Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Free Game Alert: Mount & Blade

Mount & Blade PC Game free limited time on GoG

Mount & Blade is free on GoG.com (Good Old Games) as a promo for their current 2014 DRM-Free Big Fall Sale.  


But be quick, it's only available for a limited time!  There's about 40 hours left on the clock as of this post.  They will be having lots of daily specials, though, so if you miss this deal, you might catch another great price on a game that's been on your wishlist.

GoG is a great place to stock up on PC games from the good ol' days of gaming and even current titles. 

Friday, November 7, 2014

Free Game Alert: Metro 2033


Metro 2033. The Humble Store

The Humble Store, home of The Humble Bundle, is giving away a free Steam key of Metro 2033 on their site to celebrate the site's first birthday.  There are lots of other deals, so be sure to pick out a few favorites at a deep discount and feel good about it!  10% of every purchase goes to charities which are disclosed on the site.

  You'll receive the Steam key redemption instruction via email.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Getting started on Twitch TV in 8 steps

I've been aware of Twitch TV since it's inception but because of my limited data issue where I live, I wasn't really able to watch or broadcast.  Now that my data has been expanded I am able to play WoW again and I considered broadcasting via Twitch as a fun accompaniment to my questing blog.

I started the blog, The Questing Adventurer's Questing Log,  as a space to journal my gaming adventures.  I'd often get absorbed in a game, take a break, and then have trouble figuring out what I was working on quest-wise or story-wise when I returned weeks, or even years, later.  I thought a blog would be a perfect solution and I'd have fun while giving my writing another opportunity to grow.

But how to get started broadcasting?
(Don't want to read all my wordy-words? Handy links at the bottom!)

Getting started with Twitch tutorial

1.  First I visited my Twitch TV PROFILE.

2.  Changed my profile BANNER from the default Twitch logo to a recommended 900x480px image more my style.

3.  Filled out my Profile BIO.

 4.  Went into my SETTINGS to add a profile pic and to change the capitalization on my display name.  I made a 16:9 video player banner, and selected other options I thought were appropriate for my channel.
Offline announcement banner for Twitch TV
Here's my OFFLINE banner
5.  Visited THIS TWITCH HELP PAGE to read about how to broadcast.

6.  Watched THIS short RAPTR VIDEO to clarify the process of broadcasting via Raptr (which I will be doing but there are other broadcasting software available.

7.  Started playing WoW, opened my Raptr app with CTRL+TAB, opened settings, entered my Twitch info to link my acct., clicked the Twitch button, entered a video name, clicked START STREAMING.

8.  When I was finished with a short session. I clicked the Twitch button in my Raptr app again and selected STOP STREAMING.

After watching the....glory(?) that was my first archived Twitch feed, I wrote this stellar tutorial. Ok, really it was my second attempt, but the first was only a few seconds because I didn't think the stream had started so I ended it early.

The quality is pretty horrible but I'm not going to be quick to blame Raptr's AMD Gaming Evolved broadcasting.  I am doing the internetz on AT&T 4G because I live in the mountains and that's the best we get here. Sooo, it's probably just this redneck internet connection. 

Useful links all in one place:



Friday, September 12, 2014

Nike Plus Training -Day 1

Yesterday was actually my first time "playing" Nike + Kinect Training but all of that was just diagnostic exercises to gauge what my fitness level was and to determine my goal, workout days, and routines.  Today was my first workout.

The workout was about 25 minutes of active time and Nike + said I burned 47 calories.  I call SHENANIGANS!  I made it through the workout and immediately stripped my clothes, put them in the wash, and jumped in a cool shower because I felt like a steamy, soggy diaper!

Nike+ Kinect Training left me feeling like a steamy, soggy diaper!
I mean, that's a good thing.  The workout was definitely harder than Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012, but how did the program say I burned so few calories??  I keep track of my nutrition and exercise via My Fitness Pal on my iPhone, so I begrudgingly logged my piddly 47 calories.

The routine was a real workout and was a bit too tough for me.  There were two moves that I just could not do and that's really frustrating, but I will keep at it and post an update at the end of my first 4-week program!  

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Nike+ Kinect Training - Getting this gamer moving!

I've been using Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 for about a month and am already seeing and feeling the results so I thought I'd work in another fitness title for variety.  Most reviews of Nike+ Kinect Training were glowing and it was at an all-time low of $12 on Amazon, so I put it in my digital cart.  It arrived this morning and since I hadn't done my daily workout yet, I figured I'd try it out immediately!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Webseries 'Azeroth Choppers' Motorcycle Showdown


A new web-series called Azeroth Choppers starts April 17, 2014 and will pit 'The World of Warcraft' Alliance against the Horde in a motorcycle build-off.

From the Azeroth Choppers site:
Grab a front-row seat for the ultimate road showdown! Legendary custom motorcycle designer Paul Jr. has assembled two handpicked teams of bike experts to bring to life a pair of asphalt-kicking chopper designs inspired by World of Warcraft®’s two warring factions. Joining each crew on their epic quest are members of the World of Warcraft development team, on board to help to infuse the essence of the Horde and the Alliance into each bike. In the end, only one chopper will reign supreme as the undisputed king of Azeroth’s roads in a winner-takes-all showdown voted on by World of Warcraft players around the globe.

Team Alliance is led by Blizzard's chief storyteller, Chris Metzen; aided by Terran Gregory, a legendary WoW lore enthusiast and associate project director; and Monte Krol who is a writer, voice actor, and lead software engineer for WoW.

Team Horde is led by Sam Didier, who has filled various roles at Blizzard for over a decade; joined by Gary Platner, a lead environment artist for WoW; and Jason Hutchins, a senior game producer.

World of Warcraft players will get to watch as the builds unfold and vote on their favorite bike.

Friday, April 4, 2014

First Impression of 'Call of Duty: Ghosts' DLC pack 'Devastation'

The new DLC pack for CoD: Ghosts called "Devastation" got released yesterday, April 3, 2014. I played a bit last night and really early this morning and was happily surprised to recognize one of the map packs.  It was a remake inspired by one of my favorite MW3 maps.  Read my article New 'Call of Duty: Ghosts' DLC pack 'Devastation' content to find out which one!
http://www.examiner.com/list/new-call-of-duty-ghosts-dlc-pack-devastation-content
Activision Publishing, Inc.

I always enjoy the variety of new map packs, and two of the four new maps are ones I enjoy, but the other two will take a while to grow on me.  I really like Unearthed and Collision, but Ruins and Behemoth are not my cup-of-tea.  Behemoth is long and narrow, and I actually like maps that are set up that way like Hijacked from Black Ops 2, but I think I really just don't like its setting.  Ruins reminds me a lot of Jungle from Black Ops which is why I think it'll grow on me; I originally did not like that map either.
http://www.examiner.com/list/new-call-of-duty-ghosts-dlc-pack-devastation-content
Activision Publishing, Inc.


To me, new map packs are like meeting new people; at first I eye them suspiciously but openly, but after a little while they are like good-ol buds that I wish I had met sooner.

Monday, March 31, 2014

‘The Elder Scrolls Online’ Upcoming Release Anticipation


http://www.examiner.com/article/anticipation-for-the-upcoming-release-of-the-elder-scrolls-online#sthash.uU2N88fO.cmfs
Bethesda The Elder Scrolls Online


I spent the morning deciding what I was going to do about ESO.  I am a HUGE fan of the Elder Scrolls series of games and I have the Collector's Editions for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and I have the Anthology.  I got accepted into the beta for ESO last August but I had tenuously decided not to purchase the game because of the difficulty I have playing online games; there is a very high cost for data via AT&T 4G where I am living now.

I had heard about a leaked Target ad for next week that promos all video games with a Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale and I was tempted to wait, but there weren't really other similarly-priced games that I wanted, so I decided to redeem some Bing Rewards Points for Amazon giftcards and pre-order the game through Amazon.

P.S. Click that link to go to Bing and sign up through my referral and we'll both get money!  I have used Bing Rewards by doing browser searches through Bing since it's inception and I have earned hundreds of dollars.  I have redeemed most of mine for Xbox points or Amazon giftcards!  I love free money and I love the Bing search anyway, so it's win-win!

I wish I had decided to get the game sooner.  Because I waited so long, the Imperial Edition is already sold out everywhere I thought to look.  I also won't get to use the early-access code because I won't get the game until release day and I'll have to head to a friend's house a few hours away to be able to install and update it. 

I'm looking forward to playing ESO this weekend though and reviewing it for you! Stay tuned ;)

Friday, March 28, 2014

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Anticipation

An overview of the first Diablo 3 expansion: ‘Reaper of Souls’

I am looking forward to heading back in for more!  I did make some real-world money via the Auction House but I am not sad to see it go.  With the addition of a new Adventure Mode, a new act, and a new Crusader character, I think Diablo III is right where it should have been all along.

Do you play Diablo III?   Is "Reaper of Souls" luring you back into the fray?

Thursday, March 27, 2014

International Tabletop Day April 5th, 2014

http://www.tabletopday.com/

I have recently become really interested in board games, collectible card games, and other card games because I love the social nature and friendly competition of them.  I grew up with classic games like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Uno, but I recently started learning about newer games from some of my gal-pals over at PopChix and by following one of my geek and gaming heroes, Felicia Day.

You see, Felicia Day (who played the character Codex from The Guild webseries) has shot into geek stardom in the last decade and has used her powers for GOOD.  She started a Website and You Tube channel called Geek & Sundry which produces and hosts video series' like TableTop with Will Wheaton, and Co-Optitude which is all about Felicia Day and Ryon Day hilariously playing through the retro games that their parents never let them have.  After watching a few episodes of Tabletop and seeing most of the games featured for the very first time, I realized that there was a huge segment of gaming that I was missing out on!

Will Wheaton hosting the Geek & Sundry show, TableTop
Wil Wheaton hosting the Geek & Sundry show, TableTop

TableTop games have come a long way and to celebrate and promote them and bring communities of gamers together, Felicia Day and the Geek & Sundry crew created an International TableTop Day which began last year.  This year I am in on the fun and have registered.  You can register, too!  You can search for a club or games store that is hosting an event on that day in your area and meet fellow gamers and join in on a few games.  If you aren't already active in a gaming club in your community, it's a great day to introduce yourself and check out some games you might not otherwise have played.

From the International TableTop Day "About" page:
International TableTop Day is a celebration for all the fans of tabletop gaming. A single day where the whole world is brought together in a common purpose of spending time together and having fun. We hope you find the resources you need — to connect new fans to experienced group organizers, retailers with their community, and publishers with the international community — all in one place. The interactive map hosts all of the game days and parties worldwide. If you don’t see an event near you, simply follow the free submission process to create and host your own TableTop Day event that we will promote for you. Download all the free content and collect all the exclusive promotional items made specifically to commemorate this event.
All we ask in return is that you share your experience with us by using the social media hashtag #tabletopday on all your posts, pictures, stories, and videos. This way, we can all share in the fun wordwide. You can also follow @TableTopDay and @GeekandSundry on Twitter. Let’s for one day, all come together, put down our worries and play more games. Thank you!

I encourage you to register on the site and join in a game on
International TableTop Day April 5, 2014!

Leave a comment and let me know if you've registered and what you'll be playing!

Monday, March 24, 2014

SteelSeries Merc Stealth Gaming Keyboard Review & Photos



Released: January 2010
Original MSRP:$90
Current Average Price: $60
Product website:  SteelSeries Merc Stealth


The Good: innovative game pad design, 3 illumination colors at 4 levels of intensity, 2 USB 2.0, media hotkeys, gold-plated mic and headphone jacks and gold plated USB connector, easy to use drag&drop macros, mapping and programmable keys.
The Bad: manufacturing flaws, "Delete" key tied to "Num Lock"
Would I buy it again: Yes, as a gaming/media-only keyboard

Friday, March 21, 2014

Firefox Browser Version 29 Features Clean Customization



I was intrigued by the new Firefox version 29 update when I turned on my PC this morning.  Everything looked familiar...but better!
The slick, airy tabs are a great feature and the new menu button unclutters the screen.  A clean, but still accessible interface is tops in my book!

When I first opened Firefox, there was a quick, friendly tutorial that introduced me to the new layout.  I'm glad for the few moments of explanation that accompanied the debut of version 29.

I am sure I will take the time to customize my Menu today and play around with the settings, but right out of the box, I am pleased with this newest update.

What do you think? Any must-have browser apps that you recommend?

Thursday, March 20, 2014

A Guide to Marvel PuzzleQuest Dark Reign

This popular new Puzzle Quest spin-off has exploded with popularity in the months since its launch October 3, 2013; it's currently available on Steam, iOS, and Android.  This version of Puzzle Quest has a lot of intricacies and more strategy than the other games in the brand and the learning curve is steep.  After recommending the game to several friends and then helping them get started, I decided to create this go-to guide to starting a successful Marvel Puzzle Quest Dark Reign campaign.
Check out my Marvel Puzzle Quest Dark Reign  Strategy Guide Site
Click to visit my Marvel Puzzle Quest Dark Reign Strategy Guide Site

The site will change as the game changes so bookmark it to check back for new and updated content.

Like the Marvel Puzzle Quest Dark Reign Guide page on Facebook!

Follow @MPQDRguide on Twitter!

Whoops! Same blog, new address!

Well, I made an Oops!

The original address for this blog was http://ltdadd.blogspot.com/ and idiot me changed it somewhere down the line and it messed up all kinds of links and such.  I am in the process of fixing everything, but if you had bookmarked this blog when it was savingtheworldfromevil.blogspot.com, you'll need to re-bookmark it!

This time the evil I am saving the world from is my own ignorance :)


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Sim City Offline (and why that's a good thing)

Sim City Cities of tomorrow single player offline

I was not at all surprised when I got an email from EA directing me to their announcement that they have now made Sim City available to play in Offline Mode.  It might just be the feature that brings me back to my City.

While I wasn't one of the masses who decried EA for not building a single player offline mode into the game from the start,  having that option will allow me to play when my internet is especially slow (which is quite often out here in the country) or when I don't want to use my data for necessary updates, so I welcome the addition.

The idea for always-on Online functionality was great and it wasn't that bad, but I think it  excluded so many gamers who didn't have access to the internet or just didn't want to play with others.

I played the game for a month or so after release and I haven't touched it since, but I look forward to getting back in there.  My husband will be glad that my need to micro-manage will be fulfilled on my Sim City residents instead of him for a change!