tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66713710002778853862024-03-12T21:44:07.701-07:00Part chaos, part fate... all thought.ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-27097924947643584292013-12-24T20:38:00.003-08:002013-12-24T20:39:59.411-08:00Twas the Night Before Christmas -- COD Ghosts Style<div style="text-align: left;">
I've done this the past several years.... and I have a lot of fun with it. So, I give you this year's version of the classic poem, COD style.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The COD vets were smiling, it was going to be grand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Controllers at full charge and headsets just so</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The vets settled in, just itching to go.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the Greenie he dreamed of racking up kills</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By knife or by gun, he had all the skills.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year was different, he was no longer a noob</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It might just be time for a montage on YouTube.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next morning he bolted, so anxious to see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That Hardened Edition right under the tree.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He tore into the paper and littered the room</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Smiling so broadly over his impending doom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
New disc in hand he moved in a blur</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His console spun up and started to whir.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A ghostly visage filled up the screen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking moody and tough and just a little mean.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He selected a soldier and gave him a name</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was kinda stupid and utterly lame.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The map finished loading, Honeybadger in hand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He took off in a sprint, without a single plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Now noobtube, now pistol, now hand grenade</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On Stalker, on Quickdraw, on pointstreak parade!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the top of the building, to the bottom of the hill</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll shoot them, I'll stab them, I'll kill them at will!"</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dashing to his left then darting to his right</div>
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He heaved a grenade with all of his might.</div>
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But rounding the corner, he dropped over dead</div>
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From a single bullet passing right through his head.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How did this happen, he thought with a fright.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just started playing, this couldn't be right.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spawning in once again, he decided to go slow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still not having a clue on just where he should go.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crouching as he moved, so sure where they'd be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He totally missed the blinking red I.E.D.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As he flew twenty feet onto the hood of a car</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He couldn't believe he'd been blasted so far.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now Armed with a sniper, he dropped completely prone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He'd show these noobs the skills he had honed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So he lay there with patience to the left of the track</div>
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Then was quietly killed with a knife in the back.</div>
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<br /></div>
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"How the hell am I dying!" at the TV he screamed</div>
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This isn't how he pictured it or how he had dreamed.</div>
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Screw this, he thought with a twinkle in his eye</div>
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I'll switch to a tube, that's how they'll die</div>
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<br /></div>
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Into the game he spawned and pushed left on the pad</div>
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Yet nothing happened, could his controller be bad?</div>
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Scant seconds later, it would no longer matter</div>
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He'd been turned, yet again, into a red messy splatter.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He spawned and died no matter what he did</div>
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Even when he sat in a dark corner and hid.</div>
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The game finally over, he sat there all numb.</div>
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Going 0-20 was pathetic and dumb.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The vet's score was staggering, exceedingly high</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still laughing at the ways he'd seen that kid die.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He rose from his chair and shut off the light</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas you noob and to all a good fight!</div>
ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-89315950293967745932013-11-07T10:22:00.000-08:002013-11-07T10:22:35.831-08:00COD Glossary when playing Ghosts - Part UnoLike any vibrant (sometimes overly enthusiastic) community, COD has evolved it's own nomenclature... ya know... way of speaking. With each new title, COD loses some vets (who secretly play anyway) and also gains new players -- n00bs (I prefer greenie).<br />
<br />
So... why not make a little glossary to help them out and give vets a chuckle?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b><u>n00b </u></b></i>-- <i>a term used to describe a new or inexperienced player.</i><br />
<b>Heard in the lobby:</b> "You are such a n00b!"<br />
<b>What he thinks he said:</b> I'm god-like compared to that guy.<br />
<b>What it really means:</b> 1. The "n00b" keeps killing him. 2. The guy really is a n00b. (it's most often number 1).<br />
<br />
The "n00b" is rarely a n00b. He's often killing the guy calling him a n00b and that guy is pissed. The n00b card gets thrown around when the "vet" can't believe he's getting killed by "that guy". Truth is, that "vet" is often the real n00b.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3BkIh1R5utY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><i><u>Greenie</u></i></b>-- <i>a term used to describe a new or inexperienced player.</i><br />
<b>Heard in the game:</b> "Greenie keeps flipping the spawns!"<br />
<b>What he thinks he said:</b> It's a shame the guy won't work with the team.<br />
<b>What it really means:</b> Pretty much it's a shame the guy won't work with the team.<br />
<br />
The greenie really is a new guy or at least plays like it. He rarely has a mic. Doesn't get how to work with a team to control a map and generally is a hindrance more than an asset. Sometimes... the guy will plug a mic in, be gracious about the win he was just handed, and move past the greenie stage.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Tryhard</u></i></b>-- <i>a player whose only focus is winning the match.</i><br />
<b>Heard in the game:</b> "What a bunch of tryhards!"<br />
<b>What he thinks he said:</b> These guys aren't playing the game right.<br />
<b>What it really means:</b> They're not playing the game how he wants... and they're winning.<br />
<br />
The. Dumbest. Term. Ever. The "tryhard" will use any weapon, any perk, any tactic that wins the game. In other words, he's smart. And the "vet" can't take it. The tryhard card gets thrown around when you just got your butt thumped like Miley Cyrus and want to act above it all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Pubs</u></i></b>-- <i>slang for a public match.</i><br />
<b>Heard in the game:</b> "You're just a pub player"<br />
<b>What he thinks he said:</b> I'm MLG, yo.<br />
<b>What it really means:</b> He wants to be in eSports and thinks this will help him feel it.<br />
<br />
As this is how everybody outside of LAN tournaments (hi, MLG) plays the game, it's primary use to elevate the speaker and denigrate the rest. Just one reason a lot of the COD community holds eSports in ill repute.<br />
<br />
<br />
More to come in part deux. Hope to see you in pubs... errr... in some games.<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
RANranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-77910315119198768742013-10-10T12:22:00.000-07:002013-10-10T14:48:10.020-07:00Emblems Are Back In GhostsSo... emblems will make a return to COD in Ghosts but it looks like it may be the clan emblem.<br />
<br />
Mikey, likes.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://yfrog.com/scaled/landing/877/qeatbj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://yfrog.com/scaled/landing/877/qeatbj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And another...<br />
<br />
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<br />ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-44993745584338054862013-07-30T10:47:00.000-07:002013-07-30T10:47:10.310-07:001,296,000 seconds to COD Ghosts MP reveal... give or take a few secondsSo... it's been revealed the reveal will be <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23soon&src=hash" target="_blank">#soon</a>.<br />
<br />
In other news... the Earth will rotate 15 times...<br />
... in 360 hours...<br />
... or 21,600 minutes...<br />
... or 1,296,000 seconds.<br />
<br />
Give or take.<br />
<br />
I give you the info you really need. Yeah, baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-89011526342710814492013-04-05T13:29:00.003-07:002013-04-05T13:29:45.920-07:00Is It time For A Single Mode...? Yes, Sir, It Is.With the 2013 COD Championships taking place this weekend and the looming launch of next-gen console gaming later this year, it's made me wonder... how can COD take it's gameplay to the next level?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It has to be fundamental.</li>
<li>It has to keep it's veterans.</li>
<li>It has to broaden the appeal.</li>
<li>It has to work for MLG.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Yep... it's time for a Core/Hardcore hybrid.<br />
<br />
Before you think I've lost it and fallen off the deep end... hear me out and come at this with an open mind.<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">It's Time For A Single Game Mode</span></h2>
In order for COD to truly grow, there needs to be one game mode that takes elements of existing Core and Hardcore modes. Both groups are passionate about their preferred modes... and that's great. That passion, however, can be blinding and divisive. By taking what is good about both modes, losing the dead weight, and making a single mode for all, the community can then focus on what makes the game better than issues plaguing their smaller group.<br />
<br />
But how to combine them? Simple.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>No always on mini-map.</li>
<li>60% health of current COD.</li>
<li>Health regen.</li>
<li>Friendly fire.</li>
<li>On screen reticle only for throwing weapons (excluding all 'nades).</li>
</ul>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue;">It's Fundamental</span></h3>
<br />
First Person Shooters (FPS) are no longer a gaming novelty. They dominate sales and playtime. Yet the basic gameplay still treats players as though they are new and need a lot of help. I don't think that's the case anymore. So, take out some of the always on crutches because players frankly don't need them. And let's face it... they've begun to cause more problems than they solve.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's time to expect more from players. We can take it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue;">It Keeps the Veterans</span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you're making a single mode, it requires compromise... and no one group will get everything they want. But this solution would keep elements of Core and Hardcore that are central to both and make a new single mode for all to play. It keeps health regen but with a lower max-health. It cleans up the HUD but keeps a reticle for those that like thrown weapons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But why friendly fire? Because it's a touch silly you can fire through a teammate and not harm them and...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
... we're expecting more out of players now, right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue;">It Broadens Appeal</span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Having a single mode keeps the community from fragmenting into small groups. This brings the focus onto how the game is playing, what needs to be changed, and gives a real picture about the state of the game. Not to mention making it easier for new players as well because there is only one mode for them to learn.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In this case... less is more.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue;">It Works For MLG</span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Major League Gaming... the pros, right? They shouldn't need (or want) all of the in game aids. The best thing this does... allows recreational players to watch advanced players play the same game, with the same equipment and weapons they play. It would not only enhance the appeal but highlight the real skill some of these players have. ESports would grow, COD sales would grow, and enthusiasm for all involved ratchet up a notch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How is that not win-win?</div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">Moving Forward</span></h2>
<div>
A single mode would bring the community together, of this I'm convinced. It might alienate some... I play HC... but would keep most and bring in more players.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm excited for next-gen...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
... I hope COD doesn't stay in 2007.</div>
ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-79361402158688328482013-03-06T10:04:00.000-08:002013-03-06T10:04:41.267-08:00Hardcore is a small community? My ass it is.So... four months after Black Ops 2 launch and hardcore has lost a mode and gained a mode.<br />
<br />
That's it.<br />
<br />
Yet the "small community"--<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Has 41% of the players Core has.</li>
<li>Has 56% more people playing KC.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah... small my ass.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Where's the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MOARhardcore&src=hash" target="_blank">#MOARhardcore</a>?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtT84YYGxCdiXhLdsIQQs4Ie4RfRNtev924H70BiuOhisGtzX9P3hy_ehOi20ce_aytha6cPyLTjNU5csaAKgx1e1E9yXjTJ1S5VJyNlPZPL65uk5EC6v0kLkL16AuwGqrgbx8rqUz5vt/s1600/MOARhardcore_proof.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtT84YYGxCdiXhLdsIQQs4Ie4RfRNtev924H70BiuOhisGtzX9P3hy_ehOi20ce_aytha6cPyLTjNU5csaAKgx1e1E9yXjTJ1S5VJyNlPZPL65uk5EC6v0kLkL16AuwGqrgbx8rqUz5vt/s320/MOARhardcore_proof.png" width="303" /></a></div>
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ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-73430797132497989332012-12-18T08:40:00.001-08:002012-12-18T08:45:16.940-08:00The Night Before Christmas -- Black Ops 2 Style<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's nearly Christmas (wow the year flew by) and it's time for another Call of Duty spin on the classic Clement Moore poem, <i><a href="http://www.carols.org.uk/twas_the_night_before_christmas.htm" target="_blank">The Night Before Christmas</a>.</i></div>
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</div>
<br />
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Enjoy and have a safe and merry Christmas.<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
RAN<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the net<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The COD vets were smiling from the kills they would get<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Headsets were charged with a battery to spare<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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Knowing new greenies soon would be there<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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The kiddies were dreaming of streaks in their heads<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
When they should have been filled with thoughts of dread<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Support streaks were easy, a total breeze<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course they’ll still come with absolute ease<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
With nary a word, he bounds down the stair<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knowing for certain his copy was there<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He tears it wide open, his eyes all a light<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So ready to dominate his first firefight<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
His console whirred, the screen popped to life<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe he’ll run with just a gun and a knife<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
That’s all he keeps seeing from vids on YouTube<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, it must be that simple, for he is no noob<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who needs combat training, I played the first one<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll show those old vets this time how it’s done<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He made his first pick ten but stopped it at nine<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So certain his skill would make it all fine<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“On semtex! On flashbang! On old hand grenade!”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
With so many choices, he had it made<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And he couldn’t believe it, like a gift from heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
They let him start out with a freaking MP7<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He whips out his pistol and flies off in a dash<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting ready to throw out that very first flash<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
When over the building and out of the sky<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
A ‘nade hit his chest, he was the first die<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
No worries he thinks as he changes his class<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll just equip Ghost and camp off my ass<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sit in this corner and aim at this door<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And wait for the bodies to litter the floor<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Enemy UAV is up!” The announcer would say</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet flat on his belly he continued to lay<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right up until he was shot through the wall<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So certain that he would slaughter them all<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So sick of being killed by some guy who’s named Tom<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He switches from Deathmatch and loads up some Dom<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I’ll show you what’s up, I’m gonna sprint straight to B<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
No way you vets will get the better of me!”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He rounds the brick wall with B just in sight<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
When suddenly time slows, he’s not moving quite right<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The concussion wave strikes him and holds him in place <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the vet calmly shoots him, two times in the face<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The same thing keeps happening, over and over<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until finally he dies by a puppy named Rover<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The game finally ends, his jaw drops to the floor<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Only 300 points was his pitiful score<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The vet he leans back and cracks open a beer<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
His morning complete and full of good cheer<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
5600 points for the game was not bad<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And boy was that greenie sure as hell mad<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Christmas Noob simply doesn’t get how it’s done<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
For playing Call of Duty is meant to be fun<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laughing out loud and knowing he’s right<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Merry Christmas to all, and to vets a good night!”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<br />ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-9146951998528081942012-06-07T08:18:00.002-07:002012-06-07T08:36:05.628-07:00Streaks are back in BO2As any avid player knows, BO2 will introduce the Quad Rotor and CLAW into the Call of Duty universe.<br />
<br />
We now know they will be streaks in MP.<br />
<br />
Unlocked how? Dunno<br />
User controlled? Dunno<br />
Sound fun? You bet.<br />
<br />
And what is the one in the middle? A 2025 airstrike perhaps?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFwfnt3rpli2qgfVj_3bg1pwpvKdRLDOek9mpIOtBOvpcB_h3XLaWHK6afN5av7xTN7-HRh7ykHO7FHMGIq8sLJ9Rk7kisVCRSpnTEzg1CpxmQNJhP9gs3H9iHJq8md_yD8hHEvU3Rhaq/s1600/MP_streaks_BO2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFwfnt3rpli2qgfVj_3bg1pwpvKdRLDOek9mpIOtBOvpcB_h3XLaWHK6afN5av7xTN7-HRh7ykHO7FHMGIq8sLJ9Rk7kisVCRSpnTEzg1CpxmQNJhP9gs3H9iHJq8md_yD8hHEvU3Rhaq/s1600/MP_streaks_BO2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
The more we learn... the more we speculate.<br />
<br />
<a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" data-query-source="hashtag_click" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23WheresVahn" style="background-color: black; color: #2fc2ef; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="#WheresVahn"><s style="color: #82daf5; text-decoration: none;">#</s><b style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>WheresVahn</strong></b></a>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-87037616013069191432012-06-07T07:37:00.002-07:002012-06-07T07:37:52.371-07:00Selective ROF is in BO2This makes me happy.<br />
<br />
No idea how many selections you get but just having it is awesome.<br />
<br />
Yet more proof TA listens to their players.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFsDG8qRLwdor1wuLOuHchx6tOl2OC3Gn3xk6mfmiCYvM6GTv8KV29JoEZCPj_Qqnz5mArCVPO4JHlxJllri6_PBrsaOcgPD6LT6ptlW0KTo5SR8evIy-lVToZVZEEc4yzahxMcNaSaXQ/s1600/Select_Fire_BO2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFsDG8qRLwdor1wuLOuHchx6tOl2OC3Gn3xk6mfmiCYvM6GTv8KV29JoEZCPj_Qqnz5mArCVPO4JHlxJllri6_PBrsaOcgPD6LT6ptlW0KTo5SR8evIy-lVToZVZEEc4yzahxMcNaSaXQ/s1600/Select_Fire_BO2.png" /></a></div>
<br />ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-5714529474658869142012-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:002012-05-04T09:57:47.631-07:00Looks like akimbo will be in Black Ops 2... just sayin'.Or at least in the campaign... check out the guy going John Woo style behind Mason.<br />
<br />
Mixed feelings personally...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVKsQo9_gkQTuqWU1IkkPM2v_629TXsgZJB_-_3QkJhiqKPERSaPh6VQ2F6aYyAozEjLWYwogjcJwfymiraN-SOMkKAW4YEsCVeuoBu3YKlMEAj__ZBMOymqScZSlXUxrsQP2REhx7Qs-/s1600/akimbo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVKsQo9_gkQTuqWU1IkkPM2v_629TXsgZJB_-_3QkJhiqKPERSaPh6VQ2F6aYyAozEjLWYwogjcJwfymiraN-SOMkKAW4YEsCVeuoBu3YKlMEAj__ZBMOymqScZSlXUxrsQP2REhx7Qs-/s320/akimbo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
... but I really don't want to see it in MP.<br />
<br />
Just sayin'ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-4710748080905785032012-04-27T14:54:00.000-07:002012-04-27T15:00:09.906-07:00Sports and Call of Duty... It's Not What You Think.As I watched the 2012 NFL Draft yesterday, a thought solidified in my head. I'm one of those people that love the off season in sports. I almost love it more than the regular season... and definitely more than the playoffs. You see, the off season is about reflection... anticipation... a time when something new meets something old and leaves you with a sense of hope the next year can be better.<br />
<br />
Well... the Call of Duty off season officially begins <a href="http://www.callofduty.com/">May 1st</a>.<br />
<br />
On that day, Black Ops II will make it's world reveal and the speculation of its contents will begin in earnest. What needs to be added... what needs to be dropped... what fans hope to see... all will be bantered about the internet. Sounds a lot like sports fans, huh? How you hope the changes your team makes in the off season will lead to a championship... or at least a better team to watch.<br />
<br />
Call of Duty's draft day is 11/13/12 and Black Ops II is the first pick. Players get the game in their hands and like a first round pick in the NFL, you hope it will be good. That it will live up to the hype and give your franchise that shot in the arm it needs. Let's face it, MW3 was the lockout shortened NBA season of Call of Duty. It was nice to have, felt awkward, and ultimately missed the mark. Never before has an off season been so welcomed. In the case of my Portland Trailblazers, a wasted season has a chance to quickly turn around on Draft Day 2012.<br />
<br />
The same is true of Call of Duty.<br />
<br />
How successful the 2012 Call of Duty season is with the launch of Black Ops II remains to be seen but the off season leading up to it should be fun. It will have hype and hope, success and failure, and if we're lucky, a spark of magic.<br />
<br />
And you didn't think COD was like sports, huh?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://zoknowsgaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-reveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://zoknowsgaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-reveal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-21123477629405235822012-01-10T09:14:00.000-08:002012-01-10T09:14:03.445-08:00Just Sayin' -- is this an Elite glitch?Some guy has got colored names for his classes...<br />
<br />
Hacker or glitcher?<br />
<br />
Just sayin'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU7PNPLwxosqhSn3avFzdOKsHpC7fkWZ9rsN-e6TGSG1NykMLo58uxZg49eM19021ndESzyax22c0gs_yHlQi2JyUZ13mpqP3m1lXgXYYRVkiMjnhE45239A3i0jQ7-p4e9fyMU0UwTh3/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-10+at+9.09.21+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU7PNPLwxosqhSn3avFzdOKsHpC7fkWZ9rsN-e6TGSG1NykMLo58uxZg49eM19021ndESzyax22c0gs_yHlQi2JyUZ13mpqP3m1lXgXYYRVkiMjnhE45239A3i0jQ7-p4e9fyMU0UwTh3/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-10+at+9.09.21+AM.png" /></a></div>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-62758479049884862142011-12-21T14:13:00.000-08:002011-12-21T14:15:05.193-08:00Just Sayin' -- New Maps in JanuaryI'm hearing rumbles of <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/MW3Updates/status/149604196935680001" target="_blank">new maps</a> in January... but...<br />
<br />
... is this really one of the map names?<br />
<br />
"Morningwood"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://p.twimg.com/AhOC7PTCIAIK65H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://p.twimg.com/AhOC7PTCIAIK65H.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Wow. Partly shake my head stupid, partly funny.<br />
<br />
If it's true... who knows.<br />
<br />
Just Sayin'.ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-86249168196199126852011-12-06T13:35:00.000-08:002011-12-06T13:35:34.089-08:00A COD White Paper -- Taking it to the next levelI love Treyarch and how they "unofficially" seek feedback. Since they are seeking it for COD 2012, why not give them my whole enchilada? I took a stab over <a href="http://community.callofduty.com/message/103213125#103213125" target="_blank">a year ago</a> but my thoughts about a number of things on that post have evolved.<br />
<br />
This is what I want from a COD game.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><u>In General</u></span></b><br />
<br />
This will be expanded on but at its core:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>It should be fluid and fast -- fast engagements not run all over the place. </li>
<li>Focus on gun encounters versus explosives and tubes. </li>
<li>No perk should be infinite -- sprint, fall damage. </li>
<li>Situational awareness is the emphasis versus reliance on the mini-map. </li>
<li>Perks need counters and balance within themselves. </li>
<li>Tailor risk reward to the playlist (differ it between TDM, SnD, etc.). </li>
<li>Make all playlists available as Hardcore. </li>
<li>Fundamentally change weapon unlock system and what it means to prestige.</li>
<li>Streamline point streaks.</li>
<li>Make a true weapon enhancement system.</li>
<li>Personal customization is a must.</li>
<li>Selective Rate of Fire (ROF).</li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Weapons</u></b></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>There should a wide variety of weapons in each class of SMG, AR, LMG, Sniper, Shotgun, Pistol. Selective ROF should be available for SMGs and ARs as they would be with their real life counterparts.</div><div><br />
</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unlocks</span></i></div><div>Weapons will no longer be unlocked at certain ranks. Instead, a weapon unlock will be available at certain ranks to be used on any weapon a player chooses.</div><div><br />
</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Attachments</span></i></div><div>Similar to weapons, all attachments should be available to be chosen when an unlock is available. Multiple attachments are always available but limited to a sight and one other attachment. Also, you cannot suppress a weapon with an undermounted attachment. The options below are examples and may not be available to all weapons:</div><div><ul><li>Grenade Launcher</li>
<li>Smoke Launcher</li>
<li>Master Key</li>
<li>RDS</li>
<li>Holographic</li>
<li>ACOG</li>
<li>Variable Scope</li>
<li>Hybrid Scope</li>
<li>Suppresor</li>
<li>Grip</li>
</ul><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Balance</span></i></div></div><div>Weapons should be balanced within themselves and not against other weapons. One with a high ROF may have lower damage or significant kick. A weapon with great range accuracy might have wide bullet spread when hip fired.</div><div><br />
</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Customization</span></i></div><div>Enable user created camos for the weapon. Layers and patterns would be available as players prestige. You must prestige at least once to enable this option.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Enhancements</i></span></div><div>Allow players to improve the weapon through how it is used. This is not through an attachment or proficiency rather a incremental increase in performance in specific aspects over time. It is specific to a given weapon.</div><div><ul><li>CQC encounters might reduce bullet spread</li>
<li>Kills at range might improve distance accuracy or decrease weapon sway.</li>
<li>Enhancements should take prestiges to make significant changes.</li>
<li>It does not reset upon prestige.</li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Perks</u></b></span></div><div><br />
</div>All perks are available right away. They are not unlocked. Break up the perks into three areas of focus -- weapon, person, awareness. Perks should have an opposite perk to counter it. Example, you can stay off the radar but someone might hear you move/reload. No perk should be infinite</div><div><br />
</div><div>The following are examples but they show how to structure perks with counters for a true risk/reward system.<br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Weapon </span></i><br />
<ol><li>FMJ -- Increased bullet penetration.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: Tracer rounds.</li>
</ul><li>Gunner -- 2x fire rate.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: Increased magazine capacity (does not increase number of rounds).</li>
</ul><li>Fast Swap -- quick reload.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: quicker weapon swap.</li>
</ul><li>Scavenger -- Replenish primary ammo from any weapon.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: Replenish equipment ammo.</li>
</ul><li>Technician -- quick equipment plants and throws</li>
<ul><li>PRO: Recover faster from equipment plants and throws.</li>
</ul></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Person</i></span><br />
<ol><li>Extreme Conditioning -- extended sprint.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: quicker recovery from sprint and injury (red screen only, does not increase health).</li>
</ul><li>Ranger -- faster movement while ADS.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: Quicker ADS.</li>
</ul><li>Camouflage -- hidden from the "radar" and support (except briefly when firing a non-silenced weapon).</li>
<ul><li>PRO: No red name visible to enemy.</li>
</ul><li>Climber -- climb obstacles faster.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: Get in/out of prone faster.</li>
</ul><li>Deep Breath-- Able to hold breath longer while ADS.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: Recover from holding breath faster.</li>
</ul></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Awareness</i></span><br />
<ol><li>Ninja -- silent footfalls.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: cross chatter discipline, hidden from rabbit ears.</li>
</ul><li>Saboteur -- identify enemy explosives and rewire to friendly.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: booby trap dropped weapons to explode when picked up by an enemy.</li>
</ul><li>Rabbit Ears -- all enemy movement is louder.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: enemies briefly appear as red dots on map when close if they make sounds (fire, reload, move, etc.).</li>
</ul><li>Sherpa -- able to track recent enemy movement.</li>
<ul><li>PRO: able to hide your movement.</li>
</ul></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Point Streaks</u></b></span></div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Streak rewards are based on points earned and not just kills. Points are earned from kills, assists, objectives, and enemy equipment/streak destruction.</div><div><ul><li>Streaks are tailored to different playlists.</li>
<ul><li>What it takes to get 3 point streak in TDM may be 5 points in Domination.</li>
</ul><li>Kills by streaks do not count as team kills in Hardcore modes.</li>
<li>They are stackable and selectable.</li>
<li>They do not chain.</li>
<li>Do not carry over between rounds in round based modes.</li>
<li>Take multiple hits from a launcher to be destroyed</li>
</ul><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Types</span></i></div><div>They are broken out into two distinct types and are not tied to classes. Once a match starts, they are what they are and cannot be changed.</div></div><div><ul><li>Support</li>
<ul><li>Does not reset on death.</li>
<li>Can achieve final streak once per life.</li>
<li>Team support streaks only (they cannot generate kills).</li>
</ul><li>Assault</li>
<ul><li>Reset on death.</li>
<li>Can be cycled through multiple times per life.</li>
<li>Only generate kills (does not include a UAV) and includes streaks that can take out other streaks.</li>
</ul></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Class Loadouts</u></b></span></div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Focus needs to be on gunplay with the ability to take down streaks when the enemy calls them in. Sidearms are limited to pistols (no more machine pistols). Also, the more a player focuses on explosives, the more they have to sacrifice. As such, each class will have:</div><div><ul><li>Primary Weapon</li>
<ul><li>AR</li>
<li>SMG</li>
<li>LMG</li>
<li>Sniper</li>
<li>Shotgun</li>
</ul><li>Sidearm</li>
<ul><li>Pistol</li>
</ul><li>Launcher</li>
<ul><li>Single round, streak lock-on only</li>
</ul><li>Equipment</li>
<ul><li>Explosive</li>
<ul><li>Grenade Launcher (if attached)</li>
<li>Grenades (variety to choose from)</li>
<li>Placed explosives (variety to choose from)</li>
<li>RPG</li>
</ul><li>Tactical</li>
<ul><li>Smoke</li>
<li>Flash</li>
<li>Stun</li>
<li>Tear</li>
</ul></ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prestige</u></b></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>Currently, it is a disincentive to prestige in COD. By changing how weapons and perks are accessible as you progress through ranks, it makes it less of grind or risk to do it. However, an incentive is still needed. While still not an indication of skill in game, it is something for dedicated players to show to others.</div><div><ul><li>Enable custom camo creation only after first prestige.</li>
<li>Add layers some prestige ranks.</li>
<li>Add color options at certain prestige ranks.</li>
<li>Do not reset weapon totals or enhancements.</li>
<li>Offer different stylized attachments at higher prestiges.</li>
<li>Allow different character skins at higher prestiges.</li>
</ul>This would make prestige about cosmetic things versus bragging rights. It might even be time to call it something else like "<b>Veteran</b>". Prestige has developed too nasty a reputation. </div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Hardcore</u></b></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>All playlists need to be in hardcore. There is no reason for them not to be. Also, how teamkillers are punished both in game and and post game needs to be addressed.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>In game punishment</i></span></div><div><ul><li>Multiple TK's in the first 30 seconds of a game results in an instant kick of the offender and the match to be restarted.</li>
<li>Three friendly fire kills gives you a 30 second time out.</li>
<li>5 friendly fire kills gives you a 2 minute time out.</li>
</ul><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Post game punishment</span></i><br />
<ul><li>Automatic 24 hour ban for offenders who are kicked out of three games in a one hour period.</li>
<li>Automatic 72 hour ban for offenders who receive three 24 hour bans.</li>
<li>Possible permanent ban for offenders who receive three 72 hour bans.</li>
</ul><div>This is it... how much we'll see is an open question.</div></div>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-50562406049167183002011-12-05T13:05:00.000-08:002011-12-05T13:05:01.794-08:00The Night Before Christmas - A MW3 Joint<div>This is my second time taking the classic Clement Moore poem, <i><a href="http://www.carols.org.uk/twas_the_night_before_christmas.htm" target="_blank">The Night Before Christmas</a>,</i> and putting a Modern Warfare slant to it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's an homage to a poem that always makes me smile with true joy at the innocence of spirit Christmas brings to my life once a year.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Enjoy.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the net</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All the gamers were resting, especially the vet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But come the next morning that would surely change</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With a myriad of close kills and some at long range.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The kiddies they slept with multi-kill dreams</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not knowing how easily they soon would be creamed.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While the vets laid down peacefully, with nary a fit</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just hoping the greenies all wouldn't rage quit.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The morning came quickly with anticipation and hope</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And the greenies felt certain it was going to be dope.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For Santa had nestled, just under the tree</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A brand new copy of Modern Warfare 3.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He ripped off the wrapping and rushed to the tray</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His fingers all twitching, so anxious to play.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What was IW thinking, I'm not a noob,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They gave me a default class with a toob.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stuffed from Doritos with double XP galore</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He was certain in an hour he'd be rank 44.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And be armed to the teeth with so many guns</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Killing all the "vets" was going to be fun.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Now UMP! now, Semtex! now, SMAW and Scar!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just watch out punks when I get my ACR!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From that rooftop window or the top of the hill!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'll mow you all down with my elite freaking skill!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As the game finished loading, he jumped in a room</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A team with 4 rooks and a girl named Boom-boom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All itching to play the new Team Defender</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While plotting the kill he was going to render.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Once in the game he sprints up a street.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To be greeted as quickly by a grenade at his feet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His body now flying 20 feet in the sky</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Annoyed to have been the first one to die.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two seconds later with toob ready to fire</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unaware how thing's are suddenly dire.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A vet snuck behind him and with only a knife</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One slice takes away his short second life.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"It's just not fair, I can't even move!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just give me a second and I'll get into a groove!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But everywhere he goes, he dies in a flash</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh and thirteen later, he decides to dash.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Back at the menu, he simply shakes his head</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Frustrated as hell to have always been dead.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Screw Team Defender, I'll rock some KC</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At the top of the board, that's where I'll be."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yet game after game and map after map</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The vets beat him down with slap after slap.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">By gun or by air, it just doesn't matter</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They all end his life in a bloody splatter.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Alone in his chair and too stunned think</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Appalled at how low his KD can sink.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He came to realize one thing is true</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He'd picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now laughing aloud, he decides to have fun.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then launches the game and chooses his gun.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And quickly discovers a brand new thrill</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There's more to the game than getting a kill.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Support streaks start flying, and tags disappear</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And he finally experiences some holiday cheer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When the game is finished he can't believe what he gets</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A kind, simple message from one of the vets.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A twinkle in his eye, to the vet it felt good</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Finding a greenie who plays like you should.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And he thought to himself as he turned out the light</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"</span></div></div>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-51113580344142505442011-11-07T11:21:00.000-08:002011-11-07T11:21:27.665-08:001 For the HomeIf you are like me, the release of a new Call of Duty is like an early Christmas present. Once you have it, you'll play for hours at a time and ignore pretty much everything else. With the imminent Midnight launch of Modern Warfare 3, that time is here again but I ask you...<br />
<br />
... what was the one thing you did to make your gaming time yours?<br />
<br />
"Huh?" you ask. Well... the one thing you did for the person who really controls your time -- your wife, your girlfriend, or maybe even your Mom (sorry Dads, that ain't you and we both know it). That thing that will give them pause when they want to get on your case for spending too much time with MW3. That one thing you did without them really knowing why you did it but makes them think you've earned game time. I know I did...<br />
<br />
... I put in a wood floor.<br />
<br />
[PICS Forthcoming]<br />
<br />
That's right, RAN's set.<br />
<br />
Now, you don't have time to put in floors but it's not too late to do at least one thing for the home. Make a special dinner for your wife. Send flowers to your girlfriend's job (score points and make the other women's men look like chumps). Clean your room, kid (let's face it, if you have to worry about Mom, that's the best your gonna do at this point).<br />
<br />
You've got options. But you need to do it or suffer the inevitable, "Get off the game and do <insert else="" hell="" important="" is="" more="" the="" they="" think="" whatever="">!" Over... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">and over</span>... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">and over</span>.</insert><br />
<br />
I did my 1 for the home... did you?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next, the conclusion: 0ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-52589180516930647712011-11-06T21:52:00.000-08:002011-11-06T21:53:17.631-08:002 cents about Black OpsI'll admit it... I was geeked up for Black Ops... really geeked up. Was it perfect....? No.<br />
<br />
But it is the second best Call of Duty to date.<br />
<br />
I'll miss playing it. Granted, I'm not selling it... I just tend to move forward rather than linger on the past. It introduced a number of things I really liked. Things that aren't in Modern Warfare 3 that could have been... and one that will be around COD again (I hope).<br />
<ol><li>Buying any attachment I want.</li>
<ul><li>This was awesome. Some people think unlocking things shows "accomplishment". People who play a lot know it's a grind.</li>
</ul><li>David Vonderhaar</li>
<ul><li>The best, most interactive dev in the business. Period. I made a somewhat <a href="http://community.callofduty.com/thread/100287547?start=0&tstart=0">snarky post</a> (but sincere) over a year ago... he just calmly explained how it was. Since then, I came to know a man who had real passion for COD and a commitment to the community... a straight up cool guy. Some folks have called me a Vahn "fan boy" (that's some funny crap) but I just respect him. I've gotten a chance to game with him. 402 needs to speak to him and learn.</li>
</ul></ol><div>Not what everyone else will miss about Black Ops. Just what I will. One of the two could have been in MW3. Vahn will be there for COD 2012... I hope.</div><div><br />
</div><div>My 2 cents.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Next... 1 for the home.</div>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-8654668116227034122011-11-06T10:41:00.000-08:002011-11-06T10:42:02.939-08:003 is the pitsI've been an avid Call of Duty player since 2007 and COD4 but unlike 80% of the players, I prefer to play Hardcore. However, since COD4, the playlist rift between Core and Hardcore continues to grow.<br />
<br />
MW3 may take the cake.<br />
<br />
For some reason, COD development teams have this preconceived and ill-conceived notion that Hardcore is a "niche" as <a class=" twitter-atreply pretty-link" data-screen-name="fourzerotwo" href="http://twitter.com/#!/fourzerotwo" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(47, 194, 239, 0.0898438); color: #2fc2ef; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;"><s style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.5; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">@</s><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; white-space: normal;">fourzerotwo</b></a> referred to <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/fourzerotwo/status/115293236276371456">it</a>. Sorry, but 15-25% of your players aren't a "niche". Let's take a look at some numbers from Black Ops yesterday:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Totals Players in MP: 703,062</li>
<li>Total in Core: 565,954</li>
<li>Total in HC: 111, 392 (16%)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
In Core, 38% of the players play TDM (30% of all players), 36% play HQ, SnD, and Dom combined. The point? 75% of all Core players play 4 game types yet they are afforded more than 16 options. For HC, players spread out over 4 main options, TDM, SnD, CTF, and HQ. Two of which weren't even in the game at launch.<br />
<br />
Two of which aren't in MW3.<br />
<br />
Black Ops added new wager match modes but not in Hardcore, of course. Lots of new options for the Core player in MW3, too. Kill Confirmed and Team Defender. Sounds cool... oh, wait...<br />
<br />
Hardcore doesn't get Team Defender.<br />
... or Headquarters.<br />
... or CTF.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcRxZgjBlVzr1q8AdFV54A62WIUrxhUtdYTLu2ULUTh5nwLyoeqHYOwwNYTCRAAF3B3YhDlq_djJ3tEofqSWr07RXhY4dy96xeH-1Wd2D0iB4tutbCVc03FoOeLnNK86yVnlMTNh56hyphenhyphen9/s1600/441157644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcRxZgjBlVzr1q8AdFV54A62WIUrxhUtdYTLu2ULUTh5nwLyoeqHYOwwNYTCRAAF3B3YhDlq_djJ3tEofqSWr07RXhY4dy96xeH-1Wd2D0iB4tutbCVc03FoOeLnNK86yVnlMTNh56hyphenhyphen9/s320/441157644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Treyarch got the hint to a certain extent... too bad IW didn't get the hint form the start.<br />
<br />
Instead, we're stuck with the 3 pits at launch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next... 2 misses.ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-75345473602975765292011-11-05T23:07:00.000-07:002011-11-05T23:07:39.080-07:00For those getting MW3 truly legit...... your wait just increased by an hour.<br />
<br />
Happy daylight savings time.<br />
<br />
<br />
Just sayin'ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-56730339433780324072011-11-04T21:18:00.000-07:002011-11-04T21:18:47.757-07:004 is the PinnacleI had planned to write something profound for t-4 days but then... what hasn't been said about this title already?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>It's the pinnacle.</b></span><br />
<br />
'Nuff said.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next... 3 is the pits.ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-69196584895231836452011-11-04T07:00:00.000-07:002011-11-04T07:00:50.125-07:00Play Early... Get Banned... Just Sayin'This is funny to me... just sayin'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc80f3G9ZxAXHahkW3TOPQ17dymdx0pvTg7Vqv0KKGs_QtNbHTEA9qXTz6PlSvujnUje9Vy2hsNDFaPKJYdXU7mavb4dD_u1ZW9DZPUmWctCphRcFz2fZ184z1in0qB_qwoIKAedgeyyC/s1600/441182963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="178" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc80f3G9ZxAXHahkW3TOPQ17dymdx0pvTg7Vqv0KKGs_QtNbHTEA9qXTz6PlSvujnUje9Vy2hsNDFaPKJYdXU7mavb4dD_u1ZW9DZPUmWctCphRcFz2fZ184z1in0qB_qwoIKAedgeyyC/s320/441182963.jpg" /></a></div>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-8735709680473024782011-11-03T21:50:00.000-07:002011-11-04T06:58:46.831-07:00Sad State of Hardcore in MW3Yep... HC gets the shaft... again. Thanks to <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/charlieINTEL"><s style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.5; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">@</s><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; white-space: normal;">charlieINTEL</b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 27px;">.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcRxZgjBlVzr1q8AdFV54A62WIUrxhUtdYTLu2ULUTh5nwLyoeqHYOwwNYTCRAAF3B3YhDlq_djJ3tEofqSWr07RXhY4dy96xeH-1Wd2D0iB4tutbCVc03FoOeLnNK86yVnlMTNh56hyphenhyphen9/s1600/441157644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcRxZgjBlVzr1q8AdFV54A62WIUrxhUtdYTLu2ULUTh5nwLyoeqHYOwwNYTCRAAF3B3YhDlq_djJ3tEofqSWr07RXhY4dy96xeH-1Wd2D0iB4tutbCVc03FoOeLnNK86yVnlMTNh56hyphenhyphen9/s320/441157644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-4723837513662675822011-11-02T16:21:00.000-07:002011-11-02T16:25:03.059-07:005 on 4 hours of Modern Warfare 3As we hit 5 days away from the launch of Modern Warfare 3, my excitement for what this title could be is starting to build.<br />
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And the 4 hour <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dI_4Eww94M">IGN livestream</a> has really ignited it to a new level.<br />
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Truth be told... I watched all the MP time (which was about 2 hours worth) and 5 things jumped out at me.<br />
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<ol><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">You level up fast</span></b>. Every other second you seem to get points for something and they come fast and furious. You'll breeze through lower ranks. Now they've said the curve won't be so bad at higher ranks like MW2 but that remains to be seen. Lower level guns are great and on the surface seems balanced.</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Maps have great flow</span></b>. A lot of ingress and egress points with a nice mix of of CQC and range engagements. I was surprised at the limited use of verticality but we have yet to see all the maps</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Support Package is not an issue</span></b>... but it will change how the game is played. The rewards that can kill aren't extremely powerful but when you combine them with a teammate using Assault it will make for a nice combo. We'll see Recon Jugg a lot in the beginning but I'm sure that will morph to the Escort Airdrop. It won't be hard at all for skilled players to accumulate 18 points.</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Weapons have kick</span></b>. You need to control the weapons or they will kick you off target a lot more than MW2 ever did. I can see people dying a lot when they first get into HC as the guns look to be quite accurate on their first bullets until the kick kicks in. The Kick proficiency will be use a lot for sure.</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">The new game modes look great</span></b>. Team Defender and Kill Confirmed, in particular, look like they will be welcome additions to the COD franchise. A lot of points, movement, and strategy come into play. Hopefully they won't be locked at the start. Let's be real IW... it's the 8th game. I think people get the gist if how to play.</li>
</ol><div>5 days until launch... and I'm finally getting a little geeked up for it. Hardened edition, here I come.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Next... 4 is the pinnacle.</div>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-15530254089525648952011-11-02T13:52:00.000-07:002011-11-02T13:52:29.989-07:006 is the Enigma11/10/09.<br />
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Modern Warfare 2, the sixth title in the Call of Duty series, smashed entertainment records when gamers finally got their hands on the most anticipated game in history. A commercial success, it changed the face of COD permanently for both the good and the bad.<br />
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You see, every good thing it brought had a darker twin lurking in the shadows.<br />
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For the first time, you could control killstreaks. Everyone who played COD4 wished they could be the gunner in the chopper, mowing down folks with reckless abandon (unless you were in HC, that's another story). MW2 let you be the gunner but control missiles and even the weapons of an AC-130.<br />
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In addition to actively using killstreaks, you also had the ability to choose which streaks you unlocked and used and they went all the way up to 25 kills in row when you could call in a nuke and win the game for your team no matter the score. Players had control over things like they never had before in a COD title.<br />
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Perks made a return as well but with the added bonus of making them "Pro". Unlocking the pro features of perks was a fun and challenging new component and helped keep the game fresh for people as they progressed through prestige ranks.<br />
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Playable and customizable streaks... pro perks... cool new features to an already great franchise.<br />
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But they came at a price.<br />
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As never before, killstreaks became the focus of gameplay. Gone was winning at all costs and in place was "I gotta get my AC-130." Nuke boosting in FFA became so common it made the playlist unplayable. Fewer people prestiged because they didn't want to lose their pro perks. Those that did, were always at a disadvantage in ways they hadn't been in previous titles.<br />
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That's not even mentioning...<br />
... the balance issues with One Man Army and Commando perks.<br />
... the slow and almost inept support.<br />
... the hacking. Oh, the hacking.<br />
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All of this could be related to the <a href="http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&gcx=w&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=jason+west+and+vince+zampella+lawsuit">issue with the IW founders</a>... could be circumstance... I doubt we'll ever know. What we do know is MW2 could have been the benchmark for COD titles. Instead, COD4, a game made in 2007, remains the peak for the franchise to many even today. Yet, there's no denying MW2 changed the face of COD forever... good and bad.<br />
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That's the enigma of 6.<br />
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Next... 5 on 4.ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671371000277885386.post-28061285814334948252011-10-31T13:27:00.000-07:002011-10-31T13:34:09.970-07:007 Ways COD Changed the Face Of Shooters... And GamingI've been playing shooters for years, and without a doubt, they have become my favorite genre in gaming to play.<br />
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This is mostly due to Call of Duty.<br />
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Since it's arrival on the gaming scene, the COD series has become to gaming what <i>Die Hard</i> is to action films. The pinnacle... what everyone else is striving to achieve. You could describe a movie as, "Die Hard in space..." and people would get it. That now applies to COD.<br />
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But how did COD arrive at this point? What makes it different and makes others try to emulate and consistently fall short?<br />
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I'll give you seven things (seven days to MW3, after all):<br />
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<ol><li><u><b>Killstreaks </b></u>-- The simple addition of adding rewards for getting several (in latter games, many) kills in a row added an addicting and game changing dynamic to matches. You never lose the excitement of calling in your chopper... and knowing the other team is in a panic to have to deal with it. As COD has evolved over the years, so have the streaks, and MW3 has a lot of options. Sorry... saving that for another blog.</li>
<li><b><u>Hardcore </u></b>-- Introduced in COD4, you can see how central to COD it has become in one way... every new shooter has it as a mode, too. That's not say HC is perfect in COD (it's not, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/saved-search/%23MOARhardcore">#MOARhardcore</a>, please) but when your competition follows suit... you're doing something right.</li>
<li><b><u>Perks </u></b>-- Allowing you to focus your kits to how you like to play or to be able to counter what the opponent is doing makes it more accessible and fun. Want to stay invisible? There's a perk for that. Having trouble finding enemy explosives? Perk for that, too. With so many options to mix and match, players have to be on their toes.</li>
<li><b><u>Prestige </u></b>-- What do you do when you've reached the highest level in game? For some, the appeal of the game is lost without the thrill of unlocking weapons or completing challenges. Solution -- prestige. You reset your challenges, lose all your guns and perks, and start from scratch. Genius. MW3 is taking it to a whole new level... but I'm not going there just yet.</li>
<li><b><u>Custom Classes</u></b> -- By not restricting equipment and weapons to roles or teams, COD opened the game up to players to use what they liked and not feel restrained by the game. By having a variety of kits ready for use during a game, players didn't have to scramble to change their "Assault" class during the heat of combat or have to forgo a key piece of equipment because they want to use a certain weapon. A simple and effective idea that has yet to be fully embraced by other shooters (see Battlefield 3).</li>
<li><b><u>It's About Moments</u></b> -- The campaigns of COD feel like immersive movies. They have those "it moments" (sometimes whole levels "Ghillies In the Mist", anyone) with cut-scenes so large in scale or actions so touching with emotion they become larger than the game. MW2 was full of them from the nuke in the USA to the final moments of the game; COD campaigns never fail to deliver... even when controversial (not a fan of "No Russian").</li>
<li><b><u>Annual Games</u></b> -- With a new COD being released every year, the game never gets stale. You know you'll have a new campaign, new weapons, retooled or brand new perks to get your shooter on just around the corner. It has it's negatives, too. The hype never seems to die down and the games can feel like retreads... but it keeps COD in your gaming thoughts for 12 months a year.</li>
</ol><div>Love it or hate it... COD has transcended gaming into a phenomenon all its own.</div><div><br />
</div><div>And it's not changing anytime soon.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Tomorrow... the enigma of 6.</div>ranKismethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468331959659783226noreply@blogger.com0