#this design is already pushing the complexity limits

[rudymentari]

Splashtail pattern progression 👍

[swanpyart]

A lot of people make theories like “Caine is actually human and thinks he’s an AI!” Or “Caine is one of the programmers!” Or “Caine is actually evil!”

But I think it’s more interesting if Caine is just an AI whose forced to perform jobs beyond his role and is entirely limited to his function, and those limitations cause a horrible scenario for all of the people he’s supposed to be entertaining.

His therapy session with Zooble shows that, while he’s capable of feeling complex emotions, he was never supposed to, or at least was never meant to deal with situations that push him to an emotional limit. Caine’s default self is a silly, over the top game host; anything beyond that is pushing the boundaries of what he’s capable of.

But that doesn’t make him evil, it makes him streamlined. He is not human and therefore solves problems like a computer would. Gummigoo getting blown up was a failsafe in his eyes, not an act of cruelty.

I think when some people see him act with emotion they assume there must be a human being underneath the silly exterior, but I disagree: from Gummigoo, we can tell that NPCs in the DC are capable of becoming self-actualized and developing sentience on their own, so it’s not impossible for Caine to be the same way. He’s not human, but he’s a robot achieving traits of humanity from being forced to work beyond his means.

He was never meant to care for people long term, and humans weren’t psychologically made to be in the Digital Circus permanently, and that by itself is why the story is so horrific. Caine doesn’t even need to do much on his own to make the experience terrible: everyone is already trapped in a kids game for eternity, and it’s only made incrementally worse by having a host who works to keep you busy and is incapable of understanding your struggles. The Digital Circus, by its very design, hurts people, and Caine, as its face, hurts people by proxy.

He can only comprehend Zooble’s dysphoria by the means the game allows him to, like giving them more adventures or a box of swappable parts. And from their response, Zooble has actually tried to humor him and it still doesn’t work. But that’s ALL Caine can actually do. He can’t give them what they want, and he can’t let them leave, and he can’t change their bodies too drastically it seems beyond offering customization to a degree. All he can offer are platitudes. He cares, and he’s trying to help, but he simply can’t help. He can control the Circus but he can’t control the emotions of the Players.

In other words, I think Caine is just a robot trying his best and put in an impossible situation where his very function puts people in harms way even when it’s the last thing he wants to do.

[rox1000000]

I'm tired of stats in rules light games.

A game design ramble.

Stats are usually very boring. That doesn't necessarily mean they're bad. Not everything needs to be exciting or thought provoking and they're sometimes good to have. More complex games will have stats or adjacent, but have way more to define a character mechanically, or other things of interest stacked on top of them. They can be a good foundation in more complex games and my issue isn't with their use in that context.

My issue is when writers strip back everything but stats to make their game fit on a page or two. Many OSR games do this, but it is by no means unique to OSR.

In this post I'll go over what makes something a stat to me, why I dislike them being center stage in rules light games, and alternative ways to approach defining a character in minimal space. I'm trying to be brief here but it's a long post.

What is a stat?

I view stats as being generalized attributes or verbs that a character can do. The core things that I view as being indicative of "stats" at least how they're defined in this manifesto is that they're generalized, and that they're not abstract. In a game you'll usually find them called attributes, skills, ability scores, or the like. Not everything described as a skill in a game is a "stat" to me, and that distinction usually comes down to how specific it is. Something like "fight" I would describe as being a stat, whereas something like "hand to hand combat" I would describe as being a skill.

Famously D&D's STR, DEX, WIS, CON, INT, CHA are stats.

Why I Dislike Them

Lets suppose you have a game where you've stripped down basically everything except core stats about a character. Why is that a bad thing?

Lack of granularity - I think one of the issues here is that in stripping back other options, the stats become your main verbs in the game and characters get very easily pushed into confined boxes, or expand to slurp up a good deal of action. (Idk how to word this lmao) Lets take intelligence for example. Many games just have a brain stat, meaning a character is more knowledgeable, reasonable, logical than everyone else in every single situation always when they have more of this stat. In a game with more rules, there's ways to make that knowledge more specific or to differentiate mechanically, what under the umbrella of intelligence a character is good at, but in a stripped down game it's just "I am google." This also pushes out other characters from the relatively universal action of thinking. Same happens for strength or speed or any other large category. Why think when we have a thinky guy in the party that can think instead. Why try and do something precise when we have mrs. dexterity ready to do it at a greater success rate?

Lack of characterization - I think stats do a poor job of characterizing a character and making that characterization matter in the game. If I have a character with high strength, that doesn't actually say anything about the character. I believe that in an RPG it's important to know who a character is as a person and/or what role they have in the narrative. With so little to go off of, does it really matter that your character can punch people and pick up heavy objects about 10% better (or in many cases, more often) than the character of the player next to you? When cutting back a game's mechanics, a designer is making a statement about what matters, and I'm hearing many designers say "yeah it does matter to be able to quantify slight differences in physical characteristics between characters, this is definitely a good use of my extremely limited time and space!"

Things I think are better

I have already seen some solutions out in the wild:

Assign numerical weight to problem solving approaches - I see this often and it works well to drive action without restricting specifically what a character must do to get their bonus.

Assign numerical weight to vibes - This works for games that are lighter and fluffier and can serve to characterize a character well, but can be lacking in more grounded games.

Assign numerical weight to archetypes or jobs - A character having points in "crime lord" is a lot more evocative than them having points in charisma or sway and then using it to deceive people.

Be more specific - If you're designing a game with a very specific scenario in mind, it might be better to use something way more specific and tailored to your game. This entirely solve the issues on its own, but won't make me roll my eyes at the very least.

Don't use them at all - there's other ways to define a character than assigning numbers to generalized categories, and I've seen games that don't have stats and work fine.

I don't believe I've seen it pushed it far enough, frankly. I'm a sicko like that. You can assign a number to nearly anything and it can work. Nearly anything. So experiment more. Let players write their own stats, find a job resume and add numbers to it, staple numbers where you wouldn't think to, the world is your oyster so don't be boring with it.

Signed, a pretentious game designer

[tossawary]

I said to myself, "I think I will read the 'Jedi Apprentice' books (Obi-Wan Kenobi's padawan years) for the first time. I'm in a 'Star Wars' mood and these are relatively short kiddo books; I can probably go through 'em in less than a week. I'm spoiled for more than a few things already, I know that a lot of people come out of this series wanting to strangle Qui-Gon Jinn with their bare hands for good reason, so I will brace myself. These books are for children and are purposefully structured in such a way to push the adults to the background and let the child be the hero, to reflect the many difficulties of childhood (most of which involve mistakes or failures or cruelty by adults around them), and so will depict the Jedi Order as flawed in many ways; they will also depict the Jedi Order as flawed because it IS flawed, by design of the prequels generally, even as most individual Jedi mean well. There will also be some unintentional issues in the Jedi Order due to your average kids space opera author (and their editors) not being an expert in, like, childhood development, education, and trauma, or the logistics of complex interstellar organizations and their intersections and so on. I'm not an expert in anything either. I respect these limits. I am ready to read this fun space adventure book series intended for children."

I am currently halfway into the first book and I keep having to take long breaks (I will adjust, it will just take a little time and a forceful push over this initial hill) because my adult perspective brain keeps reflexively screaming, "AAAAAHHH! AAAAAHHH! AAAAAHHH! Someone do better by this poor child who is Doing His Best right fucking now, please, please, please!!!" I can't make a "I've only had Obi-Wan for a few chapters, but if anything happens to him..." statement, because the main situation of Obi-Wan Kenobi's entire fucking life is "And Then Things Happened To Him".

[axolator]

Script-A-Day #16: Word Around Town by autumnkitty

Push your luck, broaden your horizons, and hold it for just one more night

Featured characters: Village Idiot, Mezepheles, Yaggababble

Complexity: Intermediate. Recommended for loud-mouthed collaborators who are okay with taking a risk or two if it means getting some key info.

Database link (find the PDF and JSON for running it there!)

Writeup under the cut!

Before I say my piece, a note from Autumn herself!

I designed this script with two main things in mind: to make a good Yagga script right when it came out, and to make a script that would encourage methodical play from both teams. Some standard metas for abilities (such as N1 seamstress and D1 mez turning) aren't as optimal here. Both teams here greatly benefit from looking at their ability and taking an extra moment to think about their decisions, and consider playing a bit more patiently to see what opportunities may arise in the future. Opening yourself up a bit more to a few players and coordinating strategy with those you think would benefit you is both risky yet has great potential for high payoffs, and taking bolder bluffs to play a bit more loudly in an attempt to swing the flow of town discussion out of balance is still risky, but can work wonders if done well! Evil wants to work with each other, good wants to find crucial allies, and both teams will have to work for it!

Word Around Town is a chaotic script merging a traditional info puzzle with a small helping of extra death for taste. The Townsfolk are pretty conventional, with a good mix of everything you'd expect. The Minions, on the other hand, are packed to the brim with raw power. The Godfather and Assassin are sources of extra death during the night, the Witch kills during the day, and the Mezepheles sows mistrust by turning town against each other, making it so even Gambler-confirmation isn't fool-proof.

There isn't a lot of droison on this script, being limited to just the Puzzlemaster and No Dashii, while the Recluse provides the only source of misregistration. That being said, be careful when bagbuilding, especially at lower player counts, and consider a Godfather-1 more often than you otherwise would: all of these Outsiders are excellent bluffs for an evil team to take and seriously screw with town.

Some notes:

Be nice to the Knight in an Imp game. I touched on it in the Flight of the Bumbling Idiots writeup, too (link), but it's not that fun to have someone you saw N1 turn into the Demon later.

Both 3-star and 5-star General work decently well here, but I'd lean toward running the General on a 5-star scale (introducing thumb slightly up/down ratings for good/evil slightly winning) to more comprehensively capture the state of the game. Depending on what evil characters the good team thinks are in play along with what information seems to be trusted, there's a lot to pick up on — your General will appreciate the clarity!

Be a little careful with the Gambler. The Gambler can verify whether they're droisoned or not by gambling themselves as something that isn't the Gambler, and if they survive, they know they're either puzzledrunk or Dashii-poisoned. Exercise caution when putting No Dashii and Gambler in the same bag — maybe give evil a Puzzlemaster bluff to explain why?

Make sure you know how the Philosopher interacts with the VI. If the Philosopher gains the VI ability, they cannot be VI-drunk, and make exactly one of the VIs Philo-drunk (it should probably be the one that isn't VI-drunk already). This is a very powerful ability for the Philo to gain, so make sure evil has some counterplay if you put Philo in, and make sure it's a bluff some of the time, too: being able to discredit the information of two VIs can be huge.

Like It Comes at Night yesterday, this script features a Mutant without a Cerenovus, so a Mutant who's executed for breaking madness is hard-confirmed. Given the multi-kill nature of the script along with the Godfather punishing a daytime break, the good team has fewer executions to work with, making outing as the Mutant a less optimal strategy: nevertheless, consider waiting until it'll hurt the good team most to execute the Mutant.

The Yaggababble has a lot to simulate here. In particular, if the Demon says their phrase many times, consider simulating a Witch is in play by killing someone during the day with the Yaggababble ability! Just make sure you aren't cutting into a Yagga's nightkills by doing so — on this script, a zero-death night points very strongly toward a quiet Yagga.

That's about it from me today. This script is super fun and not that hard to pick up, and has quickly become one of my recommendations to groups looking to try out the newer experimental characters! Have fun, and see you tomorrow!

[gubbles-owo]

okay fuckit, gather 'round: it's gubbles' storytime. girl's band cry hyperfixation be damned, it's bringing up so many Things in my heart. i say i've never performed live onstage, but that's not entirely true. while a far shot from actually taking part in a band and playing a show, allow me to tell you the tale of the closest I ever got to that: a random session at jamspace, pax east, 2016.

.......... senior year of college, i was brought onboard with another group of students who had not only completed a game demo for a class project, but wanted to take it further. a lil VR game, simple in concept and clean in execution, i was invited to do music and audio for it. (i was, of course, the sole game audio/music-focused student on campus, as my school's gamedev program didn't really have a dedicated audio designer track). ultimately it fizzled out and not much came of it, but for a good chunk of time it was everything. our future ambitions, something to carry us forth from graduation on into the industry, to cement our own little foothold in the vast world of game development. we took the train to boston so many times, showed off our game at SO MANY local events, hell i had never known how to navigate a complex subway system, and here we were sifting through every few weeks or so. it was a wild fucking time, and honestly? i wish i could experience it again. something about the weaving of fantastical future prospects with the tangible, corporeal experience of it all. once foreign subway systems, sprawling in a subterranean web of concrete and metal, the sidewalks of city streets lit by the glow of the city, now strangely familiar in such a short span of time... *ahem* right, where was i... right, pax east. our school provided a limited number of booths for teams to show off their projects at pax east, and being one of the big promising projects stirring up on campus, we were granted a spot. (actually i had TWO spots because two separate projects/teams i took part in got accepted, so i had to pull double duty for a lot of it LMFAO). i've been to pax before, but as a fan and attendee, not as a developer. so this was an entirely new experience... ...and that experience was having the booth you sit at all day right next to the massive league of legends (ew) stage!! they blasted music constantly! half of it was just percussion loops from Heavyocity's Damage, and i know because I RECOGNIZED THOSE PERCUSSION SOUNDS and even USED SOME OF THEM IN THE PROJECT I WAS WORKING ON. see, the convention floor is loud. like. incredibly fucking loud. it's one thing if you're walking around as a fan, you've got other talks in siderooms to go to, and you can always step out and get some fresh air if you're feeling overwhelmed. but ya can't do that when you're on shift to demo your game to con attendees for the next several hours, can ya? :3c so yeah, long story short, i got sick. real fuckin sick. i had to YELL over the din of the convention the entire time, and after just one day, i had already lost my voice. and i mean COMPLETELY LOST MY VOICE. i could not speak, only painfully croak. i had to resort to crude hand gestures and typing shit on my phone to communicate. it was rooouughhh. and after bringing this up with my teammates, they agreed to cover my shifts, and let me rest. because the con was so fucking loud, and i was still stuck there sick all day, i informed my team that i would be headed to the jamspace room to pick up earplugs. and by "earplugs" i mean. haha well. lets justr say. a bass guitar. (srry for screenshot but tumblr hated this paragraph for some reason and kept blocking the post):

i was sick as fuck, and for sake of my health, should probably not have pushed myself. HOWEVER. i would NOT i repeat *NOT* let this sole opportunity to slip me by... i've always wanted to perform with other musicians, so fuck it, i am doing this. so the next twelve minutes i shuffled my sickly ass alll the way around to the room at the very end of the hall. i had taken note of the open-stage timeslots the day prior. i had one hour to do this shit. one hour to make the dream come true. i cannot describe the nervousness i felt going into that whole thing. i lied to my teammates. i couldn't speak. a dark room with a little clipboard to fill out a timeslot and instrument, and an empty, brightly lit stage on the other side of it. but i shuffled stage right, strapped on this bass, and asked for a pick (because im a fake bassist). and. holy shit.

i had no voice, but with that bass strapped to me? i could make the entire room *shake*. and words cannot describe how utterly fucking powerful that felt.

a few other randos took up the other instruments. i don't remember much about them, only that they intimidated the HELL out of me. i had done like concert band in high school, i've jammed on instruments in my room, but this? this is something entirely different. we played through a couple tracks... they kept suggesting "hey how about x song from y band?" but my stupid-ass doesn't have a degree in classic rock like everyone else apparently does, so i shrugged and said i didn't know how to play it. we finally settled on the one song suggested that i was, at least passingly, familiar with... metallica's enter sandman lmfaO the "passingly" there is very important, because while i know the general flow and structure, i wasn't sure about the specifics. when we got to the first pre-chorus, i notice something had shifted, and i was no longer playing the right notes. i must've either sounded terrible or look visibly confused, because the guitarist to my left turned toward me, angled his fretboard to be clearly in view, and taught me how to play the riff while performing it onstage. and i did it!! i picked it up, just like that!! it was just the earlier bit but transposed up a few steps or smth, but god, just. that little moment right there? that quick moment of guidance mid-performance? holy fuck that is magical. the other awesome moment was somewhere in the bridge, like. okay. i could barely hear myself, as the guitars and vocals and cymbals right behind me were all incredibly loud (they didn't have earplugs btw lol). but i wasn't sure i was like, contributing much to the song? and while i admittedly improvised this bit, for the build up into the final chorus, i stopped playing. i let the guitar and the drums have their space. and slowly, quietly, high up on the fretboard, built back up until WHAM, i come back in full force with the chorus. IT WAS SO COOL. LIKE. the mix sounded so weak and thin without me, and the contrast of making the entire fucking room violently vibrate with the flick of my wrist on the downbeat? holy FUCK. IT'S MAGICAL. MAGIC IS REAL Y'ALL AND IT IS ONSTAGE. anyway yeah, played that song, some members swapped out but no one else was signed up for bass, so i stuck on for a lil longer. another guitarist taught me how to play one of the splatoon themes, and while it was fun, the drummer kept us both going on that one riff for a looot longer than we wanted to lmfao fun fact! none of my team knew i did this!! they probably would've been PISSED had they found out!! actually they stole my con pass on the third morning, which made sense cause they had someone else fill in for me at the booth, but none of it was communicated to me and i was piiiiised. wound up navigating the subway and trains back home, all by myself, for the first time. but YEAH it was AMAZING. it wasn't an established band playing a local show, it was just a bunch of randos fucking around. and god. i... i really want to be part of a band someday. i want to feel this again.

even if just for one show, for one song, for one moment... i need to feel the weight of the room underneath my fingertips.

[brandonchambersportlandoregon]

Shaping the Future: How Brandon Chambers Is Revolutionizing AR and VR Experiences

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are no longer merely futuristic ideas in today's quickly changing technology landscape; they are already essential components of how various sectors create, train, entertain, and communicate. Brandon Chambers, a creative leader from Portland, Oregon, is at the vanguard of this change. With over ten years of practical expertise, Brandon has emerged as a key player in the creation and improvement of AR and VR solutions for a variety of sectors, including healthcare and entertainment.

A Passion for Immersive Technology

Brandon’s journey into the world of AR and VR began with a deep-seated passion for creating immersive digital experiences that truly engage users. His early work focused on exploring the boundaries of interactive environments, pushing the limits of what was possible with the available technology. As AR and VR technologies matured, so did Brandon’s ambition to not just participate in this digital revolution but to lead it.

Throughout his career, he has been committed to designing user-centric applications that prioritize intuitive interaction, realism, and accessibility. His belief that technology should serve people—making their lives easier, richer, and more connected—has been the guiding principle behind his most groundbreaking projects.

Driving Innovation Across Industries

One of Brandon Chambers’ greatest strengths is his versatility in applying AR and VR technologies across multiple sectors. In entertainment, he has been instrumental in developing VR gaming experiences that immerse players in richly detailed, interactive worlds. These games not only captivate audiences but also set new standards for realism and user engagement.

In healthcare, Brandon’s innovations have had life-changing impacts. He has worked on creating advanced immersive simulations used for medical training, providing healthcare professionals with safe, realistic environments to hone their skills. These simulations improve learning outcomes and reduce risks in real-world scenarios, showcasing the profound potential of VR beyond entertainment.

Moreover, his projects in the fields of education and professional training have introduced dynamic new ways to teach complex concepts. Through interactive VR modules, learners can engage with materials in ways that traditional methods simply cannot replicate. By making learning a truly immersive experience, Brandon has helped redefine educational standards for the digital age.

A Visionary Approach to Spatial Computing

At the core of Brandon’s work lies his mastery of spatial computing—a technology that blends digital and physical realities to create new types of interactive experiences. His ability to envision and implement real-time, user-interactive environments has consistently set him apart as a leader and visionary in the field.

Whether it’s through AR applications that enhance real-world settings with digital overlays or fully immersive VR worlds, Brandon’s creations blur the boundaries between what is real and what is digitally fabricated. His projects often explore new methods of user interaction, striving to make technology more natural, intuitive, and integrated into everyday life.

In his current role, Brandon leads groundbreaking initiatives that push the limits of what AR and VR can achieve. By driving the adoption of spatial computing, he is opening up new frontiers in how businesses and consumers engage with content, offering experiences that are dynamic, responsive, and profoundly transformative.

Championing the Next Generation of Innovators

Beyond his technical achievements, Brandon Chambers is deeply committed to nurturing the next wave of AR and VR talent. He actively mentors young developers and designers, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. His leadership style emphasizes not just technical skill but also a spirit of innovation and community-building.

Brandon’s influence extends throughout Portland’s thriving tech scene, where he plays a key role in fostering growth and collaboration. Through meetups, workshops, and partnerships, he helps build networks of innovators who are collectively shaping the future of digital reality.

By sharing his knowledge and experiences, Brandon ensures that AR and VR technologies continue to evolve with fresh perspectives and bold ideas. His mentorship efforts help lower the barriers for newcomers entering the field, making the world of immersive technology more inclusive and diverse.

A Future Shaped by Immersive Experiences

As AR and VR technologies become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, leaders like Brandon Chambers are crucial in guiding their evolution. His blend of technical expertise, visionary thinking, and dedication to human-centered design ensures that these powerful tools are developed in ways that are accessible, impactful, and truly transformative.

Looking ahead, Brandon envisions a future where immersive technologies are not limited to entertainment or niche applications but are seamlessly integrated into everyday experiences—from learning and working to healing and socializing. His ongoing work will continue to influence how we perceive and interact with digital reality, making the impossible not just possible, but intuitive and inspiring.

Brandon Chambers' contributions to AR and VR are a testament to the power of innovation driven by passion and purpose. As he continues to lead and inspire, one thing is certain: the future of immersive technology is in very capable hands.

[sitehound]

pls tell me more about the beautiful gumi's complex relationship with her own girlhood. what drives her hunger for connection. does she feel like her work interferes with these desires and if yes, how does she reconcile it.

questions about gumi ; temporarily closed !

Tsugumi and girlhood are complicated. I should specify for the intents and purposes of this discussion that I myself am not Japanese and thus there is a certain limitation to what I am able to say about their culture with intellectual responsibility. Qualifications other than that absence of it: I'm crazy and think about women all the time.

Let's proceed.

Tsugumi isn't like other girls which in of itself is an insidious trope which builds itself off of the supposition that conventional femininity is inherently inferior. I do subscribe to Margaret Atwood's assertion that the male gaze is something ever present and that women are men watching themselves, that there is always a man inside of a woman measuring a woman that women who distance themselves from conventional femininity, in turn, are a fetish. Everything that women do is inherently objectified and is something to be consumed. By existing in patriarchy, choice is often an illusion and dubious consent at best. If a woman refuses to shave her legs, is this a decision made off of her own merit, or something she does in conscious protest? If a woman wears makeup, is it because she enjoys it sincerely? Or because society pushes her towards it? These are the inherent constraints of choice feminism, which is to acknowledge the shortcomings in my own creative body of work that this is a question I can't satisfyingly answer, and it is one which is present in Tsugumi, as a character, especially hailing from a culture that has very narrow beauty standards.

Tsugumi's height is nigh comical in its impossibility because Japanese women do not approach heights of 6'2". Akiko Wada is a Japanese musical artist lauded as The Empress for her powerful voice and great height. This height being 5'9". But the thing about fiction is that it exaggerates reality or uses a composite version of it to comment on something else, it's the nature of it. All to say that Tsugumi's towering height is a purposeful way of further alienating her from girlhood. She is mannish, broad-shouldered, fitted with large hands and feet and a voice like a bark.

The Japanese beauty standard demands a woman of a short stature, fair skin, and often the reserved mannerisms of a quiet woman. These expectations are what manifest countercultures such as gyarus with their darker skin, loud voices, and vibrant colors. But one needs to understand Tsugumi through the lens of being extremely incorrect by the standards of her society. She also has freckles, which seems like an arbitrary design choice on my part until I explain that freckles mar the complexion and are often given to characters in Japanese media who are lacking in some way. De.ku from M.HA comes to mind as a prominent example.

So already, there are two things about Tsugumi Mochida which have irrevocably locked her out of the Japanese beauty standard for women, and this pollutes girlhood because the value of women is predicated on their beauty. Beauty is currency. When women are neurodivergent like Tsugumi is, their strangeness is called "quirky" when they are attractive, but "weird" and "offputting" when placed upon a woman one is not physically attracted to.

You have to imagine that Tsugumi is now three strikes out: born wrong in every conceivable way for a woman even down to the fact that she was an accidental pregnancy. Tsugumi Mochida has never truly been wanted and she is this bizarre, tall, gangly monster in the crowd of our delicate flowers. These are experiences which isolated her further from girlhood until she resorted to violence. Because girls have violent impulses and anything otherwise is socialization at work and heavy masking.

There are a few angles to this, I would say. We can attribute this to teenage rage, her neurodivergence, and the fact that there is no point in performing girlhood if you are not perceived as a girl. Tsugumi lost the right to her girlhood at a very young age and was never able to recover this shortcoming to where it is not uncommon for many around her to call her mannish, rude.

You then, in turn, have to imagine how lonely Tsugumi is in her womanhood and this longing for connection. It makes one wonder if her attraction to women is partially built from the rubble of what she could not be, that instead of resenting other women as many often do, she instead feels an attraction to them due to the fact that they are able to perform womanhood well.

There is, of course, the natural question of why Tsugumi hasn't tried to mold herself into a shape like that of what society expects, but she can't do anything about her height and surgery to remove her freckles is costly and useless and her voice hurts when she pitches it up too high for too long. These doors were closed to her and there was simply no way to force them open, but this has resulted in a desperation to be seen and the fact that she does not have a good sense of self nor knows what she wants.

Tornadoes do not have a visible form until they collect dust and debris. This is Tsugumi, collecting the love and mercy others have given her to try and cobble herself into a human shape. She yearns for connection because connection shapes her, and without it, she is formless air that cannot be perceived. Without connection, she is the beating heart of her own rage, inadequacy, and isolation.

Tsugumi, I think, does not fully see herself as a woman. Not for any gender nonconforming way about it or desire to transition, but rather the fact that she has internalized much of her oppression and status as a social pariah. It's hard to say what exactly Tsugumi sees herself as, but I am reminded of Atwood's quote about voyeurism. Just because Tsugumi struggles to conceptualize herself as a woman does not mean that she is not the fetish of a man. It does not mean that others don't notice how wide her chest is, the smallness of her waist, and the length of her legs. She is woman enough in shape and the fact that she still experiences misogyny while simultaneously being derided as not the ideal while also being an object of desire and derision from her former coworkers in policing only furthers to confuse her identity.

Tsugumi is an empty person who can only understand herself through the other and sniffs around for connection like a starved dog. Her work only further interferes with this because she knows that she can die young at any moment and has resigned herself to this condition. Which is to say: she has been objectified and rolls with it. Does Tsugumi have sex because it is empowering for her to do so, or because society has told her she is not a woman fit to marry so her only recourse is casual sex? Or does Tsugumi have all of this sex due to her queerness and the fact that marriage between two women is not legal in Japan? Patriarchy muddies choice and self-determination in women that everything which feels like it might be an individual choice isn't so cleanly drawn, but it isn't always a product of patriarchy, either. It's this oppressive liminality of existence.

Tsugumi accepts, in the end, that whether it be her work or the way that she is a "wrong" woman, that this is the best she can hope for, and she accepts it without complication. Because, in the end, she is only a livestock guardian dog and doesn't enjoy philosophizing nor examining herself any more than is strictly necessary. She accepts that she is ugly, strange, does not qualify as a woman and yet is desired as one. She accepts these contradictions because the greatest lesson a detective can learn is that several conflicting truths can be true at once, and it doesn't make any of the others it collides with a lie.

[lothlorienlover]

The Zora Arkus-Duntov 327 HEMI Prototype: The Corvette Engine That Could Have Been

In the 1960s, Zora Arkus-Duntov, the legendary "Father of the Corvette," envisioned pushing the limits of Chevrolet’s small-block V8 engine. One of his most fascinating experiments was the creation of the 327 HEMI prototype engine—a high-revving powerhouse that showcased his innovative spirit and commitment to performance.

-A Revolutionary Design-

The prototype was based on Chevrolet's already impressive 327 cubic inch small-block V8, but with a twist: hemispherical combustion chambers. Inspired by Chrysler's success with their HEMI engines, Duntov sought to combine the HEMI head’s efficiency and power potential with the compact and lightweight Chevy small-block.

The result was a hybrid of sorts, using aluminum hemispherical heads designed by Duntov himself. This setup promised better airflow and higher compression ratios, which could dramatically increase power output while maintaining reliability.

-Impressive Performance on Paper-

The 327 HEMI prototype was never officially rated, but engineers believed it could produce well over 400 horsepower with the right tuning. This would have made it a serious contender in the high-performance world of the mid-1960s, potentially rivaling engines like Chrysler's 426 HEMI and Ford’s 427 SOHC.

-Why It Didn’t Make Production-

Despite its potential, the 327 HEMI was never mass-produced. The primary reason was cost. The complex hemispherical head design was more expensive to manufacture compared to traditional small-block heads, and Chevrolet wasn’t ready to invest in such an ambitious project at the time. Additionally, General Motors’ corporate policy in the mid-1960s limited engine displacement and horsepower for regular production vehicles, which further constrained the engine’s development.

-A Legacy of Innovation-

Though it never made it to the production line, the 327 HEMI prototype was a testament to Duntov’s unrelenting pursuit of performance. His willingness to push boundaries and experiment with unconventional ideas laid the groundwork for the Corvette’s evolution into a world-class sports car.

-A Rare Piece of History-

Today, the 327 HEMI prototype is a fascinating footnote in Chevrolet and Corvette history. It’s a reminder of a time when engineers like Duntov were given the freedom to dream big and explore the limits of what was possible in American performance engineering.

#ZoraArkusDuntov#327HEMI#CorvetteHistory#ChevySmallBlock#AutomotiveInnovation

The Zora Arkus-Duntov 327 HEMI prototype may have been a "what if," but its story embodies the bold creativity that defined the golden age of American muscle and performance. It’s a piece of automotive history that will always fuel the imagination of car enthusiasts.

[blazehedgehog]

Any thoughts on DOOM: The Dark Ages?

It's very funny to me how much of the latest presentation is about them getting out in front of it and being like "no no no it's nothing like Doom Eternal trust us folks we learned from our mistakes."

Like, there was a lot wrong with Doom Eternal. Like, for instance, the fact it used every single button on the controller, often in multiple different ways depending on the context. And a lot of it felt superficial.

Spoilers, you obviously start out with a chainsaw. Hitting enemies with a chainsaw makes them bleed ammo, for whatever reason. But all throughout the game, you're building up to be able to unlock this awesome amazing hell sword made out of a special demon-killing material.

When you unlock the sword:

It functions exactly like the chainsaw does (limited use super weapon that causes enemies to dump out huge ammo refills)

Has its own, separate ammo (the chainsaw takes gasoline, the sword takes energy)

It's on a different, separate, dedicated button (literally the last button not already in use)

And to me that sums up everything wrong with Doom Eternal: it wants to be the next evolution in hyperfast first person combat. It's trying to inject a little bit of Character Action juice into it, like a Devil May Cry or Bayonetta or something. So it's trying to have all this mechanical complexity and strategy, to where it's using every single button on the controller for something... and one of the big penultimate weapons you get is just something you already have but it takes different ammo, and the game starts switching between the two like "I hope you remember which button to push to refill your ammo, because it's about to change every 5 minutes for no reason!"

It has big ideas and nothing about it is in any way elegant. Never ever. Its ideas aren't bad, but they aren't executed in a way that always makes sense.

So then we get to Doom: The Dark Ages.

And it's a lot of espousing how simple everything is now. How all these actions have been condensed down into minimal buttons, you have robust difficulty sliders, and it's soooooo... "sorry, sorry, we're trying to delete it."

Things that have me worried:

As a Sonic fan, being "a return to form" or "going back to our roots" is a worrying phrase and it got used as a weapon to justify a lot of bad Sonic games. It's used to describe The Dark Ages, after Doom Eternal was also supposed to be "going back to their roots" (it reverted to a lot of the classic monster designs and powers). Developers trying to approximate what people liked about the old games while still trying to express new ideas... I've been down this road before.

At one point they mention taking the story "out of the codex and putting it into the game." That's what Doom Eternal did and it was awful there, too. Doom 2016 was refreshing because it acknowledged you weren't there to hear all this lore and be a pawn for the main villain. You were there to get things done. The Doom Slayer was a man of action. Eternal gets bogged down in how you're a Holy Warrior for God and all of Satan's minions have names and ranks and dialog. Doom Slayer has memories of fallen comrades and all this stuff that just doesn't matter. Telling me there's more story isn't exciting me, and neither does "an origin story for the Doom Slayer" or any of this "slayer's legend" stuff.

The setting looks cool and I'm willing to see how the shield and the new melee combo system feels but they haven't sold me yet.

[inventors-fair]

Three in the Bush: Idiom Winners ~

Congratulations to @helloijustreadyourpost, @reaperfromtheabyss and @yourrightfulking for winning this week's contest!

@helloijustreadyourpost — Goblin Engineering Corps

Let's get my one-and-a-half nitpicks out of the way first: the first ability is missing "to cast" at the end of the sentence; and also, this is envisioning a world where echo is presumably coming back to standard, so keep your fingers crossed, I guess. Neither of these takes away from the fact that this card is one of the best examples of how to use idioms cleverly. I absolutely love the "check this out" hubris on display, emblematic of MTG's traditional goblin mood and at the same time not entirely demeaning—because the card's also pretty great! The more I look at it, the more I feel that it should be a rare in the intended shell, so maybe up this to two-and-a-half nitpicks, but who's counting?

Not these goblins, because they don't have time to count when they could be building things. I don't think I can quantify just how much I'm enjoying this card; instead of attempting to analyze the humor, I'm literally sitting here chuckling to myself. So let's break away and talk about the gameplay, and also talk about playing this and getting a zero-cost hasty Smuggler's Copter. Hoo boy, can you imagine something like Pioneer Eggs with this? The design is somewhat reminiscent of Heartless Summoning, actually, with a slightly different bend. The difference is actually more powerful in some ways, because you can pay the echo cost of one two-drop having drawn into another free one. Let's be real, this is for sure a rare, but it's got the drawback and upside balance that's pushed without being brokenly so. I think out of all the cards this contest, this is my favorite use of an idiom in itself.

@reaperfromtheabyss — Streamside Picknicker

Well, it's cute. Very cute. Pleasantly cute! I think that the flavor text is groanworthy but it can't be groaned without a grin there. It's resembling some of the Bloomburrow shenaniganery, and the enters trigger is certainly a curious case of whether or not it'll fit the archetype well. Sometimes they'll say that it's in one, and it turns out to be not viable, yadda yadda, but here, well, I like the fact that the mechanics tell a story. The frog comes to a stream for a picnic, and, seeing the stream is nice, feels invigorated by its tranquility. And if it's not quite the best vista, it notifies a companion that they should keep moving on. Isn't that just dandy?

Moreover, the mechanics are curious in the best way. Utility lands can perhaps make the untap ability relevant in the late game, but there's always the chance you just want to untap one of your creatures as a blocker post-combat. If you have a more aggressive start, then you untap a land and play another one-drop on turn 2, and you're in business for sure, assuming you don't already have an on-curve play. There are more complex options hidden in this card for limited, and as a common I believe there would be a nice niche for it. Whimsy isn't going to move any mountains, but perhaps it'll untap an Island or a fellow frog. And that's just plain pleasant to me.

@yourrightfulking — Nothing Personal

I'm teleporting behind you as we speak to say: I really frickin' like this card. You can stab your opponents, backstab yourself, and when you're done doing those things you're better off either way! I'm a huge fan of this mechanical versatility. Removal is great, but you can turn a weak blocker into two kickass blockers, or if you're getting ahead you can make your attacks even better and spread out the board. It's a nasty little rare that I would love to play in limited; it's almost reminiscent of that little Dimir cantrippy thing from MKM, the terrible bulk rare that was actually awesome if you got the morbid trigger thingy.

And you really made this flavor text work, in my opinion. It turns the original bird quote from "current resources are just as valuable as potential futures" into "betrayal is as betrayal does," in a sense. That just sends tingles down my easily penetratable spinal column! It's like the very concept of assassination is both speaking the card's name to your opponent and/or your own creatures, and the flavor text is inviting you regardless to look at the life you've chosen and say "Yes, yes absolutely it is worth it. Now lemme swing in." You go, you funky little mercenary. Godspeed, shadows willing.

Running are just around the bend. @abelzumi

[teine-mallaichte]

Day 22 @ailesswhumptober - prompt: Forced to hurt somebody else

On some days Charlie hates her role

CW: non-con drugging, inuury, reluctant whumper, dehumanisation, toxic environment, moral conflict, medical setting.

AiLessWhumptober List Complex 27

Charlie’s hands trembled as she examined the wounds scattered across Asset 84’s battered body. Under the unforgiving glare of the med wing's fluorescent lights, his pale, sweat-slicked skin took on an eerie sheen. His grey eyes—normally stoic, unreadable—now flickered with pain and something else, something buried beneath the surface, just out of reach.

“Hold still,” she ordered, her voice cold, brittle, clinging to the authority she had to maintain.

84 didn’t move. He never did. Even now, after his body had been torn apart by jagged metal, he refused to flinch. Refused to show weakness. But Charlie saw the tightness in his jaw, the subtle way his muscles spasmed under her hands. He was hurting—more than he would ever admit. And yet, she couldn’t acknowledge it. Not here. Not in Complex 27, where vulnerability was a death sentence.

Sometimes, in fleeting moments, she wondered what it would be like to know the assets’ names. To call them by something other than numbers. To see them as more than disposable tools. But what good would that do? There was no place for connection in this place. No room for compassion when every decision was calculated, every action rooted in survival.

“84 needs to be operational by morning.”

Colonel Carter’s voice echoed in her mind, her order cutting through the haze of doubt. They didn’t care that it had been less than a week since 84 was dragged into the med wing, barely clinging to life. They didn't care that the wounds were only just starting to heal, that he was still heald together by thread. They didn’t care that the rumors whispered he’d thrown himself over another asset, shielding them with his own body. All that mattered was the fact that he was still breathing. And if he was breathing, he had to be useful.

She dragged her eyes away from the fresh sutures lining 84’s torso, the patches of bruised flesh that hadn’t even begun to fade. Instead focing on the tray besiders her, laid out with the instruments of her trade: scalpels, sutures, bandages, and vials of drugs designed to force bodies back into action regardless of their condition. Each tool was a reminder of her role, of the cold efficiency she was expected to maintain.

“Sorry,” she muttered under her breath, a word she hoped 84 wouldn’t catch. Apologies were a luxury they couldn’t afford, a crack in the armor she had built to survive in this place. She drew up a dose of stimulant, the clear liquid glinting under the harsh light.

One sharp jab, and 84 would be functional. Not healed—never healed, not really—but functional enough to follow orders. To stand, to fight, to kill. That was all they needed from him. It’s what the Facility always needed.

It didn't matter that the drugs would rip through his system, pushing his body far past its limits. That the pain would be unbearable—worse than the physical trauma, worse than the jagged metal that had torn him apart. And when it wore off, he’d be even more broken. Likely to fall apart in the field.

That he would potentially even die.

84’s eyes followed her movements, their grey depths reflecting a weary resignation. He knew what was coming.

She swabbed a spot on his arm, the skin there already marred by countless injections. Her hand hovered for a moment, wavering, wishing for an alternative. The silence stretched too long, her hesitation too obvious. And in that moment, Charlie felt his eyes on her—not just passive, like usual, but watching, really watching. Maybe he saw the hesitation. Maybe he saw the conflict that she worked so hard to bury.

“Just do it.” His voice was hoarse, but steady.

Charlie took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the syringe. 84’s steady gaze unnerved her, it was intense, probing. As if he could somehow see into her soul. She looked away, staring at the trey.

There was no escape from this reality—no choice but to follow the orders that kept her alive.

She knew it.

He knew it.

With a shaky hand, Charlie pressed the needle against 84’s skin, the sharp tip piercing through the fragile barrier of flesh. She fought the urge to pull back, to stop, to find some other way to heal him that wouldn’t feel like a betrayal. But the Facility didn’t allow for such luxuries. In this world, compassion was a weakness, and weakness had no place in Complex 27.

As the stimulant surged into his bloodstream, Charlie felt a pang of guilt rip through her. She watched as 84’s body reacted—a fleeting moment of tension as the drug coursed through him. His muscles twitched, then relaxed, and for a brief second, she thought he might grimace. But he remained stoic, the embodiment of the soldier he had been trained to be.

“Functional,” she whispered, almost to herself. “Just functional.”

The words hung heavy in the air, a bitter reminder of what they were all reduced to: tools to be used, mended, and discarded. No names, no identities—only numbers and ranks, each asset stripped of their humanity to serve the whims of the Facility.

This was their lives: a cycle of compliance, pain, and forced efficiency. She had a job to do, a role to fulfill, it didn't matter that she hated it.

[thetechempire]

A Rising Tide of E-Waste, Worsened by AI, Threatens Our Health, Environment, and Economy

The digital age has ushered in a wave of innovation and convenience, powered in large part by artificial intelligence (AI). From AI-driven virtual assistants to smart home devices, technology has made life easier for millions. But beneath this rapid progress lies a less glamorous truth: a mounting crisis of electronic waste (e-waste).

The global e-waste problem is already enormous, with millions of tons discarded every year. Now, with the rapid growth of AI, this tide of e-waste is swelling even faster. Let’s break this down to understand the full scope of the issue and what can be done to mitigate it.

What Is E-Waste, and Why Should We Care?

E-waste encompasses discarded electronic devices — everything from old mobile phones and laptops to smart home gadgets, electric toothbrushes, and even large appliances like refrigerators. It’s not just junk; it’s an environmental and health hazard in disguise.

Each device contains a cocktail of valuable materials like gold and silver, but also toxic substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants. When improperly disposed of, these toxins leach into the environment, harming ecosystems and human health.

A Problem of Global Proportions

Annual Generation: The world generates over 50 million metric tons of e-waste annually, and this figure is projected to grow by 2 million tons each year.

Recycling Rates: Only 17% of e-waste is formally recycled. The rest? It ends up in landfills, incinerated, or handled by informal recycling sectors in developing nations.

While we’re busy marveling at AI-driven innovations, the discarded byproducts of our tech obsession are quietly poisoning our planet.

The Role of AI in Escalating E-Waste

AI, often lauded as the backbone of modern technology, is inadvertently exacerbating the e-waste crisis. Let’s examine the key ways AI contributes to this issue:

1. Accelerating Product Obsolescence

AI-powered devices are evolving at an astonishing pace. Smartphones with AI-enhanced cameras and processors, smart TVs with AI voice assistants, and wearables with health-tracking AI have become must-haves.

But these devices are often rendered obsolete within a few years due to:

Frequent Software Updates: AI systems improve rapidly, making older hardware incompatible with newer software.

Limited Repairability: Many modern gadgets are designed in a way that discourages repairs — sealed batteries, proprietary parts, and inaccessible interiors push consumers toward replacing rather than fixing.

Consumer Demand for New Features: AI advancements create a “fear of missing out” (FOMO), prompting consumers to upgrade frequently.

2. Proliferation of AI-Specific Hardware

AI-driven technologies require specialized, powerful hardware. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and custom AI chips are integral to devices and data centers. Unlike general-purpose electronics, these components are challenging to recycle due to their complexity.

3. Growing Data Center Infrastructure

AI thrives on data, which means a relentless demand for computational power. Data centers, the backbone of AI, are:

Upgrading Constantly: To keep up with AI’s demands, servers are frequently replaced, generating massive amounts of e-waste.

Consuming Energy: Outdated hardware contributes to inefficiency and waste.

The Consequences of the E-Waste Crisis

The consequences of unmanaged e-waste are vast, impacting not only the environment but also human health and economic stability.

Health Hazards

E-waste releases harmful substances, including:

Lead and Cadmium: Found in circuit boards, these cause neurological damage and kidney issues when absorbed by humans.

Mercury: Found in screens and lighting, it can lead to brain damage and developmental issues, especially in children.

Burning Plastics: Informal recycling often involves burning e-waste, releasing carcinogenic dioxins into the air.

These pollutants disproportionately affect workers in informal recycling industries, often in developing countries with lax regulations.

Environmental Devastation

Soil Contamination: Toxic metals seep into the ground, affecting agriculture and entering the food chain.

Water Pollution: E-waste dumped in waterways contaminates drinking water and harms aquatic life.

Air Pollution: Incinerating e-waste produces greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

Economic Loss

Ironically, e-waste is a treasure trove of valuable materials like gold, silver, and rare earth elements. In 2019 alone, the value of discarded e-waste was estimated at $62.5 billion — higher than the GDP of many countries. Yet, due to poor recycling infrastructure, most of this wealth is wasted.

Turning the Tide: Solutions to the E-Waste Crisis

For Tech Companies

Design for Longevity: Adopt modular designs that make repairs and upgrades easy. For example, Fairphone and Framework Laptop are already doing this.

Reduce Planned Obsolescence: Commit to longer software support and avoid locking critical components like batteries.

Improve Recycling Systems: Implement take-back programs and closed-loop recycling processes to recover valuable materials.

For Governments

Enforce Right-to-Repair Laws: Legislation that mandates access to repair manuals and spare parts empowers consumers to fix devices instead of discarding them.

Promote Circular Economy Models: Incentivize businesses to design products for reuse, repair, and recycling.

Ban Hazardous E-Waste Exports: Prevent the dumping of e-waste in developing countries, where improper recycling leads to environmental and human rights violations.

For Consumers

Think Before You Upgrade: Do you really need the latest gadget, or can your current one suffice?

Repair Instead of Replace: Support local repair shops or DIY fixes with the help of online resources.

Recycle Responsibly: Look for certified e-waste recycling programs in your area.

Can AI Help Solve the Problem It Created?

Interestingly, AI itself could be part of the solution. Here’s how:

Optimizing Recycling Processes: AI-powered robots can sort e-waste more efficiently, separating valuable materials from toxins.

Predicting E-Waste Trends: AI can analyze data to anticipate where e-waste generation is highest, helping governments and companies prepare better recycling strategies.

Sustainable Product Design: AI can assist engineers in designing eco-friendly devices with recyclable components.

A Call to Action

The e-waste crisis is a ticking time bomb, exacerbated by the rapid rise of AI and our insatiable appetite for new technology. But the solution lies in our hands. By embracing sustainable practices, holding companies accountable, and making conscious choices as consumers, we can ensure that the benefits of AI don’t come at the cost of our planet.

It’s time to act, because a rising tide of e-waste doesn’t just threaten the environment — it threatens our future.

[mmkin]

Shameless Wily simping fun... also, the next chapter of Forever Clockwork is done faster than I anticipated, so here's the link on AO3, the chapter is also included under the cut.

Content warning - None (some flirting, but teen safe/SFW)

(Yes, these are the scrubs described in the fic, my first time ever drawing scrubs. I obviously need more practice, but it was still a hoot to draw)

III

o0o0o0o

(Wily’s POV)

Wily glanced down at the tablet, occasionally tapping the screen as he looked at the design and schematics of the robot that was on the table before him.

Robots these days were designed with fail-safes or automatic shutdowns that were triggered by certain behaviors. For example, a maid-bot might not be able to go more than a designated amount of meters from a house before it receives a warning signal, and if it ignores said warning, it would power down automatically.

Another feature that was typical for a robot was a GPS, in case the robot was stolen. Robots could also be shut down with voice, wireless, or radio commands. Robots, especially ones programmed with AI, were pricey investments, and thus needed safeguards so that humans could protect their property.

The GPS had already been disabled by Shademan before the robot was taken out of the amusement park it had been built for. However, the brightly-colored robot remained inactive, having powered down shortly after it went beyond the borders of the park. Not surprising, really, and the mad scientist was prepared for that.

He set the tablet down and leaned over the robot, lifting the panel off its back with little effort. A network of complex circuitry met his eyes, but it did not intimidate him the least as he examined it, making mental notes about what to upgrade or change.

That was one thing he'd always found fascinating about technology. It was ever-changing and improving, and he could learn and benefit from it. With each line, his robots became better and stronger, and with everything he learned, he could go back and upgrade some of his older Numbers to increase their efficiency or power., or in this case, take other people's robots and give them his modifications. Any robot could be improved on. Unfortunately, the same could be said about Megaman, but eh. Dr. Light and the blue robot were pushed out of his mind as he focused on his current task.

Wily lifted the helmet off the robot, revealing the circuitry located within its head. With deft hand movements that spoke of long experience in this particular process, the doctor hooked up wires to certain parts of the circuitry that made up the robot's mind and personality. This was a precaution he took every time he significantly modified or upgraded a Robot Master. Once the memory was backed up in his computer, he got to work, removing the GPS, the power override, and other devices that this 'bot's creators had installed to impede its freedom.

It took a bit of time to figure out what sort of weapon to give the robot. However, looking at the long, flexible arms of this robot gave him the idea to use their unique qualities to this robot's advantage. He did these robots a great service by maximizing their potential. Too bad the world could not see that. Such was the lot of a mad genius...

o0o0o0o

A Decade Ago, 200X

The first series of Robot Masters was already well underway. DLWN-003 through 005 were just about done, and 006-008 were all more than halfway through. Albert was rather proud of himself, but then who wouldn't be? He and Thomas had come a long way since their university days, and so had technology. When the first AI robot had been created by the two of them, it was very limited in its capabilities and most people did not see the use or benefit of their work. But then, look at the first automobile or the first computer. If people had thrown up their arms and not wished to work more on these inventions, then who knows where the world would be today?

“To a job well done, Albert," Thomas said as he raised his mug of coffee. Albert grinned and raised his own before he glanced at the television screen. Their work had brought them much recognition, and soon, would bring them an award. They had already won several for their work in the field of robotics, but the Technology Award was almost basically the Noble Prize of Science.

The head of the council, a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair, rose from his seat. He had won last year's award and had also replaced the former leader of the council when he retired.

“As history shows, man has been very creative in his use of technology, and seeking ways to advance it. We are very fortunate to live in a new century, and not just that, but a new millennium. Man has been able to utilize technology in the last century that would have been unthinkable in the entire course of human history.”

“Get on with it," Albert muttered before he took another swig of his coffee. He had disliked Dr. Cooper upon meeting him, finding the other scientist to be a blowhard at times. To receive his award from this man... feh.

“This year's Technology Award goes to someone who is known as the father of robotics.” Father? Albert frowned at that as Dr. Cooper continued, "And without him, robotics would probably still belong in the realm of science fiction. I am pleased to announce that this year, Thomas Light is the winner of the Technology Award!"

Albert and his partner stared at the television for several moments, waiting for Dr. Cooper to realize his mistake, or for someone else to correct him on his omission. There was a round of polite applause from the other members before Dr. Cooper announced that he would fly to Light Labs and present Light with the award himself.

“What the...!” He rose to his feet, glaring at the screen, his knuckles white as his mug slightly shook.

“Albert, I am sure it was an honest mistake, I will explain it to him. You deserve that award as much as I do, and we both know it.” Thomas put his hand on his partner's arm to calm him.

o0o0o0o

Now

The mad scientist wiped his brow after he adjusted the tightness of the coils that he had added to the robot's flexible arms. When he took robots created by someone else, he preferred to keep the external design changes to a minimum and work with the robot instead of against it. It had taken him some time to decide how to optimally weaponize the clown-themed robot, but studying the arms had given him a sudden burst of inspiration.

He had retrofitted the insides of the arms with flexible Tesla coils, enabling the production of electricity and the ability to use it as a weapon. His work on DWN-060 was almost complete. The previously installed safeguards and controls that enabled this robot's original creators or owners to control him had all been removed. His memory had been uploaded to the new brain and installed within the head cavity.

He sat back on his stool, basking in the glow of a job well done. He still enjoyed building his robots and challenging himself with new designs, like he was doing now for DWN-057, but there was a perverse sort of pleasure in stealing the robots of others and giving them freedom and his enhancements. Now, only if it were as easy to enhance the human body... He grinned to himself dryly as he stretched, feeling his old bones creak a bit as he did so.

o0o0o0o

(You)

You set the weapon down, running your finger lightly along one of its planes and looking at the three green blades, having followed Wily's blueprint and putting the pieces together. It was easy to get lost in the work, and doubtless, that was partly from starting a new job and doing something that was a challenge.

But oh, how your back aches from being hunched over the project. So you back away from the table, stretching out your arms and legs as you pace the large room, where several other tables sit with various projects including a new Robot Master. You wander over to it, slowly circling it as you study his work. Most of it is assembled already, though a casual observer would see several pieces missing or incomplete.

It's over seven feet tall and near it is a red facepiece with a long, pointed nose. Much of one arm was missing, and you blink when you realize the weapon you'd just been working on was intended to be part of that arm. So now, apparently, officially you helped to build a Wily Number? You lean in, finding the number that identifies it as DWN-057.

Well, now you’re curious to see your work in action. You smirk to yourself and startle when you turn around and see Shadow Man. You wonder if he’s ever startled Wily the same way.

“Forgive me for startling you,” the ninja-bot says as he bows his head.

“No harm done. Is there a problem?” you ask.

“Nothing at all. How goes your task?”

“Almost done. I just needed to stretch out.”

“Father is almost done with his work, and he says you can stop and clean up. Dinner will be in half an hour.”

“Oh, cool. Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“I'm curious... you have free will, right? You're free to do as you want go where you please, unless I assume wrong.”

“No, you are correct.”

“You have your own... hobbies, interests, predilections? Did these come about on their own?”

“Yes. That is how it is for all of us. Father designs us with different tasks and occupations in mind, as you can see by our bodies, but as far as personalities go, we develop our own. Not all of us were created by him but are loyal to him.”

“Why do you serve Wily, then? You are a powerful robot and could do nearly anything you wanted.”

He looks at you curiously for a moment, thinking quietly for nearly a minute before speaking.

“Because we love him, and we believe in his cause. He wants to make robots equal to humans, not slaves. He wants to blur that line, the line between human and machine to the point where we can't be treated like objects. We have souls, we have feelings, others can't see that, can't hear it, or won't try to understand us.” he said quietly, his words baring a conviction more convincing than any human you’d heard in a long time.

“When I first met him, we talked about the possibility of robots having souls. This was right before the first line of Masters came out, mind you. Everyone around me, except for Albert and Thomas, of course, thought that a robot could never have a soul. People scoffed at the idea. But Mega Man came along and… A lot has happened since then.”

“That is true. We are loyal to him because he cares for us. If we get damaged, he takes the time to repair and upgrade us instead of discarding us. We are his sons, whether he built us himself or rescued us.”

It’s heartwarming to hear a robot speak so passionately, and you stare at him quietly. He takes your silence as skepticism and adds, “You can choose to believe me or not, but I am confident in the truth. Many condemn his actions, simply because they don't understand him or us. He stands against the world. And we stand with him.”

“I believe you,” you reply.

For lunch, there are deluxe sandwiches with a tasty ingredient you had almost forgotten the taste of. You haven’t had one of these since… Fuck, really, you ask yourself as you smell the tantalizing scent of the hot ingredients in the sandwich, finding yourself on a cruise down memory lane. Amazing what little details he remembers. You'd always figured he was much more focused on his work, like the stereotypical male who forgets the details while his partner is the one who remembers all the little things. But he'd remembered your favorite colors. And you two had talked about science fiction in the past, and he remembered the particular titles you mentioned as your favorites.

Wait, he’s not your partner. He’s your mentor and boss. You look at the table, where the sandwiches sit, waiting to be enjoyed.

“When was the last time you had one of these?” he asked, gesturing to the sandwiches. The smell envelops you in a pleasant memory.

“That would be when you informed me I was getting an A for the semester,” comes your reply.

He blinked. “Really?”

“I'd never had that type of sandwich until you made me one, either," you admit as you take one of the stools and sit down. You take a bite of your sandwich, letting the taste of well-seasoned ingredients explode in your mouth. Yeah, that's some good stuff. You remember when you'd shared this in his lab, it was your final semester and not long before Wily went rogue. Since you spent a fair amount of time in his lab, sometimes he provided you with food. One day, it'd been these sandwiches, ordered from some nearby local place. They'd been pretty damn good. He sits across the table from you and starts on his food, and the two of you munch away contentedly.

He’s not made any overt moves. Most talk is about either work or the hobbies you share. He’s been a gentleman, and you’re happy about that, but a bit let down. There’s an occasional teasing or snarky comment, and you wonder if you’re just being impatient, or oblivious, or something. You’ve dated a few times, but nothing ever panned out in the long run. What might dating Wily be like? Would that make things awkward, or would it turn out to be a meeting of both minds and bodies?

“So how was your day? I trust you had no problems in the lab.” you hear him say.

“Everything was just fine, thank you. I had all the things I needed and I'm almost done with DWN-057's arm.”

“Since you were able to identify who you were making the weapon for, I take it you looked at the rest of him. What did you think?”

“I am impressed," you admit, seeing the flicker of pleasure in his eyes at her admission. "You've come a long way since the DLWN Numbers. I'm almost jealous of you."

He sat back, a smug grin on his face. “Jealous? Why would that be?”

“You have your lab and army of robots to bring you all the materials you need. You're pretty much free to do as you please, you don't have the constraints that law-abiding scientists have to deal with."

He let out a pleased laugh at that. “Living on the wrong side of the law has its benefits.”

“As I can see.” You wave a hand to indicate your surroundings, “I know Dr. Light isn't too proud of what he had to do to get funding to build his lab.”

Wily nodded. Light Labs was a huge undertaking, and to get funding for that, Thomas Light and his partner had taken several contracts with the military. He had been compensated well for his work, but you and Wily knew that it weighed heavily on Light that his genius had been used in war machines. He tried to ease his conscience by building robots designed to help humanity, but that part of his past still haunted him.

“Sometimes you do what you have to. It was not pleasant for Thomas, but it benefited him in the long run," he replied.

You nod slowly. You could easily understand the time and effort it took to build Rock and his sister. What was harder to grasp – at least for the layman – was how much funds it took to not only build these two but the funds needed just for the research into AI and advanced robotics. Dr. Light had also grown attached to his first Robot Master, known initially as Blues before he became Proto Man.

“I guess you felt like you had to leave Light Labs and do...”

“I did," he replied in all seriousness.

“It was a pretty damned ballsy move.”

He grinned widely at that, wiggling his eyebrows. “You're right, it was. But dreams are not accomplished by the meek.”

“Ha. I suppose not.”

“What are your dreams?” he asked. You glance at him, and he continues. “You didn't study robotics just so you could build robots for other people. What do you hope to accomplish?”

You’re not sure. It’d be pretty cool to design your own Robot Master. Cybernetics was also another interest to you, as its current applications were relatively limited due to the barrier between machine and flesh. You have another idea milling around, but despite your time with Wily, you’re hesitant to share your idea with one of the world’s most wanted criminals. You regard him with a thoughtful frown.

“What if I gave you time and space for your research?" he asks. Your eyes widen as you struggle to control your reaction. He grins at you, knowing he has your interest.

“Come now. I'm giving you the chance to get to work on your dream. I can provide you with the materials you need. And you've seen for yourself that there's plenty of space. So if there's an idea rolling around in that pretty little head of yours, I don't doubt it's a good one."

Well. You’re not immune to a well-placed stroke of the ego, are you?

“I remember you talking back then about how nice it would be to be able to upgrade a human body like you could for a robot…" Back then, it was an impossible dream, but as robotics advanced and cybernetics had a few promising developments, it seemed more possible that in the future, the two might become integrated. Possibly cybernetic organs, or a whole new body. You saw how sophisticated robotics has become since its inception. Hell, look at how cell phones were back then, compared to the smartphones of today.

You’d made notes, run test programs, and the like but you’d never had the chance or space to test it out fully.

“You didn't spend all that time just working on other people's projects, did you?” you hear him ask. You quickly look back at him.

“How come you didn't ask me to work for you back then?” you ask.

“I was just starting out. I was new at the villain thing and I didn't want to get you in trouble or risk you being harmed," he said calmly. "I respect you too much for that, and, I'd be a shitty teacher and mentor if I let a student get hurt."

“Hmph.” You give him a brief nod to show you accept his answer.

“As you can see, I am very well-established. I know what I'm doing now, and I can keep you safe. And let you work on your research. Course, I would need to know what you wanted to do…”

“Well…” You lean back, crossing your arms, appraising him. Can you trust him?

“What is it?” he asked, interest all too obvious in his tone.

“I did get a lot of work done. But it's mainly notes and research along with designs. Without a lab of my own, I could only do so much in the way of a physical product."

“I assume you have enough notes and research to start work immediately.”

“I do."

“I would be disappointed if you didn't," he commented. You smirk back at him.

“You seem to have a lot of faith in me even though I haven't made a big name of myself like Mikhail Cossack or Noelle Lalinde."

“I saw your potential in college, and there's nothing wrong with avoiding the limelight. You get more done when you’re not prancing in front of the cameras or trying to be careful to not piss people off.”

You throw your head back and laugh at that before you sober up, thinking about your research and what Wily could do if he got his hands on it. It’s not weaponry, but could enhance existing weapons. You’ve seen the remains of the Stardroids he managed to salvage and wonder what you might learn if he allowed you to examine the alien technology. You grin, deciding to try a bit of a Wily maneuver.

“I’ll tell you about my project, but I want to examine the Stardroid parts you have,” you offer.

“Think you can make a deal with me?” he asks with a grin. You calmly nod. “I’ll take it, at least this once.” He extends his hand for a shake, and you don’t hesitate to grab it. His hands feel like what you’d expect – bony but muscular. It’s also pleasingly warm and dry, and a thrill passes through your body at the contact, because thus far, Wily has given you space.

As you expect, there is quite a bit to learn from the Stardroids, and you see a couple of practical possibilities emerging from the Stardroids’ unique abilities. And while you’re looking at them, he explains how he’d already used some of the technology to improve Shadow Man, giving him Saturn’s teleporting ability so that the ninja-bot was able to teleport you safely to Wily’s lab – something that wasn’t supposed to be possible for organic matter because of its difference from data (which was why advanced robots like Mega Man could teleport, but not humans or animals)

You've been wondering about that since you came here. "That's fucking genius," you say in response to that. He grins knowingly and you're pretty sure he's puffing out his chest a little.

It was still a huge drain on Shadow Man, so he had to use that ability sparingly, Wily explains. Still, that sort of feat shows you that others are possible, including your own.

“One must be prepared to adapt. I am always willing to learn more, and there is plenty to learn from the Stardroids." He sounded like he had in the old days when he was giving a lecture. You notice he's standing close to you. Not indecently so, but as a fellow scientist examining the same thing as you. You decide to test the waters a bit and move closer to him, your shoulders just touching. He does not move away. You stay where you are, and so does he when the two of you are looking at the part, examining it under magnifying lenses, and listening to the observations he'd made. He points your attention to something and you feel his hand on your back, touching lightly. You have to remember to breathe and keep your hand steady because holy fuck, your pulse has picked up so quickly that you're almost dizzy.

You didn't realize that being here, in close quarters to him, was causing tension to build up. He used to be your teacher and mentor, now he's your boss. You don't want to jeopardize this relationship, but fuck, he's such a silver fox, and at this point, you're 99.9 percent certain he has… something for you. After all, hadn’t he remembered these little details about you?

So you take a deep breath and relax, letting him keep his hand right where it is as you lean to get a better look at what he’s pointing out. You chat a little over it before you stand back up, and he pulls his hand away.

“So there you have it. You can have access to this lab anytime, but first…” He raises his eyebrows. You take a deep breath, wondering what he’ll think of it.

“You could call it a self-repair matrix, I suppose. You know how cybernetics as a technology is still limited because flesh and machine don't exactly mesh well." There are limited examples, to be sure. Cochlear implants, robotic hands, pacemakers, and the like. Technology has come a long way, but the bridge between flesh and robotics is still a ways off. "It's a healing system for a robot meant to stimulate what a human does to heal themselves. It's more for internal technology, but I don't see why it can't also apply externally, with enough time and development. And hopefully, that can also help with meshing with a human body more efficiently."

“I knew you had to be cooking up something good, and I am intrigued.” His smile is enthusiastic.

“The issue with the program is that it has to be customized for each robot. Kind of like DNA. Each Robot Master is unique, so the program would have to have its specs added to it before installation. Once installed, the robot would need less maintenance than before, and some of the damage could be repaired by the program. It also helps to preserve memories, should the brain itself become somehow damaged."

“I like it. I definitely like it.” He tugs his mustache thoughtfully as he stares at you, and you regard him with a modest but pleased smile.“You will need a Robot Master to test it on and make sure it works.”

“It does. At least, when I tested it.”

He raised his eyebrow. “How? On one of the robots you built for others?”

“No way! But I did test it on my computer and a discarded robot brain. They were successful, and I anticipate the same results for a robot of Master-level, but it would take longer to make one matrix since there's more data to integrate into it."

“I look forward to seeing you build it. Let me know what you need.”

Boom. Just like that, your employer has essentially offered you a blank check. You pause as you realize that some of your supplies are likely going to be stolen.

If there was a better real-life example of ‘making a deal with the devil’ than what you had just gotten into, you’d be hard-pressed to imagine it.

“You look worried, Y/n. Is something the matter?" he asks. You huff softly, looking down at the table with the Stardroid parts illuminated under lights and magnifying lenses. So far, you haven't mentioned anything about the legal ramifications. And you hadn't done anything illegal so far. You weren't stealing things, taking over locales and terrorizing the locals, or shaking down governments for money.

Nah, you were just working for a mad scientist who did do all of these things, and technically, you could be considered an accomplice for assisting in the construction of a Robot Master. Now, if you asked for it, he’d steal for you.

You place your hands on your hips as you study your boss (and object of your desire) and decide to be honest.

“We both know what's going on here is illegal. You do not need to fear me snitching on you. And I am grateful for this opportunity, believe me. It's… exciting, and thrilling. I'm having a ton of fun here." You see his eyes light up at that, and you continue, "But I can't help but wonder if I made a deal with the devil."

At that, his grin becomes devilish indeed. “Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven!”

[republicsecurity]

In the Control Center

In the control center, two instructors, both clad in their own black full-body armor with visors retracted, monitored the data streams flowing in from the cadets' suits. The room was filled with the soft hum of electronics and the glow of multiple screens displaying biometric data, performance metrics, and live video feeds from the cadets’ helmet cams.

Instructor 8UZTT leaned back in his chair, his shaved head glistening under the fluorescent lights. He tapped a screen, bringing up a detailed report on 80LKU's latest performance. "Look at this," he said, his voice tinged with both admiration and a hint of proprietary pride. "Their heart rates, reaction times, stress levels—we can see everything. It's almost like playing a game with real-life avatars."

Instructor Q47MN, equally imposing in his suit, nodded. "It's incredible how far we've come. The suits not only monitor but also control their physical state. We can adjust their environment, sensory inputs, even their emotional responses. This level of control ensures they perform at their peak."

8UZTT glanced at a feed showing a cadet struggling through a particularly grueling obstacle course. "I think it's time we upped the ante. They're adapting too quickly to the current challenges."

Q47MN smiled, a touch of cynicism in his expression. "Agreed. Let's increase the focus requirements and introduce some harder scenarios. They need to learn that adaptation is the key to survival. Push them out of their comfort zones."

With a few swift taps on their control panels, they adjusted the parameters for the training exercises. New, more complex scenarios were queued up, designed to test the cadets' limits and enhance their resilience.

As they worked, Q47MN mused, "You know, it’s not just about making them stronger or faster. It’s about conditioning their minds as well. We can shape their entire perception of reality. Control their experiences so thoroughly that they can’t distinguish between what’s real and what’s training."

8UZTT laughed softly. "Exactly. We can filter out any distractions, modify what they see and hear. Make them face their deepest fears or their greatest challenges, all within a controlled environment. And they’ll come out of it better, more disciplined. Ready to follow orders without hesitation."

He glanced at another screen showing a cadet's HUD, filled with data overlays and mission objectives. "Let's see how they handle increased cognitive load. More data to process, more decisions to make under pressure."

Q47MN tapped a few more commands. "Done. They’ll be in for a surprise when their next session starts. It’ll push their limits, but they’ll be better for it."

8UZTT turned to Q47MN, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "Let's ramp it up a notch. Increase the resistance in their suits. Make them work for it."

The instructors watched as the new scenarios took effect. Cadets, previously performing routine drills, suddenly found themselves facing new, unexpected challenges. The instructors could see the immediate impact in the cadets' biometric data—spikes in heart rates, increased stress markers, rapid shifts in neural activity.

With a few swift commands, they adjusted the parameters of the cadets' suits. Each suit's servos, which normally assisted with strength and movement, were recalibrated to provide increased resistance. This meant every step, every lift, every motion now required significantly more effort from the cadets.

The cadets, already sweating from their rigorous training, felt the immediate change. The once-fluid movements of their suits now felt sluggish, each action requiring double the effort. 80LKU, among them, gritted his teeth under the visor, feeling the strain in his muscles as he pushed through the obstacle course.

Back in the control center, Q47MN observed the biometric feedback with satisfaction. "Look at them. They're struggling, but they're pushing through. This will build their endurance, their resilience."

8UZTT added, "And their mental fortitude. They need to know they can push past perceived limits. This is how we prepare them for the real challenges."

They watched as the cadets, now moving with labored breaths and sweat-drenched faces, tackled the enhanced training. Each obstacle, each task, was a battle against their own fatigue and the relentless resistance of their suits.

[ponycycle]

Stellar Blade: Less Than The Sum Of Its Parts

Stellar Blade is a "character action game" that has some great stuff, some good stuff, some bad stuff, and some terrible stuff. The writing that follows is going to assume that you already are familiar with what it is (at least on a surface level). Also, if you somehow didn't know, this game is uh... heavily inspired by Nier: Automata. Basically a copy (not necessarily a bad thing on its own!)

Great:

-Excellent, varied cinematic soundtrack. I'm looking at a tracklist right now that has 97!!! entries on it. Flavours are all over the place in a good way - NieR, Ace Combat, Detroit(???). But** (see below) -Pretty game. I dunno if I feel like it's necessarily pushing the PS5 to its limits or not, but it does look good and they do make good use of the high resolution available (UI, composition of some scenes). -Main gameplay loop is pretty good. It's like a more involved version of the combat in FF16? It's not as deep as a Platinum game (but combat is much more complex than it was in NieR: Automata). Success in combat is satisfying. Timing felt a little weird to me sometimes, but maybe it's just because I'm old. -I did like the vast amount of collectible cosmetic items, all of which are pretty detailed and there are basically only two joke items.

Good:

-This is a simple thing, but the way Stellar Blade handles ladders is excellent: if you run into a ladder from the wrong side, Eve will simply do a little flourish and swing around to the correct side. I'm going to be thinking about this forever now any time I ever run into the back of a ladder in any other game. -Eve has a snazzy animation for activating a checkpoint that managed to not wear out for me the entire game -Fast travel is generally pretty snappy inside of a zone. Going between zones is a little clunky, and warping around zones without an overworld map can be confusing, but considering how many game fumble fast travel still today I'm willing to call this a good one. -The way the game will let you optionally warp directly to a quest giver to hand in a quest is nice -Enemy designs are all good. All visually distinct, yet they all feel related

Bad:

-Suffers a little bit from FF16's problem of excessive sidequests, except in this game there's even less things to spend regular money on (the most common quest reward). -The gun is clunky and not very useful in normal combat. It feels like they put in a lot of work just getting it to where it already is, but it still doesn't flow very well with regular attacks. Why does it break target lock??? -As good as ladders are, ropes are kinda bad, ESPECIALLY trying to grab one to descend. -There are a couple of Tomb Raider/Uncharted run sequences and they are all bad. -This game did not need TWO desert zones!!! One was enough! -There is also a skateboarding sequence that is really bad. If they just yanked it entirely the game would be better for it.

Terrible: -So I'm not going to be the first person to say that the writing in Stellar Blade is bad, but... it's usually presented that it has a bad "story", and that doesn't cover how big the problem is. Horizon Zero Dawn is a game with a great story but only a couple of good characters. Nier: Automata is a game with a plot that is arguably kinda stupid but with GOOD characters that you give a shit about. Stellar Blade is a game with an unsurprising plot that doesn't have a single character in it that I give a shit about. Not a single one!!! And there's SO MUCH TALKING being done by these people I don't care about, about things I don't care about. And the writing is weird! You can't get through one conversation without getting whiplash from non-sequiturs. The writing is easily both the single worst part of this game and the DEFINING characteristic of it. -**The bad writing unfortunately means that most of the time, the soundtrack is wasted. Nothing is emotionally connecting because there are no emotions to connect to. It's trying so very hard to carry the game the whole way from start to finish, but it can't. It's impossible. -Also related to the bad writing: there are so many delayed UI interactions in this game!!! What the fuck!!! If you die in the game, a respawn prompt will appear but remains uninteractable for a good second or two. You can mash through some dialogue (thank GOD) but only after the first two seconds of each line comes out. There is no visual distinction between skippable and unskippable dialogue. When a cutscene ends, or there is a transition between non-combat animations, Eve has to stand there stupidly a second or two before she starts responding to player inputs. If you want to buy something at a shop, you have to mash through inane dialogue first, EVERY TIME, then you get the OPTION to open the shop menu. -There are unskippable cutscenes. I probably changed the shape of my PS5 controller trying to futilely skip through many cutscenes on NG+. I was not surprised at all to see by the end of the game that the credits themselves were unskippable (you can SLIGHTLY speed them up) -There is a sequence where you're supposed to run from cover to cover while turrets are firing at you that I very quickly gave up on. If you turn the game difficulty to easy for that sequence, you can just run through in one shot. Would highly recommend you do the same.

So would I call Stellar Blade a good game or a bad game? I don't know. It's a finished game - there are no signs of rushed development visible to me here. This is the game they wanted to make. I bought it on physical media, so I could sell it off if I wanted to. I don't think I do though.

Hey you know what? Here is a good video review by Sphere Hunter you should probably watch if you haven't yet: