Ben's Week In Review: September 16

Pretty darn big week...for Nintendo fans, anyway. :)

I doubt Sony and Microsoft are much affected by Wii U

The Wii U has been officially revealed and dated, and despite its $300 price tag, November launch date, and what appears to be a bevy of launch titles, I seriously doubt Sony or Microsoft are concerned. When I asked the question, I already had the answer in my head: No. While it's true that Nintendo still makes video games and to the casual/mainstream consumer, they're in the same market as PlayStation and Xbox, the more avid and dedicated know things have changed. Given what the PS4 and Xbox 720 will likely boast in terms of technology, the hardcore fans, those who want cutting-edge stuff in this industry, will not be able to stick with the Wii U.

And personally, in terms of my own interest, I think it rates about a 2 on a 10-scale. I just don't care anymore. It's great that the timeless mascots finally get into the high-def world and I like the diversity I'm seeing in the early library but in the long run, I just see another gimmick. I have less and less time these days and I only have room for the best of the best and I'm sorry, Nintendo followers can freak out all they want, but... Look, they hand out 10s to first-party exclusives in the Nintendo world like they're going out of style. But ain't no way in hell those 10s are in comparison to the best on the other two platforms. Just no.

Yaiba has a chance to be immeasurably cool

Comcept's Keiji Inafune has a big mouth, but it's the kind of mouth one has to appreciate, because he's often said what has to be said about the industry. But beyond that, I'm more interested in what his new studio is working on, and Yaiba looks pretty nifty. Obviously, I have to see some gameplay first, but I have faith in Inafune and the rest of the staff and besides, I like the idea of an over-the-top action slashfest that isn't necessarily akin to God of War or Devil May Cry. The big trend in gaming these days seems to be blending various genres in one project; maybe Comcept can try that. I'm not exactly sure how it would work, but the Japanese devs have to do something to impress people.

That being said, though, the company Inafune left behind (Capcom), may have a winner in Resident Evil 6, which is only a few short weeks away. That teaser trailer was plenty atmospheric, too.

Personal gaming update

As great as it is for fighting aficionados, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 just isn't for me, and although I was surprised at how much I liked Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault, any game with a tower defense element won't be high on my priority list. So over the past week, I've just been continually blown away by the masterpiece that is LittleBigPlanet Vita, which is undoubtedly a must-buy for all you Vita owners out there. It's just so deep and so imaginative and so much fun...hard to stop praising it.

If you follow us on Twitter, you know Borderlands 2 has made a very big impression on me, and there's a damn good reason why. As I say in the newsletter that'll go out soon, you can expect the review to go live late Monday night. After that, I'll be looking forward to Dead or Alive 5, and I also plan to review Double Dragon Neon next week as well.

9/15/2012 Ben Dutka

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Comments (48 posts)

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Rogueagent01
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 9:47:15 PM
Reply

I've always wanted to create levels on LBPs but since you have to play the game to unlock all of the stuff I will never play them. I have both and haven't booted one of them up either, and unless they change that I probably never will.

With the WiiU I know without a doubt Sony and Microsoft are watching them, but I can also guarantee they aren't biting their nails over it.

As far as Comcepts game goes I really couldn't get anything at all from the video so I'll have to wait and see if it actually looks like something I might be interested in.

PGU: Dust514, Star Ocean: The Last Hope, and Yakuza 4. Just bouncing back and forth with those at the moment.

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LowKey
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 2:50:18 AM

I Want to get SO: TLH. I think thats the next game im getting after borderlands 2.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 9:48:10 PM
Reply

I'm thinking that holding up that tablet would just tire my arms out, I see it as an even bigger gimmick than motion gaming. Wii disappointed me by not being able to even have shooters where the bullets go where you point. Bah.

Hopefully Yaiba can deliver where Asura's Wrath went awry. It's scary to me that there is so little in the way of Japanese anime style violence this generation.

I gave Double Dragon Neon a shot today and it was very nostalgic but I've lost my skills big time.

Playing Shenmue in 1080p :)

3 up, 1 down

Temjin001
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:12:00 PM

Shenmue is doing what now?

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Jawknee
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:25:16 PM

The controller is surprisingly light.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:29:50 PM

I attached an upconverter to my Dreamcast, it's no HD version but it's measurably clearer.

Jawknee are you getting a Wii U day 1?

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Jawknee
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:41:12 PM

I want to. I haven't put a preorder in yet. So I may not get one day one.

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Temjin001
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 12:56:06 AM

Console pre-orders these days mean waiting in line for days. I drew the line with PS2 at 4 hours of line time.

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Temjin001
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 12:59:56 AM

Jawknee, does the screen have like a plastic protector? Or is it glass so it could be cracked if you left in on the floor and stepped on it. (then fell and broke your back after slamming into the TV... sorry adding drama is fun, but someone will think of a lawsuit for that golf game =p )

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LowKey
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 2:47:38 AM

OMG, Thanks alot... I'm going to hook up my Sega Dreamcast right now...

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Underdog15
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 7:47:27 AM

I camped overnight for my PS3 pre-order. Actually had some passer by stop and offer me 10$ to get something to eat at a local 24-hour subway. Thought I was too young to be homeless. LOL!

I pre-ordered 2 PS3's, and a week before launch, sold my 2nd pre-order on ebay for 3 grand. Paid for my ps3, games, accessories, and textbooks for the next semester.

I might do the same thing with the next xbox and PS4, too... The moment someone says, "There might be a shortage", you know you're making pure gold.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 10:50:37 AM

LowKey you have an upconverter too? They are spendy but it felt worth it to me.

Underdog... 3 grand? Holy sh*t maybe I should try that.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 9/16/2012 10:51:25 AM

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AcHiLLiA
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 11:23:46 AM

Underdog 3 grand, dang that's a lot of dough. but how much profit did u earn with the shipping charges and all.

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Jawknee
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 11:26:48 AM

Temji, the glass on the game pad is the same martial as the bottom screen on the 3DS. That softer kinda plastic material I believe. Seems sterdy enough without the extra weight. Overall I was impressed with the build quality of the controller and console. I usually am with Nintendo products. They make some of the most reliable gaming hardware on the market.

Last edited by Jawknee on 9/16/2012 11:28:05 AM

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Underdog15
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 12:47:39 PM

@World
Next time, I would just get the pre-order, because as it turned out, there was no "shortage". Neither the 360 nor PS3 had a shortage, and they both said they would have one. And make sure to sell it about a week before release. The weekend before it actually dropped, it became known over regular news (CTV in Canada) that there wasn't a shortage afterall. Then pre-orders were only selling for 1200 or so. But if you pre-order for you, and there isn't a "shortage", you only have the one system you already want anyways.

@Alex
Shipping charges were extra to the buyer. lol But it was the 60GB model which cost us $800 in Canada plus tax. So profit was just around $2100. Enough to cover my PS3, games and accessories plus textbooks for the next semester.

Oh yeah, and in case anyone is planning on trying it, you need an EBAY account that is well established. To avoid scams, EBAY took down any PS3 pre-order that didn't show the pre-order receipt AND your EBAY user name -IN THE PICTURE-. You also needed to have a feedback score of -at least- 50 to prove you are legit. If you didn't meet those criteria, ebay simply took your listing down. Pretty interesting stuff!

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AcHiLLiA
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 5:17:06 PM

nice.

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Temjin001
Monday, September 17, 2012 @ 10:30:35 PM

Thanks, Jawknee. I look forward to trying it out =)

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Kevin555
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 10:37:28 PM
Reply

PGU: It's all about Tekken Tag Tournament 2 for me. The game is just so much fun & even now after experimenting with different characters i am discovering new tag throws which look brilliant.

I will be playing this one for a while i think.

Last edited by Kevin555 on 9/15/2012 10:37:50 PM

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Knightzane
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:06:59 PM
Reply

I think i said what i think about rhe wii U before. I have started playing metal gear solid 4 though. I played it for an hours before i think but now i feel like beating it. Also started playing black mesa. Its pretty cool so far. Hate the mouse and keyboard but i'll deal with it.

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Temjin001
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:07:32 PM
Reply

I agree that the Wii U changes little to nothing of MS's or Sony's game plan. Personally, I'm optimistic for enjoying some of Nintendo's in-house stuff again. Now at least their games will look pleasant on an HDTV. Nothing ground breaking to come from it, visually, I'm sure. But I do seem to be finding, or have found, enjoyment in games as of late that aren't necessarily visual powerhouses but are positively oriented with "fun" game play as the purpose behind their design and not any epic recreation of emotional drama or riveting narratives(never been quite my thing anyway): Shinobi, Double Dragon, Suikoden, okay Suikoden is an exception to that kinda-sorta etc. I have no idea when I can afford a Wii U (the Vita still has my name on it). Heck, I still think I'm denying the reality that there's just no time for me to actually play as much as I want for the time being. Oh well, I like my cloud-dream world of gaming fantasy.

PGU: Double Dragon Neon has been in the spotlight for me this week. I love it. If I were to rate it as a conventional critic I'd give it a 7.5 (maybe a 7.0. that stupid tank boss wasn't too cool ... never try and force a platformer out of what is near always a brawler) but as a fan who thought Skeletor was cool and I got the many puns and references to the era in which DD was birthed that are blanketed through out it's design, like Megaman-style air locks just before a boss, I'd give it a 9 on my fun factor meter. The 11 or so missions were a blast (completion time, 2 hours 55min on first playthrough. The IGN guy is WRONG). I want more! I'm also doing up some Double Dragon fan tribute art. Anyway, I'd like to try TTT2, better yet, DOA5, but no time, no money.

Last edited by Temjin001 on 9/15/2012 11:09:30 PM

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:33:04 PM

I think we are tapping into the same subspace quantum entanglement particle wave beacon; I've just felt like detaching from epic narrative and goofing around in arcadey games lately. Even spending time in Shenmue's in-game arcade.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 9/15/2012 11:35:28 PM

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Temjin001
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 12:53:29 AM

yah, no commitment is nice. It feels liberating to just play a game, arcade style, hit it then quit it feeling amused but not enthralled. The enthralling feeling becomes distractive. Like when I REALLY got into Assassin's Creed for the first time, I was addict-like for a week.

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Rogueagent01
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 2:23:19 AM

That is what I always liked about Shenmue's and say Yakuza's is you can do what ever you want. You can go through the story in a serious type of play, you can goof off and just play all the arcade games or casino games, or you can have a leisure style day while playing the massage and/or running a towmotor on the docks and other kinda pointless minigames in those series. They are just put together with so many viewpoints that I can always find something to enjoy in them.

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xenris
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 10:23:30 AM

My friend purchased TTT2 because she was like man I like VF5 and I wanna play co op with you guys.

Well we spent a night playing it and I must say we both hated it. It is not intuitive like VF5 at all, I know there are fans of it and I'm not saying its bad, however I don' like how combos are input. It feels like you need an arcade stick to not get carpel tunnel from playing it.

Also I hate not having a block button, a minor complaint but not touching anything to block is just ugh I dunno. I like the graphics I like the crazy characters but man VF5 has just spoiled me.

I know DOA5 plays a lot more like the VF series so were going to trade TTT2 in for that asap. If only VF5 had a tag mode, I would never play another fighter again.

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Temjin001
Monday, September 17, 2012 @ 10:33:15 PM

Xenris, yea, Tekken is it's own beast. There's a lot I like about the core series but the Tag games just haven't been quite my thing. Spastic combos cause me to lose interest. Tekken is already juggle heavy as it is, and Tag games feel like something similar to MvsC. I want constant tactics not long winded memorized inputs making up the bulk of a match. There's a difference.

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Gamer46
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:11:41 PM
Reply

While certainly true that the vast majority of the 'core' gaming crowd will not be able to get by with just a Wii U I'd be lying if I said I don't think it will make a great secondary console. Nintendo's games are a nice change of pace from the stuff Sony and MS offer. I'm going to wait until Sony details PS4 launch plans before I make any purchases of a new system but the Wii U can carve out a nice niche for itself this gen especially if MS continues down the pathetic path it's been going.

Last edited by Gamer46 on 9/15/2012 11:12:54 PM

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Highlander
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:33:06 PM
Reply

Someone tried telling me today that the WiiU would do great and that PS4 would be download only and all games would cost $100....LOLOLOLOL!

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Killa Tequilla
Saturday, September 15, 2012 @ 11:57:22 PM

He must be getting his information from his own sleep.

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BikerSaint
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 1:50:48 AM

Highlander,

I'm surprised "That" somebody you mentioned even pulled his head out of his a$$ long enough to say something that stupid.

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Lawless SXE
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 12:20:17 AM
Reply

Pretty much finished Sleeping Dogs. There's a few loose ends, but I'm not interested in chasing them down. Started on Siren: Blood Curse. An entirely freakish game based on what I've played so far. Definitely have to wait until the lights are out before firing it up though. The experience isn't quite the same when the sun is shining.

I think the WiiU is probably going to do better than a lot of people are saying at this point. You have to remember that all of the detractors are core gamers; relatively informed consumers but let's not forget that they are not representative of the mass consumer base. As long as there is strong advertising of the new, "unique" features of the WiiU and some games that appeal to the casuals, it'll do just fine. With Nintendo also appearing to be trying for the core once more, it'll be really interesting to see the response of Microsoft and Sony. It'll depend on Nintendo's success in that field, of course.

I can't wait to see what's lined up for TGS.

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Kevin555
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 5:58:42 AM

Seriously mate if you think Blood Curse is weird now just wait until you reach episode nine, something really unexpected & horrifically bizarre happens but it can be easily missed so make sure you look for it. ;)

I won't spoil it for you, it's something you need to see yourself.

Last edited by Kevin555 on 9/16/2012 6:04:04 AM

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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 11:35:42 AM

Did you buy Siren on the network? I wish they'd price drop that sucker.

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Lawless SXE
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 2:22:54 PM

Kevin, thanks for the advice.

World, nah, I picked up a preowned copy over a year ago for about $18. As usual, it's taken me ages to get to it.

Last edited by Lawless SXE on 9/16/2012 2:23:33 PM

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homura
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 1:34:02 AM
Reply

Yaiba got my attention.

I also think Sony is not affected by Wii U, even if Nintendo is also aiming for the hardcore right now with Zombi U.

PGU:
I'm playing Mass Effect 2, only got a chance of doing 1-2 missions a day, insanity mode is really not that hard, I thought it's going to be insanely hard like Dragon Age II nightmare mode but ME2 is more balanced.

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Rogueagent01
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 2:31:32 AM

Is Dragon Age II Nightmare that hard? I played the first one on its hardest difficulty and only had a problem with Morgana's stepmom, that dragon whooped my a$$ a few times before I figured out how to beat her. I still have DA II in its wrapper and want to get to it as soon as I can, but other games have been delaying me. Also is nightmare available right off the bat or do I have to unlock it? I really hope I can just play on that mode, as I am not a huge fan of playing through multiple times just for a different level of difficulty.

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homura
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 4:54:21 AM

I can't remember if Nightmare mode is available right away cause I played and finish it first in normal mode before trying the nightmare mode. And yes it's insanely hard and unfair, requires a lot of strategy, don't rely on the tactics you have set automatically, a lot of times I have to play it like a turn based, manually setting the attack of my party. It gave me a real hard time and enjoyed it but only for a while, cause I've lost my desire to play it when finally the boring settings sickens me to death. So yeah play it in the most difficult mode in your first play through.

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Beamboom
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 5:34:09 AM

Morrigans mother (stepmother?) was the reason I never finished DA:O. I could not for the love of anything holy figure out how to get that witch.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 10:54:45 AM

I couldn't either at first Beam, I leveled up hardcore and looked up a guide online that helped. Even then I barely took her down.

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Rogueagent01
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 3:55:05 PM

Mother /Stepmother, whatever :) its been quite awhile since I played it so I couldn't really remember. Thanks Homura, playing it almost turn based is what I did with Origins so I should be ok with it then.

And yeah I had to level up a few levels before I was able to beat that dragon, then I just kept everyone accept my character away from her so that she couldn't wipe us all out. I loved that fight especially since it was basically if I remember correctly optional.

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Beamboom
Monday, September 17, 2012 @ 1:48:59 AM

Yeah it was optional, but I felt it was so essential still, plus I was *dying* (quite literary too) to find out what happened next, I loved that story. So the air went out of the baloon when I could not get past that point, and then at a later point I ended up at that encounter in the town hall that I struggled with too and then I lost motivation. :(

Last edited by Beamboom on 9/17/2012 1:49:56 AM

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Snaaaake
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 2:15:01 AM
Reply

Until Wii-U has something of Gears of war or Uncharted quality, won't ever consider buying it.

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LowKey
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 2:44:21 AM
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I haven't got a chance to play DD Neon yet. I have it I just aven't played it. Remember Double Dragon for the Sega Master System? Epic. Still remember to do 100 jump kicks at the beggining of the last level to get infinite lives lol.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 11:38:04 AM

Neon is a total throwback with some pretty visuals, it starts exactly the same way, a good old sock to the gut of your girlfriend lol.

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Ultimadesires
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 5:23:47 AM
Reply

I have to say, considering that the Wii-U is just around the corner, I have heard barely anything about it since it's initial introduction. I've not heard anything about the games or anything. Not that I am intending to get one, I only get a Wii because It got it for cheaper than the price of a retail game.

Speaking of which I did buy a game recently (dun dun DUN!) - I gave into the special edition of Pandora's Tower for the Wii. It looks like it will deliver on what I would expect from a 3D Castlevania title. Got it for half price because I know it will soon become a rarity, just look at the Last Story special edition already o_0. It was either that or give into Tekken Tag 2, which would be a more expensive and a disappointment.

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Kevin555
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 10:27:32 AM

@Ultimadream,

Hey man on the topic of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 i just obtained Heihachi's classic hairdo. It's there, it just needs to be unlocked through ghost battle.

Just thought i'd get back to you on that some how, so if you're still on the fence then maybe Heihachi's crusty old forked hair will pull you over. ;)

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Beamboom
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 5:39:46 AM
Reply

I believe both Sony and Microsoft should (and do) keep a keen eye on what Nintendo does. It's a shifting market, nothing is constant. And Nintendo obtaining Bayonetta is at the very least an indicator that Nintendo do not intend to let MS and Sony do their thing uninterrupted.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 11:36:50 AM

True that, they are clearly gunning for some of the hardcore market share. They will probably only succeed in bringing their previously youthful Wii constituents into Tweenhood though.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 16, 2012 @ 11:43:39 AM
Reply

Oh yeah I beat Hyperdimension 2, FINALLY. I put a ton of effort in that sucker and just got the normal ending. Oh well, turn based fun stays in the collection anyway.

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