• Category: Games

Broken Roads: The NPCs We Love to Hate

Summary

• Broken Roads was released on April 10.
• This party-based RPG takes place in a post-apocalyptic Australian setting.
• Come and meet the most controversial characters in the game.

Broken Roads is the recent party-based RPG released by Australian studio Drop Bear Bytes. In this game, players meet all sorts of characters along their journey, and not all of them are a pleasure to be around. There are distant parents, egotistical buffoons, narcissistic mercenaries, and unfeeling killers out on the roads. Most of them wouldn’t look at you twice, but some would be more than happy to put you in the dirt.

As the game’s narrative designer, I have worked with the team to pick just a few of the NPCs we love to hate, and give you a taste of some of the characters you’ll meet in our post-apocalyptic world.

Louise Evans

As a meat and produce merchant for the farming town of Aldersyde, Louise Evans has never been shy about saying what she thinks in the most uncharming, inflammatory way possible. Louise has always considered everyone to be beneath her, especially her son, Charlie, and his run-away father. She only ordered the Alderman of Aldersyde to take over the town’s leadership because she got sick of the farmers and their endless whinging.

Louise never wanted to stay in Aldersyde, and if you ask her, it was all Charlie’s fault that she was even in this dung-smelling town to begin with. To Louise, Charlie is spineless, useless, and a waste of space.

Louise is a (not so) shining figure of motherhood and kindness in the world of Broken Roads. And, depending on your choices, you may get to discuss the moralities of parenthood and what it means to be a ‘good parent’.

Malcolm Hogan

Malcolm Hogan, of the Hogan House in Merredin, is a boastful man who has only gotten so far in life thanks to nepotism. If he was outside the walls of Merredin, someone would’ve shut his gob with a bullet a long time ago.

Malcolm is always scheming and on the lookout for a lackey he can use to strengthen his election campaign against Governor Angela Smith. He’s a man who relies on confidence and “charm” to cover up his stupidity and inability to really do anything right, besides getting on everyone’s bad side.

You’ll have multiple chances to morally agree or question Malcolm’s schemes and who he may or may not be benefitting with his choices that could change the entirety of Merredin. Vote for Hogan!

Ian Mason

The leader of the aptly named ‘Mason Gang’, Ian is the sleaziest of them all and would win first place five years in a row for the “most punchable face” award. A mercenary for hire, Ian is a narcissist who thinks everyone who doesn’t kiss his feet is jealous of him and wants him dead.

In reality, ‘Deadeye Mason’ as he’s called by everyone else (and not for his marksmanship), is the butt of everyone’s jokes and is only alive because no one reckons he’s worth the bullet. Alive or dead, Ian Mason is a waste of space, through and through.

You can use your Moral Leaning on the Moral Compass to intimidate him and discuss the meaning of contracts and obligations with him, though it may be more of a one-sided conversation.

James Wakefield

James Wakefield is a bad omen. Under all his bravado is a cruel man who kills without mercy, and it’s done in the name of his home city, Brookton.

The problem is, his unwavering loyalty to his people is the whole reason Brookton went up in smoke. If anything, the Brookton townsfolk should be grateful they got James knocking at their door: at least he killed them quickly.

Depending on how hellbent you are on finding him, you may just get the chance to put up your fists and settle the score

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These are just a few of the colorful characters you’ll need to keep an eye out for during your time with Broken Roads. We can’t wait to see who else gets on our player’s nerves, and hope you enjoyed this look into the types of people that make up our narrative.

Broken Roads

Versus Evil, LLC

☆☆☆☆☆
19

★★★★★

$39.99

Get it now

Born of a love for traditional computer role-playing, Broken Roads provides a rich, engaging narrative in which players make their way across a desolated future Australia. Blending together traditional and all-new role-playing elements on top of a classless system offering nearly unlimited character development options, Broken Roads presents players with an original morality system: the Moral Compass. This novel design sees dialogue options and questing decisions influence, and be influenced by, a character’s philosophical leaning.

Features

• All-new post-apocalyptic setting
• Unique morality system influencing dialogue, quests and character development
• Authentic Australian locations and environments
• Blend of traditional and original RPG mechanics
• Up to 5 party members
• Turn-based tactical combat
• Hand-drawn artwork
• A content-rich and densely-crafted world

The post Broken Roads: The NPCs We Love to Hate appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Source: Xbox Blog
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• Virgin Media O2 reduced Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 23% last year – equivalent to emissions caused by the annual energy use of almost 15,000 (14,883) UK homes – and is on track to meet its target to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60% by 2025
• The company also equipped almost two million people with digital skills through Internet Matters and Good Things Foundation last year, and digitally connected over 100,000 people through the National Databank
• Virgin Media O2’s 2023 Sustainability Performance Update also shows an increased uptake of electric vehicles as the company aims for a fully-EV fleet by 2030

New figures released today show that Virgin Media O2 reduced carbon emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 23% last year – the equivalent of emissions caused by the annual combined energy usage of 14,883 UK homes.

Since launching its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, in 2022, the company has reduced such emissions by 45% against its 2020 baseline, and is on track to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its operations, products and supply chain by the end of 2040 – 10 years ahead of the UK’s net zero goal.

Virgin Media O2’s Sustainability Performance Update also shows that during 2023 the company’s products and services have now prevented almost 60 million tonnes of carbon entering the Earth’s atmosphere – for example through powering Internet of Things applications such as smart metering, supporting customers to be more sustainable and preventing carbon emissions from either cars or public transport. Meanwhile, it increased its electric fleet to 281 vehicles as part of its overall target to transition to a fully EV fleet by 2030.

Circularity

The company supported consumers to carry out 2.2 million ‘circular actions’ last year, which can include recycling old tech or buying ‘like new’ refurbished smartphones. Virgin Media O2 has now powered 4.7 million ‘circular actions’, against its 10 million goal by the end of 2025.

The O2 Recycle scheme, which is open to anyone regardless of their mobile network, saw almost 250,000 devices saved from landfill last year – which were either repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled – with zero parts going to landfill. The scheme, which has also recently been expanded to consoles and MacBooks, has paid out £341 million to customers since its launch in 2009.

As part of its target to achieve zero waste operations and products by 2025, Virgin Media O2 has also removed 65 tonnes of single-use plastic since 2021 – the equivalent weight of five double-decker buses. Meanwhile, 11 million routers and set-top boxes have now been refurbished and reused since 2014.

Digital inclusion

Through its partnerships with Internet Matters and digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, Virgin Media O2 helped to improve the digital skills of two million people in 2023, and is on track to reach six million by 2025.

In addition, the company supported more than 100,000 people to get online with its initiatives such as the National Databank, which is like a foodbank for free O2 mobile data, texts and calls; through the Tech Lending Hubs with charity Hubbub, where people in need can be loaned tablets to access essential websites; and via Essential Broadband, a social broadband tariff for customers in receipt of  benefits.

Furthermore, the National Databank has now been extended to all O2-owned stores and has provided a total of 41,933 O2 SIM cards and 188,149 O2 data vouchers since launch.

Take-up of social broadband tariffs – Essential Broadband and Essential Broadband Plus – also increased by 285% last year, driven by a concerted effort by the company to raise awareness among customers – for example through providing clear information in five million customers’ bills.

Supporting communities

In 2023, Virgin Media O2 employees supported more than 100,000 people across the country with their five annual paid volunteering days, contributing to good causes and projects in their communities.

As part of the Take Five programme, the company has also today announced a new partnership with disability charity, Sense, to combat chronic loneliness experienced by disabled people. Staff can use their volunteering leave to take part in Sense’s Virtual Buddying service, and keep in touch with someone who is disabled via video calls, where they can have regular catch ups, virtual drinks or take part in online gaming or TV watch-alongs.

Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2, said: “Our Better Connections Plan makes clear that we are a business that aims to deliver for our customers, for our communities and for our planet, and we made further strong progress across the board last year.

“We are on track to meet our targets to cut Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 60% by 2025 and deliver net zero carbon by 2040. We are supporting decarbonisation through the products and services we provide, encouraging circular actions among consumers, cutting our own use of plastic, and stepping up to support the communities we serve through initiatives designed to boost skills, tackle digital exclusion and provide free data and devices to those in need.

“As a major UK business, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact as we continue to provide fast and reliable connectivity to our millions of customers.”

The post Virgin Media O2 reduces carbon emissions by the equivalent of almost 15,000 UK homes’ annual energy use in 2023 appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Virgin Media O2 employees can use their five annual paid volunteering days to take part in Sense’s Virtual Budding service and keep in touch with someone who is disabled. 
• More than 225,000 people in communities nationwide have been supported by Virgin Media O2 employees since 2022. 

Virgin Media O2 is joining forces with disability charity, Sense, to help tackle chronic loneliness experienced by disabled people.  

Sense supports people living with complex disabilities and, as part of a new  12-month programme, Virgin Media O2 is inviting its 15,000 strong workforce to join the charity’s flagship ‘Virtual Buddying’ service to support those who are at risk of isolation and loneliness.  

Sense’s Virtual Buddying service matches a volunteer with a disabled person, based on their shared interests, to carry out activities together online. The service was developed in response to the charity’s research, which shows two thirds of disabled people experience chronic loneliness (feeling lonely every day). 

Virgin Media O2’s employees can use their five annual paid volunteering days to take part in the initiative, and commit at least one hour per week for six months to keep in touch with someone who is disabled.  

Power of connections to end loneliness   

With the ‘Virtual Buddying’ service, Virgin Media O2’s employees can arrange video calls and have regular catch ups, virtual drinks or dinner together, or take part in online gaming or TV watch-alongs.  

The initiative forms part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, and its goal to support 1 million people in communities across the UK  by the end of 2025, as part of its Take Five employee volunteering programme.  New figures released today show more than 225,000 people have been supported by Virgin Media O2 employees since 2022. 

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: 

“We know how vital connections and conversations are, especially for disabled people who are experiencing isolation and loneliness.  

“That’s why we’re proudly joining forces with Sense and are extending our Take Five programme to include the charity’s Virtual Buddying Service, so our employees can use their paid volunteering time to create meaningful and lasting friendships with disabled people.”  

Richard Kramer, Chief Executive at Sense, said: 

“The collaboration with Virgin Media O2 promises to enhance our Virtual Buddying service, addressing loneliness directly by connecting disabled and non-disabled individuals through mutual interests. 

“The service has become a lifeline for many, and now with the support of Virgin Media O2 staff volunteering their time with Sense, even more individuals will have the opportunity to forge meaningful, lasting friendships.” 

The post Virgin Media O2 and Sense to combat chronic loneliness experienced by disabled people and create friendships with staff volunteering programme appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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The Voyager Update for #TheInvincible is here! We have enhanced the exploration of Regis III and improved a few elements of your astromission.

Key new features:
— Dynamic Camera Views during Rover ride
— Enhanced Walk & Sprint Speed in some locations
— Additional Story slides
— Wider FOV

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Source: XBOX YouTube
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The Tetris® 99 40th MAXIMUS CUP event runs from 12 a.m. PT on May 10 to 11:59 p.m. PT on May 13. To participate, you’ll need to be a Nintendo Switch Online member* and play the Tetris 99 online mode during the event period. You’ll earn event points based on your placement in each match. Once you’ve accumulated a total of 100 event points, a new theme will unlock, featuring art, music and Tetrimino designs inspired by the Endless Ocean Luminous game!

*Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. This game includes an in-game purchase option for users who do not have a membership. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. http://nintendo.com/switch-online

Tetris ® & © 1985~2024 Tetris Holding. Tetris logos, Tetris theme song and Tetriminos are trademarks of Tetris Holding. The Tetris trade dress is owned by Tetris Holding. Licensed to The Tetris Company. Tetris Game Design by Alexey Pajitnov. Tetris Logo Design by Roger Dean. All Rights Reserved. Sub-licensed to Nintendo. Certain new content developed by Nintendo, and any characters, sounds and video games originally owned by Nintendo: © 2019 Nintendo. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. © 2024 Nintendo.

Visit Nintendo.com for more info: https://www.nintendo.com/us/

Subscribe for more Nintendo fun: https://goo.gl/HYYsot

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Source: Nintendo YouTube
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In March 2024, Samsung announced partnerships with Street League Skateboarding (SLS), Pro Breaking Tour (PBT) and World Surf League (WSL) to celebrate the sports of skateboarding, breaking and surfing — and their communities — on the Road to Paris 2024 and beyond.

Samsung created a three-part docu-series to spotlight each sport’s iconic subculture as part of the company’s campaign for Paris 2024, “Open always wins.” Produced in collaboration with SLS, PBT and WSL, the project encapsulates how the skateboarding, breaking and surfing communities all share the common value of openness.

To celebrate the project and connect with the communities who sit at the very heart of these sports, Samsung premiered the first two films at exclusive screenings — showcasing “Concrete Dreams” at the 2024 SLS Championship Tour in San Diego, U.S., and “Breaking Boundaries” at Pro Breaking Tour 2024 in Atlanta, U.S. “The Next Wave” will debut at the WSL’s SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro in late May.

Samsung joined thousands of skateboarding enthusiasts at the Viejas Arena in San Diego to watch hopefuls compete in the 2024 SLS Championship Tour. Fans gathered and eagerly observed the competition, where Team Samsung Galaxy’s very own Rayssa Leal secured first place in the Women’s Final.

In addition, fans and attendees took selfies with props at a skateboarding-themed “Open always wins” photo booth.

“The Galaxy S24’s photo and video capabilities are perfect for skateboarding and capturing the fast-paced action and tricks that are always happening,” shared one visitor.

“I love the features on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The translation tool is useful,” added another guest. “Removing shadows out of pictures is amazing because everyone is using their phones to take pictures. The expanded storage is also great.”

“The documentary is awesome,” said an attendee. “It’s amazing that SLS and Samsung have come together to help out the culture and really spotlight it.”

▲ “Concrete Dreams” is screened during the final competition at the 2024 SLS Championship Tour in San Diego.

▲ Team Samsung Galaxy’s Rayssa Leal (Skateboarding, Brazil)

▲ Team Samsung Galaxy’s Sky Brown (Skateboarding, Great Britain)

▲ Fans try out Galaxy phones and take photos at the Samsung Galaxy Experience zone.

Following the screening in San Diego, Samsung headed to the East Coast for Pro Breaking Tour 2024 at eHall Atlanta, where Samsung held a special screening of “Breaking Boundaries” for fans in between the preliminary and final rounds of the competition.

During the event, fans visited the Samsung booth where they had a chance to snap photos at a breaking-themed photo booth filled with fun props and enter a raffle to win prizes that included some of Samsung’s latest innovations.

Samsung also awarded an “Open Award” plaque and a Galaxy S24 Ultra to King Quic for his cyphering performance. In breaking, a cypher is when B-boys and B-girls form a circle and enter the middle one by one to show their freestyle dancing. Cyphers have been around ever since breaking began, and they’ve always been a place where breakers can express themselves.

“The documentary represents the most important pieces of breaking,” said one visitor. “It has roots in the street, but it represents the culmination of all the people who want to move and have technique and show who they are.”

“The film looks really good,” shared an attendee. “It’s cool to see the culture represented in a cinematic style. People need to know where to see the dance. It’s not just important — it’s powerful.”

“It is so awesome to see Samsung supporting the breaking community,” added another guest. “Between breaking’s debut at the Olympics and the partnership with Samsung, this is going to be a huge year for the growth and awareness of the sport.”

“Breaking can only keep growing, so it’s great to have partners like Samsung helping the growth and highlighting breaking’s culture and community through things like this documentary,” said a visitor.

“Concrete Dreams” and “Breaking Boundaries” can both be found on Samsung’s YouTube channel.

▲ Breakers compete at the 2024 Pro Breaking Tour in Atlanta.

▲ “Breaking Boundaries” is screened between the preliminary and final rounds.

▲ Fans enjoy Samsung’s breaking-themed photo booth.

Source: Samsung Mobile Blog
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Interact with everything in a faithful voxel reconstruction of 221B Baker Street. Look for clues, play the violin, read books and become a dream detective. If you like solving puzzles and Virtual Reality, this game is for you.

#ps5 #psvr2 #psvr2games #psvrgames

Source: Playstation YouTube
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