Spooky Outhouse Productions

Welcome to the next installment of Captain’s Journey. In case you have missed the previous parts, here they are in order. Bad Dreams Call the Question Dreams Remembered Desperate Measures Consequences Revelation Picking up the Pieces Identity Ship First Contact Pirates Danger Close Down Below Station *** “Before you leave, would you please swing by medical Jaxx?” “Of course.” With the firm knowledge that I was already behind some scheme, I wandered the halls of Chikara delaying my departure as long as possible. I entered the medical bay as a table slid out of the opposite wall. “If you can place your right arm on the table, I will make it so that we can maintain contact while you are not on board. If you were a stronger telepath, this would not be necessary.” “Why thank you for pointing out one of my shortcomings. What next, I have a bad haircut or halitosis?” “I am merely providing an answer to this troublesome problem. I will still be stuck here in the hangar bay but will be able to access the wave and pull data for you. If I am able, I will also slice the security feeds which will allow me to exert some minor control of station systems.” “Aren’t you just the handy one. An eye in the sky is a good thing to have. Just don’t put yourself at risk. I don’t want to lose you.” “Duly noted.” I place my arm on the table which emits a....

Eador: Masters of the Broken World will keep you busy for a very long time. That’s not to say the gameplay is bogged down by clumsy GUI problems or that it proceeds at a snail’s pace. Rather, it gives you a series of randomly generated miniature fantasy worlds to conquer, and the worlds are rich with challenge and opportunity.

The general theme is that you’re a demigod bent on bringing those worlds under your control. They’re called shards, and if I may indulge in my D&D background a bit, think of them as isolated islands of terrain floating in the astral plane. You’re able to choose a shard that you’d like to conquer, and then you go there and set about hiring a champion or two to do it for you. Even though you’re the demigod, you’re not actually doing anything directly à la Populous[a] or anything like that. Your champions are your eyes, ears, and muscle, and you’ll be controlling them for much of your quest for domination.

There are four champions to choose from. Warriors are gods of the battlefield, becoming more powerful with every level. Commander champions take a different tack, boosting their followers rather than themselves with their special abilities. Wizards plague enemies with long-range artillery and support magic. Scout champions have decent ranged attacks and bonuses for exploring lands. Your champion will need an entourage of units accompanying him to be successful, and they can range from peasants to hydras.

The shard is split up into several provinces, and you only own one at the outset. It has your stronghold, which is your base of operations. To conquer a shard, you’ll have to defend your stronghold and defeat the stronghold of the local lord, which amounts to a computer opponent that’s playing the same game you are. Every turn, you’ll be able to move your champion around the map, revealing provinces hidden by the fog of war, and electing to make upgrades to your stronghold to supply your hero with troops, equipment, and spells.

A fair bit of economic savvy will be needed in this game. You’re given a hefty chunk of gold and gems (magical currency) at the start, but those funds will evaporate quickly if you’re not careful. Stronghold upgrades cost money, your units need to get paid, your equipment doesn’t grow on trees, and some units will want to take their cut from battle spoils before you get yours. I’ve run short on gold many times, forcing me to push to take on tough fights to bring provinces under my control in order to keep the war machine going. Provinces also have a happiness meter, and if it falls too low, they’ll revolt and have to be put down again.

Combat will be very familiar to players of Heroes of Might & Magic, or for that matter, any turn-based strategy game. You deploy your forces on the edge of a battlefield overlaid [c]with a hexagonal grid, the enemy does the same, you approach each other and try to take out the enemy before the enemy takes you out. Everything is simply laid out, and it’s possible to see how much damage you’ll do before you actually land the blow. There are also morale and fatigue systems to exploit and a wide range of terrain to negotiate during battles.

It’s not all about combat, though. In Eador: Masters of the Broken World, you can elect to explore provinces under your control. Just because you own a province doesn’t mean you’ve uncovered all its secrets. Spending a turn to explore can uncover new fights or rare finds that can boost your money, loot, and experience. If you manage to max out a province’s exploration meter, the province gives you more money per turn.

My complaints are few. In the first tutorial shard, you’re introduced to your character, and it’s explained that you’re a young adult who has been whisked away by this mysterious figure who paid a heap of gold to your parents to take you off their hands. That’s fine and all, but it was jarring to see my character appear as an aged wizard in battles and on the world map. I understand that I appear as the generic wizard character, and I can overlook it, but I can’t imagine it would have taken much to make my appearance more fitting to the character.

The GUI is stellar, though I did find a few bugs still lurking in the system that caused crashes (they’re avoidable enough that it didn’t influence my rating). It’s easy to hop from any screen to any other screen. You can quickly check out your character’s action, your stronghold’s building queue, your hero’s inventory, garrisons, and so on.

A very pleasant surprise is that despite the fact that Snowbird Games is a Russian studio, the English translation is excellent. There are no language problems here, and in fact, the dialogue between your character and one of the other main characters in the game is very natural and conversational. Likewise, the manual is a very easy read.

All in all, I’d have to give Eador: Masters of the Broken World a buy, especially at the price of $20. It does what it does well, and it provides infinite gameplay and a very decent challenge.

Some Like It Hot this week.  Star Wars(!) next week.  As always, follow along on our iCheckMovies list, and be sure to let us know how you’d rank the movies in the comments below.

Some Like It Hot – March 29, 1959

Director: Billy Wilder
Producer: Billy Wilder
Writers: Billy Wilder, I. A. L. Diamond
Actors: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George Raft, Joe E. Brown, Pat O’Brien
Distributor: United Artists

The course of the conversation:

We continue to be unable to stick to the movies we announce.

The puppy test is in full effect.

Jack Lemmon.  Respect.

Jonathan finally gets a clear idea of what the word “grounded” means.

Bert may be wacky, but you laugh at Ernie.

Tony Curtis seems to be either overshadowed or carrying the entire scene.

Some of the slower bits, while necessary, may keep this from being a regular viewer.

Marilyn Monroe is exactly what the movie needed, and not just in the film itself.

We diverge into talking about actors and actresses who only have looks to sustain them.

Jonathan tells a story about angering his mother.

Chris Farley and Marilyn Monroe are compared.

Here’s why the movie was filmed in black and white.

Kansas couldn’t handle it.

Jonathan apologizes to Kansas on behalf of Colorado.

Nathaniel apologizes to Kansas on behalf of Kansas.

Lots of symbolism in bed-wear.

But wait, there’s more!

Is this a screwball comedy?  Do we yet know what a screwball comedy is?

Nathaniel makes a sure and “simple” decision.

Jonathan risks the wrath of Brando and De Niro to gain the favor of Stanwyck and Lemmon.

Michael shuffles his list like a deck of cards and gives more credit to John Wayne.

Jonathan flip flops on his vote for Michael’s movie, bumping Twelve Angry Men in favor of Blazing Saddles.

This made my year. 

Check out Paul’s podcast, The Mental Illness Happy Hour. It could change your life; it could save your life.

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If you are itching to dig into a deep and innovative adventure, watch this.

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When I saw that there was going to be another movie made of The Great Gatsby, I was content. This is one of my favorite books of all time and seeing it on the big screen would be something I was sure to enjoy. When I found out that this movie was to be directed by Baz Luhrmann, I was filled with joy. I am highly enamored of both Moulin rouge and Romeo + Juliet. The Great Gatsby could only benefit from his unique aesthetic. Before I tell you about my thought on the movie I wanted to share with you an observation about both the movie and the book from John and Ro Wick.  They call it, “A beautiful mirror that reflects ugly things.” I find this a very fitting description and had to share it. The movie left me with mixed emotions. What I expected from Baz Luhrmann was delivered. He took the evocative passages from the book and translated them lovingly to the screen. There is the scene where Carraway is issued into a room to meet his cousin. The description of the room and how Daisy and Jordan are lounging is something palpable to me. This same scene on the big screen is pure magic. It is very much how I imagined it while reading. The feeling of dissolute debauchery that radiates throughout the novel is carried over well to the screen. From the large lavish parties filled with everything one can desire to the sordid....

#1 Star Trek Into Darkness from Paramount opened at #1 with a gross of $70.2 million in 3,868 theaters.  Total gross to date is $83.7 million.  Budget was $190 million.

#2 Iron Man 3 from Buena Vista fell from #1 to #2 with a gross of $35.8 million (-50.7%) in 4,237 theaters (-16).  Total gross to date is $337.7 million.  Budget was $200 million.

#3 The Great Gatsby from Warner Bros. fell from #2 to #3 with a gross of $23.9 million (-52.2%) in 3,550 theaters (+15).  Total gross to date is $90.7 million.  Budget was $105 million.

#4 Pain and Gain from Paramount fell from #3 to #4 with a gross of $3.2 million (-35.3%) in 2,429 theaters (-874).  Total gross to date is $46.7 million.  Budget was $26 million.

#5 The Croods from 20^th Century Fox rose from #7 to #5 with a gross of $3 million (-16.2%) in 2,373 theaters (-277).  Total gross to date is $177 million.  Budget was $135 million.

#6 42 from Warner Bros. fell from #5 to #6 with a gross of $2.8 million (-38.7%) in 2,380 theaters (-550).  Total gross to date is $88.8 million.  Budget was $40 million.

#7 Oblivion from Universal fell from #6 to #7 with a gross of $2.3 million (-43.2%) in 2,077 theaters (-693).  Total gross to date is $85.6 million.  Budget was $120 million.

#8 Mud from Roadside Attractions held at #8 with a gross of $2.2 million (-12.2%) in 960 theaters (+108).  Total gross to date is $11.7 million.  Budget was unknown.

#9 Tyler Perry Presents Peeples from Lionsgate fell from #4 to #9 with a gross of $2.1 million (-53.2%) in 2,041 theaters.  Total gross to date is $7.9 million.  Budget was $15 million.

#10 The Big Wedding from Lionsgate fell from #9 to #10 with a gross of $1.2 million (-51.4%) in 1,443 theaters (-855).  Total gross to date is $20.3 million.  Budget was $35 million.

#11 Oz The Great and Powerful from Buena Vista fell from #10 to #11 with a gross of $871 thousand (-19.2%) in 535 theaters (-239).  Total gross to date is $231.4 million.  Budget was $215 million.

#12 G.I. Joe: Retaliation from Paramount rose from #15 to #12 with a gross of $580 thousand (-4.5%) in 409 theaters (-341).  Total gross to date is $120.5 million.  Budget was $130 million.

The combined gross of the top 12 movies this weekend was $148.3 million.

Sources:
Box Office Mojo

So I’m rewatching the Xbox One reveal video for a few reasons.

First, I was covering the event for work, but while that was happening, there were a million of other things going on like the recovery from the Oklahoma tornado, so my attention was split a few dozen ways. I want to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Secondly, I want to make sure to have a good recording so we can splice cuts into the upcoming show #170.

Last, but perhaps most importantly, I want to confirm there were as few games showcased as I remember.

Right at the top of the event, Microsoft Interactive Business President Don Mattrick revealed the mission statement for the new Xbox One: to provide an all-in-one entertainment system that integrates gaming, TV, and other entertainment options. In that respect, I have to say it’s mission accomplished.

The new Xbox One has some neat features. The ability to switch nearly instantaneously between movie, game, and Internet apps is very cool. Skyping with a friend while I’m gaming or watching a video certainly sounds cool. Having interactive features with my TV programs like fantasy sports updates while a game is underway is a really neat gimmick. The Xbox certainly seems to use its eight gigs of RAM to good use.

The Xbox One looks very boxy. Without having measurements available, I’d say it’s about a foot deep, 15 inches wide and perhaps two and a half inches tall, definitely closer in dimension (and perhaps density) to the first Xbox. The front of the system is nearly without adornment, with a slot for a Blu-Ray drive on the left and a single Xbox logo on the right.

The Kinect has been upgraded, but perhaps not to the same degree as the console itself. Voice commands are quickly recognized and body recognition resolution is improved, but I’m not seeing a huge leap of quality from the dust-covered Kinect resting in front of my living room TV. It’s an interesting move that the Kinect apparently isn’t optional any more.

It’s nearly halfway through the hour-long event that the first honest game is mentioned, and it’s not Microsoft making the announcement. It’s an EA rep who says that EA and Microsoft are embarking on a new strategic partnership. That can mean a lot of things, but coming from the publishing monstrosity that has locked down the NFL license year after year and currently has a stranglehold on all core Star Wars titles, it caused more than a few shudders. The usual suspects show up like Madden, UFC and FIFA, but it’s interesting that NBA Live is coming out of hibernation after several consecutive years of 2K beatdowns.

Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer follows up EA to show off what they’ve been up to, which amounts to Forza 5 and a new IP called Quantum Break, which looks to merge live action drama with time-shifting gameplay. There’s not a lot more information about Quantum Break except that it involves a large ship instantaneously jumping forward several hundred feet to smash into a bridge.

After about eleven minutes of game information, the unveil event shifts back to television. A new Halo TV series is revealed that involves Steven Spielberg and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell shows up to announce a partnership with Microsoft. Details are again scant, except that Goodell repeats the fact that fantasy teams can be updated in real time, and that information is going to be available through the Xbox One.

Then there’s a little bit of promise at the very end about a new game that involves Activision, but it’s COD: Ghosts. Guess what. Shit blows up. There are guns, knives and dogs involved. Only it looks better now.

And that’s it. It seems like the Microsoft event is over by the time it starts.

So let’s get into the positive things about the event before I start voicing doubts. The hardware works. It provides instant switching between multiple applications. Microsoft is making deals with big players like the NFL and EA. It’s aiming to be the all-in-one entertainment box. As I said at the start, it looks like it’s going to deliver that. And, unlike the PS4 reveal, there was an actual console to actually see.

I want games.

Yes, I know there will be games for the Xbox One. Many more games will be unveiled at E3.

Sony promised to deliver gamers a next-gen gaming experience, and despite what you may think of the games that were shown off, there were a hell of a lot of them compared to what was shown at the Microsoft conference. There was also a strong push for indie developers at the Sony presser, and there’s no doubt that’s where the gaming industry momentum is.

Lastly, as we admitted in episode 168, all of the hosts at The Way of the Game are immune to the “hey, it’ll work with your cable” argument. We’ve all cut the cord. So have millions of other Americans who are looking at their cable bills with a more critical eye.

So from my perspective, I think Microsoft’s missing the boat. The Xbox One is an impressive piece of hardware. It switches between apps durn fast. And it will undoubtedly sell a lot of units. But if I’m looking at this from a financial standpoint, I’m thinking I’m not only going to have to shell out for a new console and a continued membership for Xbox Live, I’d have to also add a cable subscription, an NFL Sunday Ticket and God knows what else to take full advantage of the Xbox One. That’s not to mention that the Xbox One’s stance on used games is still unclear.

In the Seat:

• Scott

Recorded 05/21/13

I’ve always used this feed as a catch-all for all my podcasting activities and, lately, it’s been the exclusive domain of the X-Factor podcast that I do with Scott Williams and Eric Huffman. If you’re reading this and wondering why something so far from X-Wing-related content is being posted let me explain.

Andy Hopp is an extremely talented artist, illustrator, and game designer. I first became a fan of Andy’s back in 2006 when he published the original Low Life setting for the Savage Worlds RPG. Within the last year or so, Andy has really kicked the Low Life product line into high gear. Within the past year or so Andy has produced two Low Life gaming products thanks to very successful Kickstarter campaigns, those being the Dementalism card game and an incredible line of Low Life metal miniatures. On Friday, May 17th Andy launched his third Kickstarter for a newly re-designed and illustrated Low Life RPG core rulebook.

Gamers responded enthusiastically and fully funded the $8000 ask within 48 hours. As of the time of this post, the campaign is just shy of $10000 and achieving its third stretch goal. There are 35 days to go and I know I’m personally hoping to see every stretch goal achieved as there are some amazing bonuses available if the funding comes in.

I recorded the enclosed interview with Andy today in the hopes of giving everyone out there a detailed outline of the Low Life RPG Kickstarter straight from the proverbial horse’s mouth. If you haven’t already contributed to this campaign I really hope that listening to this interview convinces you to because Andy’s Low Life setting is the most original I’ve seen. The fact that he writes all the rules & fiction and does all the illustration and layout really makes a difference as it all comes together in one consistent, wonderful vision.

Please head on over to www.lowliferpg.info to take part in a crowd-funding campaign for a truly unique RPG book! Also make sure to regularly check out Mutha Oith Creations, Andy’s main site, for updates on everything to do with Andy’s creative endeavours.

Paul just got home from Wal-Mart Star Trek: Into Darkness Wayne Luvs Lego All-Star Western #19 Supergirl #20 Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #23 Aron’s Double Fuck Doomsday.1 #1 Battlestar Galactica V.2 #1 Give us a call at 972-763-5903 and leave us your thoughts. If we use your voicemail, you’ll win an Ideology of Madness SurPrize just like Dan in South Dakota! Knights of Reignsborough Season 2 is coming…!

Hosts: Megan, Scott, Timo, Todd In honor of Game Chef 2013 we discuss getting started with game design. Fun! Pertinent info: 11:30- What’d we play 22:10- Topic 1:16:45- Rants Megan- Hornets. Nest. Boning. What? Scott- Allergies make me hate trees. … Continue reading →

Alana Smith-Brown of Rogue Princess Squadron talks all things DC animated.

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Show Notes soon.

Hosts : Rob,Mike, and Del
BS! Memberships: Spooky Outhouse Productions
Music : Intro music “Hog Trail” used with permission of Ghoultown
Music : Outro music “Gunslinger” used with permission of Ghoultown