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No Man’s Sky Update 4.15 Out for Fractal Bug Fixes This March 17

  by   Damien Seeto  
March 17, 2023 12:12 pm in News

Hello Games has released No Man’s Sky update 4.15 (PS5 version 4.015) today. This update includes bug fixes and improvements for PSVR2. Check out the No Man’s Sky March 17 patch notes below. 

No Man’s Sky Update 4.15 Patch Notes | No Man’s Sky Update 4.015 Patch Notes | No Man’s Sky March 17 Patch Notes:

Bug fixes

  • Fixed an issue that caused some flat-mode settings to be incorrectly applied to PSVR2, causing performance issues.
  • Fixed an issue that could prevent rumble from working correctly on PlayStation 5.
  • Fixed an issue that caused water reflections to be missing on some graphics settings.
  • Fixed an issue that could cause blurriness and other visual glitches during warp.
  • Fixed a rare issue that could prevent players from accessing their refiners.
  • Fixed an issue that prevented the “Unhide System” button from working in the Hidden Systems list.
  • Fixed a rare issue that could incorrectly allow players to access the Space Anomaly from the quick menu after a reload.
  • Fixed a number of base building control issues for PSVR with Move controllers.
  • Fixed an issue that could cause the Space Anomaly missions to become stuck in the log after completing an expedition.
  • Fixed a crash related to networking.
  • Fixed a crash related to the options menu.
  • Fixed a crash related to rendering.
  • Fixed a Steam Deck-specific crash.

Source: No Man’s Sky

Tags: No Man's Sky Hello Games No Man's Sky update

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First Layers of Fear Gameplay Preview Shows Off UE5 Visuals & New Lantern Mechanic

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
11:20 am in News

Bloober Team and Anshar Studios have finally debuted the first Layers of Fear gameplay preview, featuring 11 minutes of gameplay from the new Lighthouse chapter and following the Writer character. The video shows off the Unreal Engine 5 definitive edition’s numerous graphical improvements over the original titles, as well as the new lantern object that can be used for both illumination and self-defense.

Watch the Layers of Fear gameplay preview below:

Bloober Team and Anshar Studios’ Layers of Fear title is intended to combine the 2016 and 2019 titles including their respective expansions into a seamless, refreshed experience. The game also features an original DLC chapter titled “The Final Note,” which provides a different perspective of the first game’s events through the Painter’s Wife. Additionally, an original Lighthouse chapter following a new “Writer” character has been added to bridge the two games’ individual storylines.

As the Writer explores the abandoned Lighthouse in the gameplay video, he is haunted by memories of his marital troubles as well as supernatural horrors and unexplainable imagery akin to the narrative format of the original games. The protagonist also picks up a lantern over the course of his journey, which can be used to illuminate areas for a limited time before it enters a cooldown phase. The lantern can also be used for self-defense and to manipulate certain objects.

The new Layers of Fear game’s key features include:

  • The Ultimate Layers of Fear Experience – The series’s crowning work casts an overarching narrative over the entire franchise.
  • Horror Reimagined – Everything in the Layers of Fear series melds together into a single experience, including all DLCs, so players can find all the answers they seek.
  • Shocking New Looks – Enhanced with Unreal Engine 5’s improved technology. This version offers a more immersive horror experience with the addition of Ray Tracing, HDR, 4K resolution, and the Lumen system.
  • Psychological Horror – A grim but gripping first-person psychedelic horror game focused on tense exploration, puzzle-solving, and immersive storytelling. Discover what lies in the depths of the human psyche with this mature, cathartic game. 
  • New tricks – New brand-new core mechanics that will be introduced to Layers of Fear and its sequel, as well as additional features, so all the chapters and stories will blend seamlessly
  • Horror Through the Many Lenses of Art – Explore the depths of obsession with three different stories of craft-obsessed protagonists (The Painter, The Actor and The Writer) which are interwoven to create a truly immersive experience and gripping storyline
  • Classical, Ominous Soundtrack – Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by the highly-acclaimed musician Arek Reikowski. He has composed a hypnotic score that adds an extra layer of tension to the game and will leave you on the edge of your seat

The game is set for a June 2023 release for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Meanwhile, Bloober Team’s work on the Silent Hill 2 remake continues steadily.

Tags: Layers of Fear Bloober Team layers of fear 2 Anshar Studios Layers of Fear 2023
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Salman Haider Zaidi

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The Finals Beta Update .04 for March 17 Released, Here Are the Changes

  by   Alex Co  
10:59 am in News

Embark has released The Finals beta update .04 this March 17, and this includes balance changes, bug fixes and more! Read on for the complete The Finals update patch notes for today.

The Finals Beta Update .04 Patch Notes | The Finals Beta Update March 17 Patch Notes:

FIXES & UPDATES

  • Animations

Fixed an issue where manual action reloads would sometimes not trigger

  • Audio

Tweaked ranges for various Foley sound effects
Tweaked relevancy of indoor ambience
Updated various clothing sounds
Added progress sound for getting revived by a teammate

  • Characters

Fixed an issue where some characters would appear without clothing
Fixed an issue where characters would become permanently invisible

  • Gravity Glove

Improved response time when picking up items

  • Levels

Improved interactions with vertical ziplines to make them easier to use
Removed camera shake from Cashout Stations
Made crane ziplines indestructible

  • Ranked Mode

Added Diamond League to the ranking system

  • UI

Fixed an issue with teams not highlighting correctly on the tournament pyramid
Fixed an issue where squad loadouts would not change during drafting Fixed an issue where the ‘Invite to Party’ button would show for the party leader even when the party was full
Fixed an issue hindering Report a Player from recent players screen

  • Visual effects

Tuned various muzzle flash effects

BALANCE UPDATES

  • Cashout Mode

Reduced team wipe respawn times from 25 seconds to 20 seconds

Abilities:

  • Cloak

Added new audio when in use, including volume adjustments based on movement speed and new exit and entry audio

Increased the max duration from 10 seconds to 12 seconds

  • Dash

Fixed an issue where dash sound effects would not play

  • Body Types

Reduced Heavy health from 350 to 325

Gadgets:

  • Dome Shield

Reduced radius by 25%

Increased friction and reduced bounce to make Dome Shields easier to place

Removed the ability to pick them up

Fixed an issue where theys could knock over or push Cashout Stations and Vaults

  • Defibrillators

Reduced the health given by 50%

  • Explosive Mines

Fixed an issue where spectator cameras could detonate mines

Increased Mine environmental damage from 550 to 1025

  • Liftables

Increased Oil Barrel environmental damage from 550 to 2050

Weapons:

.30-06 Sniper – Fixed an issue where the crosshair of the sniper scope could twitch

AKM -Increased AKM magazine size from 30 to 36

Flamethrower – Reduced Flamethrower reload time from 4 seconds to 3.5 seconds

LH1 – Increased LH1 magazine size from 10 to 20

M32 Grenade Launcher – Reduced M32 reload time from 3.5 seconds to 3.1 seconds

M60 – Reduced M60 reload time from 4 seconds to 3.5 seconds

M11 – Increased magazine size from 32 to 40

Pump-action Grenade Launcher – Reduced Pump-action manual action reload duration by 20%

Repeater Shotgun – Decreased bullet dispersion size

Riot Shield – Increased Riot Shield damage from 60 to 68

SA1216 Shotgun – Decreased bullet dispersion size

Sledgehammer -Increased Sledgehammer damage from 130 to 145, Increased Sledgehammer
environmental damage from 550 to 685

Sword – Increased Sword damage from 45 to 74

V9S – Increased V9S magazine size from 18 to 24

That’s about it. For more on The Finals, check out our hands-on impressions of the upcoming shoot here.

Source: The Finals (Twitter)

Tags: Embark Studios The Finals
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Tactics Ogre Reborn Update 1.06 Fixes Musical Instruments I Issues This March 17

  by   Alex Co  
9:48 am in News

Square Enix has released Tactics Ogre Reborn update 1.06 (tagged as dev version 1.0.6.0), which includes a few fixes, with the most notable one being a fix for the Musical Instruments I issue. Read on for the official Tactics Ogre Reborn March 17 patch notes.

Tactics Ogre Reborn Update 1.06 Patch Notes | Tactics Ogre Reborn Update 1.0.6.0 Patch Notes | Tactics Ogre Reborn March 17 Patch Notes:

Patch 1.0.6.0 has now been released for Tactics Ogre: Reborn.

Update contents:
– Bug fixes relating to parameters, finishing moves, and weapon skills of weapons obtained by defeating the Dark Knights
– Bug fix to address the availability of Musical Instruments I in shops

That’s about it for this title update. If there’s a new one released, we’ll be sure to let our readers know about it ASAP.
 

Source: Steam

Tags: Square Enix Tactics Ogre Tactics Ogre: Reborn
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Resident Evil 4 Remake Reviews Round Up

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
4:50 am in News

Capcom’s ambitious Resident Evil 4 remake will soon bring the second part of Leon’s journey to modern audiences next week on March 24. As the original has already received so many ports and remasters, though, fans of the franchise will be wondering whether or not the upcoming 2023 remake manages to justify itself as a worthwhile reimagining of the game.

Here at MP1st, we’ve rounded up critics’ reviews from multiple reputable outlets to answer that very question. Our own review of the Resident Evil 4 remake will be hitting the site soon. Meanwhile, those interested can also hop into the Chainsaw demo to experience a portion of what the remake has to offer themselves.

Resident Evil 4 Remake Reviews Round Up:

Metacritic – 93

OpenCritic – 93 average – 96% recommended – 69 reviews

Additionally, our readers will shortly be treated to our own detailed review of the Resident Evil 4 remake. Stay tuned here at MP1st for both the review and for all upcoming updates and announcements about the game.

Tags: resident evil 4 remake reviews round up Capcom Resident Evil Resident Evil 4
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Salman Haider Zaidi

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Like a Dragon: Ishin Update 1.04 Out for Adjustments This March 17 (Update)

  by   Damien Seeto  
12:10 am in News

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has released Like a Dragon: Ishin update 1.04 today for all platforms. This update has balance adjustments and improves performance. Check out the Like a Dragon: Ishin March 17 patch notes down below. 

Like a Dragon: Ishin Update 1.04 Patch Notes | Like a Dragon: Ishin March 17 Patch Notes:

Update: The official patch notes for this title update has been released!

Patch 1.04 is now live with the following fixes and improvements:

Issues caused by Kijin-maru Kunishige
The following issues will occur when seven seals are set (all slots are filled) on Kijin-maru Kunishige:

  1. All seals set on the Kijin-maru Kunishige will change to the first set seal
  2. The item placed next to Kijin-maru Kunishige will change to another item
  3. Depending on the item it changes to, the game may crash when the Equipment menu is opened

We have been investigating ways to fix the issue, but have discovered that some of the changed items cannot be restored due to technical issues.
In addition to fixing the problem, the following measures will be taken to apologize to those affected.
DLC weapons and Remunerative Materials Kit items can be picked up from Bakumatsu Bob, in the kitchen on the first floor of Teradaya.

  • Lost DLC weapons can now be re-obtained from Bakumatsu Bob.
  • Weapons: Bloody Sheen, Bonechewer, Waterdrop, Snowcap, Poet Immortal, Dragon’s Clutch

 

  • Weapons that can be used without modification will retain their status.
  • Weapons: Kijin-maru Kunishige and seven seals of altered states, all other weapons.

 

  • Certain elements that cannot be restored.
  • Seals set on the Kijin-maru Kunishige that were changed due to the glitch cannot be restored.
  • Weapons that have been transformed into other items, as well as the seals that were set on that weapon, cannot be restored.

 

  • Replaced incorrect items changed or generated by defects with Bundle Blades.

Compensation Items

Items will be distributed to all customers who have installed the digital version pre-order bonus (Japanese Swords & Cannon Set).

Remunerative Materials Kit:
Sphere Seal: Kiwami x10
Sphere Seal: Greed x10

Balance Adjustments

  • Increased enemy item drop rates.
  • The following hard-to-obtain seals are now dropped directly in battle dungeons:

– Sphere Seal: Greed
– Sword Seal: Fierce Deity
– Square Seal: Heavy Drinker
– Square Seal: Reverence
– Square Seal: Drunken Craze
– Square Seal: Virtuous
– Square Seal: Special Moves

  • Weakened elemental attributes of weapons thrown by giant bosses.
  • Adjusted difficulty of Ichizu Samurai (Truehearted Samurai) in the singing bar.
  • Reduced time needed to open pots.

Other bug fixes and improvements

  • Fixed an issue in which, on rare occasions, the screen may flicker, and characters and parts of the background may not be displayed during event scenes.
  • Fixed an issue where, when performing certain actions during training with William Bradley, the player may be returned to the title screen after a battle or may not receive reward items.
  • Fixed an issue where a character stuck in the well of the Shinsengumi Barracks can move after saving and loading.
  • Fixed an issue where the character may not be able to run properly during chases.
  • Fixed an issue where Komaki Cat-Like Reflexes did not activate in all styles.
  • Fixed a boss-specific issue where small weapons would sometimes float in mid-air during battle.
  • Fixed an issue where the Reputation Rakugai message may remain onscreen.
  • Fixed a display bug when ending a Mahjong game.
  • Fixed an issue where dummy troopers were displayed when a trooper could not be obtained.
  • Fixed an issue where map behavior changed depending on frame rate.
  • Improved behavior when the display mode is set to Borderless.
  • PlayStation controllers are now supported regardless of Steam Input settings.
  • Improved behavior when the Simplify Combo Attacks accessibility function is set to Press and hold.
  • Other improvements and bug fixes.

The only patch notes that have been revealed are from the game’s PS4 update history page. You can read the details below.  

  • Balance Adjustments
  • Improved performance
  • Improved stability and fixed minor bugs

We will update this post if any other patch notes are released for this update. You can read more about the game below via the PlayStation Store.

1860s Kyo is plagued by widespread inequality, and one samurai will change the course of history in his search for justice. Take up the sword of Sakamoto Ryoma and venture to Kyoto to find your father’s killer, clear yourself of a framed murder, and restore your honor. In doing so, you will bring an end to the samurai era and forever change the future of Japan. Draw your blade, load your revolver, and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure that only the creators of Yakuza: Like a Dragon could produce.

Update: The article has been updated with the official patch notes.

Source: Steam

Tags: Yakuza Like a Dragon: Ishin!

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Wo Long Fallen Dynasty Update 1.04 Out for Many Fixes This March 16

  by   Damien Seeto  
March 16, 2023 11:54 pm in News

Team Ninja has released Wo Long Fallen Dynasty update 1.04 (PS5 version 1.004) today on all platforms. This update comes with many fixes and improvements. Check out the Wo Long Fallen Dynasty March 16 patch notes below.

Wo Long Fallen Dynasty Update 1.04 Patch Notes | Wo Long Fallen Dynasty Update 1.004 Patch Notes | Wo Long March 16 Patch Notes:

Adjustments/Additional Features

  • Added a feature that automatically restock arrows/projectiles and consumable items from the storehouse upon accessing a Battle Flag.
  • Made it possible for players to switch lock-on to another target during the animation sequence for Fatal Strikes, deflects (in response to an enemy’s Critical Blow), and Divine Beasts Summons.
  • Made it possible for players to open the Travel screen from the screen that appears after clearing a battlefield (except for main battlefields cleared for the first time), and then select which battlefield they would like to go to next.
  • Added the option to return to the briefing screen before starting Co-op and the option to try the same battlefield again, to the screen that appears after completing a Co-op session.
  • Changed the player’s Morale Rank to 20 while at the base, the hidden village.
  • Made the following adjustments to the difficulty of the sub battlefield “The Tiger’s Loyal Subjects”:
    • Adjustments to the AI
    • Adjustments to damage taken from Critical Blows, the parameters for the increase/decrease of Spirit, etc.
    • Upward adjustment of the Morale Points acquired by players

Major Bug Fixes

  • Fixed crash-prone situations that occurred in certain environments.
  • Fixed a bug that allowed players to enter areas outside of the current stage from certain locations in some stages.
  • Fixed a bug that caused characters to become stuck (in the ground/surrounding objects) in certain locations in some stages, making it impossible for players to progress.
  • Fixed a bug that caused the enemies in some stages to be pushed out of the stage, making it impossible for players to progress.
  • Fixed a bug that caused guest players in Recruit to become unable to progress upon entering a certain house in the sub battlefield “The Lost Sacred Artifact” until the host player opened the door.
  • Fixed a bug that made it possible to exchange items with a Shitieshou every time the player resumes the game from a Battle Flag in the sub battlefield “Fate of the Entertainer.”
  • Fixed a bug that occurred during the battle against Zhang Liang in the main battlefield “Village of Calamity” where, if the player went into Spirit Disruption right when they defeated Zhang Liang’s first form, they would remain in Spirit Disruption at the start of the battle against his second form.
  • Fixed a bug that caused the Spirit Disruption of “Embodiment of Demonic Qi” to last longer.
  • Fixed a bug that could make it impossible for the player to proceed if they summoned the Divine Beast Yinglong right as they died.
  • Fixed a bug in which the magnitudes of special effects on emptied embedment slots would sometimes change when loading save data.
  • Fixed a bug that prevented embedment on locked equipment.
  • Fixed a bug that would sometimes provide fewer embedment slots than there should have been on battlefield clear rewards and accessories in the “Path of the Rising Dragon” difficulty level.
  • Fixed a bug that allowed users to sell equipment registered to favorites.
  • Fixed a bug that caused the effects of the special effect Set Bonus Requirement Mitigation to accumulate.
  • Fixed a bug that prevented players from being able to skip cutscenes upon using certain controls.
  • Fixed a bug that caused the number of arrows/projectiles in the player’s inventory to duplicate under certain conditions.
  • Fixed a bug that would sometimes make it impossible for the player to obtain some trophies/achievements.
    Note: After the update is applied, these trophies/achievements can be obtained by clearing any of the main or sub battlefields.
  • Fixed a bug that prevented players from saving the parameters for the Upper Lip Edge Thickness and the Lower Lip Edge Thickness after selecting Save in Character Creation.
  • Fixed other minor bugs.

Steam®/Microsoft Store Versions

Adjustments

  • Improved the camera controls when using a mouse.
  • Improved the tilting scroll wheel controls.
  • Improved the lighting controls when using a mouse in Photograph mode.

Major Bug Fixes

  • Fixed crash-prone situations that occurred in certain environments.
  • Fixed flickering that occurred in certain environments.
  • Alleviated the issue of rendering distortions in certain environments.
  • Fixed a bug in which the time it took to successfully provide aid was different depending on the frame rate settings.
  • Fixed a bug that could sometimes prevent key configurations from being saved under certain conditions.
  • Fixed a bug that caused key configurations to be reset to their default values when screen resolution was changed.
  • Fixed the issue on AE-5 Plus and AE-7 sound cards that required the Direct Mode to be enabled for the audio to play.
  • Fixed a bug in which the player sometimes remained transparent (in appearance only) after the effects of “Unseeable Form” wore off.
  • Fixed a bug that caused unnecessary text to be displayed in certain UIs in the 120FPS setting.

Source: Team Ninja

Tags: Team Ninja wo long: fallen dynasty Wo Long wo long fallen dynasty update

Damien Seeto

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Final Fantasy 14 Manga to Be Released in English This 2023 Under Square Enix Alongside Other Manga Titles

  by   Carlos Perez  
7:01 pm in News

An English-translated version of the Final Fantasy 14 manga by Square Enix is set to be released on September 19, 2023. The manga will be available for preorder from booksellers such as Penguin Random House starting this March 16. Alongside the FF14 manga, two other English translations for manga titles will be published under Square Enix in 2023.

The Final Fantasy 14 manga, titled “FINAL FANTASY XIV: Eorzea Academy,” explores the what-if scenario where the FF14 crew live as students and teachers in two rival schools. The manga was originally published back in 2021, though has not been officially translated into English.

Square Enix also announced official English translations for two other manga in 2023. The first one, a romance manga called “The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl,” follows the story of a man who’s the descendant of a snow spirit and his romantic interest in his coworker, who is oblivious to the fact. The manga releases on October 10 this year, with preorders starting March 16. An anime adaptation for this series is also currently airing on Crunchyroll.

Then there’s “Mr. Villain’s Day Off,” a comedy manga that revolves around an evil supervillain and his daily life outside of professional mischief. Mr. Villain’s Day Off will be available starting August 15 with preorders also opening on March 16. An anime adaptation of the manga is in the works.

If you’re interested in checking out any of the aforementioned manga, you can browse the official web portal for Square Enix Manga & Books here.

Tags: Square Enix Manga & Books Mr. Villain’s Day Off The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl FINAL FANTASY XIV: Eorzea Academy Manga Final Fantasy XIV Final Fantasy Square Enix Final Fantasy 14

Carlos Perez

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Ex-Criterion Games Devs Form “Fuse Games;” First Project to Be AAA PC & Console Release

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
6:34 pm in News

A group of developers and executives who left EA subsidiary Criterion Games after the release of Need for Speed Unbound last December have formed Fuse Games, a new Guildford-based studio that will develop a AAA game for PC and console platforms as its first project. The studio’s 17-strong team also includes former developers from IO Interactive, Playground Games, and other famous studios.

Following the release of Need for Speed Unbound in December last year, Matt Webster (VP and GM of Criterion), Pete Lake (executive producer), Andrei Shires (senior technical director), Alan McDairmant (head of studio development), and Steve Uphill (head of content) all left Criterion Games to “explore new opportunities outside of EA.” The group has now returned with their new “Fuse Games” studio, and all five have assumed roles at the company that are similar to their previous Criterion positions.

The team is attempting to set up shop close to their old studio in Guildford, UK, and will adopt a hybrid working approach for its 17-strong team that it plans to expand further. Its first project will be a AAA game for PC and console platforms, though the studio has not yet decided on a genre for the game:

Even our recent history spans a few things. Obviously arcade racers and open world racers are what we know very deeply. But we have played around in other genres over the years, including Battlefront, Battlefield… VR. We know what we are good at, and that spans a broad range of things now. Once we select our genre, we want to lead that genre.

We’ve been fortunate enough to work on games that have spanned the whole gamut. We know what it’s like to have a small group spinning up something new, to have multiple hundreds of people on a huge development. We will end up being somewhere in-between [in terms of team size].

With Criterion’s workplace environment receiving multiple awards during their tenure, the group plan to carry their lessons at the company forward while still looking to (responsibly) create full-sized game projects in rapid succession:

Our aim is to get a game out there as quickly and as healthily as we can. If games take two or three years to make, then there’s only a limited number we can make in our lifespan. If we keep making five to seven-year opuses, we can only make a few. And [we] want to make as many as [we] can.

While there are no further details available about Fuse Games‘ upcoming project, the team’s Criterion swan song Need for Speed Unbound is set to receive a massive expansion on March 21, the details of which can be found here.

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Tags: EA Criterion Games Electronic Arts Need for Speed Unbound Fuse Games
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Salman Haider Zaidi

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Magic Soup Games: New Studio From Ex-Blizzard Execs Cooking Up Unique AAA Games

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
6:30 pm in News

Former Blizzard Entertainment executives Jen Oneal, J. Allen Brack and John Donham have announced Magic Soup Games, a fully-remote game development studio co-founded by the three that seeks to create AAA games “that are genuinely uplifting and inclusive for players around the world.” Currently, it is working on an unannounced game that it touts as not fitting “into any existing genre today.”

Oneal, Brack, and Donham all left Blizzard Entertainment over the course of the last few years amidst the company’s significant legal troubles with well-documented allegations of fostering sexual harassment and a “frat boy” workplace culture. The trio’s shared values have kept them together past their Blizzard tenures, and Magic Soup Games embodies their people-first mindset with a collaborative kitchen theme.

The studio currently only has five people and refers to its employees as “chefs,” all working together to create “awesome games from a kind of creative soup.” Its aim is to “to build original AAA games that are genuinely uplifting and inclusive for players around the world.” Oneal said of the studio’s first upcoming project:

It’s too early to discuss the details. But the spirit is that we will lean on our experience building triple-A games and triple-A teams to create something that brings out the best in people, that celebrates the positive power of what this medium can express. We’re working on something that doesn’t fit neatly into any existing genre today.

More details about the studio’s culture and career opportunities can be found over at its official website. Once Magic Soup Games reveals more details about its projects, we’ll be sure to let our readers know.

(Oneal’s comments were provided by VentureBeat.)

Tags: Blizzard Entertainment Magic Soup Games
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Salman Haider Zaidi

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Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers Update 1.02 Brings Balance Changes and More This March 16

  by   Alex Co  
6:27 pm in News

Square Enix has released Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers update 1.02, and this brings better performance, game balance adjustments. Read on for the full patch notes for March 16 below.

Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers Update 1.02 Patch Notes | Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers March 16 Patch Notes:

Update Details

● Improved performance and optimised the game

  • The frame rate during battles is now set to a maximum of 60 fps* on all platforms.
    • *The final battle on the Switch version will have a maximum frame rate of 30 fps. Please note that the speed of some Element animations may vary by platform, but this has no significant impact on the gameplay.
    • When using the hardware stated in the recommended specs for the Steam version, you can expect the game to run at an average of 60FPS (30FPS maximum outside of battle scenes). However, due to the rendering system used in the game, it is possible that when using certain graphics cards, some scenes with particularly high load may not run at 60FPS. The cards we have observed this occurring with are in the AMD Radeon RX 6000 series.

● Adjusted Pip’s stats/Element Grid settings

  • If Pip obtains a level-growth star after evolving into one of his Devil, Angel, Demonic Beast, Holy Beast, or Divine Beast forms, his stats will grow* in accordance with his form.
    • *This applies from the second level-growth star obtained post-evolution. Pip’s pre-evolution growth rate will still apply on obtaining the first star post-evolution.
  • When starting a Continue+ file, if Pip’s stats in your completed-game save data are better than the selected save data for Continue+, they will be carried over as they are.
  • When starting a Continue+ file, if Pip’s form in your completed-game save data has unlocked more of his Element Grid than it has in the selected save data for Continue+, his Element Grid will be carried over as it is.
  • If a new Element Grid is unlocked later after Pip evolves into a new form, all its levels will be unlocked.
    • Example: If Pip is in his Demonic Beast form in your completed-game save data, he will carry over his Element Grid as it was even if he starts out in Normal form.
    • Example: If you start a Continue+ game with completed-game save data with Pip in Demonic Beast form, evolve him into his Divine Beast form, and obtain level-growth stars, you will unlock the Element Grids for both his Demonic Beast and Divine Beast forms.
  • If Pip is evolved while possessing 99 level-growth stars, the stats for his new form will be applied and his new Element Grid will be unlocked post-battle.
  • If Pip already has 99 level-growth stars and has evolved before you apply the update, the stats for his current form will be applied and his Element Grid will be unlocked when you load your save data post-update.

Stats for All Forms with 99 Level-Growth Stars

Stats for All Forms with 99 Level-Growth Stars

Element Grid Unlocks for All Forms

Element Grid Unlocks for All Forms

(These show how many level-growth stars you need to earn to unlock each Element Grid level.)

Normal Form, Angel Form, and Devil Form (Shared)

Normal Form, Angel Form, and Devil Form (Shared)

Demonic Beast Form

Yellow colour: Element Grid levels not available in the shared grids.

Demonic Beast Form

Holy Beast Form

Green colour: Element Grid levels not available in the shared grids.

Holy Beast Form

Divine Beast Form

Pink colour: Element Grid levels not available in the shared grids.

Divine Beast Form

Example of a Merged Grid (Demonic Beast → Normal followed by a Divine Beast evolution)

Blue colour: Shared by Demonic Beast and Divine Beast forms.
Pink colour: Added after evolving into Divine Beast form.
Yellow colour: Added after evolving into Demonic Beast form.

Example of a Merged Grid (Demonic Beast to Normal followed by a Divine Beast evolution)

● Fixed minor bugs

That’s about it. If there’s a new patch released, we’ll let our readers know.

Source: Square Enix

Tags: Chrono Cross chrono cross: radical dreamers
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Alex Co

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Dying Light 2 to Be Steam Deck Verified Title Starting March 17, Egg-splosive Hunt Event Delayed

  by   Carlos Perez  
5:59 pm in News

Dying Light 2 is set to become Steam Deck Verified on March 17, with an event set to run on the same day. The game was initially set to be Steam Deck Verified on March 16 but has since been delayed to the 17th. As such, the Egg-splosive Hunt event was also shifted to March 17, now running until March 24, giving players a week to enjoy the limited-time event.

Techland is also releasing a new cosmetic bundle themed around the Egg-splosive Hunt event. The “Chicken Bundle” includes a rooster suit and a chicken claw melee weapon alongside a few other goodies. The entire bundle will cost $2.99.

Dying Light 2 sets itself apart from other zombie co-op games with a focus on melee weapons and a refreshing parkour system. We reviewed Dying Light 2 and gave it an 8.5/10 score. Here’s a snippet:

While Dying Light 2 improves on its predecessor in nearly every way, occasional bugs hamper the experience and a few of the gameplay changes are ones I could have done without. Still, if you’re someone who’s been looking forward to the game, nothing that I experienced in my nearly 30 hours with the game was a complete deal breaker, and in fact I enjoyed my time quite a bit. If you’re someone that’s been on the fence, or perhaps mildly interested in Dying Light 2, I definitely think it’s an experience that’s worth your time, and one that stands out amongst the crowded zombie genre.

Dying Light 2 is one of the many games currently available at a discount thanks to the Steam Spring Sale. You can find the Steam store page link here.

Update: The Eggs-splosive Hunt event schedule has shifted from March 21 up to March 28. You can read more details about it here.

Tags: Dying Light Techland Dying Light 2 steam deck

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Persona Series Accolades Trailer Flies Out; Persona Games Sale Happening Now Across PS, Xbox, PC

  by   Carlos Perez  
5:06 pm in News

While we haven’t gotten a new Persona game in years, Atlus has just published an accolades trailer featuring three of the series’ latest titles, including Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal. The trailer was released following the launch of the aforementioned games across various platforms, a move announced last year.

You can check out the trailer below. Note that the trailer does contain some cutscenes and dialogue from the three Persona games, so be warned of any possible spoilers.

Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal are all on sale right now, too, and you can pick them up at a discount on various platforms. Here are all the current Persona games on sale, where you can get them, and how much you can save:

PlayStation Essential Picks Sale – March 15 to March 29

  • Persona 3 Portable – 20% off
  • Persona 4 Golden – 20% off
  • Persona 5 Royal – 30% off

Xbox Publisher Spotlight Series – March 14 to March 27

  • Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden bundle – 25% off
  • Persona 5 Royal – 30% off

Steam Spring Sale – March 16 to March 23

  • Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden bundle – Extra 5% off individual sale prices
  • Persona 3 Portable – 20% off
  • Persona 4 Golden – 20% off
  • Persona 5 Royal – 35% off

While we haven’t had a peep from Atlus as to what they’re planning with the Persona series, we do know that the Japanese-based company is currently working on “several new unannounced titles” based on a statement from earlier this year. Atlus hasn’t outright stated when it’ll make the teased announcements, but seeing as it’s been almost seven years since Persona 5 first launched, one can only hope that the company will at least give fans a peek at what’s in store for the Persona series.

Tags: persona 4 golden persona 3 portable ATLUS persona 5 Persona 5 Strikers persona persona 5 royal

Carlos Perez

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New Tchia Gameplay Video Showcases Items and Customization Options

  by   Carlos Perez  
4:21 pm in News

Awaceb has released the final video of the developer’s gameplay series for the upcoming open-world adventure, Tchia. This new Tchia gameplay video highlights the items and customization options that the player will be able to mess around with in-game.

Here’s some gameplay footage highlighting the cosmetics and items of Tchia:

Cosmetics and outfits are a central part of many games, and you can wear all sorts of clothing in Tchia, ranging from modern streetwear to more traditional attires. There are also customization options for your boat, and you can mix and match these different cosmetics to suit your style. Cosmetics can be unlocked through various means, with some “secret” outfits that may have to go out of your way to look for.

Aside from the ukelele, players will also have access to a few other tools to aid in exploration, with one of the more interesting ones being the camera. It’s designed after an analog model, and you can select various filters based on the film roll you use. You can also set the camera on a tripod and timer to take photos of yourself around the island.

Tchia launches this March 21 on PS4, PS5, and PC, with the game also being available via the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on the same day.

Tags: Tchia Awaceb

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Disco Elysium Update 1.21 Rolled Out for Collage Mode This March 16

  by   Alex Co  
4:17 pm in News

Studio ZA/UM has released Disco Elysium update 1.21 (PS5 version 1.021) today, and this is to roll in the Collage mode! Read on for what it is in the Disco Elysium March 16 patch notes.

Disco Elysium Update 1.21 Patch Notes | Disco Elysium Update 1.021 Patch Notes | Disco Elysium March 16 Patch Notes:

Today, we’ve rolled out Collage Mode: a new functionality that gives players the creative freedom to stage just about anything in-game.

Collage Mode grants you full access to characters, environments and props from the game, along with filters and frames to complete your Disco masterpiece.

Take over the narrative reins with the custom dialogue option in Collage Mode, which allows you to weave whatever story your heart desires.

Fabricate completely new dramas from unforgivable punch-ups to fruity yet forbidden kisses. Corroborate your fan fiction with screenshots directly from the game.

The possibilities of Collage Mode are vast and the silliness knows no bounds.

DRAG AND DROP
Place, rotate, and resize your favourite characters across the game’s painterly environments and then pick from a range of silly and sensible poses to strike.

WRITE DIALOGUE
Create a whole story with a single image by entering custom text that can be placed anywhere and even make it look authentic by using the FELD dialogue reel.
BE AESTHETIC
Bring out your inner Art Cop by applying weird and wonderful filters; choosing from rain, fog, and snow; as well as changing the time of day to capture the exact mood you’re after.

STICK ‘EM UP
Put gloves and guns in unsuspecting hands with a huge collection of items and clothing stickers or add extra style with new and extraordinary art from our talented collaborators.
GET FRAMED
Finish up by choosing a frame to wrap up your fantasy with audacious themes such as Kim Catsuragi, F**k The World, Visual Calculus, and Building Communism.

BONUS! SECRETS TO FIND
Hunt for never-before-seen scenes from across Martinaise history if you’ve got a keen enough eye for it and enjoy a velvety new voiceover from the game’s narrator.
 
That’s about it. If there are more changes, we’ll update the article.
 

Source Steam

Tags: Disco Elysium ZA/UM Studio ZA/UM
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Steam Spring Sale 2023 Featured Deals Day 1 for March 16

  by   Carlos Perez  
3:56 pm in News

Steam Spring Sale 2023 has just arrived, and we’ve got quite a few major titles at a discount on Day 1! Here are the Steam Spring Sale featured deals for Day 1 this March 16!

Steam Spring Sale 2023 – Featured Deals for Day 1 (March 16):

Note that the games listed below are just some of the titles on sale. They’ll also be available at a discount throughout the sale period, so visit the Steam store page to check for other games that you’re interested in! 

The Steam Spring Sale will run from March 16 to 23. We’ll be posting more featured deals in the days to come, so be sure to keep an eye on them!

Tags: Valve Steam Steam Spring Sale

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CMA Publishes Pro-Microsoft Responses From 6 Studios; Opposing Arguments Called “Exaggerated & Out of Proportion”

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
3:13 pm in News

In the latest development in its Phase 2 review of the Microsoft–Activision deal, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published six different game studios’ responses to its provisional findings released in February. While five of the companies have chosen to remain anonymous, all parties have expressed their support for the proposed acquisition with one claiming that the deal will help create “a more level playing field between Xbox and PlayStation.”

The CMA published Sony, Microsoft, and Activision’s full responses to its provisional findings today, with Sony notably accusing Microsoft of wanting to foreclose the former out of the Call of Duty business and referencing the latter’s past behavior with Bethesda’s previously-multi-platform IPs. Since it invited all market participants to comment on the acquisition when the provisional findings were released, the CMA has also published such responses from six different game companies.

Though five of the studios have provided their comments anonymously, all of them including Perfect Dark and console Minecraft developer 4J Studios have expressed their support for the acquisition:

  • 4J Studios has stated that Microsoft never forced it to favor the latter’s formats over the course of a working relationship spanning over fifteen years and which saw the former develop Perfect Dark and ports of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie for the Xbox 360. 4J Studios further revealed that Microsoft facilitated its relationship with Mojang through which the studio took over console development duties for Minecraft, and that Microsoft encouraged it to develop the “Mario Mash Up” pack for Nintendo after the Mojang acquisition.
  • Market Participant B does not believe that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will “negatively impact consumers,” owing to both the diversity in consumers’ tastes (which ensures that no game is a “must-have” for any studio) as well as Microsoft’s commitments to make Activision Blizzard’s games available on all platforms.
  • Market Participant C is an independent game studio that has worked with Sony, Activision, and Microsoft. The studio claims that Microsoft has honored all contracts and agreements with it over the last 25 years, and that the latter’s Call of Duty access commitments with Sony and Nintendo can be safely believed. It also states that consolidation in favor of cloud-based platforms is inevitable and does not necessarily warrant antitrust concerns. Furthermore, it makes the argument that a potential Tencent takeover of Activision Blizzard (the former is an investor in the latter) – in the event that the Microsoft-Activision deal is blocked – would pose an actual anticompetitive risk and solidify China’s unreciprocated access to Western markets.
  • Market Participant D claims that while the deal’s “exact effects” are difficult to predict, it does not expect that its own AAA titles and distribution business on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and mobile platforms will be jeopardized or significantly impacted.
  • Market Participant E says that its game sales on PlayStation platforms are stagnating due to the latter’s prioritization of larger titles and financially-powerful market players. In contrast, the studio has garnered greater sales and more revenue on Xbox, where its titles have been able to reach larger audiences through dedicated sections on the Xbox store as well as through Xbox Game Pass. As such, the studio has argued that the acquisition is beneficial for smaller game developers, claiming that the deal will help create “a more level playing field between Xbox and PlayStation.”
  • Market Participant F has called the arguments against the deal “slightly exaggerated and out of proportion,” and has expressed fears that blocking the deal could harm both competition and consumer-friendly initiatives. It also believes that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will create a positive “change in scenery” for the latter’s employees and their work environment.

The full responses from these six studios as well as Sony, Microsoft, and Activision can be viewed here. Stay tuned here at MP1st for all upcoming developments in the situation.

Tags: PlayStation Microsoft Sony Activision Blizzard CMA Microsoft Gaming Call of Duty Xbox Activision
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Salman Haider Zaidi

That's a nice argument, Senator.

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Redfall Story Trailer Details Experiment-Gone-Wrong Plot & Terrifying Mutant Bosses

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
2:32 pm in News

Ahead of the game’s May 2 release date, Arkane Studios Austin and Bethesda Softworks have finally debuted the Redfall story trailer, taking fans through the game’s eponymous vampire-overrun island setting and showcasing some of its bloodthirsty cult-worshipped mutant villains. The game blends key elements from science fiction cinema with both supernatural horror and body horror media to create a recognizable yet unique horror-FPS story.

Watch the Redfall story trailer below:

The game takes place in the titular island of Redfall, Massachusetts. Redfall is a quaint, peaceful town until researchers from the immortality-obsessed Aevum Therapeutics seemingly kill a mysterious test subject in a sinister experiment. The researchers’ usage of the deceased subject’s blood has disastrous consequences as those affected turn into mutant vampires one by one and invade Redfall. A faction of the survivors forms a cult and begins worshipping these vampires, some of whom (The Hollow Man, Bloody Tom, Miss Whisper, and The Black Sun) are encountered as bosses throughout the game’s story. Players must combat the vampire infestation in solo or co-op energetic FPS gameplay to rescue Redfall from the clutches of these terrifying monsters.

Redfall creeps out on PC and Xbox Series X|S on May 2, 2023. For more burning questions you may have about the gameplay and other functionality, check out Arkane’s new player-aggregated FAQ post that sheds more light on different aspects of the game as it nears release.

Tags: Arkane Studios Redfall Arkane Studios Austin Bethesda Softworks
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Salman Haider Zaidi

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Killing Floor 2 Update 1.70 Fires Out for Fixes This March 16

  by   Alex Co  
2:19 pm in News

Tripwire has deployed Killing Floor 2 update 1.70, and this introduces a host of fixes to the action game ranging from weapon fixes, map adjustments and more! Read on for the complete Killing Floor 2 March 16 patch notes straight from the studio.

Killing Floor 2 Update 1.70 Patch Notes | Killing Floor 2 March 16 Patch Notes:

March 2023 Quality of Life and Bug Fix Changelog ​

Crash Map improvements

  • Fixed a collision spot in the SW Street Area that would cause Zeds to walk in air.
  • Fixed a doorway where players could obstruct Zeds from entering an area with dynamic elements.
  • Fixed part of geometry that was missing in the SW Street area
  • Fixed issue in which fire FX disappears when the player approaches

Community Fixes

  • Reduced FPS drops associated with Field Medic buffs after the player has been in a long-term session on the same server.
  • Having too many weapons marked as a Favorite in the trader could result in crashes. We have now limited this to 12 weapons.
  • Coliseum Weekly : Blood Sickle: Fixed issue in which this weapon was not displayed in Trader Pod
  • Blood Sickle: Fixed issue where the first of the two heavy attack hits deals zero damage
  • Fixed issue in which HRG Locust can cause self damage if player doesn’t continue to hold the weapon after firing it
  • G36C Assault Rifle: Fixed weapon jiggling after the shot in iron sights by auto fire mode

Weapon fixes

  • ZED MKIII: 3P: Fixed Player twitches when turning left while crouching
  • ZED MKIII: 3P: Fixed Player twitches when turning left while standing
  • ZED MKIII: Fixed when fingers of the left hand appear for a second on the other side of the weapon at the end of the 1P clip check animation
  • HV Storm Cannon: 3P: Fixed when Left hand fingers were clipping to weapon while crouching
  • G36C Assault Rifle: 3P: Fixed issue with the Silencer and Tac Laser have one-sided texture on drop model
  • HRG Ballistic Bouncer: Gravity Imploder: Blunderbuss: Fixed issue with these weapons were showing in pistol type tab in trader podCrash Map improvements

Individual fixes

  • Addressed issue in which Gunslinger: Quick Draw skill was increasing switching speed to all perks weapons
  • Fixed issue in which outfits’ helmets and suits aren’t sorting by sorting rules
  • Perk Roulette: Online: UI: Fixed syringe indicator not filling in after respawning

Balance Tunes

  • Increased HRG Ballistic Bouncer max damage damage to 300 from 200

Source: Tripwire forums

Tags: Killing Floor Tripwire Interactive Killing Floor 2 update
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Valve Open to Steam Deck OLED Version, But Says It Would Be “A Bigger Amount of Work” Than Assumed

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
1:58 pm in News

Since its release early last year, the Steam Deck has enjoyed massive success among gamers as a full-feature handheld gaming experience, letting players hop into AAA titles on the go unlike the respectable, but much less powerful Nintendo Switch. However, the console’s lack of an OLED screen significantly hampers its games’ visual fidelity, made more notable by the fact that Nintendo released a Switch variant with an OLED screen only four months ahead of the Deck’s launch. Valve “understands the limitations” of the popular handheld’s screen and has expressed a desire to improve it, but says that creating an OLED version of the Steam Deck is complicated, involving much more work than a simple screen replacement.

While the Steam Deck easily defeats 2017’s Nintendo Switch handheld console in terms of hardware power as well as raw and docked screen resolutions, the former does not feature an OLED screen, instead opting for a 400-nit IPS display while the later Switch variant features a ~350-nit OLED display with superior contrast and vibrant colours. When asked about Valve’s plans for a potential Steam Deck OLED version, Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais revealed that while his company is indeed exploring ways to improve the handheld’s screen, developing an OLED Steam Deck would be “a bigger amount of work” than fans believe it to be:

Valve understands the limitations of the current tech that’s in the Deck, in terms of the screen. We also want it to be better. We’re looking at all avenues.

I think people are looking at things like an incremental version and assume that it’s an easy drop-in. But in reality, the screen’s at the core of the device. Everything is anchored to it. Basically everything is architected around everything when you’re talking about a device that small. I think it would be a bigger amount of work than people are assuming it would be. […] I don’t think we’re discounting anything. But the idea that you could just swap in a new screen and be done—it would need more than that to be doable.

Griffais did admit that the Deck’s enhanced backlight dimming and variable refresh rate capabilities are quite possible to implement in an OLED screen:

It’s just something you have to plan ahead. When we were working on this [IPS LCD] screen, we made sure these could be supported, even if the refresh rate switching wasn’t ready at release. It was really important to us that all that would be supported. So it’s something that you need to keep in mind when you’re evaluating and selecting possible options. But there’s nothing about LCD vs OLED, different screen technologies that makes that a dealbreaker. It’s about how you’re designing the whole system, and what’s in between the screen and the SOC (system-on-a-chip).

As such, while the developer did not explicitly confirm any plans for an OLED version of the Steam Deck, the door is still open for a Steam Deck refresh or successor to replace the IPS LCD tech with an OLED screen. If any such plans are revealed in the future, we’ll be sure to let our readers know. Meanwhile, those who are still on the fence about purchasing a Steam Deck might find that the console’s roster of 1000+ verified-compatible games makes that decision significantly easier.

(Pierre-Loup Griffais’ comments were provided by PCGamer.)

Tags: Valve Nintendo Switch steam deck
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Salman Haider Zaidi

That's a nice argument, Senator.

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