering them.

The Twenties- Green Lantern Dark #1

most recently, we were treated to a flashback page in Green Lantern Dark's first issue, explaining the fall of the world, and how the Secret Six and other heroes attempted to stave it off. We'll find out just how many of them survived the ordeal, if any, as the story unfolds over the course of this next year!

[longliverockback]

Rush 50 [Box Set] 2025 Anthem ——————————————————————— Tracks LP One: 01. Not Fade Away 02. You Can’t Fight It 03. Working Man [vault edition] 04. Need Some Love 05. Before and After 06. Bad Boy 07. Garden Road 08. Anthem 09. Fly by Night 10. Bastille Day

Tracks LP Two: 01. 2112    I. Overture   II. The Temples of Syrinx 02. By-tor & the Snow Dog 03. Something for Nothing 04. Closer to the Heart 05. Xanadu 06. Drum solo

Tracks LP Three: 01. The Trees [vault edition] 02. La Villa Strangiato 03. In the Mood 04. The Spirit of Radio 05. Natural Science 06. A Passage to Bangkok

Tracks LP Four: 01. Tom Sawyer 02. Limelight 03. Vital Signs 04. YYZ 05. Subdivisions 06. Red Sector A 07. Witch Hunt 08. New World Man

Tracks LP Five: 01. The Big Money 02. Time Stand Still 03. Distant Early Warning 04. Superconductor 05. Dreamline 06. Stick It Out 07. Test for Echo 08. The Rhythm Method

Tracks LP Six: 01. One Little Victory 02. Cygnus X-1 03. The Seeker 04. Between the Wheels 05. The Main Monkey Business 06. Workin’ Them Angels 07. Freewill

Tracks LP Seven: 01. Red Barchetta 02. Headlong Flight 03. Manhattan Project 04. Jacob’s Ladder 05. What You’re Doing • Working Man • Garden Road ———————————————————————

* Long Live Rock Archive

[t4s]

Project Xanadu

[lesbianalanwake]

trying to build a habit of saving journalism articles that have stuck with me (and remembering which ones I've read over the years). some I've read recently and in the past:

The Dead World of Blippi. Speaks for itself!

Footprints in the snow lead to an emotional rescue. On the danger of the natural world and the power of fragile human connection.

A Maddening Sound: Is the Hum a mysterious noise heard around the world, science, or mass delusion? On the Hum, my favorite phenomenon.

Who Is Still Inside the Metaverse? Searching for friends in Mark Zuckerberg’s deserted fantasyland. The strange between space of a (mostly) empty virtual world; I also recommend the Exploring Dead Games videos by Redlyne on Youtube for a similar vibe.

Is Time an Illusion? // The Cosmic Origins of Time's Arrow // The Paradox of Time: Why It Can't Stop, But Must. These three articles on the nature of time, if you'd like to hurt your brain.

The Really Big One. On the potential for the catastrophic consequences of an earthquake along the Pacific Northwest's Cascadia fault line.

The Uncounted. On the devastating civilian casualties of U. S. air strikes in Iraq.

The trauma floor: the secret lives of Facebook moderators in America. Self-explanatory; very good, but watch out - I think reading this a few years ago did most of the work of turning me into something of a misanthrope.

The Curse of Xanadu. On the first hypertext project that preceded the Internet.

A ‘Last Hope’ Experiment Finds Evidence for Unknown Particles // To Observe the Muon Is to Experience Hints of Immortality. Two articles about the experimental significance of the muon particle and the uncertainty of staring into the vast unknown.

[edenleicester]

Project Sekai is just Xanadu with Hatsune Miku right?

[dc-megatournament]

DC Ladies Only Tournament

Round 1

Deborah's feats:

Claws

Gymnastics

Hand to hand combat

Nimue's feats:

Magic

Animal Transmutation

Eldritch Blast

Power Amplification

Hydrokinesis

Pyrokinesis

Energy Construct Creation

Magic Shield Creation

Clairvoyance

Precognition

Telekinesis

Teleportation

Astral PRojection

Occultism

Immortality

Portal Creation