Breaking News! 8.8 Earthquake hits Chile
A massive earthquake hit Chile 325 kilometers southwest of Santiago at 3:34am (6:34am GMT) this morning. The said quake read 8.8 on the Richter Scale (Haiti's earthquake just had a magnitude of 7.0).
So far the death toll is at 78 and rising.
A tsunami alert has already been issued in the region and other areas around the Pacific Ring of Fire, such as Hawaii, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines.
Discuss this post here: XroNet Forums
Toy Story 3 Teaser
TOY STORY 3!! WOOOOOO!!!
Finally! How long has it been since Toy Story 2? It was great movie; Everybody's childhood is way more memorable with Toy Story.
Now a new adventure unfolds for Woody, Buzz and the other toys. Everybody who watched Toy Story 1 and 2 knows that the toys are constantly conscious about their owners age. Of what will happen to them when their owners don't want to play with them anymore.
In this case, Andy is going to college and I doubt he'd bring his toys to school. But hey, who knows?
So hold on to your cowboy hats as we ride with Woody and fly with Buzz in another adventure that leads to infinity and beyond! TOY STORY 3!!!
Discuss here.
Dragon Nest Open Beta Date Revealed
Good news for everyone who's been waiting for this game: Nexon America finally has an open beta release date. It's gonna be out on March 4! You'll be sure to find most of the XroNet members there.
Of course, we have bad news. Nexon is one of the most notorious sites when it comes to IP blocking, so not everyone can enjoy this game. We'll see what happens.
Here's a little video featuring the advanced classes to whet your appetite.
Source
Wanna get to know people who you might play with? Look for them here: XroNet Forums
Of course, we have bad news. Nexon is one of the most notorious sites when it comes to IP blocking, so not everyone can enjoy this game. We'll see what happens.
Here's a little video featuring the advanced classes to whet your appetite.
Source
Wanna get to know people who you might play with? Look for them here: XroNet Forums
Why are there ridges on the F and J keys on the keyboard?
Look at the 'F' and 'J' keys on your keyboard. Ever wondered why they have ridges?
Here's a little trivia: The ridges on the F and J keys are there to determine the position of the fingers on the keyboard. This is usually used by "touch typists" or people who type without looking at the keyboard. Touch typists put their index fingers on the F (left) and J (right) keys before they type so they know where their fingers are at. If your keyboard has a NumPad or numeric pad, you'll notice that the 5 key also has this ridge.
On a similar note, check out this Yahoo Answers question:
Stupid answer. Lol.
Discuss it here: Xro Network Forums
Here's a little trivia: The ridges on the F and J keys are there to determine the position of the fingers on the keyboard. This is usually used by "touch typists" or people who type without looking at the keyboard. Touch typists put their index fingers on the F (left) and J (right) keys before they type so they know where their fingers are at. If your keyboard has a NumPad or numeric pad, you'll notice that the 5 key also has this ridge.On a similar note, check out this Yahoo Answers question:
Stupid answer. Lol.Discuss it here: Xro Network Forums
A Winter Sport: Curling
The name alone sounds different. It even sounds like a ballet move of some sort. But it's been around for ages and, literally, the game is sweeping the globe. :D
As I was surfing the tube, I landed on the channel that was covering the Vancouver Winter Olympics. And saw this odd type of sport. At first I wasn't really sure what it was. People were just sliding across the ice with what seemed to be marble rocks with handles, and as the rocks were gracefully sliding, 2 people were sweeping in front of it. Making the ice smoother or maybe melting it a bit so there'd be less friction and the rock would slide further.
I was intrigued as to how this sport worked. So I decided to tune in and see what happens.
My first impression was, "Hey, this isn't really fun at all! Why would anyone wanna slide and hit rocks and SWEEP on ice?!"
But as I observed, slowly and I mean slowly, because mainly the rock thingy takes a while to get where they are supposed to be going and there are 2 teams competing. I noticed the degree of skill involved in the game. The accuracy and finesse it needs to hit the other team's curling rock.
Now it's not really that ahtletic, and others argue that it's not really a sport. It's in the olympics anyway so I dunno. There are lots of games that revovles on accuracy to win. Archery, Golf, Darts to name a few.
The game can really catch your attention. Mainly because of how unusual it is. But as you progress in watching it, you appreciate the level of skill involved.
Watch this to learn a bit more on curling.
Intrigued? Let's talk about it here.
As I was surfing the tube, I landed on the channel that was covering the Vancouver Winter Olympics. And saw this odd type of sport. At first I wasn't really sure what it was. People were just sliding across the ice with what seemed to be marble rocks with handles, and as the rocks were gracefully sliding, 2 people were sweeping in front of it. Making the ice smoother or maybe melting it a bit so there'd be less friction and the rock would slide further.
I was intrigued as to how this sport worked. So I decided to tune in and see what happens.
My first impression was, "Hey, this isn't really fun at all! Why would anyone wanna slide and hit rocks and SWEEP on ice?!"
But as I observed, slowly and I mean slowly, because mainly the rock thingy takes a while to get where they are supposed to be going and there are 2 teams competing. I noticed the degree of skill involved in the game. The accuracy and finesse it needs to hit the other team's curling rock.
Now it's not really that ahtletic, and others argue that it's not really a sport. It's in the olympics anyway so I dunno. There are lots of games that revovles on accuracy to win. Archery, Golf, Darts to name a few.
The game can really catch your attention. Mainly because of how unusual it is. But as you progress in watching it, you appreciate the level of skill involved.
Watch this to learn a bit more on curling.
Intrigued? Let's talk about it here.
Hole + Wall = XD
I'm not really sure what the sign says but it must be something like "Take a look" or something.
Curiosity killed the cat? :D
Discuss this at the Forums.
bux.to: one of the best paying PTCs at $0.01 per click!
Most Paid-to-Click (PTC) sites take too long to do, don't pay so well, and disorganized. It's one of the reasons that some people get turned off to PTCs. But did you know that there's one that you can finish doing in a few minutes, pays well, and is organized?
Introducing bux.to, one of the easiest to use and best paying PTCs around. Let me show you how it works:
First, fill out the registration form: Bux.to Registration Form
Make sure you have an AlertPay account, for easier payment: AlertPay Website
When you are already registered, click on the "Surf Ads" tab on the website. Here's an example of how it would look like. The crushed out links mean that they have already been clicked for the day.
That's it! Money in the bag! Every ad is worth $0.01, not like in other PTC sites where they pay much lower. Just check back everyday for new ads to click. You might want to check the "My Stats" tab for more information. You can also take advantage of their referral system there.
Again, the registration link: Bux.to Registration Form
Any questions? Need tips? Anything you want to share? Post them here: XroNet Forums
P.S. You guys might be curious about the URLs we're using. Well they earn money too! Want to find out how they work? Check out our previous post: Linkbucks Tutorial
Introducing bux.to, one of the easiest to use and best paying PTCs around. Let me show you how it works:
First, fill out the registration form: Bux.to Registration Form
Make sure you have an AlertPay account, for easier payment: AlertPay Website
When you are already registered, click on the "Surf Ads" tab on the website. Here's an example of how it would look like. The crushed out links mean that they have already been clicked for the day.
That's it! Money in the bag! Every ad is worth $0.01, not like in other PTC sites where they pay much lower. Just check back everyday for new ads to click. You might want to check the "My Stats" tab for more information. You can also take advantage of their referral system there.
Again, the registration link: Bux.to Registration Form
Any questions? Need tips? Anything you want to share? Post them here: XroNet Forums
P.S. You guys might be curious about the URLs we're using. Well they earn money too! Want to find out how they work? Check out our previous post: Linkbucks Tutorial
Xro Network Launches Facebook Group
Are you an avid Facebook user? Do you want to get the latest updates from Xro Network while you surf facebook? Then join the Xro Network's Facebook Group now! Get the latest news and blog updates via your facebook. Simply click on this link and click join group. You can also join our facebook page. Click here and become a fan, or simply check out our widget at the right side of this page.
LINKS:
Facebook Group [New]LINKS:Facebook Page [Become a fan]
Game Review: Star Wars The Force Unleashed
A long time ago in a galaxy, far, far away...
*fanfare*
TA TA TA TA!!! TA!!! TAA TAA TAAA TAAA!!!
It starts out with the view from outer space. Ships of the empire looming over the outer atmosphere. A ship lands in the planet of Kashyyyk. Out comes a black figure, cloaked, and enveloped in the aura of darkness. Lord Vader.
You'll know it's Star Wars when you hear that trademark fanfare of theirs that strikes excitement in millions of fans all over. All you Star Wars fans out there, get ready to feel the Force Unleashed!
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is one of the greatest Star Wars games ever made! The game has awesome physics. It has a variety of moves you can chain up that results in a devastating combo with killer effects. The physics not only involves the movement of the characters, but also the environment. The way the character manipulate the objects around (using the force of course :D) and how they correspond with the controls, totally kicks arse!
The graphics are crazy smooth. The details on the characters, the environment, the action sequence are mind blowing! The effects alone on each swing of the lightsaber makes you feel the intensity of the game.
Though the pros have it going on. There are, of course, cons to it.
For some players, they might find the targeting system, not so flexible. It's pretty much like, once locked on, kill it kinda thing. You can switch though but with all of the action going on, I'd rather just lightsaber throw the target or use the choke hold and mop the poor victim all over the place.
Second is the frame rate issue. At some parts of the game, the frame rate drastically goes down, reducing the gaming quality. Even on a high end computer. Not all maybe, but still it really is a bother. Just when you're throwing enemies all over the place and applying those learned combos on them troopers, the frame rate goes down and everything goes into slow motion.. With a lag effect.
Also with this kind of game, it's heavy in terms of memory if you're playing on a PC. The graphics really speak for itself, the gameplay is kick arse. But, personally, the game seems too short. Hard core gamers might finish this game in less than 10 hours. The action makes you bite in the game, may make you lose track of time, and before you know it. You finished it.
Nevertheless.. The game is awesome!
Force throw those cons in the void of space and enjoy the experience of Star Wars the Force Unleashed!
Setting/Story: 8/10
You can't argue with it. The story is great. Assuming you read all of the books. You'd probably know everything about it. But for those who haven't. This should be a fresh one.
System: 8/10
The typical 3rd person action game. Some might have problems with the camera angles with a third person view, particularly when manipulating the movements of the characters. But with the kind of action going on. Can't really comment on the view.
Gameplay: 8/10
The gameplay is impressive. As mentioned above, the physics are totally bad arse. I don't think the level of physics in this game has been in any other Star Wars game.
Graphics: 10/10
Dynamite graphics. Details are maxed all over. It's not like we have a choice really. Gamers can't really opt to lower the details of the graphics because, we simply can't. It's not in the options. So if any of you out there want to play this game on a PC platform. Make sure you meet the system requirements!
Replay Value: 6/10
At first, gamers might find this game to be easy. The enemies are too slow, they don't do enough damage, the boss combos are getting old..
*SPOILER*
After you finish the game, twice. Yes you can finish it twice. You get to choose how it ends. Difficulties will open up. The higher the difficulty, enemies have more damage, they don't really move any faster but they last longer, and the boss fights get more interesting. They have new moves which is surely enough to intrigue players. It gets repetitive over time. But it's still fun!
Overall Rating: 40/50
For Star Wars fans out there. This is a must play game! Combine cool moves, throw stuff around with the force, and give enemies a shock with the force lightning! You'll stick your face at the screen all day with this game. Might sound bad.. But sometimes bad is fun! I mean, look at Lord Vader! He's one fun guy! Seriously!
Any questions about the game? Click here and lets talk about it.
*fanfare*
TA TA TA TA!!! TA!!! TAA TAA TAAA TAAA!!!
It starts out with the view from outer space. Ships of the empire looming over the outer atmosphere. A ship lands in the planet of Kashyyyk. Out comes a black figure, cloaked, and enveloped in the aura of darkness. Lord Vader.
You'll know it's Star Wars when you hear that trademark fanfare of theirs that strikes excitement in millions of fans all over. All you Star Wars fans out there, get ready to feel the Force Unleashed!
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is one of the greatest Star Wars games ever made! The game has awesome physics. It has a variety of moves you can chain up that results in a devastating combo with killer effects. The physics not only involves the movement of the characters, but also the environment. The way the character manipulate the objects around (using the force of course :D) and how they correspond with the controls, totally kicks arse!
The graphics are crazy smooth. The details on the characters, the environment, the action sequence are mind blowing! The effects alone on each swing of the lightsaber makes you feel the intensity of the game.
Though the pros have it going on. There are, of course, cons to it.
For some players, they might find the targeting system, not so flexible. It's pretty much like, once locked on, kill it kinda thing. You can switch though but with all of the action going on, I'd rather just lightsaber throw the target or use the choke hold and mop the poor victim all over the place.
Second is the frame rate issue. At some parts of the game, the frame rate drastically goes down, reducing the gaming quality. Even on a high end computer. Not all maybe, but still it really is a bother. Just when you're throwing enemies all over the place and applying those learned combos on them troopers, the frame rate goes down and everything goes into slow motion.. With a lag effect.
Also with this kind of game, it's heavy in terms of memory if you're playing on a PC. The graphics really speak for itself, the gameplay is kick arse. But, personally, the game seems too short. Hard core gamers might finish this game in less than 10 hours. The action makes you bite in the game, may make you lose track of time, and before you know it. You finished it.
Nevertheless.. The game is awesome!
Force throw those cons in the void of space and enjoy the experience of Star Wars the Force Unleashed!
Setting/Story: 8/10
You can't argue with it. The story is great. Assuming you read all of the books. You'd probably know everything about it. But for those who haven't. This should be a fresh one.
System: 8/10
The typical 3rd person action game. Some might have problems with the camera angles with a third person view, particularly when manipulating the movements of the characters. But with the kind of action going on. Can't really comment on the view.
Gameplay: 8/10
The gameplay is impressive. As mentioned above, the physics are totally bad arse. I don't think the level of physics in this game has been in any other Star Wars game.
Graphics: 10/10
Dynamite graphics. Details are maxed all over. It's not like we have a choice really. Gamers can't really opt to lower the details of the graphics because, we simply can't. It's not in the options. So if any of you out there want to play this game on a PC platform. Make sure you meet the system requirements!
Replay Value: 6/10
At first, gamers might find this game to be easy. The enemies are too slow, they don't do enough damage, the boss combos are getting old..
*SPOILER*
After you finish the game, twice. Yes you can finish it twice. You get to choose how it ends. Difficulties will open up. The higher the difficulty, enemies have more damage, they don't really move any faster but they last longer, and the boss fights get more interesting. They have new moves which is surely enough to intrigue players. It gets repetitive over time. But it's still fun!
Overall Rating: 40/50
For Star Wars fans out there. This is a must play game! Combine cool moves, throw stuff around with the force, and give enemies a shock with the force lightning! You'll stick your face at the screen all day with this game. Might sound bad.. But sometimes bad is fun! I mean, look at Lord Vader! He's one fun guy! Seriously!
Any questions about the game? Click here and lets talk about it.
China Breaks Russia's 46-year Winning Streak
Since 1964, Russia has been winning the gold for pair figure skating, giving them a total of 12 gold medals. But not this time.
China's Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo managed to swipe the gold away from the reigning champions with a score of 216.57. After a not-so-impressive performance, the Russian team of Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov ended up in fourth place, which means that not only their time at the top is over, but their medal run in general.
Another Chinese couple, Pang Qing and Tong Jian, took the silver with 213.31 points. Two-time world champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy from Germany took the bronze, with 210.60 points.
Discuss this post here: XroNet Forums
Virtual Currency Convertible
Here's something for you online gamers.
Korea's Supreme Court gives virtual currency real life value. In other words, In game cash can be converted to real life cash.
What do you think? Discuss this at the Forums.
Domino Day 2006
Cool show! It's just amazing and beautiful.
But think about how they set that up. That's a lot of effort...
...and a lot of dominoes. xD
Discuss this at the Forums.
[Granado Espada] Family Portrait Generator
To all you GE fans out there,
Ever wondered how people in the forums create those neat signatures showing their characters and their levels? Here's an example:
You can easily create this kind of signature for your forum profile or wherever you wanna put it by using the ALS Family Portrait Generator.
Check it out here: Link
You have to register first before you can start creating your family portrait. Once registered, log on. Then go to the site index.
Another Lonely Soul Family Portrait Generator
Then click on the image at the center of the page.
Now you can start creating your portrait! Start by creating a family name. Type your desired family name at the box at the left side of the page. After that, you can start clicking on any of the character images at the right side of the page. It's quite simple.
Have fun with your new family portrait signatures!
DISCLAIMER: This simulator doesn't belong to Xro Network. I just found this at another website and am just sharing it to everyone at Xro Network. Credits go to the owner and developer of Another Lonely Soul: Granado Espada Family Portrait Generator.
Post and discuss your portraits here: Xro Network Forums
Ever wondered how people in the forums create those neat signatures showing their characters and their levels? Here's an example:
You can easily create this kind of signature for your forum profile or wherever you wanna put it by using the ALS Family Portrait Generator.
Check it out here: Link
You have to register first before you can start creating your family portrait. Once registered, log on. Then go to the site index.
Another Lonely Soul Family Portrait GeneratorThen click on the image at the center of the page.
Now you can start creating your portrait! Start by creating a family name. Type your desired family name at the box at the left side of the page. After that, you can start clicking on any of the character images at the right side of the page. It's quite simple.
Have fun with your new family portrait signatures!DISCLAIMER: This simulator doesn't belong to Xro Network. I just found this at another website and am just sharing it to everyone at Xro Network. Credits go to the owner and developer of Another Lonely Soul: Granado Espada Family Portrait Generator.
Post and discuss your portraits here: Xro Network Forums
Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010
Jesse Owens (Athlete of the 1936 Summer Olympics)Olympics -- A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.
For athletes, hard work, training, hours of dedication just to get that desired result... It's a never ending chase of perfection.
The Vancouver Winter Olympics opened on Friday night. A grand opening that really captured the soul of Canada.
The events are extensive. A series of Skiing, Skating, Snowboarding, Ice Hokey and the lot. Every sporting event on a winter setting.
But one significant event ended up in tragedy. A Georgian luger by the name of Nodar Kumaritashvili, died in a horrible luge crash. The accident happened on Friday morning during a practice run. Officials have reported that the athlete lost control of his sled, went over the wall of the track and hit a steel pole.
The athlete has competed in five World Cup races finishing 44th in the world standings.
Talk about this in the forums. Here.
Make money by surfing using Linkbucks!
Do you like to surf the net? Do you visit sites like Facebook and Yahoo often? Now do you want to make money doing it?
Then you wanna use Linkbucks, which gives you money every time you click a link! Here's how:
Step 1: Register
Just follow the instructions on the site: Linkbucks Registration
I recommend creating a PayPal account too, for receiving the payments: PayPal Website
Step 2: Create your links
Now it's time to start making money. Log into your Linkbucks account, and choose the "Create Links" tab.
Next, enter the link you want to convert in the specified field. Choose the Landing Page (whether Adult or Clean, choosing adult would display pornographic ads). You can experiment for the Ad Type, but choose "Intermission" if you want to make the most money. The alias URL can also be edited if you wish, but it doesn't make any difference.
Here is a sample link to Yahoo, try clicking it so you can see how the link works: Sample Link
You can wait out the timer that appears, or you can do what I do and click the "Skip this Page" button on the upper right to go directly to your page.
Example of an intermission ad.
Step 3: Bookmark your links
These links aren't easy to remember, so just stick them in your bookmarks (Ctrl+D for most browsers). You can now use these converted links to visit your favorite sites and earn money at the same time.
Sounds easy, right? That's coz it is. Now go register and start earning!
Here's the registration link again: Linkbucks Registration
Questions? Comments? Post them here: XroNet Forums
These links aren't easy to remember, so just stick them in your bookmarks (Ctrl+D for most browsers). You can now use these converted links to visit your favorite sites and earn money at the same time.
Sounds easy, right? That's coz it is. Now go register and start earning!
Here's the registration link again: Linkbucks Registration
Questions? Comments? Post them here: XroNet Forums
Introducing the newest addition to XroNet Forums: Moneymaking 101
Short on cash? Wanna learn how to make a few extra bucks?
Introducing Moneymaking 101, the newest section of XroNet Forums! We will be posting tips on making extra cash there soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
Go to the forums now: XroNet Forums
Introducing Moneymaking 101, the newest section of XroNet Forums! We will be posting tips on making extra cash there soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
Go to the forums now: XroNet Forums
Happy Chinese New Year !!
Kung Hei Fat Choy! It's the year of the Metal Tiger. Also known as Geng Yin year. This is the 4707th Year in the Lunar Calendar. In 2010, Chinese new year falls on the 14th of February. Talk about double celebration for the lovers out there. :DThe Chinese New Year is the most important festivity for the Chinese. This traditional Chinese holiday is celebrated for 15 days. It starts on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar and ends on the 15th; the Lantern Festival. Each day of the celebration has a different meaning and symbolism. These days are usually marked as a time for visiting relatives and friends, a practice known as "bà i nián" meaning "new year visits". Chinese New Year's Eve is known as "chú xī" meaning "Year-pass Eve".
Were you born during a Year of the Tiger?
You were if you were born in one of these years:
1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, and 1998.
Greet everyone at Xro Network!
Link to forums
Wanna win a free 32GB iPod Touch?
You can win one of 10 iPod Touch units to be given away by Zynga Poker on Facebook! Just join their "SHOOTOUT" tournaments and win the third round to gain a raffle entry. We'll be trying to get this, that's for sure.
See you at the tables!
Give it a shot here: Zynga Poker
Discuss this post here: Xro Forums
Movie Review: SE7EN
Do you take the Se7en deadly sins for granted? Do you think it's just there to remind you of how humanity was shaped through fear of sins?
The Se7en deadly sins: Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Pride. Lust.Envy. Wrath. Another one of Fincher's great basis for a brilliant psychological movie.
William Somerset carried out by the very talented Morgan Freeman, has lived in this forgotten city for most of his life. The time for his retirement almost near, so he is joined by a young, sharp and strong hearted David Mills, played out by Brad Pitt.
It starts with what seems to be a motiveless murder. In a small apartment an obese man is decaying, face flat in a plate of pasta. Possibly force-fed with spaghetti until he passed out. His body covered by bloated veins, apparently from the tied ropes to keep him on his seat. Soon after, Somerset finds GLUTTONY written in the grease behind the victim's fridge.
Just one of the scenes that's pretty messed up in this movie. You will be shocked as to how the other sins are metaphorically represented by the killer. The graphic nature of the scenes alone will lead you into thinking of how our generation is different.
Story: 7/10
So-so story. It would've been probably better if this was filled with the emotional drama. But, not as much. Still, pretty good though.
Plot: 8/10
The connections between the events are awesome! The scenes without a doubt, build up the intensity.
Character: 9/10
Brad Pitt plays a kind of simple minded guy in this one. Not the kind of role we usually see him in his movies. And Morgan Freeman is as always, smart and very distinguished.
Cinematography: 6/10
The lighting could have been better. But it still managed to capture each intensity of the scenes. It maybe because the movie is morbid. Its a morbid film anyway. Go for more detail!
Overall Rating: 30/40
This is a great movie specially when you're in to the morbid part of psychology. If ever there is one. The basis for this movie is one of a kind. Just watch and see what the Se7en sins look like. :D
Got reactions? Discuss it here
Pregnant woman survives skydiving accident... Baby survives too!
Shayna West tells her story in Larry King Live:
She was 2 months pregnant when this happened. Luckily both of them survived and the child was normal.
Discuss this post at the Forums.
She was 2 months pregnant when this happened. Luckily both of them survived and the child was normal.
Discuss this post at the Forums.
Game Review: Warstorm
If you like card games, this is a game worth trying. Warstorm is a new online card game where you battle other people with squads that you setup. It's like playing with different decks depending on your strategy.
Setting/Story: 5/10
The game has 5 different factions: Human, Orc, Elf, Demon, and Undead. There are campaigns where you battle these factions using your squads which consists of those same factions. It doesn't really have a story though.
System: 7/10
It's basically turn based. You get to draw a card each turn. Your cards would depend on what cards you have on your squad. Each squad is composed of 7 cards including 1 leader. The type of cards you can bring would depend on what type of cards the leader would require. Everything will be automatic during the fight though.
Leader Card
Units - Number of units required
Artifacts - Number of artifacts required
Spells - Number of spells required
Health - Health points of the card
Attack - Attack points of the card
Ready - Number of turns before card is put in to play
Skill - Special abilities/skills of the card
Battle
Gameplay: 7/10
I personally like turn based card games. It requires strategy to play a game like this. Your strategy on this game would be how you build your squad depending on your choice of cards. Considering their ready time, attack power, health, and skills. You'd also have to consider the type of leader you would use. If you would want to have artifacts or spells, or just fill your squad with fighting units.
You can get different cards by buying from the shop, doing campaigns, or getting achievements. Buying from the shop would require silver or coins. Silver can be earned from achievements, battles, and campaigns. You can also earn from the daily login bonus which you can increase by inviting other friends to play or finishing campaigns.
You draw your cards out by random so there'd be a luck factor despite your strategy.
Graphics: 6/10
For a simple game, it has decent animations and the card drawings are nice.
Battlegrounds
Squads
Defense
Replay Value: 8/10
The game doesn't have a story. It's more of a dueling game. You fight other players and gain silver and experience. You do daily missions and gain silver and experience. You level up and get rewarded. Then buy new cards with your money and enhance your squads.
Overall Rating: 33/50
The game is nice and simple. Doesn't really take a lot of effort to play it. All you need to do is click a few buttons and watch the battle.
Discussions at the Forums.
Here's a link to the Facebook application.
Hidden Hot Water Prank
It's a bit predictable. But hey, it's really funny. :D
See what other people think about this at the Forums.
Game Review: Granado Espada
Granado Espada is a massive multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) developed by IMC Games Co., Ltd. It is the first MMORPG to have the multi-character control (MCC) system. It was first released in Korea, then later expanded into several regions such as North America (known as Sword of the New World), South East Asia (Singapore or sGE), Japan (jGE) and a few others.
Setting/Story: 9/10
The world of Granado Espada takes place in the "New World", named after its discoverer Ferruccio Espada, an explorer from the land of Oporuto. Set at the Renaissance period, Granado Espada is under the control of the queen of Vespanola. Vespanola is the most powerful country in the "Old World", where they have recently had a three-year-war with their mortal enemies from the country of Brestia.
System: 7/10
Multi-character Control (MCC) system - Instead of the traditional way of playing with one character at a time, this game lets you play up to 3 characters at a time. You can control them as one whole team or control each character separately.
Barracks System - The barracks is where you can create and select your characters. You can change your team lineup here. You can only include up to three members in your team.
Market Manager - The market manager is like the auction house (in some games). You can buy/sell items here to other players. It's very convenient to the players because you can just put up your items in the market and level up your characters, instead of standing in one spot selling your stuff.
The market also has a sorting system where you can search/sort the items in the market from general to specific.
Characters - Basically you have 5 character types: The Fighter, Musketeer, Scout, Wizard, and Elementalist (Warlock in some versions). And then you have the RNPCs or the Recruitable NPCs (I'm not sure why they call it that because NPC stands for non-playable characters). To put it shortly, RNPCs are NPCs you may encounter all over the world (usually in the towns) that give you their character card (via quests) which you can later use to create that NPC in your barracks. These characters have unique stances and abilities.
Setting/Story: 9/10
The world of Granado Espada takes place in the "New World", named after its discoverer Ferruccio Espada, an explorer from the land of Oporuto. Set at the Renaissance period, Granado Espada is under the control of the queen of Vespanola. Vespanola is the most powerful country in the "Old World", where they have recently had a three-year-war with their mortal enemies from the country of Brestia.
System: 7/10
Multi-character Control (MCC) system - Instead of the traditional way of playing with one character at a time, this game lets you play up to 3 characters at a time. You can control them as one whole team or control each character separately.
Barracks System - The barracks is where you can create and select your characters. You can change your team lineup here. You can only include up to three members in your team.
Market Manager - The market manager is like the auction house (in some games). You can buy/sell items here to other players. It's very convenient to the players because you can just put up your items in the market and level up your characters, instead of standing in one spot selling your stuff.
The market also has a sorting system where you can search/sort the items in the market from general to specific.
Characters - Basically you have 5 character types: The Fighter, Musketeer, Scout, Wizard, and Elementalist (Warlock in some versions). And then you have the RNPCs or the Recruitable NPCs (I'm not sure why they call it that because NPC stands for non-playable characters). To put it shortly, RNPCs are NPCs you may encounter all over the world (usually in the towns) that give you their character card (via quests) which you can later use to create that NPC in your barracks. These characters have unique stances and abilities.
RNPCs: Grace Bernelli, Romina, Angie McKenzieStance System - Each character has stances which have different skills and attributes. The stance depends on the weapon equipped.
Equipment and AR/DR system - As your team grows in the game, you're gonna need equipment. You can change equipments every 4 levels. But this doesn't really apply nowadays since the introduction of the so called "Pioneer Equipment" which are powerful enough equipments that would last you 20 levels (Levels: 1,20,40,60,80,100).
Talking about equipment, Granado Espada has an AR/DR (Attack Rating/Defense Rating) system which plays a big role in the fighting system. As your level grows, your AR/DR increases. Your ability to penetrate your enemies will be based on your amount of AR and his/her amount of DR (vice versa). To put it simply, there are damage penalties, depending on the difference between your enemy's DR and your AR. This also applies in PvE. Aside from the character and equipment level, AR/DR is also increased by the equipment's stats and upgrade level, certain buffs and special usable items that give temporary AR/DR bonuses.
Talking about equipment, Granado Espada has an AR/DR (Attack Rating/Defense Rating) system which plays a big role in the fighting system. As your level grows, your AR/DR increases. Your ability to penetrate your enemies will be based on your amount of AR and his/her amount of DR (vice versa). To put it simply, there are damage penalties, depending on the difference between your enemy's DR and your AR. This also applies in PvE. Aside from the character and equipment level, AR/DR is also increased by the equipment's stats and upgrade level, certain buffs and special usable items that give temporary AR/DR bonuses.
Gameplay: 10/10
The MCC and Stance system takes the game to a whole new level. New strategies and approaches both in PvP and PvE because you're not only gonna control one character but three! No need for a squad (party) since your characters can support each other. Also if you get tired of grinding, you can just stand in one spot on the map and hit [SPACEBAR] to activate Keep Mode (your characters automatically normal attacks any mobs that are in range, in the case of the scout, it automatically heals your characters when damaged). Talk about levelling while AFK!
PvE - The grinding's isn't too bad. It doesn't really get boring since you get to use 3 characters. You can use all sorts of skill combinations to wipe out mobs. In terms of boss hunting and raids, you just have to control them individually (say put the fighter in the front line for tank, while you got a musketeer and scout at the back, shooting and healing respectively). Being in a squad is recommended for raids since the raid boss' stats are impossible.
PvP - Again, MCC takes this to a whole new level. Your strategies would depend on your lineup and of course your enemy's lineup. Being able to control your 3 characters individually is a key skill in PvP.
There is also a duel system where you can invite another player on the spot to fight 1 on 1.
In PK servers, players can PK other players, which will put them in "baron mode "Basically you cannot talk to NPCs when in baron mode as you are considered a criminal. Also there's a chance to drop items from your inventory and even your equipped items when killed in baron mode.
Graphics: 10/10
GE's graphics is really amazing! You could see every inch of detail from the environment to the character details. Not to mention the mind blowing special effects from the skills.
High detail environment..
High detail special effects..
High detail characters and costumes.. Dress to impress!
Replay Value: 8/10
Most of the time you'd be spending your time levelling your characters, doing quests and joining raids and the colony war. So it doesn't really get boring. There's something to look forward to everyday. It's just the long grind that takes away all your time.
Overall Rating: 44/50
This is one of the MMORPGs that are worth playing. It's worth the (leisure) time. The MCC system is definitely something to try. Also the RNPCs make it interesting since you don't have to stick to the stock characters.
Granado Espada (Singapore/SEA) site: http://ge.iahgames.com/
Download the game here.
Discuss this post on the forums: Forum Link
PvE - The grinding's isn't too bad. It doesn't really get boring since you get to use 3 characters. You can use all sorts of skill combinations to wipe out mobs. In terms of boss hunting and raids, you just have to control them individually (say put the fighter in the front line for tank, while you got a musketeer and scout at the back, shooting and healing respectively). Being in a squad is recommended for raids since the raid boss' stats are impossible.
PvP - Again, MCC takes this to a whole new level. Your strategies would depend on your lineup and of course your enemy's lineup. Being able to control your 3 characters individually is a key skill in PvP.
There is also a duel system where you can invite another player on the spot to fight 1 on 1.
In PK servers, players can PK other players, which will put them in "baron mode "Basically you cannot talk to NPCs when in baron mode as you are considered a criminal. Also there's a chance to drop items from your inventory and even your equipped items when killed in baron mode.
Graphics: 10/10
GE's graphics is really amazing! You could see every inch of detail from the environment to the character details. Not to mention the mind blowing special effects from the skills.
High detail environment..
High detail special effects..
High detail characters and costumes.. Dress to impress!Replay Value: 8/10
Most of the time you'd be spending your time levelling your characters, doing quests and joining raids and the colony war. So it doesn't really get boring. There's something to look forward to everyday. It's just the long grind that takes away all your time.
Overall Rating: 44/50
This is one of the MMORPGs that are worth playing. It's worth the (leisure) time. The MCC system is definitely something to try. Also the RNPCs make it interesting since you don't have to stick to the stock characters.
Granado Espada (Singapore/SEA) site: http://ge.iahgames.com/
Download the game here.
Discuss this post on the forums: Forum Link
Sniper Prank
Be sure to look at his face when the shooting starts. :D
See what other people think about this in the Forums
See what other people think about this in the Forums
Movie Review: The Game
You have been invited to play THE GAME.
On his 48th birthday, Nicholas Van Orton, played by Michael Douglas, celebrates it in the way we normally wouldn’t consider fun. As the kind of man who only thinks about work and his business schedule. A glass of wine all by his lonesome while watching how the stocks go up and down is all he considers entertainment. After all, he IS a billionaire. What else could he possibly need besides wine and television? Until his brother, Conrad, played by Sean Penn, gives him his birthday present.
A simple card from a company called the CRS. Consumer Recreation Services. Sounds pretty broad don’t it? This company provides the game. They provide, whatever is lacking.
Nick gives this game a chance. It’s just a game anyway. How hard could it be?
The game in “The Game” is a series of events, specifically made to challenge the player. Experience is what the game provides. We see the game through Nick’s eyes. At first it seems like the game is fun, and at least, as first impressions would show, it doesn’t make Nick’s life a routine. Also, wondering what might happen next. As Nick progresses through the game, so does the audience. Looking out for the unexpected in this psychological thriller.
Story: 8/10
Good solid story. The flow of everything just leads up to more mystery.
Just around the last parts of the movie.. I thought it was a majorly almost impossible event. But what the hell. It was a good catch! XD
Plot: 10/10
Dynamite twists in the movie. I mean, you never expected that could happen and this is that and it just keeps you at the edge.
Character: 10/10
Nobody, and I MEAN NOBODY! Plays a sophisticated rich asshole like Michael Douglas. He plays it with such class.
And Sean Penn really played his part well. Won't tell which part. Don't wanna spoil you guys.
Cinematography: 8/10
I'm not a director, but I liked how, at some parts of it, the scenes are dark. It keeps the mysterious element in it. You never know what might be lurking in the dark corners.
Overall rating: 36/40
It's a great psychological thriller that really grips the viewer into wondering what could possibly happen next. It keeps you in the moment of the mystery, of what might unfold. It keeps you.. In THE GAME.
Discuss this at the forums.
On his 48th birthday, Nicholas Van Orton, played by Michael Douglas, celebrates it in the way we normally wouldn’t consider fun. As the kind of man who only thinks about work and his business schedule. A glass of wine all by his lonesome while watching how the stocks go up and down is all he considers entertainment. After all, he IS a billionaire. What else could he possibly need besides wine and television? Until his brother, Conrad, played by Sean Penn, gives him his birthday present.
A simple card from a company called the CRS. Consumer Recreation Services. Sounds pretty broad don’t it? This company provides the game. They provide, whatever is lacking.
Nick gives this game a chance. It’s just a game anyway. How hard could it be?
The game in “The Game” is a series of events, specifically made to challenge the player. Experience is what the game provides. We see the game through Nick’s eyes. At first it seems like the game is fun, and at least, as first impressions would show, it doesn’t make Nick’s life a routine. Also, wondering what might happen next. As Nick progresses through the game, so does the audience. Looking out for the unexpected in this psychological thriller.
Story: 8/10
Good solid story. The flow of everything just leads up to more mystery.
Just around the last parts of the movie.. I thought it was a majorly almost impossible event. But what the hell. It was a good catch! XD
Plot: 10/10
Dynamite twists in the movie. I mean, you never expected that could happen and this is that and it just keeps you at the edge.
Character: 10/10
Nobody, and I MEAN NOBODY! Plays a sophisticated rich asshole like Michael Douglas. He plays it with such class.
And Sean Penn really played his part well. Won't tell which part. Don't wanna spoil you guys.
Cinematography: 8/10
I'm not a director, but I liked how, at some parts of it, the scenes are dark. It keeps the mysterious element in it. You never know what might be lurking in the dark corners.
Overall rating: 36/40
It's a great psychological thriller that really grips the viewer into wondering what could possibly happen next. It keeps you in the moment of the mystery, of what might unfold. It keeps you.. In THE GAME.
Discuss this at the forums.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery on Self
Here's a Filipino doctor doing carpal tunnel surgery on himself.
What's Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, anyway?
"Any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the median nerve in this manner causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers."
This is a common injury for computer users, by the way.
Source
Discuss this post at the Forums.
What's Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, anyway?
"Any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the median nerve in this manner causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers."
This is a common injury for computer users, by the way.
Source
Discuss this post at the Forums.
New Movies
Time for your weekly dose of movie titles:
The Lovely Bones
Extraordinary Measures
From Paris With Love
Dear John
Tooth Fairy
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
[details]
[details]
The Lovely Bones
[details]
Extraordinary Measures
[details]
From Paris With Love
[details]
Dear John
[details]
Tooth Fairy
[details]
When In Rome
[details]
[details]
Supernova could wipe out Earth?
Here's throwing a bone for all the doomsday/2012 enthusiasts out there.
Astronomers from the Villanova University in Philadelphia conducted a study that showed the star T Pyxidis is closer to Earth than earlier speculated.
T Pyxidis
The said star is said to become a supernova very soon, which is an explosion with the force of '20 billion billion billion megatons of TNT.' An explosion this powerful and this close would strip away the Earth's ozone layer, our only protection against deadly space radiation.
T Pyxidis has an apparent magnitude of 15.5 (a measure of a star's brightness. The lower the number, the brighter the star), but there occurred eruptions with maximal apparent magnitude of about 7.0 in the years 1890, 1902, 1920, 1944 and 1966. Despite these explosions, it seems that the star is only growing, and is about to reach the Chandresekhar limit. When this limit is reached, the star would collapse and turn into a supernova.
The American Astrological Society believes that the next explosion is overdue, which occurs every 20-25 years. The next explosion was expected to occur as early as 2007, or as late as 2012.
"The star may certainly become a supernova soon," said vice-president of the UK's Society for Popular Astronomy Robin Scagell.
"But soon could be a long way off, so don't have nightmares."
Don't panic yet, though. Prof. Alex Fillipenko contends that the calculations for the damage caused could be off, because the current computations used data for a gamma-ray burst (GRB), which isn't expected to be produced by T Pyxidis. Another expert stated that "A supernova would have to be 10 times closer [to Earth] to do the damage described."
Dr. Edward M. Sion, when contacted by Scientific American, stated "At the accretion rate we derived, the white dwarf in T Pyxidis will reach the Chandrasekhar Limit in ten million years."
Thoughts? Discuss them on the Forums.
Astronomers from the Villanova University in Philadelphia conducted a study that showed the star T Pyxidis is closer to Earth than earlier speculated.
T Pyxidis
The said star is said to become a supernova very soon, which is an explosion with the force of '20 billion billion billion megatons of TNT.' An explosion this powerful and this close would strip away the Earth's ozone layer, our only protection against deadly space radiation.
T Pyxidis has an apparent magnitude of 15.5 (a measure of a star's brightness. The lower the number, the brighter the star), but there occurred eruptions with maximal apparent magnitude of about 7.0 in the years 1890, 1902, 1920, 1944 and 1966. Despite these explosions, it seems that the star is only growing, and is about to reach the Chandresekhar limit. When this limit is reached, the star would collapse and turn into a supernova.
The American Astrological Society believes that the next explosion is overdue, which occurs every 20-25 years. The next explosion was expected to occur as early as 2007, or as late as 2012.
"The star may certainly become a supernova soon," said vice-president of the UK's Society for Popular Astronomy Robin Scagell.
"But soon could be a long way off, so don't have nightmares."
Don't panic yet, though. Prof. Alex Fillipenko contends that the calculations for the damage caused could be off, because the current computations used data for a gamma-ray burst (GRB), which isn't expected to be produced by T Pyxidis. Another expert stated that "A supernova would have to be 10 times closer [to Earth] to do the damage described."
Dr. Edward M. Sion, when contacted by Scientific American, stated "At the accretion rate we derived, the white dwarf in T Pyxidis will reach the Chandrasekhar Limit in ten million years."
Thoughts? Discuss them on the Forums.
