#spy game

[blackpump]

...panic sets in...there's no hope now...betrayal...she's going to pull the trigger. In an instant tiny pieces of metal will invade your pounding heart muscle...the beautiful pump that's been keeping you alive your entire life is about to stop beating. A flash and muffled explosion...the incredulous blur, feeling that first bullet entering your heart...ripping, spinning through both ventricles...the world slowing down as your damaged heart frantically races to push lifeblood through your body...the precious blood that's now pouring directly into your chest cavity. Just as you begin to comprehend the shock of what just happened, the second bullet enters the mortally damaged muscle, permanently sucking every molecule of breath from your useless lungs. Euphoria...exhaustion...feeling the life ebbing...slowing...darkness enveloping...the precious heartbeat fading...till it is no more...eternally still.

[nemainofthewater]

Best character surnamed: Huang

Come and vote for the best characters with the same surname!*

What does best mean? It's up to you! Whether you love them, are intrigued by their characters, love to hate them, or they're your '2 second blorbos whose personality you made up wholesale', these are all reasons for you to vote for your favs!

*note, the surnames are not exactly the same in all the cases, as often there will be a different character. I am, however, grouping them all together otherwise things got more complicated.

Propaganda is very welcome! If I’ve forgotten anyone, let me know in the notes.

This is part of a larger series of ‘best character with X surname’ polls’. The overview with ongoing polls, winners, and future polls can be found here

[lostmykiliel]

Man Suang Spy Game

If you haven't already watched it, click here.

I wanted to highlight the second round of the spy game.

The word in this round was Mile, what everyone knew except Apo who was the spy.

However nobody guessed that Apo is the spy after he said this:

Which is coincidentally the perfect thing for him to say and pay attention to everybody's reaction when he says this, who all assume Apo knew he is describing Mile. Different variants of "That is true."

Then we have Tong's and Mile's convo about who touched it (Mile):

Followed by Mile's:

What is he talking about? He is the antique thing, but who lives together with him and became obsessed? 😏

+Bonus for besties giggling:

[jackharkness]

-I'm not going with you. Hooked you up with another op. -Probably for the best. SPY GAME (2001) dir. Tony Scott

[dailyflicks]

SPY GAME (2001) dir. Tony Scott

[yourlocalbimexican]

I Expect You To Die 2 thoughts

context: I bought a Meta Quest 2 at Best Buy two weeks ago and I finally came in yesterday. One of the games I knew I wanted to play was the I Expect You To Die trilogy (I’m a huge sucker for escape rooms, puzzles, and spy movies) I finished the second game recently so here are my thoughts!

SPOILERS FOR IEYTD 2

This game is sooo gooood. Like, WOW I wasn’t expecting this. IMO the first one was pretty okay, nothing extraordinary but entertaining and it taught me what to expect in future titles. Going into the sequel was a whole different experience however.

The opening credits had me hooked from the get go. The va for John Juniper did a wonderful job. John made the game for me. Honestly. The soundtrack was phenomenal as well, which only helped the game. Anyways let’s get into the missions one by one.

(also I will be giving an overall score for each mission, with 10/10 meaning the mission’s puzzles felt complete and compelling, the mission fit what it was supposed to do, and my PERSONAL enjoyment of it. If you disagree, then tell me the comments as to why. I would love to hear your thoughts!)

-Stage Fright-

a simplistic but entertaining mission. Not the best out of the sequel but better than the first mission in the first game. The switch you need to do with the two cans was pretty smart and made good work of the pov depth that VR provides. It did take me a couple of tries when it came to the crossbow shooting but (mostly because I didn’t realize you could pick up the Zoraxis’ agents bolts)Overall: 6/10

-Jet Set-

okay, I’m gonna be honest here. Jet Set is the worst in the sequel. Now that doesn’t mean it’s a bad mission, but it’s the worst puzzle mission out of all the others in the sequel. Most of the puzzles in the mission didn’t feel connected at all. That is what bums me the most. It felt like this mission was a lot of cool ideas combined into a plane mission. The puzzles were fun, but they didn’t make sense when put into a mission. The next mission will better demonstrate what I mean. Overall: 5/10

-Eaves Drop-

This. Mission. Rocks. From the first laser puzzle, to the various desk puzzles. This mission feels so put together compared to Jet Set. It’s begins with you descending into The Fabricator’s workshop, in order to investigate John Juniper, Zoraxis, and any plans the three of them might have. The thing that really makes this mission feel so put together compared to Jet Set is that everything, and I do mean, everything, has a purpose. From the wheels on the board being used to crank open the Mimic Mask, to the manual that describes how to use the bear trap (which comes in handy when the guard shows up near the end). Everything in the puzzle has a purpose towards the mission or lore. I get that not every mission can expand the story of the game (otherwise the games would be over very quickly) but that doesn’t mean that missions have to be completely irrelevant.

Anyways, this part is getting long so I’ll wrap it up. In short, the mission makes full use of its environment to provide multiple fun and engaging puzzles that further the story of the game in a meaningful manner. Overall: 10/10

-Party Crashers-

Come off the trails of Eaves Drop, Party Crashers takes a turn in mission direction. We start off by impersonating Gibson (John’s wine guy) at the wine cellar. Sending John the right wine took more tries than I care to admit. Retrieving the Mimic Mask was clever. Looking into the hat for clues on the Keg puzzle was a nice touch. Eliminating the guards with the gas was neat and the callback to the tutorial mission was just the cherry on top for this mission. Party Crashers was the mission that took me the most time to figure out, but when I finally did figure it out, it was satisfying. Overall: 8/10

-Safe and Sound-

I think this is the shortest mission in the entire sequel. It definitely feels like it is. That isn’t a bad thing per se, but it just makes the mission feel…weird. The speed run timer is 1:30 which is incredibly fast. Considering the mission after this one is so monumental (and the final mission) and the previous mission being the head-scratcher it was, makes Safe and Sound seem small and easy. The most difficult part of the mission was the mirror puzzle even that was fairly easy to solve. I do understand why this mission is this way. It makes the finale seem so much bigger and gives the player a needed brain break from Party Crashers, but maybe Safe and Sound could’ve been a bit more difficult. Just a tiny bit. Overall: 6/10

-Rising Phoenix-

OKAY here we are. At the finale, and I gotta say. It doesn’t disappoint. Compared to the Death Machine mission from the first game, Rising Phoenix makes its goals simple and clear. The math to get there? Not so simple nor clear. My biggest fear for this mission was that it would be too convoluted or not long enough. However, neither fears game to fruition and this mission really shows what the devs can do. My personal favorite puzzles were the battery ones and the final briefcase puzzles.

also, John Juniper’s death was out of left field for me. I didn’t think he would die. I thought we would be able to arrest him or he would fly away on some jet but no. He dies. He died because his ego got in the way of his role and his use quickly left him. A interesting end to a interesting character.

Recently I re-watched Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (highly recommend the Knives Out movies if you love who-dunnits). Anyways, during the beginning of the movie, all the disruptors are mailed a box that has a series of puzzles in it that eventually reveal a card with an invitation to a private get-away on a Greek island. The briefcase puzzle in Rising Phoenix is basically the box from Glass Onion. Multiple different puzzles granting access to one thing. In the movie it’s a invite, in IEYTD 2, it’s the abort button to stop the rocket* from launching. Mind you, the entire briefcase puzzle is on a timer. So when you finally unlock the abort button, what happens? Well in a cruel twist of fate, Doc. Zoe turns off the power and the button no longer works. Worry not however! Remember the battery from early? Well we can use that to provide the briefcase the power and abort the rocket! Sadly the facility will blow either way, but the world will be saved.

this is the type of missions I love. When everything comes together, the reuse of old tools to progress through new puzzles, the clever solutions to sticky situations. This is what makes IEYTD 2 such a good sequel. From the get go there is a pressure to beat Zoraxis and defeat John Juniper and in turn, save the world. The final mission of the first game was lacking the build up, which made it seem very…sudden when it ended. Here? The finale is well expected. We now we are in the third act, and that this mission is do or die. Its just phenomenal. Overall: 10/10

-closing thoughts!-

I do believe that I Expect You To Die 2 is a wonderful sequel and is definitely worth the price. Jet Set (as much as I have said about it) isn’t a horrible level. Its has issues but maybe it’s just not my cup of tea. Eaves Drop’s atmosphere and classic spy elements makes it (IMO) the best level outside of the finale. Party Crashers is a fun, head-scratching follow up, and Rising Phoenix manages to deliver on everything the other missions were building towards. Overall: 9/10. I highly recommend you play it.

[hardcore-gaming-101]

Metal Gear Acid 2

In a welcome surprise, Snake’s card battling experiment wasn’t just a one off event. The team followed up with a new game a year later, expanding and adding more. It differentiates itself with a new cell-shaded style, expands upon the eclectic mix of trading cards and turn-based strategy, and it features a unique, if impractical accessory to give the game a more ‘solid’ look. The more well-rounded offering of Acid 2 improves upon the original, and helps highlight what works, while also making Acid‘s deficiencies more obvious too.

Read more...

[awstenknight]

This episode of Bluey is called... ↳ Spy Game (1x13)

[movieposters1]

[dystopiandramaqueen]

S5E10: "Most of the drivers work for the eyes"

Tuello asked Nick if he worked for the Eyes when he was with Waterford.

“When you met June, when you were at the Waterfords, you still held rank in Eyes, didn't you?"

If Nick's involvement was past tense- if it ended when Nick became a Commander, the answer would have been a simple YES.

"Yes, I did."

Nick didn't say "yes" because the answer isn't so simple.

His involvement isn't over. Nick is STILL an Eye.

Moreover, Nick is a high ranking, Commanding Officer in the Eyes.

Consider the following scenes:

4x2: The Eyes track June down. Nick heads up the party. Signals them to stand down and not shoot her when she decides to surrender.

4x5: Nick has the Eyes bring Marthas to him so he can ask about June's whereabouts.

4x3: Has high enough security clearance to not only show up at Eye Central- but to be the one to unchain public enemy #1. He knows what the Eyes know, and what they want to know. He's already told her in 1x3 how interrogation works in Gilead. "Tell them what they want to know." He tells her what they want to know, and offers to help skip torture. Gives her the cheat code that would circumvent pain.

4x10: “The Eyes will take the prisoner in to custody."

5x2: Has the Eyes bring Tuello in so he can ask about baby mama. "I’ll take it from here." "Yes, Sir."

5x6: Commands the Eyes to apprehend Putnam at brunch so he can execute his rapist ass.

5x10: Nick: "there's been a shooting in Toronto. June was at the rally." Lawrence: "Huh. The eyes do see."

5x10: Nick finds out about June's injury (from the Eyes), contacts Tuello to get him across the border, Tuello more than happy to use that as leverage to get Nick to be his informant. Nick crosses an international border ON FUCKING FOOT- like- motherfucker IS untouchable. God please let that hold up in Jail!

So yes, Tuello. "Most of the drivers work for the Eyes."

Aka:

Yes, I was an Eye THEN.

Yes I was an Eye when I was a driver.

Still am, in fact, now I RUN the shit. But you didn't ask that, so I won't say it.

[cinemajunkie70]

The happiest of birthdays to Brad Pitt!

[wong-archive]

Benedict Wong as Tran

Movie: Spy Game (2001)

His character never spoke much at all except when he and the main character, his partner, Tom Bishop was on a mission at Vietnam in one of the movie's flashback. Tom Bishop was a sniper and Tran was his spotter. They were spotted by the enemies and shot Tran, but later Bishop returned and did everything he can to keep Tran alive and safe.

Later, Tran was part of the operation to save Hadley, he can be seen in the cab of their escape ambulance (the very first scene of him) and was told to exit the vehicle by a guard right up until Bishop was captured.

He was shown multiple times and he wasn't spoken about to really. It was odd how the camera would pan on him intentionally, it made me believe he betrayed Bishop by abandoning him at the Sou Chou prison. I first thought it was building up to something of him being a traitor in the end but disappointed at the fact that he was never mentioned ever again.

All these tinted screenshots are just flashbacks, and him walking away was the last time we ever seen of him. The movie was 2 hours long. Good movie, but if you're here for more of Benedict Wong. I'm sad to say that he only has a very little screen time.

Previous

[insablde]

[dsumpsbluey]

Unofficial Bluey Timeline: Part III

Welcome back to another installment in the UBT! In this week's post, we'll be discussing Episodes 11-15 of Bluey season 1. Can we get 10 notes?!?!?

Bike - Episode 11

Bluey learns to ride a bike.

Debuts and Details:

Episode introduces Bentley, one of Bingo's classmates, as well as Chloe briefly.

This episode focuses on Bluey's journey of riding a bike, to which she is still learning.

Episode takes place in a park, but not the same space as "Shadowlands". Could be a different park or different area in park.

Enjoyable episode that teaches us to not easily give up on ourselves, even when it feels hopeless. I like how the ending is open-ended, cuz it doesn't really matter that Bluey can ride her bike, but that she could.

Favorite Part: Muffin's meltdown

Bob Bilby - Episode 12

Bingo invites Bob Bilby for the weekend (🤯OMG A REFERENCE!!!).

Debuts and Details:

Obviously the titular "Bob Bilby" makes its debut, as well as.......... (in list of appearance)

Four unnamed parents that are assumed to be parents of Harley, Jasper G, Juniper, and Bentley (left to right).

Mrs. Retriever and her whole class (Buddy, Jasper W., Jasper J., Missy, Sadie, Harley, Juniper, Bingo, and Bentley).

Mrs. Terrier is mentioned to have taken Bob Bilby to Scotland. (This may be the same character as the Terriers' mum, but she won't be seen until season 3).

Frank, Chloe's dad, shows up near the shop (at least his head).

There is a mention of a Steve-O, one of Bandit's friends.

Bingo is seen incorrectly fastened onto her booster seat; this wouldn't change until season 2 after complaints.

Bluey is revealed to be a former student of Mrs. Retriever's, as evident by the fact she knew Bob Bilby from a previous visit.

Trixie is first seen alongside a red-tinted Stripe at the mall; this is later corrected during the firework scene.

Bluey is seen riding her bike a considerable distance, meaning she has learned successfully to bike, and the episode "Bike" has to happen before this episode. This may seem like a no-brainer, but in terms of the timeline, we must consider that certain eps HAVE to take place before others.

This episode spans the most amount of in-universe days so far, with a length of at minimum 4 days (accounting for a 2-day weekend)

One of the first episodes to contain plenty of information for the timeline. And what a fun episode it is. I love the bilby that is named "Bob", easily top 1 characters of all time.

Favorite Part: "Are you ready, Bob?" - Chilli (Why was she rizzing Bob like that?)

Spy Game - Episode 13

Bluey and friends struggle to maintain the game during a BBQ (OMG ANOTHER REFERENCE!!!🤯🤯🤯).

Debuts and Details:

Debut of Honey, her parents (Daisy & Marcus), and Mackenzie's mum.

There's an error during the "Honey's mum dancing" scene, where Bandit is at the grill when he's supposed to be at the restroom with Bingo. What's also interesting is that Frank is supposed to take his place from a previous shot, only to be replaced by Bandit in the aforementioned shot.

Bingo plays as "Sparkle Shot", yet Bluey doesn't use that name for her until the end (unusual🤔).

The first instance of Bingo busting (or bursting, I think it's the former)

I like how the episode attempts to teach the lesson the more traditional way with Bandit's demonstration, but even with it not working, the problem with Bluey and Bingo get resolved in its own way that still works.

Favorite Part: Anything with the guards, specifically when they block Frank from the sausage tray.

Takeaway - Episode 14

Bandit orders Chinese food.

Debuts and Details:

Debut of the "Takeaway Lady", the only other side character that shows up in this ep.

It's also the first mention of "Chutney Chimp", although there's an argument that the first sighting of the chimp was with Muffin's backpack in "Bike"

Bluey somewhat knows how to turn the water knob on, but doesn't know how to turn it off.

Bingo plays as "Tap Girl" when Bluey serves her food.

The second consecutive instance of Bingo busting; AND the first instance of a "Bush wee"

Bandit really likes his spring rolls

There's a possible scenario between this episode and "Daddy Robot" in terms of the timeline.

The takeaway they get in this episode is the same that Bandit is seen eating in the begginning of "Daddy Robot"

Or the takeaway that Bandit eats in "Daddy Robot" leads to them buying more in this ep.

Personally, I'd like to go with the former scenario, since there's not much that changes in terms of the timeline, and it helps keep things interesting in terms of placement. Theoretically, this ep could happen at any time, but its these connections that make the timeline interesting. Other than that, this is the "Trying to break Bandit's limits" episode, and I'm all for it.

Favorite Part: "If grown-ups grow from babies, and only grown-ups have babies, who had the first baby?" - Bingo

Butterflies - Episode 15

Bluey plays butterflies with other next door neighbor.

Debuts and Details:

This marks the debut of everyone's absolute favorite, Judo

Judo mentions a "Casper" during her phone call with Bluey, though no idea if this is pretend or real

Judo apparently has a thing against small children, which included Bingo until the episode's conclusion. This is strange given that Judo is seemingly an only child (although with the later season's tendency of introducing new siblings, it might not be the case).(It's probably from experience)

Bluey's school has a swing.

The backyard sandpit is missing throughout the episode [should be near the tree]

Great episode, but never understood the hate for Judo. Yeah she's rude here, but remember most of these characters are like 5-6-7 y/olds. And it's not like she doesn't like Bingo by the end. Honestly, this is why D+ needs to release "Dirt".

And with that ends another installment on the Unofficial Bluey Timeline. This batch has certainly brought up many details and scenarios for the season 1 timeline. Hopefully we get as much progress on next week's batch, as we cover more of Bluey's friends, a claw and a ball. As always, leave any comments about things I may have missed, and I'll see you next week.

[rag-cat-rp]

Killer is coming to the hotel room...

[hostilityqd]