Your Duplicity Is Hardly Surprising

Wednesday! Now this is the time of the week where I am putting the list together about something which really has something to do with the here and now. This is kind of like that. You see a lot of you play WoW and WoW with the launch of the newest patch is bringing us closer to the expansion and with the expansion we are getting a look at characters who are not only dead, but some who have been lost to history. This gave me an idea on what other characters not ones that I would bring back because of some weird time travel stuff. Otherwise  I am pretty sure all of you would know I would say Cairne. If they are coming back from the dead it is because a reason exists that it could happen. So here we go top 5 long lost or dead characters to come back in WoW.

5. Mal'Ganis

So he randomly came back in Icecrown and vowed revenge against the Lich King. Then we went into Icecrown Citadel and then never saw anything to do with him. This is really one of the left open plot points which bothers me quite a bit.

4. Medivh

So we came in contact with the resurrected Medvih during the Warcraft III days and he helped us save the world from Archie. Now what is he up to? Well I would like to know.

3. Turalyon

He has been missing forever. Assumed dead, but I do have a feeling he may have ended up on Argus some how. I guess time will only tell if we actually head there at some time or another to see.

2. Tichondrius

So all these other Nathrezim are coming back to life some believe because they are demons others believe because Nathrezim don't really die. No one knows. So why is the one who is supposed to be the biggest and the strongest nowhere to be seen?

1. Illidan Stormrage

If he is a Demon and was just banished to the twisting Nether then I don't see why we wouldn't get another chance for Illidan to come back. He really has always had the best intentions just the way he went about them was just not the best way.

There you have it. List all put together for the week. Have any others you think should have a chance? Let me know. I for one know there are countless more which could have made an appearance.

You Fail At Content Patches If...

Fail Day! Here we are on yet another Tuesday thinking about how others fail. Most of the time the failures I discuss are how gamers are the ones failing. There are times though developers fail. Sure there are countless hours games run smoothly after patches, but those are not the times everyone remembers. We remember the times when everything went wrong, and this is how we are failing this week.

You Fail At Content Patches If...

• You sell them as a DLC
• It really isn't a content patch it is just a bunch of bug fixes
• You avoided the whole testing part
• They go live on a Friday
• You will be loading hotfixes in for weeks
• Your content patch needs a patch
• It broke everything
• You never release content patches
• Your patch notes are the length of a G.R.R.M. novel
• Your patch notes errors cause community uproars
• You are EA
• You patch 90% of the game on release day
• You release an update on when there will be an update
• You thought the last one is a great idea
• You nerf everything just so you can buff it how it was for the next patch
• You believe players really won't care about extended maintenance

and finally

• You really don't know what the patch actually did

There you have it this week's edition of fail. Enjoy your Tuesday and hopefully any patches rolled out today for the games you play go smoothly.

The Grind Halloween Special

Happy Monday! Now instead of going on my normal Monday rampage stuff figured I would get right to the point. Now every Monday I do showcase a video of some sorts. People are always recommending a wide variety of them. Some of them I have shown before and some of them I have not. What I have been asked the last few days though is "Are there any good Halloween Machinima?" well there are a few, and I thought why not show one of them here today. It is an older machinima but still a good one by Obvious Films. So enjoy!


Now all there is to do is wait for Halloween!

Ask Gauss

Well if you haven't already figured it out, Sunday is upon us. The weekend is coming to an end and there are just a few things left to do before it is allowed to end. In my case it is answering some questions for all of you, for all of you it would be reading the answers to the questions I am answering. So why don't we get right to do.

Besides Azshara what other plot points would you like Blizzard to take care of?

Turalyon and Alleria. Turalyon was one of my favorite Warcraft character back in the day, so I'd be happy about his return on that alone. But they also bring with them a certain legacy that's been missing. Does the Alliance have any major Paladin characters anymore? Turalyon would be the perfect way to bring back the symbol of Uther and Arthas and Bolvar the Alliance once had as one of their iconic pillars. Maybe he could even reform the Order of the Silver Hand as an Alliance organization separate from the Argent Crusade. Turalyon and Alleria would also be a good way to give the Alliance characters who are uneasy with the Horde due to their last known interaction with them, but decent enough people to remain within character for the faction about it.

Does it bother you that Shadow of Mordor plays like an Assasin's Creed game?

I wouldn't say it plays like an Assassin's Creed game. I know there are similar elements and I use tactics I often put to use in Assassin's Creed. I would say the game itself is much more complicated then an AC game. The story is also quite different then any game and really is a Middle-Earth type game in that regard. Every game is going to have comparissions, but being compared to a franchise that I am never disappointed in I don't think should be an issue for the Shadow of Mordor team. As I have said before I am beyond happy with how the game plays and I have had tons of fun playing it, and I know I will continue to do so.

If Legacy of the Void is revealed at Blizzcon how long do you think till it comes out?

Soon.

There they are as always thanks to everyone who sent something in. Always happy to answer questions or talk about whatever if it is on here or not. Enjoy what remains of your weekend.

What Are We If Not Slaves To This Torment

Friday. Yes it is almost the weekend. Weekend means we can forget about imortant things for a couple days and sit back and do a whole lot of nothing. Before that though we have Friday the day we think about the whole lot of nothing we are going to be doing on the weekend and read this week's Reader Post. This week I have a post from Jokubas who with the release of the patches patch in WoW has some thoughts on what Blizzard should deal with next plot wise.

Ever since the Wrath Gate, trouble has been brewing with the Forsaken. For years Blizzard has been saying that Sylvanas has been following the path of the Lich King. And yet, even Garrosh, who hated Sylvanas perhaps more than he hated everyone else, ultimately let her do whatever she wanted. But it's really coming to a head. Blizzard said a reckoning is coming, at BlizzCon, and the end of Siege of Orgrimmar wasn't very subtle about how Sylvanas felt about the Horde.

I'm really feeling like it's not just a loose end this time, and something Blizzard has plans for (regardless of how far out they are). What I hope to see from it, though, is a new age for the Forsaken. In Frozen Throne, they were introduced as such a unique concept. Mindless undead... who were given their minds back. They were normal, albeit traumatized, people that happened to inhabit decaying bodies. By all accounts, they should have restored Lordaeron on their own. Instead, from day one Blizzard started writing them like cackling mad scientists not so different from the Scourge that they were supposed to have broken away from. I want to see the Forsaken plot culminate in a new age for them, where they're finally shown to be who they were supposed to be all along: the restored citizens of Lordaeron. I want to see an awesome, artistic dissonance between the gleaming spires of their capital, and the decaying, cursed citizens who inhabit it. I want to see a complex society attempting to recover from a horrific tragedy and struggling with a dark shadow that will always be with them, not the one-dimensional haters of all things living we have right now that, by Blizzard's own admission, are following in the Scourge's footsteps.

The way I'd expect to see that happen is after the resolution of a schism within the Forsaken brought about by the conflict. Some might call it a retread of the Darkspear Rebellion, but the Forsaken have been needing it much longer.

Now I do thing this plot thread interesting as I am a big fan of the Sylvanas story, but for me Azshara really is what I have been asking for for years. With that enjoy your weekend!

Gaming Is Fun

So I was asked the other day why it is I enjoy gaming so much. This seems like such a simple answer "because it is fun", but when I got to think there really is more to it. Gaming is, fun, of course. The major point though is why it is fun.

Fun is different to many other people and that doesn't change gaming wise. Some people into a story which is well put together, which is brought together to the player in such a way that you feel that your really were a part of it. Fun to others is being able to be better than others. To rise to the top and show that you really have some skills to showcase. Fun can also be a time to relax and step away whatever else is going on in your life, and just be somewhere else. And fun can really just be spending time with others doing something together.

When you explain it like that I seem to find others understand more gamer or not exactly what you are referring to. You don't have to be the best or even that good at a game to have fun with it. Anyone can have fun in their own way. That very well could be struggling over and over and then overcoming something you never thought you could. All of my Three Score friends know this feeling. The bosses who took, what seemed like, forever to take and the cheers which erupted when they fell.

Gaming really can be now anything you want it to be. I really think that is why more and more people are embracing it. Gamers aren't just basement dwellers starved for sunlight. They are almost everyone you know. So really when I was asked why I enjoy gaming so much I really thought they should have been able to answer the question themselves.

It is fun, but your fun or my fun is different then what everyone else's is.

There Is No Book, Or Teacher To Give The Answer

Middle of the week seems to get here so much quicker when Monday is a holiday. Think that is true because you really don't pay attention to what day it is until Tuesday. As most of you probably know the pre-expansion patch for Warlords of Draenor went live yesterday. For those of you who have had a chance to try it out hope you are enjoying your time with it. With the patches release though I started to think what expansions or DLCs have been the best? Normally when I have these thoughts I make a list, which is exactly what I am going to do. So here goes.

5. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls

With all the hate that came about because of Diablo III if you agree with it or not one has to recognize that Reaper of Souls should be on this list. It has given the game new life not only with a well done story where you feel you play a integral part, but it is not forced. You get answers to your questions. Also beyond the story the game is just fun to play regardless of playstyle.

4. Civilization V: Brave New World

Civilization expansions are always something special. This one though made you actually consider different strategies when playing the game. It offered a change from the normal, which for a long running game can be a mistake, but this went over very well in my books.

3. World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King 

As always with my lists I try to only have a game on here twice even if it seems to apply in multiple cases. So I seriously thought about which expansion of World of Warcraft was the best. Thus far I must say overall with everything it brought Wrath was it. You felt involved and your part to the story matter. Along with all of the new features brought to the game I really don`t see how one could argue against it.

2. Starcraft: Brood War

It was extremely hard for me not to put this at number 1. This game brought in my eyes one of the greatest villians into the forefront. This game made the Queen of Blades someone never to be forgotten. The game brought inovation to the RTS scene and was played competitively just up until a couple years ago. The game will forever be known as iconic in my eyes and the gaming world as a whole.

1. Assassin's Creed II: Bonfire of Vanities

Bonfire of Vanities was nothing short of spectacular. It not only let us spend more time with one of our favourite characters of all time, but in my eyes is the reason Brotherhood, and Revelations became games in the first place. Every step you want more and at the end you are left with the greatest speech ever in gaming.

There you have it. Think something should be here which is not well let me know one way or another.

You Fail At Being Ready For The Pre-WoD Patch If...

Happy Fail Day and Patch Day as well! Normally those go hand in hand and I suspect this will be no different. There should be plenty of things people will have no idea about along with many things people believe they will know everything about, or then those people looking around trying to follow the flow of people. With that in mind let's get this started.

You Fail At Being Ready For The Pre-WoD Patch If...

• You have no idea what I am talking about
• You are excited about building your garrison
• You are wondering if all your addons will still work
• Your computer could barely run the game before
• You are curious why the dark portal is now red
• You are asking questions Vol'jin as Warchief
• You don't like the new character models
• You are not ready for the stat squish
• You are wondering why everyone is heading to Blackrock Mountain
• You can't wait to say hello to Thrall's father
• You are adamant about this patch not coming out till Nov 13th
• You are worried about your raiding schedule
• You think your raiding schedule matters

and finally

• You didn't start your download before today

There it is this week's edition of fail. Happy Patch Day!

Dr. Shampoo Vs Mr. Green

First off to everyone non Canadian and alike Happy Thanksgiving. I assume like many if not all of you have a lot to be thankful for. I won't bore all of you with those in depth details, but will thank all of you here reading this today for being here today reading this. Right this blog for fun and I have a hope that some of you out there enjoy reading it as much as I do in writing it. With that in mind and it being Monday here is a ROFLBear episode from a few years ago I think is great for the theme of the day. Thank you once again to Myndflame for this amazing series



I know ROFLBear still wins even now

Ask Gauss

Here we are on Sunday and getting ready for my second of third Thanksgiving meals. Turkey comma may set in tonight, but only time will tell I guess. Before that does happen I figured I would fulfill my Sunday obligation and answer some questions.

So pre-Warlords Patch this Tuesday, will we see you on?

Yes! I will probably resub Tuesday and take part in all the happy fun times. If you see me online as always drop me a line. Will be on Llane as always come say hello, and if I don't answer you know the drill keep it up until you get through. I am actually really looking forward to everything for the first time in awhile this is an expansion I am really excited for game and lore wise. Should be lots of fun ahead and this is just pre-expansion stuff.

Who is the nest Hero you want to see in Heroes of the Storm?

I would love to see some more Starcraft and Diablo heroes in the game. If I had to pick one I would go will Fenix to make an appearance. I also would not care if it was in regular combat or dragoon form. The character himself is a fan favourite of the older fanbase of the universe and really would give the newer audience something to get them into the past of the franchise. There is, of course, countless heroes I would love to see be apart of the game and I am sure eventually they will all make there way in this is just one I am hoping makes it way in sooner rather than later.

What is Ner'Zul up to in WoD?

Having tea in a hut somewhere I suppose

There you have questions all answered for the week. For those who sent something in and didn't get it answered as always I will get to it, and I thank you for your patience. Enjoy what is left of your weekend if it is a long one or not for you.

My Life For Aiur?

Here we are on a Friday of a long weekend. Well if you are Canadian that is we have Thanksgiving this coming Monday. The true date for Thanksgiving not that random Thursday they celebrate it to the south. Regardless of that or not as each day passes we are getting closer and closer to Blizzcon. Now something which I am looking forward to at Blizzcon is if we are going to get some information on Legacy of the Void. Sure the multiplayer as we know will be all good and seriously competitive, but just as much I am looking forward to knowing how the story is going to end. With that in mind this brings us to this week's Reader Post submitted by Gradius who came up with 10 reasons why the Protoss should not be trying to take back their Homeworld of Aiur.

1) Artanis states in the DT saga that they don't have the numbers to take Aiur. They could probably do it, but it would weaken them too much. And they have other things to worry about during the Second Great War.

2) The hybrids are coming en-masse, and this arc will reach its pinnacle in LoTV. Therefore, it would be a blunder to waste all your resources on retaking a planet that nobody cares about anymore. If the protoss know about hybrids, then initiating this plan would be a mistake.

3) Queens now control some of the forces on Aiur (and Kerrigan by extension), so it's not like they are just going to roll over and die. The protoss did not actually know this until Cold Symmetry, so they now have even less impetus to take it than when Artanis said they're not going to in the DT saga.

4) Forget about Aiur, they had to call off the attack on Saalok, Aiur's moon in Cold Symmetry. How about we retake the moon in LoTV, and leave Aiur itself for SC3?

5) Aiur poses absolutely no strategic value to the protoss. There is nothing on this planet that makes it superior to one not riddled with 5 billion zerg. Why retake it? There is no point besides emotional sentiment.

6) The protoss have already relocated their entire civilization. This is a big deal. They're not going to do it again for no reason. They are on Shakuras and they are there to stay, at least until peacetime. You do not transfer your empire to a new planet for nostalgic reasons. You just don't.

7) Switching homeworlds again is only going to confuse people. Ever watched a SC2 match where the commentators remark how that guy just warped in from Aiur? And then his co-caster says "actually, they're now coming from Shakuras." Wrong again! They're back on Aiur now! :D

From a writing perspective, leaving the protoss on Shakuras is the right call, as they will no longer be hampered by their past, and are free to grow in whatever direction the writers choose.

8) Retaking Aiur would waste valuable and precious protoss lives, a rare commodity these days. And all for nostalgic reasons. The protoss are supposed to be an intelligent race. This means that they learn from their mistakes, not keep repeating them.

9) "They're dealing with internal strife". Clearly no time to retake Aiur.

10) Of course, it's different if Kerrigan just decides to remove the zerg from Aiur, but such an action would rob the protoss of their rightful revenge and would serve to reinforce how weak they are, that they can't retake Aiur by themselves, and have to be granted favors by Kerrigan. At least IMO.

To sum it up, the protoss have been rebuilding for 4 years because their civilization was nearly wiped out in Brood War. They have been rebuilding to survive, not waste resources on retaking a planet solely for nostalgic reasons while they are in the middle of the Second Great War.

Now as I agree with these points for the most part what happens if Amon's operations bring them to Aiur and that some how the retaking of it happens at the same time? As always thanks to everyone for their submissions, and enjoy your weekend!

Unity Story Trailer

So the other day I came across this gem of a trailer



Now that I assume you have watched it. What did you think? Now the Assassin's Creed stories have always been well put together. At least the stories from the past. If you like the characters or not(I am looking at all those Conner haters out there) the always progress in a way where the are learning something to achieve the greater good. This, of course, is dependent on the time period of the setting. As someone who is interested in history more than most is probably why the games themselves have always sparked interest to me. When I learn or talk about history I always wonder what it would have like to have been there or seen that and wonder exactly how those around me acted. Sure you can read history books and you get some form of an explanation, but Assassin's Creed at least at the moment gives you one of the best ways to actually see it.

Now I know what many of you are saying out loud or thinking, it isn't real or it at least cannot be proven to be fact. This is true, but that doesn't mean the time and effort which go into making the environments and the history itself match up to real events. To someone like me I very much appreciate the effort put into such things.

This again brings me to this trailer. The French Revolution has always been a part of history which has always been most interesting to me. The people were pushed to the brink and fought no matter the cost to get what they believed they deserved and because they were forced to extremes they acted in such a way which seems crazy and beyond extreme itself. So when I first heard they were doing the French Revolution I was pumped up more than you can imagine. Every trailer makes me think makes me hope of the things we will get to see while playing, and so far I have not been disappointed.

That Was An 11.1842

Happy Wednesday and Happy start to the NHL season. Don't watch hockey you say? Then what is wrong with you? And that just isn't my Canadian self speaking. I hadthis in mind when I came up with the topic for this week's list. Sports games are still some of the best games to play with others. More fun when in the same room then online, but still they are some of the best. They are about showing up your opponent in every way you possibly can just so you can throw it in their face at a later date. I know it really is something. So here you have it my top 5 favourite sports games.

5. WWF Attitude

Now some probably won't even consider this a sports game. Honestly I don't really care if you do or not. I think what this game did had an impact on all sports game which came after. The create wrestler component of this game was exceptional for the time and really expanded on a "meh" features from all other games at the time. This plus being able to go 4 player nuts made this game a great get together game at any time. 

4. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 

I don't think there has ever been a bad Tiger Woods game, but this one in my eyes is the runaway winner as the best of the bunch. The game was channeling and ridiculous at other moments. Not sure I ever had a bad time playing the game.

3. Wii Sports Resort

Who really hasn't played Wii Sports Resort? Whatever game you choose that day is never a bad choice. Not to mention it really is something you can play anywhere with anyone and be fun. Now not really the most fun game alone, but who really plays it alone anyway? 

2. NHL 98

The first NHL to actually try to have player's faces be part of the game. At times it looked silly but it made it feel more real. This game finally had better control over the simple things of the game, which made the skill of actually playing it something which had some importance.

1.  NBA Street Vol.2

If you were ever looking for a channeling, ridiculous, aburb fun game with the craziest person as your commentator this is the game. Now the first game was great but the second took a wining formula and made it even better. I really hate basketball games and this game is beyond amazing and still to this day is stupid fun.

There you have it. This week's list and I am sure there will be loads of arguments about games being left off my list. That though is the best part it is my list.

You Fail At Shadow of Mordor If...

Fail Day, and here we are a week later after the week that was Shadow of Mordor. A game that I have had more fun playing then I expect. A game which I thought I might only be getting because of the Middle Earth name, but has surprised me immensely. With all that in mind there are still plenty of ways to fail so here we go.

You Fail At Shadow of Mordor If...

• You think this game is only a AAA game because of the Middle Earth reference
• You think enemies swarming you makes it unfair
• You don't like the Nemesis system
• You think the riding mechanics are the best part of the game
• You don't enjoy mindless killing of orcs
• Pressing more than one button is too complicated for you
• You can't dodge combo
• You can't counter combo
• You simply just can't combo
• You haven't tried using multiple captains
• You don't enjoy using Shadow Strike
• You don't purposely create a swarm of enemies to see how many you can take on before hand cramps set in
• You think this is some Batman or AC copy game

and finally

• You are playing it on XBOX

There you go there is this week's edition of fail. Hope you enjoyed it as much as you have been enjoying your orc slaying.

MoP In Reverse

Monday. Even if you pretend it is not here it still is. As always Monday's need something for us to feel better about. So why not watch something, which changes a story which was a fall from grace into a nice uplifting story? This is exactly what Slightly Impressive has done. As some of you may know he has done a series of Machinima telling the stories of the expansions so with nothing left really to tell stories about he decided to tell the story of Mists of Pandaria in reverse. Yes, that is correct. So sit back have a smile and maybe you might even laugh a little.




Yes you did just watch that.

Ask Gauss

Sunday... yes your weekend is coming to an end. You can be a sad panda another time for right now you are here to see what questions have been asked of me this week, and exactly how I am going to respond to them. Or maybe you are here randomly and don't know why. If that was the case then you now know exactly what is about to happen. So let's do this

So honestly did you really think Shadow of Mordor would play out this well?

I always had my hopes. I like all of the trailers and I became extremely hyped when I saw the Nemesis system working during E3. Sure the game plays a lot like the Batman games and Assassin's Creed, but why is that a bad thing. Those games are successful and they have built on those ideas and put in something I truly believe will be looked back on in years to come as something special. Do I think the game is one of the best ever? No, but it is extremely fun to play and besides some slight anger issues when mounted I have enjoyed every minute I have played.

Do you thin the Heroes of the Storm shutdown means the game is closer?

Well we do know that when it comes back up on Tuesday there will be new hardware, more people playing and most importantly it will be connected directly to Battle.net. That last one is the most important thing. They are keeping the same process as they were with Hearthstone. The game is getting closer and with a larger pool of players will have more opportunities for testing. Blizzard games though are surprisingly hard to predict so release date is just something we will have to wait for.

Do you plan on playing Rift again when the expansion launches?

Maybe, haven't decided yet will keep you all posted.

There is the questions for the week. Thanks as always to everyone who sent something in if I answered it on here or not. This would not be possible without your contributions. Enjoy what is left of your weekend!

When You Walk Among The Black Forest, You Will See

Happy Friday Everyone! Yes we are at the end of the week and it is just about time to sit back and enjoy some time of relaxation. It is also time for me to go through my emails and see what all ofyou have sent in for this week's Reader Post. As many of you know I am a huge fan of the lore of the Warcraft Universe and am always up for an interesting discussion. This week I bring you some thoughts from Walkindude who has some concerns about the death of Y'Shaarj. So have a read.
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Presumably the Sha's effect on Pandaria is what the Titan's perceived as tainted. But we DO clear Y'Shaarj from Azeroth. Nothing of him remains. So shouldn't it follow that whatever dangers the Titan's feared of his entire eradication should now pose a real threat to us? The Titans intentionally kept his heart "alive" and sealed it in a Vault. There was no resource that the "champions" or major lore characters used to defeat Garrosh and in turn, Y'Shaarj that wasn't immediately available to the Titans themselves.

One can argue that we didn't "kill" C'thun and Yogg Saron; that we simply just returned them to their slumber. But we absolutely removed Y'Shaarj from existence. He is no more. If the Titans kept his essence alive, it is either because (and what we have been lead to believe) destroying an Old God entirely would harm Azeroth or the Titans chose to imprison the Old Gods for reasons we don't understand. Perhaps these reasons aren't benevolent.

I wonder if the Old Gods weren't creations of the Titans much as we learned during the green fire quest that Doom Lords at least, were the Titan's personal magic enforcers before Sargeras' fall. Or perhaps, much like the story of Cronus being the father of Zeus, the Old Gods are the progenitors of the Titans who over threw them much like the Olympians destroyed the Greek Titans.

This is certainly an interesting speculation. While I don't have a direct opinion on how this plays out. I know we will have to deal with "defeating" the Old Gods at some point or another. They seem to be connected to everything so it only makes sense that they will be there till the very end.

Kicking Ass and Tolkien Names

Here I am with a little break from Orc slaying and beheading to give you my non spoiler review of Shadow of Mordor. Now many of you know that I have been excited about this game for some time now. Basically ever since I saw the first trailer for it a few months back. Now this type of game is in my wheel house so keep that in mind when you are listening to what I have to say.

One thing I believe this game will be remembered for is the Nemesis system. The system itself is dynamic. Since the main is already dead you might be thinking that there isn’t much to be lost if Tailon "dies", but although it doesn't make much difference to him it does affect the world you are playing in. Whoever defeats you will invariably get some sort of promotion, and since time passes while you’re resurrecting yourself a sequence of losses can see the hierarchy of the orcish troops change considerably. As your enemies rise in rank their abilities and number of followers increase, and your primary goal of taking out Sauron’s most important commanders becomes more and more complicated. Yes it really is that awesome.

Also orcs won’t just rise in rank depending on how they fare against you but they’ll also remember you when you come back, mocking you if you ran away or showing off battle scars if you've previously provided them with one. In a fight they’ll come right for you casting everyone aside to get to you then those same orcs chant their name as if it suddenly became part of a fight club.

You can also even prepare for a fight ahead of time by torturing those orcs of lower ranks. These snitches will spill everything what kind of weapons they use, whether they’re cowards or what they fear, or exactly what army they command. This information can turn the tide, but rather than just killing your nemesis you can choose to spare them in battle and turn them into allies. You can set their goals like assassinating other key figures or spreading dissent.

The Nemesis system ensures the game is never linear and like I said before this will be what the game is remembered before. Now as always most games aren't perfect and if I had a couple things to complain about it would be that Mordor isn't as big as you would hope and the terrain itself could have some more variability. Also the riding mechanics remind me of an early Assassin's Creed game so they aren't the most fun thing to deal with. I am sure some people will complain all the enemies are Orcs, but really in a Middle Earth game that doesn't bother me at all.

So really I am have tons of fun mindless killing Orcs and having them do my bidding. I figured I would like this game because of the setting, but I am seeing others enjoying the game regardless if they are Tolkien fans or not.33

You Have No Idea What I Am Capable Of

So here were are the first of October and if you are reading this you probably aren't doing what I am doing. That is playing Shadow of Mordor. Now so far I am really enjoying the game and it is living up to its violent and brutal scenes. This then gave me a great idea for this week's list, that being the best violent and brutal scenes in video games. Now part of my stipulations for this is they have to be a part of the game itself which anyone can see. They couldn't be random things you could setup or do yourself to "make" the scene on your own. With that in mine here is my top 5.

5. Killing Edgar Ross - Red Dead Redemption

With no real mission telling you where to go you just instinctively ended up back here to seek out revenge for the death of your father. The game didn't disappoint on one of my favourite moments of vengeance you will ever find in a game.

4. Cutting Off Lee's Arm - The Walking Dead

This scene is so awesome you have trouble watching it. Lee is just bitten and they want to try and stop the infection. You have no choice, but to watch this play out with saw and all.

3.  Ezio Kills Uberto - Assasin's Creed II

Ezio's first kill is by far one of the most memorable and probably least stealthiest Assassinations he ever did. Not that Uberto didn't get what was coming to him with the murder of Ezio's family, but there are definite dem feel moments in this scene.

2. Zack's Last Fight - Crisis Core

This is the moment which leads to the story of one of the greatest games ever made. In addition the creation of one of if not the best protaganists you will ever find in gaming. This moment had a lot to live up to for this entire prequel to be worth it and it did not disappoint.

1. Ellie Kills David - The Last of Us 



So here you are at one of the best cat and mouse games you will ever take part in crawling around a restaurant. David then has you pinned down and he has ever intention of raping her until she grabs the blade and preforms a hack job worthy of any horror movie. Not only was this moment extremely satisfying, but it left you almost exhausted with what could have actually happened in front of you. Scenes like this one is why this game really is one of the best if not the best in games of all time.

There you have it this week's list as always tell me what you think right or wrong.

You Fail At Knowing About Shadow of Mordor If...

Fail Day! Yes here we are and if you are reading this you should probably already know why I am doing Fail Day on Shadow of Mordor. That is unless you live under some sort of rock and don't know that I have been talking about this game for months now waiting for it to be released. So as always is the case when a game is being released and I am looking forward to it let's see how prepared you all are for it.

You Fail At Knowing About Shadow of Mordor If...

• You didn't know it comes out today
• You are unaware of what the ring of power is
• You did not know Mordor was part of Middle Earth
• You are wondering why haven't seen Legolas
• You are not playing it on current Generation
• You are playing it on XBOX
• You are not looking forward to beheading orcs
• You know nothing about the death pact
• You have no idea who Sauron is
• You have no plans to make orcs fight for you
• Mindless killing of orcs doesn't peek your interest
• You are not looking forward to riding random beasts
• You are expecting Hobbits to make an aappearance
• You think this has something to do with the movies

and finally

• You have no plans to play

There it is you took your break now you can get back to playing. At least that's what I will be doing!

Beta Is Beta

So here we are on yet another Monday, which means besides random complaining it is time for me to showcase something for you to start of your week. This week I bring you a Machinima created by Mooclucking called Beta is Beta. Basically if you have ever been in a Beta test of any game you will find this machinima rather enjoyable. It pokes fun at all the those things wihc never make it into a real game unless, of course, it is made by EA. If you have never had the opportuinity to play a game while it is in Beta just think about this video and wonder if you really still want to play a game which is in beta.



So what do you think?

Ask Gauss

Sunday! Yes your weekend is about to end it is time to feel sad about it. I know take a minute I am sure you can continue to read after you do so. With the weekend ending though it reminds us that we are closing in on the days of some of the most anticipated games. So there is that. While we are waiting though we can answer some questions. If you are still not sure of how to send in your questions you can look at the top right of the page or simply email them to gaussafication@gmail.com. So on to this week's questions

Shadow of Mordor are you ready?

I have been looking forward to this game since the trailer game out back in the spring. All I can say is I am ready to chop off some Orc heads and enslave them to do my doing. There are some many things about this game which fasciante me. If you haven't had the chance watch all the trailers and gameplay videos you can. You will just want to want to play this game as much as I do.

What are your thoughts on the TeSPA cardback?

Well I am assuming you are reffering to the fact of how it won't be available to everyone. If you have no idea about this cardback you can check out the information here. Now I love this idea on how it is promoting ESports. This will get people involved and also have some great exposure to those who may play the game, but really are not involved in the community itself. What I don't like is the small number of people it is only available to. This cardback is about promoting ESports so really if any player who cannot join a chapter wanted to contribute to ESports by donating to TeSPA and have it verified by them then really they should be able to gain access to the cardback. This isn't going to happen but I think it would serve the purpose and really give everyone some chance of gaining access to it besides just those attending university in college in the US.

So you may actually finally get access to the Heroes of the Storm after the shutdown.

I can only hope. Along with everyone else who hasn't had a chance.

There you have it this week's questions all answered. Thanks to everyone who sent something in if it was answered on here or not. It would not be possible to to do this without all of your contributions so as always thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Hearthstone On The Resume

Happy Friday everyone! With Fridays there is always something to be happy about isn't there. Probably the most notable being the weekend to follow, but I am sure there are other reasons to be excited. Now I must say when looking through the posts I received for this week's Reader Post I was simple baffled by one. I know it seemed quite trollish but then it also amused me so I have decided to share it. It comes from Rorytomy and without explaining it to you I am just going to let you read it.

I've been trying to incorporate Hearthstone in my resume for job applications and I was wondering how it could be done. So far I have included it in my accomplishments section (ex. achieved legend 3 seasons in a row, won certain major group tournaments) and my skills section where I mentioned how it has built my analytical thinking, team coordination, and leadership skills. The reason I want to use this is Hearthstone has been a major part of my work experience over the last year so I want to take advantage of it as I don't have much else to write about.

It's also important to be prepared to talk about everything you have in your resume, as you'll likely be asked about it in your interviews. Hearthstone can definitely be used in many of the common behavioral interview questions such as:

1) Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure. 

2) Have you handled a difficult situation? How?

3) Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?

4) Tell me about a time when you had to take initiative.

You can use examples where you were on the wrong end of a thumping for most of the match and then was able to think your way out of a bad situation, wipe the board, and engineer a comeback. Employers are looking to see that you don't just give up in the face of adversity but you are a go-getter and are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goals.

So what do you think, any ideas?

Now You understand why it amused me? Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Titan Canceled

In case you had not heard Blizzard officially stated to the media on Tuesday that project "Titan" had been canceled. The statement itself was

"We had created World of Warcraft, and we felt really confident that we knew how to make MMOs, so we set out to make the most ambitious thing that you could possibly imagine," CEO Mike Morhaime commented. "And it didn't come together. We didn't find the fun. We didn't find the passion. We talked about how we put it through a reevaluation period, and actually, what we reevaluated is whether that's the game we really wanted to be making. The answer is no."

Now what does this mean? Well it means we may never know what Titan actually was. It also means Blizzard probably will not be making another MMO besides World of Warcraft unless, of course, they decided to make a World of Warcraft II. This could also mean some of the developments of Titan may beused for WoW or are already in the process of being used for WoW. Now this maybe because MMOs in generally aren't nearly as popular as they were back when project Titan was announced. The gaming world itself is shifting itself away. Now this is by no means me saying that MMOs are awful and no one should play them. There are still a few good MMOs out there WoW being the best of the bunch, but the general public really isn't getting into MMOs the people playing them are those people that are still left playing them from before.

Now because I am curious I am hoping to hear something about what Titan actually was, but I am not holding my breath. Although on Tuesday MMO Champion was reporting a new and unannounced project by Blizzard might be in the works called Prometheus so it will give us something else to sit back and wonder what it is.

We Will Be Together Again Soon

Woke up this morning and couldn't believe it is actually already Wednesday. How the days keep flying by it seems. Here is hoping they continue to do so since next Tuesday is one of the most anticipated games of the fall season for myself. Shadow of Mordor. With this in mind I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to talk about my Favourite Middle Earth based games of all time in this week's list. So here goes.

5. The Hobbit

Here is the game that started to make people believe that some reviewers really either are told waht to say or they really don't have much of an idea what they are playing. Back in 2003 this game didn't receive the greatest of reviews even with all the hype which game with it, but the general public loved the game and in most cases self reviewed the game at minimum 20% higher than most common reviews. 

4. J.R.R Tolkien's Riders of Rohan

A game which brings me back to my childhood and really can be called one of the first RTS games ever released. We really can thank this game for the future existence of Warcraft and Starcraft. The only criticism this game received was the fact that if you knew nothing about the back story you would find difficulty with the game. This though was the case as with most game adaptations of the early 90s

3. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

One of the best games released of the PS2 generation the game received some of the best reviews of any game for the system itself. This coming from a time when Movie to Game adaptations were know as money grabs this game was not only fun for followers of movies and the series but for everyone as a whole.

2. Lego Lord of the Rings

Now I will be the first to admit that even I was surprised I actually was playing this. After I did I was not only amused and having a great time, but I wanted to play more and more. So before you wonder why a game like this even makes the list I suggest you play it.

1. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

This game in many circles is know as the best movie to game adaptation ever, but even with that as a whole the game itself is know as the best PS2 and XBOX game ever made. To get some titles like that you expect it really is something. It is the game I compare every Middle Earth to this one so truthfully really can there be can any ranked above it?

There you have it this week's list. Agree or disagree as always let me know. To those counting the days to Shadow of Mordor with me I know what you are going through.

You Fail At Pre-Warlords Of Draenor Lore If...

Fail Day! Yes it is already Tuesday. It is weird how people aren't not weird about it already being Tuesday, but if Monday or Friday comes out of no where it is an extremely big deal. Oh well it was just a random thought time to focus up. Recently I have been receiving a lot of questions and have taken part in a lot of Warcraft Lore discussions regarding Warlords of Draenor and the Lore leading up to it. So why not answer some of those questions while also making it a Fail Day at the same time! So here goes!

You Fail At Pre-Warlords of Draenor Lore If...

• You don't know what Draenor is
• You thought you killed Garrosh in Siege of Orgrimmar
• You haven't been watching the Lords of War Series
• You are not sure why all the orcs in the trailer are brown skinned
• You don't know the name of the Pitlord in the trailer
• You are still confused how all these people who died are alive
• You don't know how Garrosh escaped prison
• You have issues with time travel
• You are not confused as everyone else with Velen's lack of a heads up to what is happening
• You think Kilrogg is just a reference to a warlock ability
• You always thought Kargath was just a random Horde hangout in the Badlands
• You keep asking why the Dark Portal changed colour
• You aren't asking yourself the Sargeras question

and finally

• You still have no idea who Grommash Hellscream is

There it is this week's fail all rolled up and done so nicely. Maybe yo got some answers, or maybe you were slightly insulted. Either way my mission is complete!

Timelords of Draenor

Happy Monday Everyone! I know most if not all of you are not in the best of moods because it is just that a Monday, and those of you that aren't are probably already on Tuesday reading this. I figured just as I do every Monday that the best thing to do is not expect too much from anyone and give them something to watch for their viewing pleasure. This week I have something not only for WoW fans, but something with a Doctor Who twist thanks to Scott Leyes and I hope you all enjoy it.



I know you don't have to thank me.

Ask Gauss

Sunday! Yes we are here at the end of the weekend. Hardly even seems like the weekend has even started yet. Also we are pretty much officially done summer so that is rather depressing since soon enough there will be snow to shovel. Oh well we do what we are supposed to, you know like answer questions on Sundays! So here we go.

Have you had a chance to look at the Hearthstone ranks graphs?

I am assuming you are talking about what was release last week giving the percentages of people at specific ranks. If you haven't seen the article click here if interested. I find it interesting, but I would really like to see this based on activity. I know some months I play more than others. Some months are hardly play at all and just get to rank 20 to make sure I get my pretty cardback. With that in mind I feel Blizzard needs to do something in order to give people incentive to play ranked games. Sure you get to 20 and you get your cardback, but unless I have a lot of time to invest there is no one I am going to attempt to get to legend. If there was some reward even just a simple one. I would think people would push there way to the 15,10, and 5 levels just to get such rewards.

Watch the FFXV trailer?

In case you were not aware

Now before anyone says anything I realize this is in Japanese. What I believe should be pointed out is this game is still in progress and it already looks spectacular. I know people have been iffy about everything they have seen from XV so far because of how long it may have been in development and how they changed platforms mid development. From what I am seeing from it now though not sure I can complain since this really is one of the first games which truly looks Next Gen all the way. Time will tell, but I am liking what I am seeing.

Dark Souls Ivory King thoughts?

Death appears to be in the future for many people.

There you have it questions answered for the week. Thanks to everyone who sent something in and everyone who continues to do so every week. Enjoy what is left of your weekend and the nicer weather!

Could It Be Ny'alotha

Friday! Yes you can have that smile on your face because the work week is coming to a close. I know I have been busy reading many of your submissions for the reader post this week, but one really caught my eye. Risingforce sent in some thoughts on a location which takes place in the Well of Eternity series which has always puzzled me. I know on various occasions I have had many discussions on what this place could actually be. I will leave you with Risingforce and his thoughts.

Please forgive me if this topic has already been discussed -and I'd be ever so grateful for any further reading on the matter -but having searched Wikis, Google, WoWInsider and Scrolls of Lore I still haven't found an answer on something that's left me curious for years since first reading it. A landmass is visited by Rhonin and Korialstrasz over The Great Sea as refuge on their travels to Kalimdor in the beginnings of The Well of Eternity. The island is soon revealed as somewhat of a Lovecraftian nightmare whilst the identity thereof is only hinted at and never revealed.

Chapter Three (around page 16), begins:

"Impossible as it seemed, somewhere along the way Rhonin fell asleep. Despite that, even then he did not tumble from his seat to certain death. Korialstrasz certainly had something to do with that, although to all appearances the dragon appeared to be flying blithely along."

The sun had nearly set. Rhonin was about to ask his companion if he intended to fly through the night when Korialstrasz began to descend. Peering down, the wizard at first sighted only water, surely the Great Sea. He did not recall red dragons being very aquatic. Did Korialstrasz intend to land like a duck upon the water?

A moment later, his question was answered as an ominous rock appeared in the distance. No…not a rock, but an island almost entirely bare of vegetation
The scene is setup with Rhonin and Korialstrasz seeking refuge on a landmass whilst traversing The Great Sea, the location is unknown to the reader and not revealed since though we are told later this is certainly not Tol Barad. Rhonin, upon landing on the 'island' is immediately "swept over" with a feeling of dread. Here, Rhonin experiences "the same kind of horrific, mournful cries again" similar to that of what he felt passing over Tol Barad.

Clues we are given of the landmass:

• "Too small for a city"
• "a series of shadowed, ruined structures"
• It could have been “a fort or perhaps even a walled estate"
• Korialstrasz to Rhonin: "Something tragic happened here"a horrific, hissing sound beset [Rhonin's] ears" upon waking from a nightmare

For the location, we are given a clue:

Korialstrasz: “We must pass near the Maelstrom to reach Kalimdor, and we will need our full wits and strength about us for that. This is the only island I have seen for some time.”
Rhonin: “What's it called?”
Korialstrasz: “That knowledge is not mine.”

One of the island's inhabitants is described, upon Rhonin's wakening from a slumber:

If someone had taken a human skull, dipped it in soft, melting wax and let that wax drip free, that would have come close to describing the gut-wrenching vision at which Rhonin stared. Add to that needle-shaped teeth filling the mouth, along with red, soulless orbs that glared hungrily at the wizard, and the picture of hellish horror was made complete.

The assailant is described further, moving towards Rhonin with "legs much too long", with "bony arms that ended in three long, curved fingers" wearing over its macabre form "ripped remnants of a once-regal coat and pants." The identity of the assailant is hinted at, with K saying to R: “I believe it was once one of those who called this home.”

Of the assailant, Rhonin asks if it was the work of the Scourge to with Korialstrasz replies “No…this is much older…and even more unholy an act than the Lich King ever perpetrated.”

We are told next that there are others:

“Kras—Korialstrasz, it entered my dreams! Manipulated them!”
“Yes, the others sought to do the same with me—”

Korialstrasz to Rhonin, on leaving the landmass: “We are safe…for the time being. Several are now less than what remains of yours and the rest have scattered into every crevice and gap in these ruins. I believe there are cata-combs below and that they slumber there when not hunting victims.”

So, this passage really stayed with me  but I think the curiosity remained because it was such an abstract in the narrative and not returned to. I expected to find more information about its location but I believe that passage in the Well of Eternity is all we are given.

There are a few clues and even facts we can gather, it is certainly not Tol Barad nor Nazjatar. Maybe it was part of the Broken Isles, but then the Broken Isles should be quite too close to the Maelstrom -and we are told through Korialstrasz's dialogue that our protagonists have not yet reached that far. I guess an academic response is that the landmass could what remains of the Kul'Tiras navy's attempt to establish a base on one of the Broken Isles -an exercise that would be met with doom.

Personally, I believe that Rhonin and happened upon the infamous Ny'alotha.

I think the hints we have been given within WoW pertaining to Ny'alotha also compliment the narrative and explain away the abstract treatment we are given within The Well of Eternity:

From the Puzzle Box of Yogg-Saron:

In the land of Ny'alotha there is only sleep... In the sleeping city of Ny'alotha walk only mad things. Ny'alotha is a city of old, terrible, unnumbered crimes...
*snip* In the sleeping city of Ny'alotha walk only mad things. Ny'alotha is a city of old, terrible, unnumbered crimes.

One way of approaching the identity of the landmass as Ny'alotha is perhaps to suggest that the abstract within The Well of Eternity (book) only visits an outcrop of it, certainly the rocky mass Rhonin aspies on approach would not be big enough to represent the epic that should be Ny'alotha. Of course Ny'alotha can be wildly speculated endlessly as to its definition, origin, location, accountability, existence -or plane of! -but my curiosity has always tied this brief abstract to the work of Old Gods, and I hope you will too.

Whether my humble speculation is wildly flawed -or not, I invite all opinions! -I think it's a nice passage and would be fun to explore any discussion around what may have happened to this island and its inhabitants, its location and what may lay there in waiting now. If a location or any facts can be confirmed then you'd be solving a longstanding curiosity!

So my Lore friends what are your thoughts? I know this theory has sparked some interest for me.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!