She slips on the ring, drinks the potion of polymorph, specifies “black dragon,” then slips on the amulet. She found the ring of polymorph and an amulet of polymorph control. One player started playing a character whose ambition in life was to be a dragon. Watching others play creates a micronarrative, a communal experience like hearing about a Nethack ascension run, reading the touchstone Dwarf Fortress boatmurdered saga, or losing an afternoon deep in the intrigue of EVE Online: Although it’s not important to the game, some of the most fun you can have with roguelikes actually doesn’t involve playing them, but involves going into the Usenet groups and reading players’ stories about their games. It is the difference between me running some laps in the park against seeing Allyson Felix compete in the Olympics: sure, we’re both running, but only one of us elevates it to an artform. Also, I'll say that although roguelike fans will get the most out of this book, neophytes should enjoy it, too.Īpex Legends released recently to roaring acclaim a behemoth on twich, the hype got me to try it-I even scraped together a win-but I quickly gave up and went back to watching professionals play. The end result is a collection of stories that are meant to be read in chronological order, but can be cherry-picked if, say, readers are more interested in Moria than they are NetHack. My interest in writing about them stemmed from interviews I did for STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN, wherein I explore the making of Diablo, which was influenced by roguelike games.Īs is usually my approach when writing about game development, I wrote about the games covered in DUNGEON HACKS through the lens of the era in which they were made: the shared interests and factors that influenced their creators, and how the technology they used informed their designs. (I'm counting it toward books read in 2016 because I spent this past weekend reading through and revising it.)ĭUNGEON HACKS chronicles the making of seminal roguelikes-RPGs with procedurally generated levels, monsters, and treasure. Instead, I'll talk a bit about the process of writing it. I wrote this book, so I won't cheat by leaving a star-rating or critique.
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The end of Q2 is fast approaching, meaning that a big announcement of some kind will likely be coming soon. There is danger, yes, but in the three chapters on offer in the beta, it’s a whole different feel and pacing from the non-Xen chapters.” The final version will contain 5 beefed-up sections, and overall, Black Mesa’s Xen should “fit nicely into the overall Half-Life arc.”īack in November of 2018, Crowbar Collective targeted “Q2 2019” for the release of this much-delayed icing on their mostly finished cake. IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey, who went hands-on with the demo, notes that “the new Xen is no literal walk in the (extraterrestrial) park. Xen is widely agreed upon as the worst part of an otherwise groundbreaking game, and Black Mesa’s developers seek to remedy that. In the new gameplay footage, Crowbar Collective offers a glimpse of how the team has transformed a once short epilogue into a full-fledged campaign, all while managing to preserve Valve’s original essence. While the game was mostly complete (in terms of levels) when it first joined Steam’s Early Access lineup in 2015, its developers have since been working to reimagine Half-Life’s extraterrestrial ending. The new footage, provided via IGN, shows off the team’s massive overhaul of the original Half-Life’s “Xen”.īlack Mesa is a meticulous remake of Half-Life 1 that was first released as a free, fan-made mod in 2012. Developer/publisher Crowbar Collective has shared the first extended gameplay of the long-awaited final chapters of Black Mesa. This feature, paired with the stereo outputs, makes this an ideal choice for record lovers.īut, if you want some modern functionality, Bluetooth connectivity is available for playing music from your phone, tablet, or computer. Along with four audio inputs via RCA, there’s an additional RCA phono-specific input for connecting a record player. The 100W of RMS handling is also very basic, powering most speaker setups with enough volume to enjoy TV shows and music. With the requisite giant knobs on the front and the LED, text-based display, you aren’t getting anything that looks particularly futuristic. Sony’s STR-DH190 is about as barebones as you can get for a true stereo receiver and amplifier. Though the price is a bit steep for the power handling, it might be worth it if you have an Alexa-based home. You can control the amp with your voice or the Alexa app, and you can even set up the system for whole-home audio-telling your system to play one thing in the bedroom and another in your living room entertainment setup. Once you connect the device to the Internet, you’ll then use your smartphone and Alexa app to set up the device-after which the Echo Link acts like any other product on your network. Finally, two speaker outputs (an L and an R) drive 60W of power to your passive bookshelf or stereo speakers and a subwoofer for including a sub in your system. There’s also an ethernet port for connecting to the Internet-an essential step for bringing in the Echo functionality. You can easily feed your media into the receiver and pass it through to another device. The I/O is standard, giving you RCA, coaxial, and digital optical ins and outs. The Echo Link Amp is a true standalone receiver, allowing you to power your passive speakers and drive a complete AV system. In short, the thing will look pretty classy in your setup.Īmazon’s Echo Link line of products aims to give you a bridge between your traditional audio-video equipment and Amazon’s tried-and-true Alexa voice control, essentially turning your stereo system into a smart stereo receiver. Finally, while not exactly compact, the look of the unit manages to tread a fine line between substantial and sleek. Plus, Yamaha has included two interesting wildcard features: Bluetooth connectivity for easily connecting to your wireless-enabled devices and an eco-mode that aims to save power while playing media for longer hours. It also has a radio receiver on board to allow for 40 stations of AM/FM tuning. There are 4 RCA-level inputs and 1 RCA output to extend your system to a separate receiver if you need more channels. It's a good fit for a record player setup and a basic TV entertainment setup. It is an amp that will power up to two pairs of passive speakers at 8 ohms for up to 100W handling. To be clear, this unit is a true stereo receiver, not offering anything like surround sound outputs or HDMI pass-through. The best thing about the 202BL is that you get a 100W/channel stereo receiver with just enough features to feel premium at a very non-premium price without any of the flashiness that can drive the cost of your receiver way up. Yamaha provides consumers with an excellent middle ground for stereo receivers-with enough power to drive your speaker setup and enough features to give you options-and the R-S202BL earns our top spot here because it does this all well. Therefore whoever goes aright, he goes aright for his own soul, and whoever goes ‘ astray, then say: I am only one of the warners. Every Muslim should also keep this strategy about Quran recitation in mind.Īn-Naml And that I should recite the Quran. This is the strategy about the Quran recitation, which is explained, in the following verse. If people did not respond that was their own choice. Allah Almighty had given him the responsibility of passing the message. Our prophet used to recite the Quran to the people around him. Consider the part of a verse given below.Īl-Muzzammil and recite the Quran as it ought to be recited. Allah Almighty has also said in the Quran that the Quran recitation should be done in a proper way. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) used to convey the Quran to his companions in the best form of the recitation. The angel Jibril used to recite the Quran to our prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). The verses might be concise but they never fail to convey the minutest of the details.Ībout the Quran recitation, one must make sure that it is done in the proper way. Undoubtedly, in the Quran, Allah Almighty has explained everything in an extremely elaborate way. An-Nahl So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan, Al-Araf And when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and remain silent, that mercy may be shown to you.Ģ. The spiritual manners of the Quran recitation are mentioned below in the following two verses of the Quran.ġ. A person should cover his or her ‘satar’ properly before the Quran recitation. However, it is a practice among the Muslims to do it any way out of respect.Ģ. It should essentially be mentioned here that the ablution is not Farz (compulsory) for the recitation. A person should do ‘ghusl’ or at least ablution before the Quran recitation. The physical manners of the recitation of the Quran are very simple.ġ. These manners and ethics are both physical and spiritual. Of course, the Quran recitation has certain manners and ethics. Yunus And you are not (engaged) in any affair, nor do you recite concerning it any portion of the Quran, nor do you do any work but We are witnesses over you when you enter into it, and there does not lie concealed from your Lord the weight of an atom in the earth or in the heaven, nor anything less than that nor greater, but it is in a clear book. Why Quran Recitation is Important For Muslims? Not very many other people interpreted the physical presence of the church in their looks and I love how elegantly this was done. But I thought it was executed beautifully and really conveyed the idea well. The gown was a visual representation of stained glass, which is such an interesting idea for a dress. While Gigi Hadid’s dress was fairly simple in construction, the idea and details were absolutely stunning. She looked like she had just stepped out of a Baroque painting and I loved it. I thought Emilia Clarke has the perfect combination of those two elements without over-doing it. I was honestly expecting more brocade details and more references to paintings then we saw last night. Also didn’t hurt that she looked stunning. Between the starburst halo with the messy bun, jewel encrusted body, embroidered cut-away train, and incredible color, I can’t imagine a better look. She was by far the best dressed on the red carpet, if you ask me, and looked absolutely amazing. Ok so we all already know how much I love Blake Lively, but last night she actually stole the show. I love this dress, especially all of the jeweled details. This year, though, she was able to do both. Despite planning the event, she normally disregards the theme and wears what she wants. Since it is her event, it is impossible to talk about the Met Gala without mentioning Anna Wintour. Finally, I thought her crown was perfectly etherial, while not being over the top. I also love the button detail that is so reminiscent of cardinal robes. She picked the perfect shade of red for her complexion and I love the simple front with the exposed back and aggressive train. Red and head pieces were a big theme and I thought she pulled them off perfectly. Here is a round-up of the people who I thought looked amazing, while also working with the theme of “Heavenly Bodies…fashion and the catholic imagination.”Īmber Heard was by far one of my favorite looks of the evening. It is about who looks amazing, but who also works with the theme to create a look that fits the idea of the exhibition while also looking fabulous. Unlike most red carpets, last night was not just about who looked the best, at least not for me. It is a combination of my two passions, fashion and art, and last night was definitely not a disappointment. As you all know, last night was my favorite fashion event of the year…the Met Gala. The appliance should be returned or taken to the nearest repair shop for examination or repair or send back to company as stated in this booklet in the warranty.3. Any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or damaged in any manner should not be operated. Read all instructions before operating this appliance.2. Replacement Charging Cable Cord Charger for Pebble Time Round Smart Watch (Black) 3.6 out of 5 stars 65. Pebble Time, Time Steel and Time Round Universal Charging Cable.DC cable has a car power outlet type of plug. Nostalgia Electrics Margarator, Margarita & Slush Machine, One Gallon Capacity.Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDSWhen using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:1. The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.M. Replacement Maragarator for one 6 years old. The Nostalgia Electrics MSB600 Margarator Plus Margarita & Slush Machine is a. Keep out of reach of children.K.Ĭonvenient Cord Storage. DO NOT operate this appliance with a damaged cord or plug or in the event the appliance ever malfunctions.I.ĭO NOT place motor base in dishwasher.J. Unplug unit from outlet when not in use and when cleaning.H. NEVER place anything other than the intended ingredients in the base bowl.G. NEVER leave unit unattended while in use.F. NEVER use an abrasive sponge or cloth on unit.D. ENGLISH1IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS:Appliance Specifications:85 Watts120 Volts/12VoltsImportant Precautions to Remember:A. In perhaps one of the film’s most insane sequences, one of the main characters picks up a flaming piece of machinery and uses it to punch a tiger. Rajamouli keeps finding new ways to top himself. Throughout the film’s three-hour runtime, co-writer/director S. If I told you half of the things that happen in RRR, you probably wouldn’t believe me - and I wouldn’t blame you. Stars: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Rege-Jean Page,.Case in point: A shootout in Prague escalates to include a runaway train that crashes headfirst into a building. The movie boasts a star-studded cast including Ana de Armas and Bridgerton breakout Rege-Jean Page, and action sequences that feel like a cross between The Winter Soldier and the Fast & Furious franchise. Based on the novel by Mark Greaney, it follows Court Gentry/Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling), a highly skilled operative for the CIA who becomes embroiled in a game of cat and mouse with the psychopath Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans). Now they’ve turned to the espionage genre with The Gray Man. Joe and Anthony Russo are best known for their four film streak in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with Captain America: The Winter Soldier and ending with Avengers: Endgame. Stars: Jamie Foxx Bud Jablonkski, Dave Franco Seth, Snoop Dogg Big John Elliott, Karla Souza Audrey, Meagan Good Jocelyn Jablonski.Add in Dave Franco as a neurotic bureaucrat and Snoop Dogg as a vampire hunter (yes really) and you have a recipe for a great time. Who can forget the first time they saw Blade take out a nightclub full of vampires, or Buffy Summers staking the undead on a weekly basis? Day Shift puts a new spin on the subgenre, painting vampire hunting as a job - and Jamie Foxx’s Bud Jablonski is less concerned with saving the world than he is with making rent and getting his daughter the braces she needs.ĭirector JJ Perry brings his stunt experience from the John Wick and Fast & Furious films to his first ever film, resulting in some insanely inventive action sequences - a battle in a bowling alley has just the right amount of absurdity and bloodshed. Vampire hunters have been a staple of action films. Stars: Tom Holland, Victor Sullivan, Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle, and Antonio Banderas.Add in a delightfully unhinged Antonio Banderas and a few inventive setpieces including a fight against gravity itself, and this is one game you won’t want to be over. Holland brings his boyish charm and a bit of grit to the role of treasure hunter Nathan Drake, and is undoubtedly the strongest link in the partnership between himself and Mark Wahlberg’s Victor Sullivan. Uncharted falls toward the former, thanks to Tom Holland. Movies based on video games have either resulted in entertaining romps (see the Sonic the Hedgehog movies) or dreadful slogs (see the Assassin’s Creed movie). Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Max von Sydow.Anderton’s escape from the Pre-Crime division is worth the watch. This is one of Steven Spielberg’s best efforts to date, as he shows he can still stage a crackerjack action sequence while also maintaining the steady pace of a sci-fi thriller. Yet when he finds himself in the crosshairs, he goes on the run. Dick story, Minority Report finds Cruise’s Ethan Anderton tracking down and stopping crimes before they happen as part of a “pre-crime” unit. Based (as most groundbreaking sci-fi films are) on a Phillip K. Why stop at Top Gun? Make it a Cruise double feature with Minority Report. Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis.In this case, it’s the rivalry/friendship between Tom Cruise’s Maverick and Val Kilmer’s Iceman…which lends itself well to a pivotal scene in Maverick. The film is pure ‘80s glory: a high concept pitch, an all star cast, and a friendship that may or may not be laced with homoerotic subtext. Top Gun: Maverick took the world by storm - it’s a critical and commercial success, and is even the front runner for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards! So if you’re curious to see what all the fuss is about, and what made it possible, the original Top Gun is available for your viewing pleasure. Shape, Tuning, Compression, Tone and Pan Knobs.There, you have a wide range of controls over your sound such as shape and tuning. The best characteristic of this software is the easiness of use: you can simply drag and drop your samples and plugins inside it. The Decomposer Sitala is a simple to use drum sampler with lots of great features. We feel that both instruments sound very good and are very realistic/usable but can be used on different occasions and settings. Whether it is better than Apple’s Garageband stock piano, you will have to decide by yourself. One of the best free plugins, the Keyzone Classic is definitely worth a try. The Keyzone Classic can be downloaded for free.There is a built-in LFO that can be used as an auto-pan effect.The ASDR knobs are pretty useful to shape your sound.There are 5 different instruments inside this plugin: piano from Keyzone 1, Yamaha Grand Piano, Steinway Grand Piano, Basic Electric Piano and Rhodes Piano.Powered by Producer Spot, this plugin gives you total control across the characteristics and dynamics of your sound including the ASDR of the sound, as well as applying LFO. The Keyzone Classic is a free plugin that features several piano presets, from grand pianos to electric Rhodes-style instruments. One of the best things about this plugin, however, is that it is available as a rent-to-own via Splice for $10 per month, making it more affordable and accessible. It is compatible with pretty much any digital audio workstation, so if anytime you upgrade from Garageband you’re still going to be able to use it. The Xfer Serum is an amazing synthesizer and probably the most versatile. Once the payment is completed, the plugin is yours. The plugin is also available as a rent-to-own via Splice for $10 per month.There are 4 macros for easy control over the synthesizer.There are tons of built-in effects to get you to a mix-ready sound faster and more easily.There are also a lot of tutorials on YouTube. The interface is complex but is easy to understand once you get your hands on the plugin.This wavetable synthesizer is capable of anything so it is a very versatile synthesizer. Honestly, once you have Serum you probably won’t need any other synthesizer plugin. This synthesizer is capable of doing pretty much anything, from hard basses to synth pads. Xfer Serum needs no introduction as it is one of the most popular music plugins out there. The plugin is best used on your master channel.Īs we said before, even though the regular price of the plugin is $129, you can usually find it on sale for as low as $20, and it is even given for free on some special occasions across the year. The Master Assistant is very useful for beginners and those on a budget. The iZotope Ozone 9 Elements does a pretty good job on your tracks. Limited functionalities if compared to the more expensive versions.The imager, while rarely used in the mastering process, is also useful for single instruments as a natural doubling effect.The plugin also features a powerful equalizer.This ensures your track is at the optimal level for streaming services. You can manually set how loud you want your master to be in Lufs.The iZotope Ozone 9 Elements is a great solution for those beginner artists who can’t afford professional mastering since the Master Assistant will analyze your track and set up the plugin in the best way possible.One of the benefits is that it is significantly more affordable: the Ozone 9 Elements is usually on sale for $20 and is even given for free by iZotope on some special occasions so keep an eye out. The iZotope Ozone 9 Elements offers a stripped-down design if compared to the Standard and Advanced versions, but it is still pretty capable. The 9 Best Garageband Plugins – Reviewed in Detail 1. 9 Best Garageband Pluginsĩ Best Garageband Plugins – Reviewed in Detail Tip: Also take a look at our Best VST Plugins article to find even more options. The process is also the same for Logic Pro. We will also show you how you can install these AU plugins on GarageBand. Some of them are paid, some are free so there is something for every budget. From multi-effects to synths, drum machines, and guitar amp simulators. In our best Garageband plugins article, we will cover different types. There are a lot of audio unit plugins on the internet that are compatible with this DAW. Plugins are tools that can be used with any DAW to improve your sound quality by adding unique effects and instruments or giving you the opportunity to do what you couldn’t before. However, even the best studio needs some help every now and then. With Garageband, you can create professional-level music without having to buy any additional software. Instead, the image files are kept in one file which is sometimes called a library with a different format. However, with the image files, you can't get them in this app. Thankfully, you can easily locate and manage photos that you import from an iOS gadget like an iPad or iPhone as they are stored in the Photos app. In this section, you will learn how to access different types of photos on Mac with ease. This can be overwhelming for some people because you are never sure if your photos were deleted or corrupted. No doubt finding your photo files on Mac can be quite tricky. Part 2: How to Find Photos on Mac Quickly? Note if you delete a photo from the directory, you can no longer access it in Photos app. This is the reason why it's always hidden, but you can still access your photo files if you want to.
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