Battle.Net Updated!

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After many many many years of the same interface, the crazy bastards at ActivisionBlizzard have finally done it, they updated Battle.Net to a new UI!

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Look at the beautiful new look. The friends page is now on the right instead of window in the feed area. The new news feed area in dead center on what is going on first in game and then in general. And most importantly I DON’T SEE GAMES I DON’T OWN! This was the thing that always irritated me in the old UI. There are games I don’t own and don’t want to see, and now I do not. I can click on all games and see them there, but it is not forced on me.

And that is all. Just wanted to get that off my chest.

The Professional Gamer - May 11, 2019

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Hi readers! I went a trip this week, and unlike more times, I actually did some geeky stuff while I was away. I tossed my reliable old 3DS in my carry-on with the thought that I might play a little bit of Link Between Worlds. In the end, I got through most of the game during a couple of flights. Let’s talk about this great addition to the Zelda canon.

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The Professional Gamer - March 30, 2019

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Hello and welcome to a new installment of The Professional Gamer. I have some stories to tell for this week. I’ve had some issues with my knee while running, and went in for some physical therapy this week. In fact, I went in for two rounds of physical therapy, which honestly feels like it might have been too much. I think I’m seeing a little progress with my knee already though, which is super promising. But, with all the exercising that I’m doing along with the PT, I haven’t had as much time to geek out. So, let’s talk about the little bit that I have done.

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Reggie is Retiring

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You may have already heard this, but Reggie Fils-Aime is retiring as President of Nintendo of America in April. Reggie has been with Nintendo for 15 years, 12 of those as president, and is passing the torch to Doug Bowser (seriously). Here is his goodbye video:


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And here is the gentleman that is going to step up and take the mantle from Reggie. With this Bowser finally gets control of the Mushroom Kingdom. May he be a benevolent ruler.

The Professional Gamer - January 15, 2018

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This week has been crammed full of after work meetings that kept me from doing very much fun stuff. This post is going to be short, so let's get to it.

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In the world of seasonal anime, I'm continuing to watch Ancient Magus' Bride. It remains the best true fantasy series that I've seen for awhile. Much of the genre has, lately, been dominated by alternate world and RPG influenced shows, like Konosuba and Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash. A series where the viewer is learning about the magic aspects of the world at the same pace as the main character has been lacking for several years. At least one with the polish and cohesive world-building of Ancient Magus' Bride. I have not read any of the manga at this point; and I don't think I'm likely to do so. I enjoy discovering the story on a weekly basis, rather than waiting several months between manga volumes.

I also watched the premier of Pop Team Epic, and I'm not really sure how I feel about the show. I think its funny, but feels like it could end up going into a reference hole, where it has not humor of its own, but depends entirely on people recognizing things from it. I'll give it the customary 3 episode trial before I pass judgement on it.

It doesn't bother me...

It doesn't bother me...

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After watching the latest Nintendo Direct, Crystal decided to download the Dragon Warrior Builders demo. I gave it a try as well, and thought it was reasonably fun. I've never been huge on Minecraft, so i didn't have a lot of expectations about the game. It took me a little while to get comfortable with the camera controls and I also had some trouble in some cases getting my buildings to end up where I want them. The game could be improved by adding a way to lock the character in place so that you can spin and more easily select specific squares. The humor is fun, and the characters interact well with each other. Crystal is planning to buy the full game when it is released for the Nintendo Switch, and I'll give it a further try then.

That's all I have for this week. Being one of the lucky few to have today off, means that I'll get to spend more time enjoying myself this weekend. Which is also convenient since my wedding anniversary is also this weekend; I've been married to Crystal for 11 years now, and I'm still enjoying every day more than the last. As for you, have a great week and game on.

Dreamhack Denver

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Hey, what are you doing this weekend? Going to relax at home, play some video games? Sounds like a pretty chill weekend. But what you could do is buck off that non-social stigma that people like to think gamers have. Instead of playing games in your home alone, play them at the National Western Center! That is right, DreamHack is this starting at 9:00 AM for BYOC load-in and running to Sunday at 6:00 PM. That is pretty much 3 days of solid gaming.

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Cari's E3 2017 Review

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Cari's E3 2017 Review

Hey Guys, Cari here and I’m reporting on E3 2017 after returning from L.A. I don’t have a ton to report this year but here are my first impressions of the things that I saw. Day one I got to see Natsume’s booth, DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT, and Marvel versus Capcom. (I saw many things including gaming setups and technology and there were a ton of games showcased this year, these are what I got my hands on). Day two was very light, I played Super Mario Odyssey and Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, and watched Chris play some Knack II. Day three I played Lego Dimensions and Sonic Forces.

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Mario Odyssey Hands-On

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Mario Odyssey Hands-On

Mario  Odyssey  of the newest entry in the long line of games about a plumber that I don't think actually has any plumbing experience. And, if memory serves, the first new 3D version of the game since Mario Galaxy 2 . In this have Bowser has, unpredictability, kidnapped Princess Peach! I know, such a plot twist. This time he has even sent it wedding invites though. But he made a grave mistake, he pissed off a magic top hat! Sure Bowser has perfected his plan on stopping Mario, but Mario with a magic hat? Doom has arrived on Bowser's door stop. Or at least it will once Mario and Cappy (the aforementioned hat) have finished gathering a band for his old girlfriend, Paulina.

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