I waited at the edge of the universe. Standing on this water like substance, I felt a very light current as it went over the edge. The sky is filled with stars and celestial objects. Any simple mind might be overwhelmed. “Where am I?”, I thought to myself. There was no air here, yet I breathed. I felt no thirst or hunger, the energy of the universe kept me alive. The answers to my questions arrived slowly. This is the fountain of the universe and eternity. From here I could watch the birth of stars and even entire civilizations. It was only natural that I bear witness to such events. Right as I looked ahead a star formed from a dense cloud. Nearby a planet began to shape. Time was meaningless to me. The events unfolded in mere moments. To the newly born people of the planet it was countless life and death. Soon they came to worship one and many, but never me. I was not there to see. There was no evidence. Eventually their evolution brought them to the stars. Since it was so close to the fountain, it began to corrupt these people. Their desire turned towards conquest. A small few leaped towards the unknown, and I helped them, silently, because they were the only hope that remained for survival. Meanwhile the proclaimed conquerors set foot upon the fountain. Each of their steps corrupted the waters. Their dark desires seeped like a poison. In their hubris they believed themselves worthy of the power held in the fountain. Such a grand failing, but at least this species survived. With a sweep of my hand their bodies disappeared. Some were swallowed by the waters. Ships exploded and the pieces dissipated. Thousands of spirits now floated around with no purpose. A deep regret was palpable in many. Those were cast away into the universe once more, a second chance. In another life, another place, different people. Spirits with a blinded and deep seated hatred were sent somewhere else. Eventually they would live once more, but not after paying the price for giving in to their dark desires. So I stand, once again at the edge. I look on. The universe continues before my eyes. A new world is born, far from here. Another species evolves. It becomes corrupted by the dark desires. This time the desire is greed. A powerful drive to possess more and more. Yet, when their time is done, they keep nothing of it. Perhaps I will watch more. Someday they might realize that such pursuits are trivial. Then again, they would have to gain a greater perspective.
Tag: blog
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June 1st – Pokémon Trailer and Sonic Frontiers gameplay
The month of gaming is starting with a bang. Yesterday we got the confirmation that a new trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet would be shown at 9 est. The trailer gave us another glimpse of the new region, whose name is yet to be revealed. It showcased three new monsters, the electric Pawmi, the grass type Smoliv and the new sensation, the pig Lechonk. Near the end of the trailer we also saw the new box legendary Pokémon. The Scarlet version exclusive, called Koraidon, is predominantly red and seems to have a sort of wheel shaped neck. Its counterpart, exclusive to Violet, is called Miraidon and has features that resemble a jet.
It is interesting to note that the central themes will likely revolve around the past and future. The names of the professors suggest this, Sada and Turo, are derived from the Spanish words ‘pasado’ (past) and ‘futuro’ (future). Their outfits are also a nod to those themes. The designs of the legendary Pokémon themselves further imply this with the futuristic and technological looking Miraidon, in contrast to the organic look of Koraidon.
The games promise an open world of exploration and non linearity, breaking from past entries. How they achieve this will be interesting to see. If gyms are back again my guess is that they will scale depending on player level or number of collected badges. There are some short glimpses of what may be gyms. What has been shown so far has been mostly focused on the open environment. Co-op is also a new addition that was mentioned. Up to four players can join up on the adventure. Sword and Shield explored a little bit of co-op in the Dynamax den battles. Multiplayer exploration sounds like an interesting concept, but what will it entail? The trailer doesn’t show much other than the players meeting in the field. Will they be exploring different areas within the same instance of the game? Can they catch the same Pokémon? It seems to be implied that both versions should be able to interact in this way, since the trainers have the respective version colors. We have barely gotten a peek at the new Pokémon. The open world will vibe with everyone who played Legends: Arceus. There is even a small shot of the player crouching to sneak around while near a Smoliv.
There are still more things yet to be revealed. We have not seen what might be the region’s evil/mischievous team. Heck, we don’t even know the region name yet. Gens 6, 7 and 8 introduced some special battle mechanic, will gen 9 have its own? Traversal will most likely take a page from Legends or Sun/Moon by using ride Pokémon. Launch is scheduled for November 18th. I feel that it’s likely we will see another trailer before that.
The second showing of the day included a preview of Sonic Frontiers shown as part of IGN First. The footage focused on a vast open world with a multitude of rails scattered about, ruined towers and some simple puzzle mechanics. Solving puzzles opened up new areas, revealed rails and so on. The one glaring absence was that there seemed to be no enemies to battle. It’s possible the focus of the showcase may have been adjusted to focus on Sonic himself and the traversal of the environment. There wasn’t much else other than various items to collect, apart from the traditional rings. Additionally nothing about the actual story has been revealed. Not much else to say other than to wait and see if there is more to Frontiers.
Tomorrow, June 2, is Sony’s State of Play presentation at 6 est. The gaming events will just keep rolling from here.
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Hype Month
June is right around the corner. Even without the traditional hype week of E3 there are quite a few gaming related events. I wanted to list some important dates as a reminder, to myself, and to readers. So let’s start with the most recent announcement.
Sony recently announced its State of Play showcase for June 2. They have mentioned it will be nearly 30 minutes long.
Next up is the latest update for Minecraft. Version 1.19, the wild update, is set to be available on June 7th.
Summer Game Fest has its own event scheduled for June 9. We’re likely to see something from every company, or at least that’s the expectation. As always Keighley promises lots of good things, so we’ll see soon. Warframe also gets its next update on this day.
On June 12 is the Xbox + Bethesda showcase. Later that day there will also be a PC Gaming Show.
Finally, on June 16, Overwatch has an event. Whether they will give dates for the next Beta test or, perhaps, a release date? Maybe they’ll reveal the next new character? Who knows.
Nintendo is still seemingly MIA. They have yet to make an announcement of their traditional Direct. By this time in years before we have heard something, so maybe they’re holding on until the last moment. Other Direct presentations have usually been announced a day or two before.
There might be other events during the month, so this isn’t a definitive list. As mentioned in a previous post, I am particularly interested in more Pokémon news and anything on Metroid Prime 4. No doubt there will be much to see. These showcases sometimes have unique standouts, like Stray for example, in which you control a cat. All in all a great month to look forward to. The hype is different from previous years, but it is hype nonetheless.
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This dark, water-like fluid has seemingly swallowed the world around me. I float in it, trying to keep both my strength and my sanity. At times most of my body is safely above it, at others I can barely keep my face above. It can only be described as exhausting. Like a battle everyday to maintain a sense of self. The sky provides no clues as to my whereabouts. Even the stars themselves do not show anymore. A spell like no other, or perhaps a disease? Both mind and spirit are assailed by unknown forces seeking to break the walls that protect them.
In the farthest distance a single speck of light. A remainder of the hope that once flourished. Perhaps it could offer an escape someday. In the meantime I continue to float here. The body numbs at times, as if giving up during short moments. After countless days of this I begin to hear a voice. Could it be the very void calling for my demise? Or maybe the voice of a friend trying to reach out? If the possibility exists then I should take it. Where to begin though? A swim in any direction seems pointless and the voice is too faint to make a distinction. My very will seemed to falter against the odds before me. This strange darkness that surrounded me robbed me of everything I might have had. I can’t even remember things from my own past.
That voice still echoed. A scream that conveyed the hope that I could escape this predicament. With it a memory reached my mind. I am a mage of the highest order in a court I do not recognize. A small wave moved me. Something was changing, the light brightened. Then, in a moment’s notice, I heard it more clearly. “Dad, wake up!”, my son, my son was calling to me. A loud rumble began to crack away the darkness. The fluid that entrapped me drained away. Memories of a life lived flooded back with great force.
I could still not move but I was conscious once again. Another mage was chanting a spell, while three soldiers closed in on me. They had not noticed that my mind was free. Slowly I prepared a counter spell. A magic so powerful it blows them away, and protects my son. The might of the magic was rarely seen, but I, Athuriel would not be taken lightly anymore. My dear Ethan, I will protect you no matter what.
Freedom has such a sweet taste. I remember it all now. We have been at war with the neighboring kingdom for almost a decade now. Their most recent attempt at conquering ours was to use the foulest of spells to corrupt our minds. It almost succeeded, if it were not for our strong family ties. Ethan was close to me as I looked out one of the windows. We were near the top of one of the tallest towers in the castle. King Gallard had ordered me here to perform a counterspell but I was ambushed before I could reach my destination. According to Ethan I was frozen by the spell for mere moments, but within the illusion it felt like years had passed. As soon as I reached the top I lifted my hands to the sky and chanted the counterspell. Within minutes many of the soldiers that had become incapacitated rose to fight. Their renewed will and determination was no match for the invaders and drove them away.
When I returned to the courtroom the king greeted me with much enthusiasm. He mentioned how I was in high spirits. I told him that it was because of my son, and how great it was to see him beside me. To this he said, “But Athuriel, your son has been gone for more than a year.” Another flood of memories reached my mind again. When I looked back the little boy that had accompanied me had vanished. It was incredibly painful to realize, but much like before I had learned to live with the pain. Perhaps this is why that darkness felt like it lasted so long. I will see you again someday, Ethan.
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At long last the days of people going without health care was a thing of the past. Our people let go of the archaic economy that promoted the amassing of wealth by those who already had too much of it. This led to breakthroughs in medical research that would be years behind in the old system. We cured some of our most dreaded diseases. No longer did people have to die because they could not afford the treatment. Along with greater health and survivability came the inevitable growth in population. This prompted the development of new technologies. Once again, shedding our old economy broke us free of many restraints, yet for all our advancements we knew that our planet would not be able to sustain us for long.
With the space programs beginning to move forward, once again we set our sights on moving onwards to sights we had not seen before, an exploration of the worlds and solar systems beyond our own. There have been many scary moments, of that there is no doubt. The governments required years and commerce did not really adapt properly until it was settled that a completely new set of rules needed to be created. The new system was adaptable. It allowed the people to freely pursue the lines of knowledge and art that they wished. This led to the rise of some of our most brilliant minds and our most revered artists. At some point we had a dark age, now it was an age of light. A growth spurt that eventually led to conflict…
As time passed we knew that a conflict among our people was inevitable. Surprisingly there was no bloodshed, no heated discussions with hidden political or religious agendas. Instead long conversations were held and all parties’ interests were put up front for all to see. The education system was no longer bound by the profit seeking of old. People sought knowledge not only for their own advancement, but for that of their whole civilization. Politicians disappeared, leading to a rise in people who were properly trained and genuinely sought the benefit of all. As this happened political parties became obsolete. These were no longer needed, because their views were far too narrow, and oftentimes too ignorant of the fact that we needed to move forward as a single civilization.
The advancement of technology led us to the ability to replicate materials, food and other items. Our homeworld was still very important for us, but this gave us the freedom to better protect it from the damages we had done before. Although many animal species had become extinct in our most terrible times, some of our newer processes were able to revive many that were necessary to restore predator-prey cycles that balanced a multitude of habitats.
Our future now lies in the vastness of space. This world that had carried us up to this point no longer needed us, for sure it would survive without our intervention. The great council decided that it was time for us to move on as a civilization. In a few thousand years our mark would be erased and perhaps another civilization can grow here. It was also deemed necessary to not leave any other marks. This growth needed to occur naturally. We said our farewells and moved out into the void.
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New gaming discussion
I’ve been missing the chance to write about games and the gaming industry in general. So Gaming Chronicles will be the home for this. I was previously keeping an exclusive gaming blog but since starting Daydream Chronicles I wanted to supplement the story writing posts with other writing topics. It is possible I might branch out into other topics, but for now here’s the first Gaming Chronicle.
E3-less
With the month of June fast approaching the absence of E3 makes itself felt. The usual hype that builds in the weeks preceding the big media event does not feel the same. So far we have but a few events that will try to fill in the gap. In particular Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest will attempt to cover the hype cycle. Other than that Microsoft has its traditional showcase, which also includes Bethesda, on June 12. Seeing anything from Bethesda will be nice, particularly if we get more gameplay for Starfield. As a fan of Elder Scrolls I wish we could get something for ES6, maybe a region tease or perhaps what the hero might look like. At the time of this writing neither Nintendo nor Sony have made any announcements regarding their own showcases, a Direct or State of Play. As always I am especially interested in Nintendo. I suspect they should be announcing something soon, considering the amount of time that has passed since the previous presentation. Summer Game Fest might not carry the big E3 name but it is still a good time to ride the media wave that it brings.
Early this year we got the announcement of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. We should be close to getting more info on the games considering they release during this year’s holiday season. November has been historically the Pokémon release month. Another game that might get shown more is Xenoblade Chronicles 3 considering they moved its release up to July from September. Splatoon 3 might have more to show before its release in September. My wishful thinking wants to see Metroid Prime 4 but at this rate I’m just hoping it doesn’t end up canceled.
Another big name that has something to show is Overwatch. It recently had its first closed beta which tested the new 5v5, a new mode called Push and a new DPS hero. They are making an announcement on the 16th. I would guess it could be the next round of the beta, but perhaps they will finally nail down a release date? Regardless, a lot of fans of the game are excited for the news. Personally, I’d like a new support hero.
One of my own all-time favorites and ongoing game, Warframe, has its convention on July 16th. TennoCon will most likely reveal what’s next for the lore and story as well as bring new frames and the next Prime. A lot of players have been curious about whether this year the focus will be on the previously teased Duviri Paradox.
All in all, since there isn’t anything clear on the horizon for Nintendo and Sony we might get some surprises along the way. It could be pretty hype to learn of a Nintendo Direct soon or a State of Play from Sony. I will surely keep an eye out for any of these and of course I’ll be watching Summer Game Fest for any news.
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Episode 10: Family
“Report!”, the Captain was worried, the concentration of ships was great. If they were an additional retaliatory force we would have a very deadly fight in our hands.
“Captain, we are receiving preliminary data. The lead ship’s designation is… Starlance Legacy, a Supremacy class battle cruiser.”
“Impossible, that ship looks like the one that attacked us! Explain!”. The monitor showed the vessel clearly, our realization only muddled the situation. As the officers scoured the computer system for information a transmission arrived from the fleet.
When the face of the man appeared on the screen my eyes opened wide. I was in shock, this face I recognized and a feeling of hatred overcame me.
“This is General Dalton Greer of the main Starlance fleet. Proxima Eclipse, by aiding these rebels you have betrayed our institution. The penalty for this is death, but, as benevolent as I am, I will grant you the chance to surrender. This goes to all of the traitorous fleet. You have but ten minutes to comply, after this we will ensure your destruction. As for the so called Centauri Liberation Front you are condemned and charged with the same treason. You will be an example for those who dare threaten the peace we built.”
“Father… damn you for doing this.”, I knew he was a cruel man, but to stoop to killing civilians. Power must have currupted him. In the family it was clear he was a high ranking officer, but no one suspected he was the head of Starlance.
“Some family you have, does he know you’re here?”
“He probably does, my sister, Captain Anabelle was here when I boarded the ship.”
“Anabelle Greer, I was wondering how she could rise up the ranks with such ease.”
“There is no telling what father will do, that ship has the power to destroy everything here. We have to move fast.”
“What do you propose Ensign?”
“We may have no choice but to fight. I do not believe father will allow us to go unpunished.”
“Adrian, I am not willing to let these people die without a cause. The people on the colony must be protected, this action by Starlance is abusive! So I agree, we fight! All hands, battle stations!”
Another transmission from the Starlance fleet arrived, it was my father again. This time he would be talking directly with the captain, and the video feed would show me on the bridge with her.
“Well captain? Have you decided on the course to take?”
“These people are civilians, we cannot permit you to strike them.”
“I see you have my coward son on the bridge, tell me boy, how has it been? Are you willing to face death for these people? Are you willing to fight your own family?”
“You are the greater disgrace, fighting unarmed citizens! You haven’t even realized Dana is down there with them. She has done far more to help them than you ever will.”, I curled my hands into fists.
“Pah! What a child like mind you have. Dana chose her path, as have you it seems. My concern is not for the well being of individuals but to maintain control and order. Captain, do what you will, I will spare none of you.”
Some of the ships in the general’s fleet began to make their advance. The captain ordered all pilots to their fighters and the ships in the fleet to stand by. The Proxima Eclipse was standing between the colony and certain destruction.
I ran as fast as I could to the nearest rail system. My arrival at the hangar bay was timely Mara and Vivian were there preparing themselves. Mara was to fly an assault fighter while Vivian made the necessary arrangements for launch. The plan was to stall the enemies long enough to allow the colony to make a jump to a safer location. Crystal and James were assigned to Squadron Epsilon while I was given full command of Squadron Sigma.
All systems on the Star Shadow were ready. I began to make my exit from the hangar bay along with my fellow pilots. As I did this a short range transmission arrived on my communicator. There was a lot of interference but I understood the message. Dana’s voice, as sweet as always, said to me “be careful”. This was a nightmare for both of us, to have to face our father like this. In addition to her message a small bit of data arrived, it was a communication that was intercepted from Starlance High Command. Said communication contained orders to test their new Supremacy class starship on the current most powerful ship in the fleet, the Proxima Eclipse. I relayed the information to the Captain and moved away from the carrier. With my squadron ready we began our approach towards the main Starlance fleet. Enemy fighters began to fly out to meet us.
One of our battle cruisers began to move forward. They sent a message saying they surrendered to Starlance. It was a crushing blow, but nothing more devastating than what we would see next. The Starlance Legacy charged its main weapon and fired upon the battle cruiser. Its destruction was swift and brutal. Any smaller fighters that crossed the beam were also destroyed, those who were near got pushed away by the force of the energy.
“Sigma Squadron, the enemy ship has to take some time before they can fire again. Ready yourselves, this will be a very dangerous battle. We must give the colony time to escape! Are you with me?!”, the roaring sound of approval arrived clearly though the speakers. The captain also added her part.
“To all fighters of the Proxima Eclipse, fight bravely. We are the true Starlance. We fight for peace and justice. The people in the colony need our help and we will provide it! Onwards!”
A volley of missiles launched from the carrier as well as the other ships that remained. The battle has begun. All the modifications I had done to my fighter proved extremely useful. My ship was now much faster and the plasma cannon had a reduced charge time. I was also using every trick available to me. My opponents lasted very little, though the real target stood afar. The Starlance Legacy was preparing for another shot of its main weapon and I knew what its next target would be. The second battle cruiser of our fleet fell. It was horrifying to think that so many lives could be lost so quickly, it was a reminder of the nuclear weapons back on Earth.
The spirits of my fellow pilots were waning. I have lost two comrades in the last few minutes. The squadron had a total of seven fighters including myself, now with just five of us we had to push on towards the Starlance Legacy.
More time passed and another of our allies had fallen, this time one of the assault vessels of the Centauri Liberation Front. In one last desperate move I ordered all fighters to join up with my squadron.
“What’s up Adrian? Got a plan brewing?”, the familiar voice was James. I looked to my side as he paired up his ship with mine.
“Everyone we are at a great disadvantage but we must do something to prevent that ship from firing again. Squadrons Sigma, Epsilon and Omega will move to attack their main ship. The rest must provide cover for us and what remains of our fleet. As far as I can tell that weapon fires once every fifteen minutes, that gives us time to concentrate our fire to destabilize its shielding. Is everyone clear?”
“Yes sir!”, though I was only given command of Squadron Sigma the other teams appreciated my skills and leadership.
With our plan set we moved in closer to our target. The attack began as a success, the concentrated fire was causing the shielding to break up forcing them to modulate the energy frequency. If my assumptions proved correct enough interference would stall their main weapon.
Almost forty five minutes into our battle. We have lost three ships but my plan to stall their main weapon was working. To counter our assault they focused their fighters and most of their turrets against us. The crossfire was overwhelming, even their own ships were being hit. Their distraction was enough for the weapon to fire again, this time the target was the carrier. The beam of energy pushed away our fighters. Meanwhile the carrier was able to take the hit, though at a great cost. A large hole now adorned one side of the ship. Six hangar bays were destroyed, sadly including hangar bay sixteen. My thoughts shifted to Vivian and whether she was safe.
“This is Captain Patricia Villanova to all fighters from the Proxima Eclipse. Retreat, I do not want to lose any more of you. Retreat! Now!”
There was little else to be done. I lost contact with James and Crystal, most likely the energy burst pushed them away. Of my squadrom only two others remained. In the distance I saw the destruction of another assault vessel that belonged to the CLF. For my father though, the battle was far from over. A second shot from the Starlance Legacy crippled the carrier leaving it barely active with no shields to defend itself. A few minutes later when I had almost reached the carrier another blast passed by. The colony was hit, almost half of it completely destroyed.
New orders came from the carrier, a barely readable text read, “Disperse and disappear.” It seemed that the captain knew what was to become of us if we stayed there. My worry grew, I had received no more communication from Dana or Mara. I was alone and filled with rage. My father had become an enemy I vowed to defeat. While I made preparations, a direct link communication came from the Starlance Legacy.
“You made a brave effort, but war is about power and numbers both of which you lacked. How do you feel now boy? You have no one to protect you. I will not spare you. Even your siblings know the kind of weakling you are.”
“You! How can you be so cruel?! You killed Dana!”
“Did I? Like I said before she chose her own path! I had a perfect life for her and she threw it away, just like you did.”
“Savor your victory father, I will return for you. I swear it!”
Energy from the jump drive built up and broke the communications link. Slowly other ships started to disappear in a multitude of directions. I set coordinates somewhere far from this wretched sector which has now come to embody both pain and hatred.
The last data sweep showed the colony barely functioning. I looked to the side, time seemed to have slowed down. The debris from the ships and the colony floated in space, an eerie reminder of the carnage faced in this battle. To the other side of my ship I see a deadly weapon, but more than that there is a murderer aboard that ship. I made the jump, escaped with my life and now more alone than before.
DaydreamChronicles 