BruceVC

No tuition based on any conditions or just free university for all ? Sounds pretty good, though But he is neglecting to mention all students who use this government program have to walk around during the day wearing a Viking helmet. Its something to do with them having to prove they patriotic?

You've raised a concerning point, I hope there will be a few characters we don't know about.

I live in a socialist paradise remember.. Every student in Denmark who's 18+ and doesn't live with their parent gets 1500$ every month for a maximum of 6 years. and there's no tuition either, so money is not really a problem. Holy Smoke, that's really sweeeeeeeeet. Do you know that's about 6 times more than the salary of about 75% of the South African population You guys truly live in a paradise

I'm doubtful of those people being like that when they can earn a good sum from it. But also believing it and taking a pandering approach to it are separate - which is the kind of situation DE was alluding to. As for 'those people' well, those would be the ones who need to feel included in games these days somehow (why the hell are there no myopic protagonists, game designers are so short sighted). I still think you missing something fundamental in this discussion, "those people" don't want to be included for the sake of it. They want a game to represent the reality of life and the demographics of the people that actually purchase the game. Its kind of obvious and completely reasonable to me? Don't you think your generalized opinion of the people who frequent BSN is a little insulting and fatuous? Tsk, tsk, Bruce... are you trying to out-troll the troll? Okay, I don't really get trolling when people do it. I generally believe people mean what they say when they post something so I respond accordingly. I need to work on that Oh I do mean it I just don't hold it against them. :D ^See what I did there. As for the half serious part of the discussion, people occasionally complain (me among them obviously) that Bioware does more to cater to particular niche groups than its core audience. Much of it is the result of aggressive lobbying on BSN forums that Bioware allows. The problem with minority groups is not in their otherwise legitimate claim for some features or others (like gay romance for example) its in the "holier than thou" attitude that is utterly hostile to any opposing opinion that shows up. Bioware employees back them in this regard openly on the forums leading to an unhealthy "only head nodding allowed" mentality. My way of expressing my opinions couldn't be described as mild, but I've seen respectful people on BSN terrorized by other forum goers for making "dissenting opinions" with the silent approval of BW staff and this soured the whole experience for me. That comment "See what I did there" made me laugh. I don't think I will ever to be accurately determine when someone is Trolling because I know I would have thought you were being serious. I still think that the majority of people on BSN are people like you and me, normal fans of RPG who just love the virtual world that Bioware has created. A world where some of them have an identity that is more fulfilling than there one in RL. And they love to discuss this world in a place where others share there passion. I say Bioware has done really well to have created such a popular and buzzing forum

Well, I argue that, when people have things to do in camp (such as spell memorization, or duties like cooking, night watches and stuff like that), when they are physically and mentally exhausted from facing death on a daily basis, when there's a lot of factors that can make a person think "maybe another day", the realistic and immersive thing to do would be to NOT expect sexual conduct. Sexual needs are simply a pretty low priority, and not even everyone has needs that have to be relieved, as Faerunner detailed. Even if there were characters that absolutely had needs to relief, the realistic and immersive thing to expect would be to NOT do that with each other. That takes a lot more time and care to pull off than just doing it yourself. So there you have it: two different views of a situation, where both can feel authentic. Perhaps the former is more relatable to you, but for many others it will be what I said. Who is more right? That is for the developers to decide, according to the feel they want to give the story. But there is something I can say: if directly opposite approaches can feel realistic for people, then it means that this argument is pointless. Remember: the story comes first. What matters is that what is in the game feels appropiate to the situation, and that can happen with both. Now, you could argue "but Lurky, I play RPGs because I like indulging in the things you say are unlikely, such as getting laid with hot women that totally desire me. Don't I have the right to such fantasies?". In which case I can say "sure, but my fantasies involve not having to deal with the kind of situation you describe, because it really does not appeal to me at all". You want sexualized women with fleshed out romances in your party, I want professional women with fleshed out personalities in my party. So we're not going to be in agreement with this either, because both situations are mutually exclusive. People are quite happy and content expecting that from Obsidian because 1) they pretty much promised they would do so, and 2), they have a reasonably good track record on being able to do it successfully. In the case of romance, none of the points I said apply. Why do you keep mentioning sex, by the way? Do you expect Obsidian to animate isometric sex scenes with tiny humanoid figures getting it on or something? This is not a cinematic experience like recent Bioware games I don't think it's a matter of actively blocking this kind of content. It's a matter of priorizing content and romance not making the cut. In a world with infinite money, infinite time, infinite computing power and infinite human intelligence to implement it, I don't see why the attempt shouldn't be made. That's because a world with infinite resources would mean things like infinite numbers of lifelike potential party members with an infinity of fully fleshed out relationships routes that accounted for an infinity of NPC likes and dislikes, so having fleshed out romance paths would not diminish other parts of the game at all. (Of course, if a game was done like this, people would not like it because a lot of highly complex and mutually exclusive choices would mean that romances would be as complicated as in the real world. But that's another thing.) Alas, PE is not a project with infinite resources. In fact, they don't even have abundant resources, like AAA studios. Their resources are limited, which means that they have to prioritize. They already limited the number of companions to 8 during the Kickstarter campaign, because writing companions is an incredible amount of work. Do you know how much more work do romances take to make? Can you imagine how costly it would be to make them well? That is the reason why they get so much opposition. In order to make them justice, they would need a big effort, which would impact other writing areas. For people with romance on a low priority, it's not worth it. Of course, if romance has a high priority for you, this decision will probably bum you out. But hey, I've already accepted that the game will not push all my buttons. I'm sure you could handle that if you had to, too. And if not, you can always try mods. Speaking about mods: I'll hold you to your claim that you can do romances well, Lephys. When PE comes, I want to see what you can do there Thanks for the detailed response Lurky, I appreciate your view We will just have to agree to disagree. I think Romance/Sex should and can be implemented without too much effort. I am talking about either a DA or BG2 Romance/Sex so you don't need to show movies like in DA. Another reason I want Romance/Sex is that I always imagine and try to identify with my characters and there trials and tribulations. A journey where you have to save the world, meet people who are prepared to die for you and you are attracted to but somehow you can't date them or have sex with them would be a journey that is lacking something. Something normal and evocative. So that's why I want Romance\Sex in PE

The USA has advanced military hardware and a much bigger military budget that its other allies , you can see the huge difference this played in the Libya conflict . Also despite the incorrect perception Western countries always prefer and expect the USA to be involved in these types of conflicts. Its like having a big, strong brother in the room when you were a kid and arguing with friends. You just feel more confident

Nice life But if I'm being honest my life is pretty good as well If you don't mind me asking how do survive for money if you don't even work part time? Do your parents help out?

Don't you think your generalized opinion of the people who frequent BSN is a little insulting and fatuous? Tsk, tsk, Bruce... are you trying to out-troll the troll? Okay, I don't really get trolling when people do it. I generally believe people mean what they say when they post something so I respond accordingly. I need to work on that

The longer the war drags on more atrocities will be committed by both sides. The rebels also have certain Al-Qaeda elements that fight for them so you are correct that there is no more defined side that has the moral high ground But this wasn't always the case and Assad had months to make meaningful political change. He chose to crush the political dissension with the might of his army and police. So once again this is the result of countries not being able to intervene militarily and a civil war that drags on What is both scary and interesting is the type of ideological Syria that will eventually emerge from the ashes when this civil war is over.

They have to be inclusive because..I guess those people can't step out of themselves or something. And it's great PR to do stuff like that - SJWs will flock to you. But anyway, not like he'll listen to your opinion - you're just some hate-filled, fascist Slav Malc some people actually believe in the principle of equality and they don't do it just because it makes them sound good to say so in public But I am interested in your comment around the words "those people". In the context of this discussion who are " those people" I don't know about liberals but the core gamer demographic is still overwhelmingly male Having testicles is where all similarity ends, between a regular male and a BSN "male" forum goer. Go on, check it out. We'll see how long it'll take you to come back screaming for the Spanish inquisition. Don't you think your generalized opinion of the people who frequent BSN is a little insulting and fatuous?

I've mentioned this before but I'll do it again as its relevant to this discussion. There is a correct and relatively easy way that the West can assist with necessary regime change in countries like Syria. The model works and it was used in Libya The West helps to destroy the airpower, heavy artillery and tanks but doesn't send in ground troops with the exception of special force advisors. The forces opposing the dictatorial government need to do the hard hand to hand combat. When the government is overthrown the success is not seen as a Western victory but a victory by the people who wanted regime change. The Arab spring has lead to different countries having different types of protests so obviously I am not suggesting the West intervenes like this in every case. For example in Bahrain this wouldn't have been applicable. For all those people who are opposed to Western intervention the net result is Syria. This is what happens to a country where this type of civil war is prolonged. Tens of thousands of people killed, millions displaced and the infrastructure of the country basically destroyed. And why? Because Russia and China keep vetoing any proper military involvement for a number of reasons Well done Russia, your behaviour is disgraceful !!!

I'm interested in your review when you finish it. I also thought the narrative was compelling.

Funny

Isabela is created as a juxtaposition. Her appearance is meant to illicit a stereotypical reaction. The thing about Isabela, however, is that her presence in the game is much more about female empowerment than female fan service. In fact, she's utilized in a variety of ways to throw the gamer off kilter somewhat. If you listen to Isabela's conversations, she is very much about empowering not only herself, but the other females of the group. She recognizes Merril's naivety, and takes her under her wing. Her and Aveline don't get along at all, but in the end she's still about smacking sense into Aveline for some of the absurd preconceptions and reservations that she has - and does so in her decidedly crude and Isabela sort of way. Yes Isabela fits a common trope, but her creation was done so in a way to challenge the stereotype, as opposed to simply being an attractive woman that exists solely to serve male love interests. She initially rejects Hawke, and ultimately isn't actually interested in any sort of maturing, serious relationship unless you happen to be rivals with her, a position that many gamers are unwilling to take (especially since most assumed Rivalry = bad). In my anecdotal experience, Isabela is typically a character that resonates quite strongly with female gamers actually. First impressions were typically not very favourable, but I think that is why many ended up really enjoying her as a character. At least in the discussions I have had. /shrug That said, I actually agree that BioWare can make much bigger steps in this direction and I hope they continue to do so. I don't doubt that Isabela was used in marketing because of her appearance rather than her character, and stuff like that is much less interesting and I'd like to see us be more bold in the ways that we approach appearance and marketing, rather than falling on the safe and easy tropes. A good post Alan. You have explained the nuances and depth to Isabela's personality and that she isn't what many people at first perceive.

Isabela is created as a juxtaposition. Her appearance is meant to illicit a stereotypical reaction. The thing about Isabela, however, is that her presence in the game is much more about female empowerment than female fan service. In fact, she's utilized in a variety of ways to throw the gamer off kilter somewhat. If you listen to Isabela's conversations, she is very much about empowering not only herself, but the other females of the group. She recognizes Merril's naivety, and takes her under her wing. Her and Aveline don't get along at all, but in the end she's still about smacking sense into Aveline for some of the absurd preconceptions and reservations that she has - and does so in her decidedly crude and Isabela sort of way. Yes Isabela fits a common trope, but her creation was done so in a way to challenge the stereotype, as opposed to simply being an attractive woman that exists solely to serve male love interests. She initially rejects Hawke, and ultimately isn't actually interested in any sort of maturing, serious relationship unless you happen to be rivals with her, a position that many gamers are unwilling to take (especially since most assumed Rivalry = bad). In my anecdotal experience, Isabela is typically a character that resonates quite strongly with female gamers actually. First impressions were typically not very favourable, but I think that is why many ended up really enjoying her as a character. At least in the discussions I have had. /shrug That said, I actually agree that BioWare can make much bigger steps in this direction and I hope they continue to do so. I don't doubt that Isabela was used in marketing because of her appearance rather than her character, and stuff like that is much less interesting and I'd like to see us be more bold in the ways that we approach appearance and marketing, rather than falling on the safe and easy tropes. So its true, you are purposefully making games for the gay/liberal/feminist/hipster crowd. I am sorry you have an issue with Bioware making games that are inclusive of all there fans. I can guarantee you that the majority of there fans are "normal" heterosexual males. But we aren't living in the 1800's and also women can vote now? Not sure if you are aware of that ?

I really don't think you are that eccentric or crazy Hurlshot, is that how you see yourself?

Thanks for the response guys, I guess I'm just use to a business model where developers and publishers want to generate revenue through sales of there products. Obviously this doesn't apply to Console games where its fine for groups of people to play a game without paying for it. But as I mentioned I'm use to the PC gaming business model so the console gaming method of sales is foreign to me

Nonek do you consider me a trusted source? I'll happily review DA3 for you. I am confident that it will provide a worthwhile RPG experience While I appreciate the kind offer sir, i'm not too sure our opinions would be synergistic. However I thank you for the gesture. I was guessing you would say that

Hi GD Where you been?

Most Londoners I know treat them as a complete joke. Ever since they picketed the damn cathedral. They just couldn't be bothered to protest outside the banks. Plus doing so for the length of time they chose makes no statement beyond 'look at us, we have literally nothing better to do.' Walsie once again you and I find common ground in people that irritate us immensely What gets me the most is when they are asked questions similar to " so what do you suggest we do to remove Capitalism" They cannot give you a viable alternative or a suggestion that could be realistically sustainable in anyway. So there demands are just popular rhetoric

No offense but to suggest skipping any book in the series must the worst advice I have ever heard

When are you going to start on the books? I imagine with your 3 month holiday you will have plenty of time. I am keen to find out what you think about them. To be honest there are some people who didn't like them but they seem to be in the minority

I am confident that Morrigan will be as desirable as she was in DA1 when DA3 is released And I agree with Trashman on this one, I don't think she looks that bad in the video?

Go on Hey! When did this thread become an attack on my personal choice of attire?? You guys make me laugh

Why would it need to store everything?Part of the program is direct access to data of services like google/youtube/facebook. You have asked a good question. In order do a proper data audit of someone suspected of being involved in illegal activities Prism would need to look at all primary data sources of a suspect. This would allow the NSA to build a definitive case against someone. These would include emails websites they visited Social Media communication Social media footprint As you know emails and social media communications can be deleted or just doesn't get stored in a typical social media setup, this data is transitory. But once a program like Prism targets you it would keep a record of this data irrespective if you delete it. But this has to be done on a per user basis, no program would have the capacity to capture all this information all the time for every person in the world. But don't think they can't and will do for selective users