(A small sample of Mr. Chadwick's non-Dragon Age work may be viewed here and, for the curious, his complete body of work may be found here).
Friday, 28 March 2014
Maker's breath...Simon Chadwick as Nathaniel Howe
Maker, I confess that the moment I heard Simon Chadwick as Nathaniel Howe, I promptly melted into a delirious puddle of sweet oblivion.
(A small sample of Mr. Chadwick's non-Dragon Age work may be viewed here and, for the curious, his complete body of work may be found here).
(A small sample of Mr. Chadwick's non-Dragon Age work may be viewed here and, for the curious, his complete body of work may be found here).
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Mme Ann Lemay: une femme formidable!
Ces temps-ci, je pense des femmes que j'admirais. Et j'admire beaucoup Mme Lemay. Elle est une scénariste-dialoguiste chez BioWare Montréal (il y a presque 3 ans) qui a conçu le dialogue de Nyreen Kandros, la première femelle Turian très attendu dans Mass Effect 3 OMEGA. J'ai lu ses entrevues précédentes, mais c'est la première fois que j'avais l'opportunité d'écouter sa voix.
Instead of dwelling in disappointment over how women who could have achieved great things have used their power, I have turned my thoughts to women I admire. And I admire Ms. Lemay. A lot. A writer for BioWare since 2011, she was responsible for penning Nyreen Kandros, the highly-anticipated first female Turian of the Mass Effect franchise who appeared in Mass Effect 3's Omega DLC. I've read previous interviews, but this is the first time we get to hear her speak.
Entrevue 2013.03.19 en français
Entrevue 2012.11.15
Entrevue 2012.09.17
>
Instead of dwelling in disappointment over how women who could have achieved great things have used their power, I have turned my thoughts to women I admire. And I admire Ms. Lemay. A lot. A writer for BioWare since 2011, she was responsible for penning Nyreen Kandros, the highly-anticipated first female Turian of the Mass Effect franchise who appeared in Mass Effect 3's Omega DLC. I've read previous interviews, but this is the first time we get to hear her speak.
Entrevue 2013.03.19 en français
Entrevue 2012.11.15
Entrevue 2012.09.17
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Call Me Superficial...
...but I would pre-order DA:I for its visuals alone. It rains in Thedas! It can be nighttime elsewhere, other than in camp! And did you see that veil tear? I'm so glad they decided to retire their in-house engine and go with Frostbite 3.
DA:O has sold 4.48 million units to date, while DAII has sold 2.29 million units. Even though I am fairly new to gaming, I shall hazard a prediction that DA:I will exceed sales of DA:O.
On an entirely unrelated note, today marks the two-year anniversary of the release of ME3. Two years later and, instead of remembering all the good things about ME3, my immediate visceral response to this realisation is something akin to grief. Frostbite 3 notwithstanding, now that John Dombrow and Chris Hepler have left, I'm not sure stunning visuals will be enough for me to reinvest in the franchise.
DA:O has sold 4.48 million units to date, while DAII has sold 2.29 million units. Even though I am fairly new to gaming, I shall hazard a prediction that DA:I will exceed sales of DA:O.
On an entirely unrelated note, today marks the two-year anniversary of the release of ME3. Two years later and, instead of remembering all the good things about ME3, my immediate visceral response to this realisation is something akin to grief. Frostbite 3 notwithstanding, now that John Dombrow and Chris Hepler have left, I'm not sure stunning visuals will be enough for me to reinvest in the franchise.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Dragon Age and Taking My Place in the Inquisition
Whilst awaiting the next Mass Effect game, I decided to try another BioWare offering: Dragon Age: Origins.
It became immediately clear that Alistair is no Garrus. Nonetheless, in comparison to my other prospects, which comprised the vulpine Zevran (who was only too quick to reattempt my assassination, even after being showered with gifts of friendship and displaying a deceptively high approval) and the vapid, lisping Leliana, the former templar seemed the least objectionable.
Garrus may not be a very good Turian, but he's a man's man, a master tactician, and loyalty incarnate. Compare him to the short-sighted, weak-willed, unimaginative Alistair, who, given the opportunity, would have cast away a brave and formidable woman, one whom he had professed to love, simply because she might not be able to get pregnant.
After recovering from the initial shock that, even after being explicitly asked what physical changes accompanied becoming a Grey Warden, Alistair was only now sharing his suspicions that the Joining rendered one near-infertile, I began to wonder where he had gotten his information. Duncan was an unlikely source, having only replied "You'll see," when similarly questioned. Additionally, Alistair would have had only six months to become acquainted with the two dozen (at most) members of the small Fereldan Grey Warden faction prior to the battle at Ostagar, none of whom had been women, which would have precluded his ability to observe the nature of Grey Warden fecundity first-hand. If Alistair had encountered any writings detailing the reproductive workings between Grey Wardens during our past year's sojourn, he had certainly failed to share them for inclusion in the codex. All of this flicked through my incredulous brain while Alistair gamely attempted to cut me loose, and for the first time I thought: Morrigan and Anora were right. He's an idiot.
Understanding that remaining with Alistair required me to wrest away any choice he had in the matter was not made any less galling with the realization that any decision he might have made would have been ill-informed. (Securing any other politically or economically advantageous marriage* was no guarantee the union would produce an heir and, if we're going to lend credence to anecdotal evidence and disregard sample bias, you'd think if I were able to snatch Arl Eamon from the jaws of death by procuring Andraste's ashes, I'd damn well be able to track down some other magical thingummy-jig allowing two Wardens to procreate.) I comforted myself with the fact that there were worse things than becoming queen and accepted that, ultimately, the charming, but innately feckless, Theirin boys needed strong, loyal women at their sides for the good of Ferelden, as well as themselves. This Warden warrior-queen may have been the nonpareil of 9:31 Dragon, but she's still waiting for her Turian.
Regardless, I loved being able to experience all the different dialogue and plot permutations in order to achieve my optimal play-through. Recruiting Zevran once was sufficient to discover that I actually relish slitting his throat after he fails to assassinate me during our first encounter. After besting Loghain myself, I prefer to allow Alistair to execute him: I deny Loghain death at the hand of the one living person he regards as an equal, I bring the still-grieving Alistair some measure of closure, and I eliminate any possibility of a union between Alistair and the grasping Anora. Her performance at the Landsmeet banishes any pity I might have felt in deposing her and I imagine our final conversation in the tower going something like this:
Warden: Anora.
Anora: (stiffly) Your Highness.
Warden: (to the guards) Leave us. I will call for you shortly. (turns back to Anora) I will not take much of what time you have left, but I must ask: you once told me that Ferelden needed a strong queen. She has one now. Will you yet not swear fealty to your rightful king?
Anora: Would you swear fealty to the man who murdered your father?
Warden: No. But the man who murdered my father did not unite a beloved country wracked by civil war, nor did he fight his way across Ferelden, hunted by Regent's men and darkspawn alike, to amass an army, defeat the Blight, and save his people.
Anora: Neither did Alistair. No man did. (clock chimes. Anora calmly stares ahead, unseeing.)
Warden: We all do what we must. I shall leave you to prepare yourself. (Warden and Anora rise together. Warden reaches the door, then turns, facing Anora, their figures mirror images.) The university. It is a worthy idea. Perhaps I will lay down my sword and dagger some time longer. I have had enough of death.
While I have detailed my own issues with the original ending of ME3, I did not feel the incendiary outrage I witnessed amongst long-standing BioWare fans. I now understand why: they knew what BioWare was capable of. Dragon Age: Origins demonstrates the proper construction of a dénouement and the effectiveness of employing epilogues. With 6 origin stories and several different endings, Dragon Age: Origins was and continues to be a testament to BioWare's ability to create a cohesive, engaging story while maintaining player agency via a mind-boggling number of plot states. Dragon Age: Origins set the precedent for storytelling and though my preferences lean towards the futuristic, I am filled with nothing but admiration for the team that was able to accomplish such a monumental task. And yes, I shall be pre-ordering Dragon Age: Inquisition (despite the fact, or perhaps because I chose to forego DAII). The jury's still out on the next Mass Effect game, however.
One thing quite different from my Mass Effect experience was my (largely) mute Warden (I found it hilarious that, when she did speak, her default phrase was, "We must not exhaust our supplies!" I mean, if ever there were a time to exhaust one's supplies, you'd think it would be during combat, as opposed to, say, strolling about Denerim). This may have been intended to increase player immersion (as well as been cost-effective), but I prefer a voiced protagonist, so I would say my lines aloud rather than simply click on my choices. Because I was a Fereldan noble, it seemed logical to attempt to speak with a British accent. (Note the use of the word "attempt".)
Not long afterwards, BioWare announced a contest for one lucky fan to voice a character in the up-coming DA:I. Nevermind that I had never taken an acting class in my life. Nevermind that my British accent, like Mrs. Doubtfire's, may most charitably be described as muddled. I had to try.
------------------
*Just for fun, let's look at Alistair's options, shall we?
Marrying outside of Ferelden:
In order to be acceptable to the Landsmeet, his potential wife would have to possess similar values. This immediately excludes Tevinter. Because magic is still regarded with suspicion in Ferelden, a mage wife, much less one from a country which espouses slavery, would be out of the question. A wife from Rivain, being non-Andrastian, also would cast suspicion upon the throne, let alone a wife from Par Vollen or the Qunari-controlled Seheron. Choosing a wife from among the warring plutocrats of Antiva would risk incurring the wrath of rival houses and the inevitable attentions of the Antivan Crows.
There are also logistical issues, such as the availability of an appropriately aged, unmarried female who would be willing to marry Alistair. Given the ruling dynasty of Pentaghasts is dying out, this eliminates Nevarra as a possibility, at least, until a new dynasty takes over. While the King of the Anderfels holds power equivalent to a Fereldan Teryn or Orlesian baron, it is unknown whether he has any daughters or sisters. Besides, with the Wardens largely governing the Anderfels outside of the capital and Alistair already being a Grey Warden, it would be difficult to see what further political or economic advantage could be gained through marriage. Other options include a noblewoman from the Free Marches, and of course, Empress Celene. Of the latter two, forming an alliance with one of the three most powerful families in the Free Marches appears the most viable and attractive option, as it might result in improved agricultural trade, something the Blighted lands of Ferelden would sorely need. Unfortunately, neither Prince Goran Vael of Starkhaven nor Viscount Marlowe Dumar of Kirkwall have marriageable relatives, while little is known of the Teryn of Ostwick. The benefit of an alliance with Orlais is less clear-cut, to say the least. As evidenced by Loghain's ability to gather allies to his cause, residual distrust of Orlais in the Landsmeet is not something to be underestimated, particularly now that the Blight is no longer a pressing issue. Given the 27-year-old Celene's lukewarm response to Cailan's proposal and rumours of her unhappiness at having her chevaliers turned away at the border by Loghain, it is unclear whether she would now consider such a union, particularly to a country weakened by the Blight.
Marrying a Fereldan:
Choosing a wife from amongst the nobles of Ferelden would resolve any issues regarding her acceptability to the Landsmeet. In terms of political standing, a close relative of one of the two Teryns would be ideal: Anora (Teyrnir Gwaren) or a female Cousland Warden (Teyrnir Highever, with power and influence second only to the king). That Anora would make an excellent queen is not in doubt; her fertility is. This alone would preclude her as a viable candidate as consort. Even if her ability to reproduce were intact, she seems disinclined to produce an heir, which is certainly the case if she is declared queen. As for the Warden, it is unclear if she is infertile (the modern medical definition of infertility being inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse), how the Taint will affect her fertility over time, and if any effects are reversible. In her favour would be her unmatched strength as a political ally, having the endorsement of the Landsmeet and the ability to command the support of the kingdom of Orzammar, the Dalish elves, and the Circle of Magi. As the Hero of Ferelden, she also would have the potential for being as beloved by the public as Queen Anora (and possibly even more by the city elves), which would be key to restoring and maintaining the country's political stability.
Next in influence and political standing would be the rulers of the five arlings. After excluding the arl-less Denerim (I executed the sadistic Vaughan Kendells for his crimes against the elves) and the Warden Commander-led Amaranthine, Redcliffe, South Reach and West Hills remain, of which only two ruling families have marriageable daughters. At 15, Arl Bryland's entitled, cruel, and unthinking daughter, Habren, would likely jump at the chance to become consort, but even her own father would be hard-pressed to say she would make a good queen. Given Bryland's concern regarding Habren's spending, South Reach's economic status is uncertain, but its military complement is likely intact, as Bryland was not at Ostagar. Devastated by the Blight, the arling of West Hills is in a poor position both militarily and economically. Nevertheless, if Alistair prizes potential fecundity above all, Arl Wulff does have at least two daughters. It is unknown, however, how many are marriageable.
In Ferelden's 400-year history, it is yet to be revealed if a king or queen has ever chosen a spouse among the notoriously pugnacious bannorns. This would be a perilous undertaking, as choosing a wife from the Bannorn could enflame rivalries and lead to civil war. Furthermore, Alistair would run the risk of alienating the higher-ranked arls. Of the known eight bannorns, those loyal to the Grey Wardens include Bann Alfstanna from Waking Sea, Arl Eamon's brother, Bann Teagan of Rainesfere, and Bann Sighard of Dragon's Peak. Those of unknown loyalty include Bann Reginalda of White River (Sighard implies they are like-minded, but there is no confirmation of this at the Landsmeet), Bann Franderel of West Hill, and the Bann of Winter's Breath; Bann Loren's loyalty is known to be fluid. Little else is known about these banns. Choosing a wife among those who supported Arl Howe or Loghaine, including Bann Ceorlic of the Southern Bannorn and Bann Esmerelle of The City of Amaranthine, would be unthinkable. The only clearly marriageable prospect appears, therefore, to be Alfstanna herself. If a popular and influential figure in the Bannorn, a marriage to the Bann of Waking Sea might prove advantageous, particularly if none of the prospects in the arlings prove suitable.
So, where does that leave Alistair?
Ignoring any personal qualities she might possess other than potential fecundity (proven pre-marital fecundity generally being frowned upon), marriage to a close relative of the Teryn of Ostwick in the Free Marches, providing a suitable one even exists, seems the most achievable and advantageous for Fereldan trade-relations and economic growth while remaining a non-contentious choice politically. Failing that, Alistair would be best advised to turn his sights back to his own country. While Anora would have been able to deftly negotiate trade agreements with Ferelden's neighbours, it is less clear what a female Warden (even one as persuasive as mine), any of the Arls' daughters, or Bann Alfstanna would be able to accomplish economically if made queen; however, I would like to think Anora is not the only smart, capable, and determined noblewoman in Ferelden.
It became immediately clear that Alistair is no Garrus. Nonetheless, in comparison to my other prospects, which comprised the vulpine Zevran (who was only too quick to reattempt my assassination, even after being showered with gifts of friendship and displaying a deceptively high approval) and the vapid, lisping Leliana, the former templar seemed the least objectionable.
Garrus may not be a very good Turian, but he's a man's man, a master tactician, and loyalty incarnate. Compare him to the short-sighted, weak-willed, unimaginative Alistair, who, given the opportunity, would have cast away a brave and formidable woman, one whom he had professed to love, simply because she might not be able to get pregnant.
After recovering from the initial shock that, even after being explicitly asked what physical changes accompanied becoming a Grey Warden, Alistair was only now sharing his suspicions that the Joining rendered one near-infertile, I began to wonder where he had gotten his information. Duncan was an unlikely source, having only replied "You'll see," when similarly questioned. Additionally, Alistair would have had only six months to become acquainted with the two dozen (at most) members of the small Fereldan Grey Warden faction prior to the battle at Ostagar, none of whom had been women, which would have precluded his ability to observe the nature of Grey Warden fecundity first-hand. If Alistair had encountered any writings detailing the reproductive workings between Grey Wardens during our past year's sojourn, he had certainly failed to share them for inclusion in the codex. All of this flicked through my incredulous brain while Alistair gamely attempted to cut me loose, and for the first time I thought: Morrigan and Anora were right. He's an idiot.
Understanding that remaining with Alistair required me to wrest away any choice he had in the matter was not made any less galling with the realization that any decision he might have made would have been ill-informed. (Securing any other politically or economically advantageous marriage* was no guarantee the union would produce an heir and, if we're going to lend credence to anecdotal evidence and disregard sample bias, you'd think if I were able to snatch Arl Eamon from the jaws of death by procuring Andraste's ashes, I'd damn well be able to track down some other magical thingummy-jig allowing two Wardens to procreate.) I comforted myself with the fact that there were worse things than becoming queen and accepted that, ultimately, the charming, but innately feckless, Theirin boys needed strong, loyal women at their sides for the good of Ferelden, as well as themselves. This Warden warrior-queen may have been the nonpareil of 9:31 Dragon, but she's still waiting for her Turian.
Regardless, I loved being able to experience all the different dialogue and plot permutations in order to achieve my optimal play-through. Recruiting Zevran once was sufficient to discover that I actually relish slitting his throat after he fails to assassinate me during our first encounter. After besting Loghain myself, I prefer to allow Alistair to execute him: I deny Loghain death at the hand of the one living person he regards as an equal, I bring the still-grieving Alistair some measure of closure, and I eliminate any possibility of a union between Alistair and the grasping Anora. Her performance at the Landsmeet banishes any pity I might have felt in deposing her and I imagine our final conversation in the tower going something like this:
Warden: Anora.
Anora: (stiffly) Your Highness.
Warden: (to the guards) Leave us. I will call for you shortly. (turns back to Anora) I will not take much of what time you have left, but I must ask: you once told me that Ferelden needed a strong queen. She has one now. Will you yet not swear fealty to your rightful king?
Anora: Would you swear fealty to the man who murdered your father?
Warden: No. But the man who murdered my father did not unite a beloved country wracked by civil war, nor did he fight his way across Ferelden, hunted by Regent's men and darkspawn alike, to amass an army, defeat the Blight, and save his people.
Anora: Neither did Alistair. No man did. (clock chimes. Anora calmly stares ahead, unseeing.)
Warden: We all do what we must. I shall leave you to prepare yourself. (Warden and Anora rise together. Warden reaches the door, then turns, facing Anora, their figures mirror images.) The university. It is a worthy idea. Perhaps I will lay down my sword and dagger some time longer. I have had enough of death.
While I have detailed my own issues with the original ending of ME3, I did not feel the incendiary outrage I witnessed amongst long-standing BioWare fans. I now understand why: they knew what BioWare was capable of. Dragon Age: Origins demonstrates the proper construction of a dénouement and the effectiveness of employing epilogues. With 6 origin stories and several different endings, Dragon Age: Origins was and continues to be a testament to BioWare's ability to create a cohesive, engaging story while maintaining player agency via a mind-boggling number of plot states. Dragon Age: Origins set the precedent for storytelling and though my preferences lean towards the futuristic, I am filled with nothing but admiration for the team that was able to accomplish such a monumental task. And yes, I shall be pre-ordering Dragon Age: Inquisition (despite the fact, or perhaps because I chose to forego DAII). The jury's still out on the next Mass Effect game, however.
One thing quite different from my Mass Effect experience was my (largely) mute Warden (I found it hilarious that, when she did speak, her default phrase was, "We must not exhaust our supplies!" I mean, if ever there were a time to exhaust one's supplies, you'd think it would be during combat, as opposed to, say, strolling about Denerim). This may have been intended to increase player immersion (as well as been cost-effective), but I prefer a voiced protagonist, so I would say my lines aloud rather than simply click on my choices. Because I was a Fereldan noble, it seemed logical to attempt to speak with a British accent. (Note the use of the word "attempt".)
Not long afterwards, BioWare announced a contest for one lucky fan to voice a character in the up-coming DA:I. Nevermind that I had never taken an acting class in my life. Nevermind that my British accent, like Mrs. Doubtfire's, may most charitably be described as muddled. I had to try.
------------------
*Just for fun, let's look at Alistair's options, shall we?
Marrying outside of Ferelden:
In order to be acceptable to the Landsmeet, his potential wife would have to possess similar values. This immediately excludes Tevinter. Because magic is still regarded with suspicion in Ferelden, a mage wife, much less one from a country which espouses slavery, would be out of the question. A wife from Rivain, being non-Andrastian, also would cast suspicion upon the throne, let alone a wife from Par Vollen or the Qunari-controlled Seheron. Choosing a wife from among the warring plutocrats of Antiva would risk incurring the wrath of rival houses and the inevitable attentions of the Antivan Crows.
There are also logistical issues, such as the availability of an appropriately aged, unmarried female who would be willing to marry Alistair. Given the ruling dynasty of Pentaghasts is dying out, this eliminates Nevarra as a possibility, at least, until a new dynasty takes over. While the King of the Anderfels holds power equivalent to a Fereldan Teryn or Orlesian baron, it is unknown whether he has any daughters or sisters. Besides, with the Wardens largely governing the Anderfels outside of the capital and Alistair already being a Grey Warden, it would be difficult to see what further political or economic advantage could be gained through marriage. Other options include a noblewoman from the Free Marches, and of course, Empress Celene. Of the latter two, forming an alliance with one of the three most powerful families in the Free Marches appears the most viable and attractive option, as it might result in improved agricultural trade, something the Blighted lands of Ferelden would sorely need. Unfortunately, neither Prince Goran Vael of Starkhaven nor Viscount Marlowe Dumar of Kirkwall have marriageable relatives, while little is known of the Teryn of Ostwick. The benefit of an alliance with Orlais is less clear-cut, to say the least. As evidenced by Loghain's ability to gather allies to his cause, residual distrust of Orlais in the Landsmeet is not something to be underestimated, particularly now that the Blight is no longer a pressing issue. Given the 27-year-old Celene's lukewarm response to Cailan's proposal and rumours of her unhappiness at having her chevaliers turned away at the border by Loghain, it is unclear whether she would now consider such a union, particularly to a country weakened by the Blight.
Marrying a Fereldan:
 |
| Map of Ferelden, courtesy of BioWare Corp. |
Choosing a wife from amongst the nobles of Ferelden would resolve any issues regarding her acceptability to the Landsmeet. In terms of political standing, a close relative of one of the two Teryns would be ideal: Anora (Teyrnir Gwaren) or a female Cousland Warden (Teyrnir Highever, with power and influence second only to the king). That Anora would make an excellent queen is not in doubt; her fertility is. This alone would preclude her as a viable candidate as consort. Even if her ability to reproduce were intact, she seems disinclined to produce an heir, which is certainly the case if she is declared queen. As for the Warden, it is unclear if she is infertile (the modern medical definition of infertility being inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse), how the Taint will affect her fertility over time, and if any effects are reversible. In her favour would be her unmatched strength as a political ally, having the endorsement of the Landsmeet and the ability to command the support of the kingdom of Orzammar, the Dalish elves, and the Circle of Magi. As the Hero of Ferelden, she also would have the potential for being as beloved by the public as Queen Anora (and possibly even more by the city elves), which would be key to restoring and maintaining the country's political stability.
Next in influence and political standing would be the rulers of the five arlings. After excluding the arl-less Denerim (I executed the sadistic Vaughan Kendells for his crimes against the elves) and the Warden Commander-led Amaranthine, Redcliffe, South Reach and West Hills remain, of which only two ruling families have marriageable daughters. At 15, Arl Bryland's entitled, cruel, and unthinking daughter, Habren, would likely jump at the chance to become consort, but even her own father would be hard-pressed to say she would make a good queen. Given Bryland's concern regarding Habren's spending, South Reach's economic status is uncertain, but its military complement is likely intact, as Bryland was not at Ostagar. Devastated by the Blight, the arling of West Hills is in a poor position both militarily and economically. Nevertheless, if Alistair prizes potential fecundity above all, Arl Wulff does have at least two daughters. It is unknown, however, how many are marriageable.
In Ferelden's 400-year history, it is yet to be revealed if a king or queen has ever chosen a spouse among the notoriously pugnacious bannorns. This would be a perilous undertaking, as choosing a wife from the Bannorn could enflame rivalries and lead to civil war. Furthermore, Alistair would run the risk of alienating the higher-ranked arls. Of the known eight bannorns, those loyal to the Grey Wardens include Bann Alfstanna from Waking Sea, Arl Eamon's brother, Bann Teagan of Rainesfere, and Bann Sighard of Dragon's Peak. Those of unknown loyalty include Bann Reginalda of White River (Sighard implies they are like-minded, but there is no confirmation of this at the Landsmeet), Bann Franderel of West Hill, and the Bann of Winter's Breath; Bann Loren's loyalty is known to be fluid. Little else is known about these banns. Choosing a wife among those who supported Arl Howe or Loghaine, including Bann Ceorlic of the Southern Bannorn and Bann Esmerelle of The City of Amaranthine, would be unthinkable. The only clearly marriageable prospect appears, therefore, to be Alfstanna herself. If a popular and influential figure in the Bannorn, a marriage to the Bann of Waking Sea might prove advantageous, particularly if none of the prospects in the arlings prove suitable.
So, where does that leave Alistair?
Ignoring any personal qualities she might possess other than potential fecundity (proven pre-marital fecundity generally being frowned upon), marriage to a close relative of the Teryn of Ostwick in the Free Marches, providing a suitable one even exists, seems the most achievable and advantageous for Fereldan trade-relations and economic growth while remaining a non-contentious choice politically. Failing that, Alistair would be best advised to turn his sights back to his own country. While Anora would have been able to deftly negotiate trade agreements with Ferelden's neighbours, it is less clear what a female Warden (even one as persuasive as mine), any of the Arls' daughters, or Bann Alfstanna would be able to accomplish economically if made queen; however, I would like to think Anora is not the only smart, capable, and determined noblewoman in Ferelden.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Marauder Shields and the Marvelous Dr. Colin Dray
It has been over a year since the release of ME3 and I have only today become aware of the unsung hero, Marauder Shields.
Mid 2012 saw me picking up an Xbox 360 controller for the first time to play a game that had been cryptically referred to on a T-shirt proclaiming, "Waiting for Kaidan. Will settle for Garrus." After countless deaths, often accompanied by hurled Oedipal accusations, by late 2012, I found myself on Insanity, first shooting Collectors and then Reapers in the face with the cool equanimity of a veteran Alliance marine. Until I came to the beam.
I had been able to dispatch that Marauder on previous iterations, having masochistically played through on Casual up to Hardcore, only to reach ME3's appalling climactic juncture time and time again. This time, Marauder Shields decided it was time to stop the Insanity.
Marauder Shields' tenacity led me to discover the artistry of koobismo and the writing of Colin Dray, who adroitly argues that BioWare's crime was a quadrigeminal violation of its core narrative and who, like me, alludes to the intellectual laziness that necessarily led to its conception.
This past week the Montréal team was in Edmonton, in all likelihood working on BioWare's next offering from the ME universe. I hope they've come up with something wonderful, I truly do. But Marauder Shields serves as a reminder to look before you leap, to be careful what you wish for, and perhaps letting the universe burn into oblivion may be the best choice after all.
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Happy Birthday, Commander Shepard!
Today is Commander Shepard's birthday...141 years in the future. Here's to one helluva woman!
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
TEC: The Eastgate Chronicles Researchin'
I've finally learned the meanings behind the following abbreviations:
In order to gain a better grasp of the various disciplines required in creating a game, I compiled a partial list of those involved in Mass Effect 3:
That's 309 people, each of whom has devoted years to their craft. And then there's me:
- AD&D
- QTE
- IGF
- GDC
- PvP
In order to gain a better grasp of the various disciplines required in creating a game, I compiled a partial list of those involved in Mass Effect 3:
- Project director (1)
- Lead designer (1)
- Lead writer (1)
- Art director (1)
- Lead programmer (1)
- Producer (1)
- Development director (1)
- Character artists (7)
- Cinematic animators (16)
- In-game animators (5)
- Technical animators (3)
- Concept artists (4)
- Environment artists (22)
- GUI artists (2)
- Technical artists (not to be confused with technical animators) (3)
- Visual effects artists (2)
- Audio designers (13)
- Voice-over producer/Director and Assistant (2)
- Cinematic designers (14)
- Gameplay designers (8)
- Level designers (19)
- Writers (8)
- Editors (5)
- Producers (5)
- Programmers (41)
- Voice actors (118)
- Original score composers (5)
That's 309 people, each of whom has devoted years to their craft. And then there's me:
- Design: Need to learn about level and combat design
- Writing: Need an editor
- Programming: Need to learn Java
- Concept art: Need to learn how to draw
- Animation: Ditto for animating
- Visual effects: Need to figure out how to use Blender
- Audio: I don't even know where to begin...
- Voice Acting: Yeah, no. I'm thinking subtitles.
- Original score: Not a trained composer, either
Oy.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
TEC: The Eastgate Chronicles is reunited with jMonkey Engine!
So, I bit the bullet and upgraded my OS in order to be able to use jMonkey. I was excited about learning how to program in C++ to use the Irrlicht engine, but after seeking advice and doing some research, I got the impression that just might be an exercise in frustration at this juncture, given my pitifully limited knowledge and experience.
Besides, I didn't need the latest OS release, so upgrading wasn't as costly as I had originally feared.
So far I've:
If the full extent of my ambition hadn't hit me before, it sure did now. And I wanted to create 3 levels by the time the next Mass Effect game was released-- Hah! O my sun and stars, what have I gotten myself into?
Besides, I didn't need the latest OS release, so upgrading wasn't as costly as I had originally feared.
So far I've:
- Refined my Game Design Document by reviewing Stéphanie Bouchard's first three lectures from Introduction to Game Design
- Read the first three parts of Combat Design 101 from Adrian Sotelo
- Gone through the first 3 tutorials for jMonkey (which were a little confusing, but I eventually managed to figure out the terminology and the fact that one of the right-click instructions was probably for a previous version)
- Downloaded Blender (and instantly got intimidated)
- Located the Blender tutorials at cgcookie.com and breathed an immediate sigh of relief at the words "this tutorial series is aimed at the absolute beginner"
- Completed the basic Blender modelling tutorials on interface navigation, modelling, and animation
If the full extent of my ambition hadn't hit me before, it sure did now. And I wanted to create 3 levels by the time the next Mass Effect game was released-- Hah! O my sun and stars, what have I gotten myself into?
Friday, 8 March 2013
Happy International Women's Day!
I admire these women greatly:
Speak to me, Garrus.
Why anyone would not romance Garrus, given the opportunity, is beyond me. Just listen to those words in that voice...
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Mass Effect 3 Citadel DLC: The Ending I Was Waiting For
The moment BioWare Mass Effect DLC producer, Mike Gamble, announced Citadel would be released at 3 a.m. Pacific time March 5th, any attempts to sleep the night of the 4th were doomed.
Fortunately, the imps at BioWare anticipated this, keeping me entertained with side-splitting Twitter narratives from an N7 squad on shore leave (@VorchaDaddy, @De_MEL_isher, @ThisUnit1025, and @TalktotheTalons). At the appointed time, to my bleary-eyed consternation, no DLC by the name Citadel was available for download for the Xbox 360; not for Mass Effect 3 nor any other game. However, all was remedied a mere half-hour later and I was on my way to experiencing one last adventure with my Shepard and the crew of the Normandy.
After playing through three times with various team members and finding an abundance of Easter eggs (I love you, Grunt!) I can say unreservedly that the developers have exceeded all expectation with Citadel. The writing was superb, the voice-over performances were brilliant, the cinematography was dazzling, and the gameplay was thrilling. I was struck by the dizzying number of assets involved, from Shepard's apartment to the Armax Combat Arena. Last month, Patrick Weekes, a senior writer for the Mass Effect series, revealed pre-production began not long after Mass Effect 3 shipped last March, with the writing being completed by late summer 2012. In truth, Citadel felt like opening a long-awaited love letter and I have found the ending I had been searching for. Given the timing of its conception, perhaps it was the ending the developers were searching for, as well.
I know how Shepard's story ends: there is no happily ever after. But the Citadel DLC lets me freeze her in time, when she was happy, when she was loved, when she wasn't so broken down by the unending onslaught of war and suffering that death no matter how nonsensically presented)seemed a welcome release. I will not go on to Cronos station nor return to take back Earth as I have countless times before. I refuse to remember my Shepard as beaten, bloodied and forsaken. She deserves better than that.
Fortunately, the imps at BioWare anticipated this, keeping me entertained with side-splitting Twitter narratives from an N7 squad on shore leave (@VorchaDaddy, @De_MEL_isher, @ThisUnit1025, and @TalktotheTalons). At the appointed time, to my bleary-eyed consternation, no DLC by the name Citadel was available for download for the Xbox 360; not for Mass Effect 3 nor any other game. However, all was remedied a mere half-hour later and I was on my way to experiencing one last adventure with my Shepard and the crew of the Normandy.
After playing through three times with various team members and finding an abundance of Easter eggs (I love you, Grunt!) I can say unreservedly that the developers have exceeded all expectation with Citadel. The writing was superb, the voice-over performances were brilliant, the cinematography was dazzling, and the gameplay was thrilling. I was struck by the dizzying number of assets involved, from Shepard's apartment to the Armax Combat Arena. Last month, Patrick Weekes, a senior writer for the Mass Effect series, revealed pre-production began not long after Mass Effect 3 shipped last March, with the writing being completed by late summer 2012. In truth, Citadel felt like opening a long-awaited love letter and I have found the ending I had been searching for. Given the timing of its conception, perhaps it was the ending the developers were searching for, as well.
I know how Shepard's story ends: there is no happily ever after. But the Citadel DLC lets me freeze her in time, when she was happy, when she was loved, when she wasn't so broken down by the unending onslaught of war and suffering that death no matter how nonsensically presented)seemed a welcome release. I will not go on to Cronos station nor return to take back Earth as I have countless times before. I refuse to remember my Shepard as beaten, bloodied and forsaken. She deserves better than that.
Garrus: Best times of my life were spent on that ship. Been a damn good ride.
Shepard: [gazing at the Normandy against the morning Presidium skyline] The best.
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