Tomb Raider News
The digital download for "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" is now available (only on the Xbox Live Arcade for $15 or 1200 Microsoft Points). Karl Stewart, brand director at Crystal Dynamics, revealed that the new game will get a four week exclusive on Xbox Live Arcade. It was announced that the "complete" online co-op game will be released for Playstation 3 (on PlayStation Network) and Windows PC (via the Steam network) on September 28th.
In "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light", Lady Croft finds the long lost Temple of Light in the mountains of Central America. There, she unwittingly frees an evil spirit determined to engulf the world in eternal darkness. Alongside Totec, a Mayan tribesman, you must hunt down the Mirror of Smoke in what will be a new and incredible adventure.
No word yet from either Crystal Dynamics or Eidos regarding a possible release date on the next Tomb Raider game ("Tomb Raider: Island of Mystery"?). The project now has their full attention with the release of "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light". It is believed that the next Tomb Raider game may be ready for release by Christmas of 2011.
The leaked plot for the game goes like this:
"When a sudden storm destroys her research vessel, a young and inexperienced Lara Croft finds herself stranded on a mysterious and remote island hidden off the shores of Japan. Despite several signs of various inhabitants the island is oddly deserted, and an uneasy feeling settles in as strange sounds emerge from the shadows. With only her determination, inner strength, and resourcefulness to help her, Lara must overcome the challenges of a harsh and unforgiving journey that will take her across a vast island wilderness and deep into the claustrophobic and menacing underground tombs from the island's past. As she struggles to prevail through brutal combat encounters and treacherous exploration, Lara will be pushed to her limits and forced to adapt to her situation in order to survive and escape from the lethal predators that stalk her every move."
Posted July 18, 2010
Eurogamer has been causing a bit of a stir on the internet claiming to have discovered "new" concept art from the next Tomb Raider game. Although the source was unable to confirm rumors about the next game's subtitle, we do know that it will be released for multiple platforms including PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. Earlier this week a number of artworks popped up on ex-CD artist Joel Boucquemont's site. Those listed under "Concept Art / Tomb Raider" show a devastated and deserted cityscape and some dark environments. Eurogamer's source confirmed that "some" of the artworks featured on the site relate to the next Tomb Raider game.
Posted July 8, 2010
The question regarding "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" is this, .... are the people at Eidos and Crystal Dynamics simply trying to see how popular Tomb Raider would be in a co-play (or multi-player) enviornment, with smaller characters and a fixed camera? According to developer Crystal Dynamics, "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" is going to be a completely different experience than what fans have come to expect, and the title itself is intended to reflect that. Notice that they left the name "Tomb Raider" out of the title? Co-op gameplay, an overhead perspective and more focus on solving puzzles drives the upcoming non-Tomb Raider game.
But, the word “different” doesn't even begin to cover it. In stark contrast to her earlier adventures, "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" is a top-down, isometric adventure that uses a fixed camera and focuses alternately on puzzle-solving and gauntlet-style combat against hordes of enemies. The biggest change, however, is that Lara isn't going it alone. She actually has someone along to help her this time. Her new "sidekick" is Totec, an ancient Mayan warrior (the Guardian of Light) who’s awakened from a centuries-long hibernation when a squad of mercenaries try to steal an artifact from Lara.
The disturbance of the ancient artifact accidentally awakens an evil sorcerer named Xolotl, who then revives his ancient army of undead horrors. This forces Lara and Totec to work together in order to stop him. Totec and Lara don’t play exactly the same way. Both will eventually be able to use a variety of guns, and both can lay down an unlimited supply of remotely detonated bombs. Other than that, the two have completely different – but complementary – abilities. The entire game is designed around two players ......... using them together in symbiotic co-op. It’s definitely NOT part of the "Tomb Raider" franchise.
One can only assume that the symbiosis is meant to foster trust between co-players, and to get them to think creatively about the puzzles with which they’re confronted. If you're looking for a single-player experience, you won’t be saddled with Totec or forced to switch between players constantly. Instead, all of the puzzles are being redesigned with just Lara in mind. Rather than getting Totec’s help (in the puzzle above, for example), there’ll be a Totec-sized stone ball that she can roll onto the pressure plate, and then use as a platform from which to jump."Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" is slated for release to Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Marketplace on August 18, 2010. The game will be released for PlayStation Network and PC's a month or so later. It’s backed up by the same graphics engine behind the full-sized Tomb Raider games, meaning that while it might look simplistic, it packs some impressive detail – including great lighting effects and moving vegetation – to compensate for its fixed perspective and small onscreen characters. In any case, it has the potential to be, shall we say, a uniquely "interesting" co-op experience, ..... and definitely a different experience for Tomb Raider fans. The digital download will eventually be available for Xbox 360, Windows PC and PlayStation 3. The game is rated T for Teen by ESRB.
The Search for Lara Croft
Another young actress who should be considered for the role of Lara Croft in the third "Tomb Raider" movie (now in the early production phase at LIN Pictures) is Gemma Arterton. The young British newcomer was born January 1986 in Gravesend, Kent, England. Gemma and her younger sister were raised by their father and mother. After going to grammar school in Gravesend and attending a performance arts course, Arterton trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art on a full grant. Gemma graduated from RADA in 2007. She won her first professional role (in Stephen Poliakoff's "Capturing Mary") while she was still at drama school. She made her stage debut as Rosaline in Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost" at the Globe Theatre in London.
RADA was truly a formative place for Gemma Arterton. She experienced many things at the academy that helped her achieve what she has now. At the Miskin Theater Company, she was given the Advanced National Diploma in Acting. She was also a member of Kent’s Masquerade Theater Company. She did productions like "Guiding Star" as Gina and the Massacre at Civitella. In 2004, she received Best Supporting Actress for Kent Award.
She made her film debut in the 2007 "St Trinian's" as Head Girl Kelly, a role she gained in competition with Sienna Miller. In 2008, Gemma bagged the coveted role of a Bond girl. She played the character of 'Fields' opposite Daniel Craig in the James Bond movie, "Quantom of Solace". She appeared in "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" (2010), and most recently in "Clash of the Titans" (2010). Currently, her latest venture (in post-production) is "Tamara Drewe" (2011) which is being produced by BBC Films movie studio. The movie is a comedy about a young newspaper writer who returns to her hometown in the English countryside, where her childhood home is being prepped for sale.
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Four "Lara Croft" Choices
Let's face facts, shall we? LIN Pictures and Warner Brothers are talking about a "reboot" of the Tomb Raider films, .... ala "Terminator: Salvation", "X-men Origins: Wolverine" and "The Dark Knight". They want a younger actress to play the role of Lara Croft. Exactly how young we don't know yet. But you can rule out actresses such as Kate Beckinsale, Rhona Mitra and others who are all about the same age as Angelina Jolie.
I think we can safely rule out Megan Fox (she got dumped from the next "Transformers" movie for being such a diva). They may be looking for someone who can play a young twenty-something Lara, perhaps even a teenage Lara ...... who knows? David Lin? He's not talking. No one is. So we're left to speculate.
My first vote would be for Gemma Arterton. A true Brit, she was born in 1986 .... making her only 24 years old in 2010. Not to mention her acting experience in major films and in the theater. In 2008, Gemma bagged the coveted role of a Bond girl. She played the character of 'Fields' opposite Daniel Craig in the James Bond movie, "Quantom of Solace". Arterton later appeared in "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" (2010), and most recently in "Clash of the Titans" (2010). This gal could even (quite possibly) portray a teen Lara if need be.
Next, I would recommend they take a look at Sienna Miller for the role. At 27 she may be young enough, is beautiful and has experience in action films. She starred as The Baroness in Stephen Sommers' "G.I. Joe" feature film and the role serves as a good example as to whether or not Miller has the chops for action flicks.
Another young actress that should be considered for the role of Lara Croft on the big screen is Emily Blunt. The beauty was born in February of 1983 and is from London, England. She co-starred opposite Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in the box-office success "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006) for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. She has since starred in a number of American and British productions, including "Charlie Wilson's War" (2007) with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. More recently, she has starred in "The Young Victoria" (2009), and "The Wolfman" (2010) where she co-starred with Academy Award winners Benicio Del Toro and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
A fourth choice for the role of Lara Croft may be American-born actress Nikki Reed. She was born May 17, 1988 in Los Angeles, California. On February 12, 2008, it was announced that Reed would portray Rosalie Hale in the film adaption of "Twilight". She reprised her role in the third installment of the series, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse". Reed has noted that she feels she is a versatile actress, but feels typecast in roles of "sexy bad girls," noting that producers often tell her that she is too "sexy" for a particular part.
All four young ladies are beautiful, sexy .... and experienced actresses. Why do some people persist in saying that they don't want to see anyone but Angelina Jolie, or some other thirty-somthing actress, play Lara? Well, some people just don't like change. Others thrive on it. We all know how Christian Bale and the Batman series has done since the "reboot" (i.e. Batman Begins and The Dark Knight).
As for the latest rumor on the internet about Kim Kardashian playing Lara? Yeah, .... maybe when hell freezes over. At the production studio, they're talking about a "character-driven" film for Tomb Raider 3. That means they'll be looking for a good, experienced actress. Who would you like to see as Lara?
Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light
Okay, okay, I'll admit that before I actually played "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light", I didn't exactly hold high hopes for the new game. Yes, I said it was doomed to failure. But this game is, well, it's okay. Not only is the overhead style the right choice for it’s versatile gameplay and layered levels, it helps integrate a co-op mode that infuses a lot more fun in an already excellant game. All I can say to hard-core Tomb Raider fans is ....... keep an open mind.
There’s a story here, but I'm afraid it’s a little uninvolved. Lara was in pursuit of an ancient Aztec artifact (the Mirror of Smoke) until a local warlord catches wind of her exploits and puts a gun to her head to make her find it for him. Once the mirror is found, an ancient evil is released by the name of Xolotl. This also summons his arch-nemesis, Totec, the Guardian of Light ...... Lara's partner in this little adventure.
Players are sent through sprawling temples, complete with all the usual booby traps and various mechanisms that one might expect. Each level loads with a list of challenges to be completed, and this is where Lara really shines. The challenges range from hitting high scores to speed runs, from gathering up a set of collectibles to beating level-specific traps in a certain amount of time or with a certain method. High scores are achieved mostly in combat and by collecting diamonds scattered around the ground.
Each challenge provides you with a new weapon, an upgrade to your health or ammo bars. It may even provide an item that boosts stats or gives a special attack. There are more of them hidden throughout the levels. With all these things to find and do, "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" becomes a gamer's dream. It requires multiple playthroughs with a different mindset each time to nail all the challenges and ultimately unlock all available weapons, artifacts and achievements. Things get even more fun when a second controller is turned on. The game plays just fine for a single player, ......... all the puzzles can be completed alone. But bringing in a second person, who takes on the role of Totec, means that all the puzzles instantly require intuitive thinking and teamwork to complete.
There are several different ways that Lara and Totec interact in various situations. While the puzzles are challenging without being too difficult for a single player, ..... with a teammate they require a little more lateral thinking. All of the puzzles are difficult enough to be satisfying, even if there aren’t any real brain-teasers.
As far as combat goes, Totec and Lara gather up guns from their exploits, which can be assigned to different spots on the D-Pad for quick switches. Movement is handled with the left analog stick, targeting with the right, in the style of a two-stick shooter. The right trigger is used for firing. Enemies usually come in swarms, leaving Lara and Totec to dodge huge enemies with sweeping attacks. They jump to safety and can leave behind bombs to slow their pursuers. Fighting is best when it’s a frantic affair that has your thinking diverted in two directions.
One boss battle, for example, has numerous challenges going on. In one, a huge dinosaur who can’t be hurt by weapons, goes charging around the arena. And as the battle progresses, more and more enemies show up. There’s a lot of dodging and diving going on, and one battle can take 20 minutes or more with so many things to accomplish. Then you play it again to get a challenge for finishing it in two minutes.
With all those extra things to do ..... collections, speed runs, score challenges ..... it means that this game lasts a good long time for your money (about $15, or 1200 Microsoft points). One playthrough will take maybe 10 or 12 hours, but finding and doing everything will probably take a total of two or three run-throughs. You’ll play the game through to hit speed challenges and again to make sure you found everything possible.
Leaderboards and competitive co-op play can bring you back for additional competition. On the down side, I'd have to say that the puzzles aren't very challenging. And I'm still not too thrilled with the isometric fixed camera and the distance between the player and the action. But, this game turned out much better than I had expected.
Free Tomb Raider Custom Levels
Editor's Choice: "Beyond the Scion" - from TRLE.net
Some time ago.....Lara Croft embarked on a search for the three parts of the Scion - a set of artifacts forged by the three rulers of Atlantis that were said to harness great power when all three pieces were combined. In Tomb Raider 1, we saw how Lara followed the trail of the scion pieces through the ancient tombs of Qualopec and Tihocan, and finally re-discovered the Lost City of Atlantis, where she defeated Natla and her ‘new breed’.
We saw the pyramid of Atlantis destroyed and (presumably) along with it the scion. Now, we explore a ‘what if’ scenario. What if all three rulers of Atlantis were immortals, and the other two rulers - Tihocan and Qualopec, like Natla, had survived the destruction of Atlantis and were able to take on modern day identities just as Natla did? What if Lara acquired the three scion pieces before the destruction of Atlantis? We begin by returning to Lara's past and picking up the story prior to the end of Tomb Raider 1. Believe me, if you're a big Tomb Raider fan and need a new TR game ...... try TRLE.net. Beyond the Scion and other levels can be downloaded free at TRLE. The tomb raider level editor is NOT needed for this great level. The level was designed by Scott Ginn (aka EssGee) of Australia. See the link below to download this and other free tomb raider levels.
To download TRLE custom levels: Click here
Archeology News:
Teotihuacan Tunnel Discovered
August 3, 2010
An 1,800 year old tunnel and possible tombs were unearthed by archeologists in Teotihuacan, Mexico. They have found a long-sealed tunnel and chambers that branch off under the ruins of Teotihuacan and it is likely to unravel quite a lot about the early rulers of the ancient city. The roof of the tunnel was reached just recently, and is 40 feet below the surface. A camera was lowered into a 12-feet wide corridor which was cut out of a rock and is said to have closed intentionally in between A.D. 200 and 250. Archaeologist Sergio Gomez thinks that the tunnel is the “central element” and the ceremonial centre was built around it.
On Tuesday the experts have said this discovery will also help reveal facts about the social structure of the Teotihuacan which still remain a mystery. Teotihuacan, which means "birthplace of the gods," was once an epicenter of Mexican culture. About 200,000 people, the population of modern-day Des Moines, lived there around 600 A.D. Teotihuacan is best known for the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the fact that the identities of those who ruled it remains a mystery.
It is a well known fact that evens the pre-Hispanic cultures were defined by the rulers but archaeologists have failed to find a depiction of a monarch or a tomb of a ruler until now. It is now being considered that the hidden tunnel that was at the foot of the Temple of Quetzacoati caused the place to sink after a heavy rainstorm in 2003 With this most recent discovery, archeologists are hoping to make that known. They think the tunnel belonged to a dynasty.
"I think the tunnel was the central element, the main element around which the rest of the ceremonial center was built," said archaeologist Sergio Gomez. "This was the most sacred place."
The roof of the tunnel lies 40 feet below the ground, and inside, Gomez and his associates found nearly 50,000 objects of jade, stone, shell and pottery, which makes them think there are tombs below (since valuables were tossed inside before it was sealed off). The scanner images and the large chamber that measures 10yards on each side that lies directly under the temple indicates it was the ruler’s tomb.
"People have looked for these rulers for many years," Luis Barba of the Anthropological Research Institute of Mexico's National Autonomous University said. "Perhaps they will be found now."
Since no single reference or murals on a single ruler has been depicted in the Teotihuacan culture, Luis Barba, of Anthropological Research Institute of Mexico’s National Autonomous University, is of the opinion that the city might have had shared leadership. She also said that now they might be able to find rulers or ruler of the place.
Archeology News:
Trail of Aztec Royalty
June, 2010
The Aztec empire's royal burial sites have ever been found, but researchers participating in the Templo Mayor excavation project in downtown Mexico City think an emperor’s tomb is just around the corner. In 2006, researchers discovered a four meter (13-foot) long carving of Tlaltecuhtli, the Aztec earth goddess. Since then, further digging has revealed bizarre offerings that archaeologists believe indicate the presence of a near-by royal burial.
Tlaltecuhtli was one of the most feared deities. She represented life and nurturing, as well as death. Stories recount her insatiable appetite for blood and the large, unearthed carving depicts a stream of blood rushing out of her mouth. To honor the powerful goddess, the Aztec buried an odd assortment of offerings, including a wolf adorned in turquoise jewelry, underneath the stone slab. Many pieces of the offering hailed from distant lands, such as shells from the ocean.
Portions of the offering and the Tlaltecuhtli carving are now on display at the exposition “Moctezuma II, Times and Destiny of a Ruler” at the Templo Mayor Museum. Archaeologist Leonardo Lopez Lujan told the Associated Press:
“These are offerings we have never seen before, and obviously they give us very good indications that at some point we can find a royal tomb.”
Lujan speculates that the proximal tomb belongs to the Aztec emperor Ahuizotl who died in 1502. In the Tlaltecuhtli carving, the goddess holds a rabbit with 10 dots. This symbol represents a date on the Aztec calendar and translates to the year 1502. The archaeologists plan on expanding the excavation site in search of the emperor’s elusive tomb.
Archeology News:
'Door to Afterlife' Found in Egypt
March 29, 2010
Archaeologists in Egypt and the Egyptian antiquities authority announced the discovery of a 3,500-year-old "Door to the Afterlife." near Karnak temple in Luxor. Standing nearly 6 feet tall, the false door is made up of a solid slab of red granite that is intricately engraved with numerous hieroglyphics. It is carved to create the illusion of a series of concentric door frames stretching off into an infinite horizon.
The door, known as a false door, was meant to be a threshold that allowed the deceased and his wife to interact with the world of the living. Such doorways are found in almost all ancient Egyptian tombs and were installed to "take the spirits of the dead to and from the afterworld." False doors were also placed in the west walls of tombs and often faced offering tables where food and drink were left for the "spirit of the deceased."
The ancient Egyptian vision of the afterlife was believed to be a bigger and better version of the Egypt they saw on earth. In the afterlife, the deceased were to live close to their family and friends.
The new door was found, curiously enough, inside a Roman-style building in the Egyptian city of Luxor. Egypt was annexed by the Roman Empire in 30 B.C. after forces led by the man who would become Caesar Augustus defeated the armies of his rivals, lovers Mark Antony and Cleopatra, who subsequently committed suicide. Rome controlled Egypt for the next 700 years.
But archaeologists have actually traced the latest door back to a much older, distant tomb constructed for a man called User, chief minister of Queen Hatshepsut, who was herself one of ancient Egypt's few female rulers and its longest reigning, from 1479 to 1457 B.C.
Inscriptions on the doorway may reveal that User held the positions of the queen's vizier, prince and mayor of the city of Luxor. Aarchaeologists discovered a chapel dedicated to User, suggesting his "importance during Pharaoh Hashepsut's reign, as well as to the importance of the post of vizier in ancient Egypt."
Gates of Andaron is a 3D Fantasy MMORPG. With a look and feel very similar to World of Warcraft, Gates of Andaron boasts two warring factions; Craxion and DeFugel. Each faction contains the same three races and six classes. Gates of Andaron is heavily quest driven and has a clean user interface.Though many MMORPGs borrow features from one another, some games take it a step further. Gates of Andaron is such a game. For anyone who’s seen or played WoW, the graphic and interface in Gates of Andaron will look familiar. The graphic style may be a bit cartoonish, but the bright colors work well and make Gates of Andaron an attractive game. The user interface is also clean and easy to use thanks to the source material. Both factions have the same three race and six class choices.
Free to Play: Terminator: Salvation
In this dark and very unforgiving world, the Terminators seek to destroy all human resistance that plagues them. Meanwhile, the Resistance is determined to persevere and put an end to this metallic threat. In this free to play browser based MMO, players must decide which side they will fight for, and then battle other players to further their own cause. So what will it be? Who will rule the world? Man or Machine? Play this game on-line for free!
Free to Play: Kingdom Heroes
You're invited to become a part of history in the Kingdom Heroes Closed Beta! War is brewing in ancient China, and only the strongest will survive to claim victory. Kingdom Heroes is filled with tales of majestic horse battles, countries under siege, and much more medieval action in this awesome free to play title. Download and play today to experience a huge range of epic features!
Author: Aeria Games. System Requirements: Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000, Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent, GeForce 6200 or equivalent, 1 GB of RAM, DirectX 9.0c or better, 4 GB of HDD space.
Free to Play: Dark Orbit
Explore the infinite expanses of outer space in one of the best browser-based, action-packed space shooters ever made. Fly into the face of danger and go where nobody has ever gone before - either on your own or with others. Set a course to discover new galaxies and new lifeforms. Join one of the three DarkOrbit companies in their struggle to gain control over the universe. Gear up for battle and fight to the bitter end to gain wealth and power in this browser game. Stock up your ship and transform it from a simple Starjet to the universe's most feared battlecruiser: DarkOrbit will keep you coming back for more! Fulfill your destiny in this on-line action game!
PTR Desktop Wallpaper Galleries
In these galleries you'll find wallpapers from the Tomb Raider video games, concept art, movies, comic books, Lara Croft models and fan art. You'll find high quality wallpapers of 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 1152 x 864 and 1440 x 900 screen resolutions.
For those who are not aware of it, many custom levels built now don't even require that you have the Tomb Raider Level Editor already installed on your computer. You can download them (free) from the TRLE link above.
Coming Attractions: "The Green Lantern"
June, 2010
In the superhero movie based on the DC Comics character, test pilot Hal Jordan finds a downed alien spacecraft. Jordan is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers from a dying alien (Abin Sur ).
It introduces the man to a wider world that includes an intergalactic squadron known as the Green Lantern Corps and its overseers, the Guardians of the Universe.
The film stars Ryan Reynolds ("The Proposal", "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", "Definitely, Maybe "), Blake Lively ( "Gossip Girl", "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"), Peter Sarsgaard ("Rendition", "Jarhead") and Temuera Morrison ("Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith"). Lively is set to play the character of Carol Ferris. Tim Robbins is rumored to have joined the cast of the Warner Brothers film. Robbins — who won a best supporting actor Oscar for his role in Clint Eastwood’s "Mystic River" — will play Senator Hammond, the disapproving father of the movie’s villain, Dr. Hector Hammond (played by Peter Sarsgaard), who becomes infused with psychic powers. Mark Strong ("Sherlock Holmes") is rumored to be portraying Sinestro, but that has yet to be confirmed.
Directed by Martin Cambell, the movie is scheduled for release in theaters on June 17, 2011 from Warner Brothers Pictures. Campbell said this about the film, "All the origin people [will be in it]. Carol [Ferris], of course, who will be played by Blake Lively. All the main characters are there, and it's a complex story. The origin story of Green Lantern is complex, probably one of the most complex, which makes it a challenge to get it right."
The characters of Carol Ferris and Sinestro may not be full fledged villains in the film, but the characters will be set up as the villains for a second "Green Lantern" movie. That is, if there is a sequel to this one.
Director Martin Campbell confirmed this in an interview: "I think it will stick closely to the origin story, but we all know Sinestro, for an example, is a character who goes over to the dark side, and of course, Carol, played by Blake Lively, in later versions becomes a bad guy as well. I think people will be able to see forward to the characters that in the comic went on to (become bad guys)... but people will be ahead of us on all that I think."
Donald DeLine ("Fool's Gold" and "I Love You Man") is credited as one of the executive producers of "Green Lantern". Greg Berlanti and Michael Goldenberg are credited with the screenplay. "Green Lantern" reportedly began filming in New Orleans in March of 2010 and is set to debut in theaters June 17, 2011.
New "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie
Disney has its heading, because "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is set to sail. The fourth installment in the series is scheduled to begin shooting this summer (2010) in Hawaii, and Rob Marshall will take the wheel as director.
Johnny Depp reprises his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the fourth film in the popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. The new film will be loosely based on the Tim Powers book, "On Stranger Tides."
Geoffrey Rush is back as Barbossa and Ian McShane will play the villain Blackbeard. Penelope Cruz is portraying the daughter of Blackbeard. Romance reportedly swirls between Captain Jack Sparrow and Penelope Cruz's character.
After Jack Sparrow meets Barbossa in the newly found New Orleans, they sail to find the fountain of youth together ......... only to discover that Blackbeard is after it too!
Video Game Reviews - News:
Splinter Cell: Conviction
Sam Fisher is back in Tom Clancy's "Splinter Cell: Conviction". Of all the smart decisions made in putting together a new Splinter Cell title, this might be the best one developer Ubisoft Montreal has made. Sam is angry and you hear it in every grunted line of dialogue. You can see it in the brutal takedowns and interrogation moves and feel it pulsating through Sam with every step. That anger, that aggressiveness is built not only into the story but the gameplay changes as well. It was a huge risk deviating from the trial-and-error style that made the series famous, but it paid off. Splinter Cell Conviction is an awesome video game.
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Release Date: April, 2010 
Red Dead Redemption
This wild west epic raises the bar for open world action games, and stakes its claim as one of the most engaging games this year. It has a superb cast of memorable characters, Varied and always-fun story missions along with loads of optional activities and challenges. As you ride the train west from the northern city of Blackwater, you have no idea what's waiting for you in the frontier town of Armadillo at the end of Red Dead Redemption's intro sequence. Conversations between other passengers clue you in to the state of the nation, and a quick look out of the window tells you that the territories are as untamed as they are beautiful.
It's not until you step off the train in the well-worn boots of protagonist John Marston and have to sidestep a drunk staggering out of the saloon that you realize how alive the world feels, and how much fun you're going to have exploring it. Both the game controls and the HUD have been improved in subtle but important ways. Those basics, in conjunction with excellent gameplay, a great story, and a sizable multiplayer suite make "Red Dead Redemption" something special. This is an outstanding game that tells a great story with memorable and occasionally laugh-out-loud-funny characters. Think about great moments that you remember from spaghetti Western movies, put them all into one 20- to 40-hour epic feature, and picture yourself in the starring role. Now you have some idea of what's waiting for you in Red Dead Redemption.
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Release Date: May, 2010
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Chances are you heard that Starcraft II features only a single campaign: that of the human faction known as the Terrans. In StarCraft II, it's still the Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss fighting each other, and you're still mining minerals with SCVs, Drones, and Probes and pulling Vespene Gas from the ground to fuel production. But take heart, the campaign is hardly a one-note wonder. It offers loads of variety, including an entire set of missions that divulges important story elements from a completely different perspective. It's a classic style of real-time strategy play, one that old-school RTS gamers should be very familiar with. Compared to the changes Blizzard made between the traditional gameplay of Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness and the hero-based leveling elements of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, StarCraft II feels like a relatively safe play; a game designed to slide in and discreetly supplant its predecessor instead of ruffle the feathers of longtime StarCraft devotees and risk rejection. While it's not a revolutionary game, it is one of the most fully featured, expertly designed, and impressively refined real-time strategy experiences on the market. From one mission to the next, there's an intriguing new development that keeps you devoted to seeing what surprise is waiting for you next.
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Release Date: July 27, 2010 
Batman: Arkham Asylum
No doubt, you've already heard of Batman, either from the movies, comic books or animated TV shows. If you haven't, it's conceivable that you might be unfamiliar with Arkham Asylum. But, you don't need to be a fan of Batman to enjoy this excellent third-person action game. Already acclaimed as one of the top video games of the year, the iconic psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane is essentially Gotham City's Alcatraz. It has housed just about every villain Batman has ever tangled with at one time or another. In this game, the lunatics take over the asylum and only you can stop them. In the intro, you learn that Batman has captured Joker, as you see him being returned to the asylum under Batman's watchful eye. It quickly becomes apparent that he has deliberately allowed himself to be captured. He plans to throw a "party" there, with Batman as the guest of honor. Clearly it's a trap, but as Batman, you just can't walk away from it. You not only get to go toe-to-toe with thugs in fast-paced punch-ups, but you also employ stealth tactics, use great gadgets, solve some remarkable riddles, and do a decent amount of detective work. Everything about this game - the impressive visuals, stirring soundtrack, superb voice acting, fiendish puzzles, hard-hitting combat - all feels like it has been crafted by a development team that's both knowledgeable and passionate about their source material. If you don't try this game, the joke's on you! Riddle me this, ..... what is it that is always coming, but never arrives?
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Halo 3: ODST
ODST is the thrilling new entry in the Halo franchise. You wake up all alone in a hostile city. There are enemies hiding in the nearly pitch-black environment and your allies are nowhere to be found. In the opening moments of "Halo 3: ODST", you are vulnerable and aimless. This feeling of desolation never fully dissolves. ODST is an awesome entry in the franchise because it not only showcases the elements that have made previous games in the series so much fun, but it also introduces some new ideas that put a unique spin on the classic formula. The most exhilarating new feature is the Firefight mode. It's a cooperative battle against a never-ending swarm of covenant soldiers that is as intense and rewarding as anything that has appeared in the series. Whether you love the solitude of the single-player campaign, the camaraderie of cooperative encounters, or the blood lust of multiplayer competition, "Halo 3: ODST" is a fantastic package. "Halo: Reach" is the next upcoming first-person shooter video game (exclusively for Xbox 360). It's part of the Halo series, and is scheduled for release during the fall of 2010. Playstation 3 and X-box 360.
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Assassin's Creed II
In Assassin's Creed II fully addresses and ties up many of the loose ends from the last game. It picks up exactly where it left off, with the kidnapped bartender Desmond locked in his cell at Abstergo. The corporation is the modern-day face of the Templars and they're after Desmond's valuable genetic memories. The magic of modern technology allows Desmond to relive the exploits of his Assassin ancestors. His genealogy puts him at the center of a war between the Templars and Assassins. "Assassin's Creed II" transforms a so-so action game into an intriguing and consistently entertaining open-world adventure. The experience is layered, unique, and shows an incredible attention to detail. This is one case where the sequel is better than the original. It catches the gameplay up to the already excellent visuals. No matter what your preconceptions are about Assassin's Creed II, the game is well worth your time and money. Release date for the PC: March 16, 2010.
Release Date: November 17, 2009 ....... for PS3
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
In "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves", treasure hunter Nathan Drake returns for more tomb raiding in the sequel to the 2007 archeological action adventure hit. With an exhilarating campaign, intense cooperative mode, and addictive multiplayer competition, Uncharted 2 is a complete game that is a must see. It is an exciting, brilliantly paced adventure with varied combat, thrilling acrobatics and exploration, and a complete multiplayer system with perks.
Drake travels the globe, in search of a lost artifact, while trying not to get shot. He quickly realizes the ramifications of his latest discovery. He then begins a new quest to thwart an evil warlord from grabbing the sacred object for himself and growing all-powerful in the process. "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves" doesn't veer far from the original formula established by "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune", but there are a few tweaks and a strong focus on details that make this a better game. The stunning visuals bring exotic locales to life. The gameplay isn't perfect, but Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is an awesome game that continually surprises, impresses, and entertains. This perfectly paced campaign is pure joy from beginning to end.
Release Date: Oct 13, 2009 
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 boasts a fast-paced and thrilling campaign, as well as some of the most immersive and exciting multiplayer action around. There are plenty of tactical decisions to be made beyond the loadout screen, including where you spawn, which buildings you destroy, and which vehicles you pilot. ATVs, gunboats, Humvees, tanks, and helicopters all spawn on the battlefield full of deadly potential. Exactly who dies depends on your driving skills and the enemy's demolition prowess, but there's no question that vehicles can change the flow of battle very quickly. A quick flanking run with a Jet Ski can catch the enemy off guard, while an unmanned UAV can end a helicopter's reign of terror before it has a chance to begin. With all the different classes, vehicles, and stationary weapons (like heavy machine guns and mounted rocket launchers) at play, there is a dazzling array of ways to wage war. These tools, coupled with the threat and promise of destructibility, make Bad Company 2's battlefields uniquely chaotic and electrifyingly fun. The action is top-notch in both campaign and multiplayer alike. Whether or not you're looking for a new shooter in your life, you owe it to yourself to play this game. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 was released by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360.
Release Date: March, 2010
Mass Effect 2
In the continued saga of Commander Shepard, it's the future, and all sentient life across the galaxy is in peril. An advanced race of machines known as Reapers is intent on wiping the slate clean. Shepard, a distinguished soldier, has faced this threat and emerged triumphant once, but victory is far from assured. Now Shepard must take the fight to the enemy -- a mission that is dubbed suicidal from the outset. Things don't look very promising, but he has a plan. It involves recruiting the best and brightest from around the galaxy and somehow convincing them their lives are worth sacrificing for the greater good. If you played Mass Effect 1 through to the end and still have your save data, this game will import your character and all the decisions you made. The central plot will not drastically change, but the experience most certainly will. Some old friends and acquaintances will return – and others won't – based on decisions you made in the last game. Even the opening moments of Mass Effect 2 can be slightly different. The actions you take in the sequel only compound this feeling of personalization. By the finale you'll have made so many decisions – ranging from simple things like whether you play as a male or female all the way up to those governing life or death – that the result is a game that is yours and yours alone.
Release Date: January 26, 2010
God of War III
This game may be proof that you should never judge a book by its bloodstained cover, so let’s dispense with the formalities. Yes, some people may see this as just a gory Greek tragedy dressed as an epic, hack-em-‘up odyssey. There’s the usual blend of action-based puzzle-solving, furious melees and timed button-mashing sequences to be had here – and in gruesome high-definition at that. But what really makes the tale, chronicling eternally enraged and artfully body-painted anti-hero Kratos’ battle against Olympus, so compelling is its sheer bombast and sense of imagination. New features include the ability to use corpses as battering rams, hitch joyrides on shrieking harpies and wrench gods’ heads off and utilize their decapitated craniums as grotesque flashlights. However, from watching rampaging titans tear cities apart to top-speed flights up crumbling air vents, expect to be wowed more by the designers’ imagination and range of stunning set pieces. You never know what crazy encounters or challenges they’ll come up with next. From Sony. Rated "M" for Mature, due to the graphic violence.
Release Date: March 16, 2010
For: PlayStation 3
Aliens vs. Predator
Aliens vs. Predator (2010) is the third installment of the video game by Rebellion Developments, .... the team behind the 1999 original PC game. AVP 3 is published by Sega for Microsoft Windows, the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. The game is a first-person shooter based on the characters and creatures of the Alien and Predator franchises.
There are three campaigns in the game, one for each race/faction (the Predators, the Aliens and the Colonial Marines), that, while separate in terms of individual plot and gameplay, form one overarching storyline. As in the films, the Predator prefers to stalk its prey from the safety of treetops and the gameplay reflects this, the player leaping from branch to branch automatically with the help of a "focus jumping" game mechanic. The Predator has different vision modes, the most recognizable from the films being a thermal imaging scanner, but the player also has different vision modes for spotting Aliens and other Predators.
This is a video game based on adult-rated movies, so it's clearly an adult-rated game. The violence is part of the characters and the world they live in. The Alien campaign will force players to get in close to their enemy, since their only methods of attack are physical. The Aliens' claws, tail and inner and outer jaws are their tools of attack. Aliens live in the shadows and use senses other than sight to locate their prey, which is why the Predator’s cloak is useless against them. The marine campaign contains the most information about the game's plot.
We give this game four stars on the PC, .... five on X-box! Hunter. Survivor. Prey. Which will you be? This game is rated "M" for Mature, due to the graphic violence. Don't say we didn't warn you!
Release Date: June 23, 2009
Check out this "Aliens vs. Predator" walkthrough / guide
Assassin's Creed II - Review
Assassin's Creed II is a historical fantasy third person action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is the second video game installment of the Assassin's Creed series and is a sequel to the 2007 video game Assassin's Creed. The player controls Ezio, who becomes an Assassin after his father and brothers are murdered by a traitor to the Auditore family.
While controlling Ezio, the player can explore game renditions of Italian cities, regions and landmarks in open world gameplay. The game features terrific writing, voice acting and gameplay that come together in a fantastic experience that builds upon the epic scope of the original.
Ubisoft has taken the rougher but ultimately more rewarding path here, and pushed the "Assassin's Creed" series forward so far that it leaves the original looking like a mere proof of concept. The first Assassin's Creed was a polarizing experience, with mixed feelings between those who were bored by the repetition of a few basic missions, and those who were so smitten by the core combat and free running that they didn't mind the drawbacks. Assassin's Creed 2 features a full, gorgeous world so filled with diverting adventures and quests that I don't even have room to list them all.
The main story missions take Ezio on a quest for vengeance through 15th century Italy, testing his climbing, combat and stealth skills in dozens of different ways. This game clearly doesn't coast on the strength of its mechanics. Several ideas are variations on a theme and so well integrated within the story that I never experienced the feeling of "déjà vu" that was so constant in the last game. The undertaking is so large that a person could play through just those missions and reap just under twenty hours of continuous fun.
If you want to do a little exploring outside the main story, you'll find plenty of rewards for doing so. Helping out villagers with odd jobs like letter delivery or beating up cheating husbands earns you money that can be used to purchase upgraded weapons and armor, more slots for injury-curing medicines, throwing knives, etc. If you'd like your money a bit easier, you can go on the hunt for treasure chests nestled throughout the cities; a job that'll go a lot smoother if you spend some money on a map from one of the several art dealers in Italy.
These same dealers also sell paintings that can upgrade the worth of the village owned by your family, in turn generating more rental income for you. Money invested at the shops in your village will also net you some helpful discounts. There are mysterious looking glyphs painted on buildings, map-revealing high points and codex pages to track down throughout the stunning, beautiful rendition of Italy, each tied to their own gameplay or narrative rewards.
The free running, which has the charcter vaulting to the tops of buildings with just pressing a few buttons, is still just as fluid and empowering. But this time around, instead of using it solely for pure movement, your skills will be tested in six burial chambers of fallen assassins, ....... great sequences that would be right at home in one of the better Tomb Raider titles.
Ezio, the new lead character, is miles ahead of Altair, replacing what was little more than a talking hood with a likable rogue whose journey to becoming an assassin mirrors his own passage into adulthood. The combat mechanics are the only part of the game that hasn't received a major overhaul.
If you were disappointed with the first Assassin's Creed and are worried about getting bored by the sequel, I understand your skepticism, but trust me: this one's much better. If you're going to try Assassin's Creed II, you'd better worry more about how you're going to find time for any other games this holiday season.
Bonfire of the Vanities, one of two downloadable content (DLC) expansion packs for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Assassin's Creed II, includes Sequence 13 which begins in 1497, two years prior to Sequence 14 and nine years after Sequence 12. Ezio has tracked Savonarola to Florence, where the player can now explore the southern province of the city. After meeting with Machiavelli, Ezio devises that bringing unrest to the city will force Savonarola to come out and settle the unrest. In order to bring about this unrest, Ezio assassinates nine of Savonarola's lieutenants who preach within the city. The people become angry and a mob forms outside the plaza where Savonarola preaches to the mob to disperse. He exposes the Apple to bewitch the mob, but Ezio quickly throws a knife at the Piece of Eden and Savonarola drops it. The mob proceeds to take the monk away, but a templar quickly rushes in to retrieve the Apple. Ezio rushes after the guard and reclaims it. Afterward, the mob takes Savonarola to the southern province to burn him at the stake, but Ezio, believing no one deserves such a painful fate, assassinates the monk to spare him the pain. Ezio stands before the confused crowd and declares that all should follow their own path.
The sequel picks up right up after the events of the original game and promptly settles into an improved and solid gait that it maintains throughout. Few games so deftly balance the contrasting qualities achieved with Assassin's Creed II. It's both epic and intimate, earnest and lighthearted. The scale is truly magnificent, but often its largest and most moving moments come from the smallest and most carefully composed scenes.
Ubisoft has confirmed a third game called "Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood". While not an expansion pack to Assassin's Creed II, this game will again feature Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and will include a new online multiplayer mode. It's been confirmed that most of the game will take place in Rome, where the heart of the facility for the Templar Order is working
Coming soon: "Halo: Reach"
The most highly anticipated game of 2010 will soon be here! In "Halo: Reach", players will experience the fateful moments that forged the "Halo" legend. It's the story of Noble Team, a squad of heroic spartan soldiers and their final stand on planet Reach, ..... humanity's last line of defense between the terrifying Covenant and Earth. This darker story is echoed by much grittier visuals amid a backdrop of massive, awe-inspiring environments. Characters, enemies and their surroundings are rendered in amazing detail by an all-new engine designed to deliver epic-scale encounters against the cunning and ruthless Covenant. Once the campaign is over, the battle continues online with an unparalleled multiplayer experience that expands on the award-winning suite of features that helped define the Xbox LIVE experience. The potential here is all but limitless!
For the first time, players will fight alongside a squad known as Noble Team. This group of iconic Spartan soldiers is laden with deadly talents as unique as their individual personalities and customized gear. The player will live the events that set the stage for the Halo trilogy as the UNSC and Covenant clash at the height of their military power. New weapons and abilities complement the familiar Halo arsenal for the largest-scale battles ever witnessed in the Halo universe. Cunning artificial intelligence adds depth and complexity to each encounter, helping make every play-through a unique and epic experience.
"Halo: Reach" takes a massive leap forward through all-new engine technology designed to take full advantage of next-generation graphics, audio, special effects, artificial intelligence and animation while continuing to expand on the campaign in a way that only Halo can. The game builds on the success of its predecessors and sets a new standard for competitive gameplay, customization, variety and community integration.
Release Date: September 14, 2010 on Xbox 360
On the Horizon:
"Star Wars: The Old Republic" is one of the biggest games on the video game horizon. The sci-fi MMORPG will represent BioWare's first attempt at creating a massive multiplayer online game, but it will also build upon its classic single-player RPG "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic". In Star Wars: The Old Republic, players will explore an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire divides the galaxy. Players can choose to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other classic Star Wars roles, defining their personal story and determining their path down the light or dark side of the Force. Along the way, players will befriend courageous companions who will fight at their side or possibly betray them, based on the players’ actions. Players can also choose to team up with friends to battle enemies and overcome incredible challenges using dynamic Star Wars combat.
BioWare and LucasArts are promising an incredible amount of content that's staggering. Each class will have its own storyline that's the equivalent of a single-player RPG, and each character will be fully voiced, just like in a single-player BioWare game. There are potentially thousands of characters in this game.
A collaborative effort between Bioware, Lucasarts and Dark Horse Comics has resulted in a webcomic entitled "Star Wars: The Old Republic: Threat of Peace", the purpose of which is to set up the story as the game opens.
The story takes place in the Star Wars fictional universe shortly after the establishment of a tenuous peace between the re-emergent Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic, 300 years after the events of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic games and more than 3,500 years before the events in the Star Wars films.
The Jedi are held responsible for the success of the Sith and chose to relocate from Coruscant to Tython, where the Jedi order had been initially founded, to seek guidance from the force. The Sith control "Korriban", where they re-established a Sith Academy.
This game is still in development.
On the Horizon:
"Final Fantasy XIV", also known as Final Fantasy XIV Online, is the fourteenth entry in the Final Fantasy series. The game is due for release sometime in 2010 for Playstation 3 and Microsoft Windows. It is developed and published by Square Enix and will be released simultaneously in all regions. Like Final Fantasy XI, Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online game.
The game takes place in a land called Hydaelyn, mainly in a region named Eorzea. The region will have an aesthetic blend of sci-fi and classic fantasy elements. Eorzea's nations used to be constantly at war with each other until fifteen years ago when the Garlean Empire, a mysterious nation from the east, razed the mightiest of the city-states, Ala Mhigo. The nations decided to band together if they were to repel the invaders, but the Empire never came, leaving a state of détente throughout the land. The resulting peace has led to a wide swath of soldiers and mercenaries suddenly without a job, and so they're now forming guilds and going by a new name: adventurers.
It has been confirmed that closed alpha testing will begin on March 11, 2010. This was announced at VanaFest 2010, an event to commemorate the eighth year of Final Fantasy XI. So far there are five confirmed playable races in Final Fantasy XIV, all similar to the races from Final Fantasy XI. The goal of the developers was to create an atmosphere of aesthetic familiarity to players of FFXI.
A Third Tomb Raider film:
Hollywood producer Dan Lin and Warner Brothers studios are still in the early production phase of the next Tomb Raider movie. The film rights to the Tomb Raider property were included as part of a deal with Eidos when Time Warner increased its stake in the video game company (December of 2008). LIN Pictures announced in July of 2009 that the next Tomb Raider movie sequel is currently in development at their Hollywood production company. Their idea is to 'reboot' the movie franchise, as we've seen with "Batman Begins" and "X-Men Origins: Wolverine".
LIN has an exclusive deal with Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema in the area of feature film production, and is known for such films as "Terminator: Salvation" (starring Christian Bale), and "Sherlock Holmes" (with Robert Downey Jr.).
Dan Lin shared his outlook on the Hollywood reboot of Tomb Raider. Speaking during the premiere of "Terminator: Salvation", he confirmed that the movie is indeed in the works. The next Tomb Raider movie is said to feature a much younger Lara Croft.
Concerning the project, Lin stated "We're rebooting Lara Croft. It's a great origin story that we're going to tell. A very character-oriented film. I would say more realistic than the past Lara Croft movies."
When asked whether Angelina Jolie would reprise her role as Lara Croft, Lin simply replied: "It's an origin story, so it's a younger Lara Croft." The question remains, then, ..... who will play the younger Lara Croft? No actress has yet been cast for the iconic role, according to Lin. The reboot will focus on Lara's character. Lin likened the upcoming film to "Terminator: Salvation".
"I would say it's like Terminator: Salvation, .... more character-driven action. I think for me the Lara Croft games and movies have gone a little too action-oriented. I wanted to have action, but with character."
Dan Lin will produce the film. The company's website states: "We are developing this project as a prequel to the Tomb Raider video games. Our story will follow a young Lara Croft on her first expedition and examine her origins."
Exactly who the lead actress will be remains a mystery at this time. Actor Chris Barrie (who played Lara's butler in the first two Tomb Raider movies) told the Belfast Telegraph that he doesn't believe he'll be asked to make a third appearance in the next Tomb Raider movie. "I would be very interested in reprising the role [for it], but I don't think I will be asked as it's a new franchise. I'm not sure who's doing it and who the film company and everything is, but I don't think it's going to be with the old gang."
Legend of the "Skull of Doom"
Crystal skulls have long had a fringe following in the world, and the most famous of them is named for the explorer-author Frederick A. Mitchell-Hedges. He claimed to have found the skull somewhere in Central America in the 1930s, but his adopted daughter Anna later said that she had found it under a fallen altar or inside a pyramid at the Maya site of Lubaantún in British Honduras (now known as Belize) ...... some time in the 1920s. Neither of these contradictory accounts is true.
I'd like to say that this is an ancient artifact and that there is some kind of curse on it, but like all the other crystal skulls thus far examined, I'm afraid this one is a modern creation, despite its nearly mythical place in the minds of its devotees ......
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