Official Apple Watch bands see rare discountsĪmazon is now discounting an a ssortment of Apple’s official Apple Watch bands. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break. There’s also tons of Anker chargers and accessories marked down to the best prices yet during this fall Prime Day sale, with this Microsoft Office for Mac promotion landing at just $30. They easily keep your watch protected and provide exceptional heat dissipation.A collection of official Apple Watch bands are now going on sale, with rare discounts starting at $44. Apple Watch Sports Bandsĭesigned for when the going gets tough, Apple watch sports bands are tough, rugged, and resilient. Available in a variety of colours and in genuine or PU leather. Perfect for business or formal occassions. Leather Apple watch straps offer a more distinguished, elegant look and feel. Easily adjustable with a simple velcro strap. Nylon bands are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for just about any application whether its casual wear, gym or just about anything else. Easily adjustable and available in a variety of colours, these ultra-stylish apple watch bands are perfect for any occasion. Milanese loop straps are made from fine meshed stainless steel and come with a simple magnetic clasp. Apple Watch Strap Types Apple Watch Strap – Magnetic Milanese Loop An Apple Watch band can completely transform your device and let you express your style. Your Apple watch goes with you wherever you go, and you’ll want it to look its best at all times. If you are still feeling confused as to what size you need for your watch, please reach out to us and we can advise you. In the above example, you would purchase a 20mm watch band. Please see the below graphic for further clarification Grab a ruler and measure the distance between the two lugs which connect the watch strap to your watch. Unsure which size band you need for your watch? Not to worry, its very simple to figure out. None Apple iPad 7th Generation (2019) Apple iPad Air 3 (2019) Apple iPhone 11 Apple iPhone 11 Pro Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone 12 Mini Apple iPhone 12 Pro Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Mini Apple iPhone 13 Pro Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Apple iPhone 14 Apple iPhone 14 Max Apple iPhone 14 Plus Apple iPhone 14 Pro Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 15 Plus Apple iPhone 15 Pro Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Apple iPhone 7 Apple iPhone 7 Plus Apple iPhone 8 Plus Apple iPhone SE Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE 2022 Apple iPhone X Apple iPhone Xr Apple iPhone Xs Apple iPhone Xs Max Google Pixel 4A (4G) Google Pixel 4A (5G) Google Pixel 5 Google Pixel 5A (5G) Google Pixel 6 Google Pixel 6 Pro Google Pixel 7 Google Pixel 7 Pro Google Pixel 8 Honor 9X Pro Huawei P Smart (2019) Huawei P Smart (2020) Huawei P20 Huawei P20 Lite Huawei P20 Pro Huawei P30 Huawei P30 Lite Huawei P30 Pro Huawei P40 Huawei P40 Lite Huawei P40 Pro Huawei P40 Pro Plus Huawei P50 Huawei P50 Pro iPhone SE 2022 OnePlus 7 OnePlus 7 Pro OnePlus 8 OnePlus 9 OnePlus 9 Pro OnePlus Nord OnePlus Nord 2 OnePlus Nord 2T Cases OnePlus Nord CE OnePlus Nord CE 2 OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite OnePlus Nord N10 OnePlus One Oppo A15 Oppo A53 Oppo A54 (4G) Oppo A54 (5G) Samsung A04S Samsung Galaxy A02S Samsung Galaxy A03S Samsung Galaxy A10 Samsung Galaxy A12 Samsung Galaxy A13 Samsung Galaxy A13 (5G) Samsung Galaxy A14 Samsung Galaxy A20e Samsung Galaxy A22 (5G) Samsung Galaxy A23 Samsung Galaxy A32 (4G) Samsung Galaxy A32 (5G) Samsung Galaxy A33 Samsung Galaxy A34 Samsung Galaxy A41 Samsung Galaxy A42 Samsung Galaxy A50 Samsung Galaxy A51 Samsung Galaxy A52 Samsung Galaxy A53 Samsung Galaxy A54 Samsung Galaxy A70 Samsung Galaxy A71 Samsung Galaxy A72 Samsung Galaxy A73 Samsung Galaxy A74 Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Plus Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S10 Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus Samsung Galaxy S20 Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Xiaomi 11T Xiaomi 11T Case Xiaomi 11T Pro Xiaomi Mi 11 Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Xiaomi Poco X3 Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro
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From the feels, it is suitable mostly for students and teachers. Kami is the all-in-one tool that transforms any document, PDF, image, or any other learning resource into an interactive learning environment. You can export the image to Google Drive, send a Tweet, upload to WordPress, post it to Facebook, and even send it directly to an email address.ĭownload Webpage Screenshot for Chrome 6. The extension is feature-rich with a bunch of annotation options such as adding arrows, shapes, painter tool, and more. Webpage Screenshot is an open-source Chrome extension for taking screenshots on Google Chrome. QSnap also offers a free hosting service to save and store screenshots for 30 days without any cost.ĭownload qSnap for Chrome 5. For annotations, you get to use a highlighter, create a rich digital dialogue, and even hide sensitive information. With a click, you can capture either visible screen or full screen and automatically have multiple captures consolidated into a single, lightweight document.Īs for annotation, you can enrich your images with in-line note boxes and callouts and seamlessly share your image documentation. QSnap is yet another browser-based screen capture tool. You can export your result to PNG, JPEG, or various PDF paper sizes-all configurable from the extension’s options.īesides that, you can crop, annotate, and add your favorite emojis to any screenshot with the new premium editor. After that, you will be taken to a new tab to download your screenshot as an image or PDF. Click on the extension icon and watch the extension capture each part of the page. GoFullPage offers the simplest way to take a full-page screenshot of your current browser window. Other features include video recording using the built-in camera with your face, resolution support up to 4K quality, and more.ĭownload Awesome Screenshot for Chrome 3. Also, you can share the edited screenshots to Jira, Slack, Trello, Asana, GitHub, etc. You can save a screenshot in PNG, JPG, or PDF format. The extension is flexible with export and sharing options. You can blur the sensitive information in the screenshot. Simply capture the webpage using the Awesome screenshot extension and edit it with a bunch of options such as crop, various shapes, fonts, highlight tool, and more. Awesome ScreenshotĪs the name suggests, this third-party annotation tool for Chrome is indeed awesome in use and functionalities. On top of that, Nimbus screenshots lets you save those images and video in Google Drive or Dropbox.ĭownload Nimbus Screenshot for Chrome 2. One can also record videos to make a screencast, record video from webcam, apply watermark, and play with tons of video editing options before finalizing the video. You can add graphics and text boxes to an image, add arrows and stickers, blur irrelevant information, and even add a watermark to give it a personal touch. Simply capture the screen content using an extension, and select the Edit icon at the bottom. Install the Nimbus Screenshot extension on Chrome and access it from the upper right corner. The company behind the popular note-taking app has created an excellent Chrome extension to annotate images and record screen videos. Nimbus screenshot extension for Chrome is a part of the Nimbus notes app. That way, you can easily jump to the editing interface without breaking the workflow. All these annotation tools come with a screenshot feature to capture a part of a webpage or full page. How does it work then? Whenever you come across an insightful article on the web, you can take a screenshot of it using the Chrome extension and use the built-in annotation tools to add arrows, text, highlight words, and make it more personalized for sharing or later use.Īs for taking screenshots, you don’t need to use the default Mac or Windows method to take a screenshot. We have compiled a list of the five best annotation tools for Google Chrome and a couple of native solutions for Windows and Mac. The Chrome Web Store carries several extensions to take screenshots and annotate web pages, articles, and images without leaving Chrome. Whether you are a student or a regular user, annotation helps you brainstorm ideas and thoughts in a meaningful way. Lacy Schley, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2018 Interestingly, the brain didn’t just restore dendritic spines willy nilly. 2020 One phenomenon worth mentioning: Check out how smoke has filled in some of the valleys, highlighting their dendritic nature. 2022 Two psychoactive compounds that combat depression and addiction in some people-LSD and ketamine-seem to help the neurons in this part of the brain communicate better by promoting the growth of dendritic spines, small protrusions from neurons that help neurons talk to each other. Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2017 One in a class of psychedelic-like medicines, ketamine joins LSD, ecstasy and psilocybin whose ability to create new connections in the brain - dendritic spines and axons - has provided researchers with a new understanding of the nature of depression and its cure. Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 1 Sep. Elizabeth Svoboda, Discover Magazine, Using four large sets of MRI data, her team identified, in each data set, several features with the greatest difference between males and females, such as the collective volume of the nerve cells’ central bodies and dendritic extensions (gray matter) and their connecting fibers (white matter). 2019 When researchers at Stanford University grew human neurons in a dish and treated them with blood serum from young mice, the neurons formed more synapses, which transmit electrical and chemical signals between cells, as well as more dendritic branches, which pick up messages from other neurons. Recent Examples on the Web For instance, coupling the drug with something else that helps those new dendritic spines survive could prolong ketamine’s effects. The guide below uses the Dell 5130cn Laser Printer as an example, other printers may vary slightly. Use the guide below to set a Static IP Address on your Dell Laser Printer. The Embedded Web Server (EWS) is an online web page which allows you to make changes to your Printer's Operating Panel using the network connection. This works well for us, but also puts us at an disadvantage on these Lexmarks since Dell inherits their 3rd party supply FW blocks by default even if it doesn’t bother them as much, if at all.ĭO NOT TELL DELL YOU WANT TO TRY THIS.Setting a Static IP Address on your Dell Laser Printer using the Embedded Web Server (EWS) The R&D doesn't make sense for them, so they contract it out to Lexmark or Brother - the chassis and toner style gives you a clue. If you’ve used 20%, assume 80% and watch the print quality).ĭell is in the computer business they sell printers because of companies who want their printer from the company they buy their computers from and extra revenue. If it comes to the point a re-chip is required, subtract your current usage (Ex: new chip will report 100%. If it’s anything like the 90’s Apple printers (rebadged HP or Canon), all Dell did was change the cartridge part number. Dell will not help you with this, but you’ll need to see if Dell did anything weird with the chip like change the manufacturer hex code to Dell from Lexmark (chip swap prevention). It may be possible to re-chip the yellow cart as well, as another potential workaround. If it doesn’t (which it likely won’t since Lexmark blocks downgades), then you will need to do it in service mode and potentially need a recovery specific firmware file. I know with the 3rd party FW bombed Epsons you can sometimes find old firmware and how to get into recovery mode on the control panel, so it’s worth a shot to try the firmware before you re-chip the yellow toner. Your best bet is to downgrade the firmware if you can find an old version online with a matching checksum and see if it works. You should have never updated the firmware - the printer you have is a rebranded Lexmark! Lexmark and Epson are notorious for blocking 3rd party supplies - BAD MOVE ON YOUR PART! Their rebadged Brothers aren't prone to it like the Lexmark models. Dell will attempt to help for the low price of $59, but I’d like to see if I can do something myself. I’ve updated the firmware to the latest I’ve found through the Dell site (01. However, no matter how much I try to adjust or firmly seat the toner cartridge, it hasn’t changed. It seems possible this could be an issue with the way the toner cartridge is (or isn’t) seating in the printer. With a new non-Dell toner cartridge, we are having the same problem: Horrible noise and a 093-919 error to “Check Yellow Cartridge.” The printer seems to try around 5-10 times (grinding gear noise) over a minute or so and then gives up with an error.Īfter a few rounds of this, it told me the Yellow toner was low. All of a sudden, upon startup, the printer has been making a horrible noise of gears grinding from the area where the toner cartridges live. It’s been working fine with the non-dell toners for over a year now. We’re having issues with our Dell E525W toner cartridges. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well. Whether you're using your own image or selecting one of our sample images, this step is crucial for the resizing process. We support various image formats such as JPG, JPEG, PNG, and PDF. You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. STEP 1 Upload Your Image To resize image to 2 x 2 inch, first upload your photo.In order to correctly make passport photo, the picture size should be smaller than 10MB, and the dimensions should be smaller than 4000 x 3000 pixels. You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices. Select country and ID photo type, and click Start.Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot cast shadows or cover up part of your face. If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire worn continuously in public.You cannot wear a hat or head covering.You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire.You can make Custom Size 2x2 Inch 1 mb Photo photo online at using our free passport photo maker in seconds. The size of Custom Size 2x2 Inch 1 mb Photo photo is 51x51 mm (5.1x5.1 cm). Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a. Also free to use on desktop, Windows, Mac, phones. Make free Biometric passport photos online Match Custom Size 2x2 Inch 1 mb Photo photo size, specifications, rules, requirements. Photo 2x2 inch (51x51 mm, 5x5 cm) in 2 seconds. Free to get beautiful image in a few clicks. Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis. with Fotors online photo editor, helps you edit photo effeciently with smart tools like background remover, cropper, resizer, filters, photo enhancer, photo retoucher, etc.If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application. But discounted general admission is available starting at $23.95. Admission: Tickets for general admission are $29.95 ages 4 to 11 are $24.95 ages 65 and older are $27.95.Parking: Free lot parking is available on site.Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday 10pm to 6pm.Be sure to hop on the tram tour too, which takes you around. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work. Location: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058 Located in the heart of NASA’s spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration.Check for discounted admission or a Houston city tour that includes a visit to Space Center Houston. Learn more about current/upcoming attractions at Space Center Houston. Of course, these are just a taste of what’s in store for budding astronauts, kids and adults, alike. Interested explorers can even take an extra special NASA Tram Tour which takes you behind-the-scenes of the NASA Johnson Space Center or hit the International Space Station Gallery for live presentations, artifacts, space hardware, displays, and other amazing pieces from the orbiting laboratory. Visitors can hit the Starship Gallery for the majority of artifacts, tour Independence Plaza to see the historic shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 with the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence mounted on top, walk through the Astronaut Gallery to see the world’s most comprehensive collection of space suits. Independence Plaza | Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston Attractions at Space Center Houston With more than 400 things to see and do within the 250,000-square-foot educational complex, there is something for everyone around just about every corner of the campus. The Kemah Boardwalk is a 60-acre Gulf Coast theme park with a variety of restaurants, games, a roller coaster, and other entertainment, all on the waterfront. Youll spend 30 to 45 minutes riding in the style on the way to your destination. Opened in 1992, to date the Space Center Houston has welcomed more than 19 million visitors and currently hosts 1 million visitors annually to its collection of historic space artifacts. Begin your trip to Kemah Boardwalk with doorstep pickup from your Houston hotel in a luxury vehicle. space travel via exhibits, tours, and its many engaging attractions. Located in South Houston within the Clear Lake area, Space Center Houston is an educational center which highlights all eras of U.S. Explore out-of-this-world exhibitions, touch a moon rock, see flown spacecraft, and go behind the scenes of NASA at the Space Center Houston. More than 25,000 union members at five assembly plants and 38 parts distribution centers nationwide are now on strike. He said the progress in negotiations allowed the union to forgo plans to expand the strike to other facilities. It is the first time in the union’s history that it has struck all three unionized automakers at the same time.įain told members on Friday that the three-week long strike had already prompted the automakers to meet some key union demands, even if there was not yet an agreement. The union’s stated bargaining goals at Mack mirror many of its demands in talks with the Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, which makes cars under the Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Chrysler brands - including improved wages and health care and pension benefits. It is owned by Sweden’s Volvo Group, separately from the Volvo car brand, which is owned by China’s Geely. Mack Trucks is one of the major US makers of heavy duty and medium duty trucks, with deliveries of 27,000 in 2022 and 16,000 for the first half of 2023. News of the work stoppage at the heavy-duty truck maker comes as the union continues to wage strikes against three biggest car manufacturers. UAW strike cost GM $200 million in its first two weeks United Auto Workers members and supporters picket outside a General Motors facility, Friday, Sept. “We are committed to the collective bargaining process, and remain confident that we will be able to arrive at an agreement that delivers competitive wages and benefits for our employees and their families, while safeguarding our future as a competitive company and stable long-term employer,” he said. His statement said the company looks forward to returning to negotiations “as soon as possible.” He said the company assembles all of its trucks and engines for the North American market at US plants and that it “continues to compete against products built in lower-cost countries.” “The UAW called our tentative agreement ‘a record contract for the heavy truck industry,’” he said in the statement. Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks, said in a statement that he was “surprised and disappointed” that the union had chosen to strike. The union said the rejected contract included an immediate 10% pay raise, and 9 percentage points of additional pay increases over the five-year life of the contract, a $3,500 signing bonus, improved vacation and holidays and no increase in insurance premiums paid by members. “I’m inspired to see UAW members at Mack holding out for a better deal, and ready to stand up and walk off the job to win it,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement issued Sunday on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The union said 73% of its workers had voted against the proposed deal. The United Auto Workers union says nearly 4,000 members are on strike at heavy truck manufacturer Mack Trucks after voting down a tentative agreement reached a week ago. Open the Microsoft Edge Legacy browser.Then, select Delete from the drop-down menu.Īs with most browsers, Microsoft Edge Legacy automatically prompts you to save a password the first time you log in to an online account. To remove a password, click the icon to the right of the password entry ( B). You may be prompted to put in your computer's PIN (personal identification number) or password. To view a password, click the icon next to the account entry ( A). In the middle section, locate the saved passwords section.Under the Your profile section in the middle of the screen, click Passwords.Under the Settings section on the left, click Profiles.In the drop-down menu, near the bottom, select Settings.Click the Settings and more icon in the upper-right corner of the browser window.Microsoft Edge usersĪs with most browsers, Microsoft Edge automatically prompts you to save a password the first time you log in to an online account. To remove a password, click the icon at the top-right corner ( B). To view a password, click the icon in the password section ( A) for the account. In the middle section, you see information similar to the image below.In the Saved Logins window that opens, on the left, click the account with the password you want to view or remove.Scroll down to the Logins and Passwords section and click on the Saved Logins button.On the left side of the screen, click the Privacy & Security selector.Click the button in the top-right corner of the browser window.Verify your account credentials and click the Save button. You see a prompt appear in the top-left corner of the browser window.To remove a password, click the icon on the right side of the entry, and select Remove from the drop-down list.Īs with most browsers, Mozilla Firefox automatically prompts you to save a password the first time you log in to an online account. If the password is not revealed right away, enter your Windows or Microsoft account password, then click the icon again. To view a password, click the icon on the right side of the entry. In the middle of the screen, under the Autofill section, click the Passwords entry.On the left side of the screen, click the Autofill option.In the drop-down menu, select Settings.Click the icon in the upper-right corner of the browser window.At the prompt in the upper-right corner of the browser window, verify your account credentials and click the Save button.Navigate to the site where you want to save a password, and enter your login information.How to view or remove a saved password.Īs with most browsers, Google Chrome automatically prompts you to save a password the first time you log in to an online account. You can clearly see how Trump’s main base (the red army) stays together - they waver very little headed into battle with Hillary - a clear parallel with Trump’s own historic march to victory in the primaries. (I gave “Trump” an added “!” to even up the numbers, and also just because I think he’d appreciate it in general.) We went there mostly to have fun, drink some, and make games, and ended up blowing up YouTube.”Īs the Prussian military genius Carl von Clausewitz once said, “War is the continuation of politics by other means.” To slightly twist and expand von Clausewitz’s aphorism: What if simulated war could be the simulation of reality by other means? Everything from the microwave to Super Glue was invented on accident had Henriksson and company stumbled across a way to answer some of life’s most pressing questions?įirst, I asked the game to settle the upcoming presidential election, by arranging the blue army so it spelled out “HILLARY” in sword-wielding supporters, who marched on a column of Trump supporters also arranged in letter formation and armed with shields. In an email with one of the game developers, Petter Henriksson, he wrote that the game “was made during a game jam that took place at a castle in a really small town in Sweden. The game … could it actually be totally accurate? The meat of the game is setting up sandbox battles between different military units, and then seeing what happens. I enjoyed the “Battle Simulator” part of Totally Accurate Battle Simulator, but it was the “Totally Accurate” part that had me more intrigued. For example, in this battle I set up a mixture of ballista, catapults, chariots, and spearmen and footmen: So I was pretty amped when the the preview code for Totally Accurate Battle Simulator showed up in my inbox, and set about making battles immediately. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator isn’t available to purchase yet, but previews have been released to some video-game streamers, and YouTube videos of the game, in which Gumby-ish soldiers murder and die in a pretty-dang-good approximation of real-world physics, have been popping up everywhere. If you are the kind of person who only visits the Met for the Arms and Armor wing, this is … amazing. Once you have your simulation set up, you hit “play,” and move your camera around the battlefield, as you watch the battle unfold. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is, more or less, what it sounds like: a sandbox in which you can set up simulated battles between two armies, using a mixture of units, from unarmed peasants to rock-flinging catapults, all rendered in charmingly blocky 3-D animation. Not content with that, after a while it gives up and we hear no more about it anyway. There's very little to latch onto about him even his back-story - the loss of his brother, the estrangement of his father - is clichéd and the script is powerless to give it any real significance. Tal, the sword-wielding pseudo-leader of the bunch, is decked out in the bright but forgettable armour of the Illumina Guard, and has a big sword and red hair. Compared to their generic contemporaries, there's nothing memorable about any of them. Brought together in a roundabout way by some ancient prophecy, the four adventurers - Tal, Ailish, Buki and Elco - are an incongruous bunch, and the script never has the strength to justify their union, nor give us cause to empathise with them individually. The most irritating thing - and the flaw that underscores most of the game's problems - is the line-up of characters. And there are all sorts of plot twists and sub-dramas along the way. You do this, surprisingly enough, by visiting towns containing shops, blacksmiths, inns and vast numbers of NPCs circling with a line or two of dialogue battling hordes of randomly spawning enemies in-between (generally whenever you happen into a clearing big enough for the game to fence off at either end without you escaping) and tackling the occasional dungeon area, densely packed with battles, menial puzzles and an eventual boss encounter. Your job is to guide four characters from different backgrounds on a fairly one-way mission to gather some crystals, which the kingdom of Illumina hopes to use to reinforce their position and ward off raids from nasties beyond the rift. The idea, then, is that the world of Sudeki has been torn into light and shadow by some sort of godly unhappiness, and the citizens of both are starting to come to terms with this predicament - all the while an uber-nasty lurks over the ethereal horizon, his agents toiling away in secrecy in an attempt to resurrect him. And for some reason, despite lavish visuals and the core of a half-decent story, too many key elements are just devoid of imagination perhaps either the product of focus groups and committees, or just someone's idea of how a Japanese RPG generally behaves. Intelligent ideas, like a satisfying real-time combat system that mixes Phantasy Star Online-style timed combo attacks and dazzling Final Fantasy-issue spellcasting, are never more than a few steps removed from insultingly straightforward boss encounters, hackneyed writing and voice acting, and trivial puzzles that are barely fit to lick the ground that Zelda walks upon, let alone plant lips on its boot. It's more that it's just too scattershot in its approach. Sudeki's problem isn't that it's fundamentally a bad game. So what better way to kick off than with a cliché, right? Thoughtless Honestly, we're sorry about that, but in the case of Climax and Microsoft's ambitious RPG, it seems rather fitting not only do our expectations and desires for future RPGs remain unshifted by their work, but within the framework of what's on offer it's difficult to think of anything at all that caught us by surprise. What may come as a surprise though is our rather tiring decision to snipe at the marketing rhetoric by way of an introduction. Given the vastness and pedigree of the competition, perhaps it will come as little surprise that it doesn't. When Microsoft originally announced Sudeki, at a press event in Seville a couple of years ago, we were told it would change what we came to expect from a role-playing game. |
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