About a year ago, I heard that HeroQuest had been re-released. The nostalgia hit pretty hard with this one, as many an afternoon was spent with me guiding my younger brother’s team of warriors throughout the different quests. We played this a fair bit, accumulating a few expansions and even making up our own quests as we went.

When I heard that there was a re-release, I knew I was going to get it, $280AU pricetag be damned.

Once I got it, I set up a crew of warriors from my mates and we ran through the first mission or 2 (or 10).

Looking at the miniatures, they differed from the original designs, a bit more intricacy was put into them. Additionally, instead of carboard poked into plastic bases for the doors, furniture and set pieces, they were fully molded miniatures.

As a result of the new design, I have been encouraged to try my hand at painting the components for this new version. After overcoming my intial fear of ruining my components (as I am an extremely amatuer painter), I tried my hand at a couple of pieces – including my first attempt at fire.

I have even 3D printed, assembled and painted trapdoors. secret doors, trap blocks and stone blocks for blocking passageways to replace the cardboard. I am looking forward to seeing what other cardboard I can replace.

I have to say I am having a great time getting back to the stories and quests I enjoyed as a kid.

I am an established iiNet customer. I have been with iiNet for almost 15 years. The service has been almost uninterrupted and I have never really had issues with connections or speeds, the added bonus of Xbox downloads being a part of iiNets Freezone has also been advantageous to me.

In the last week of May, I began to experience some issues with downloading Xbox Live content, it almost seemed to me that the Xbox Live downloads were being throttled, my Xbox diagnostics was saying that it could communicate at speeds of 70mbs download, meanwhile, my downloads were not happening or, if they were, they were they were downloading at speeds of 1-6kbs.

My initial consultation with Xbox support indicated it to be a preview program issue, but given I had removed my console from the preview program I should not have been affected. I downloaded the updates from another console and had temporarily resolved the problem.

The next issue that presented was games would no longer launch whenever I was online, this limited me to games that were on disk or were saved to the console as home games. Again, consulting Xbox support resulted in a full reset of the console, testing and wiping of USB HDDs and a number of other ‘trial and error’ activities to try and resolve the issues.

It was at this point I began to see information surfacing about iiNet and their changes to their services and that a DNS change would resolve the issues with Xbox live. I reached out to iiNet of a couple of occasions, but the determining comment from iiNet was that they did not specifically support Xbox hardware, and that my internet was working and so there was no issue as far as they were concerned.

Luckily for me, the person I spoke to on the phone at iiNet was not content with that response either. They offered a few suggestions but unfortunately none of those panned out.

After further trials and tests, I was able to confirm that the problem was indeed specifically related to iiNet networks. I tested my Xbox on alternate networks (Telstra ADSL, Telstra NBN, Optusnet ADSL, & Amcom fibre) with no failures on any of those networks.

The first part of the working solution was to switch my DNS. I used Google’s DNS of 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4, but you can also use OpenDNS as an alternative. The second part was to ensure that there were no downloads running on the Xbox. I had to either complete them or delete them (I opted to download them all). The downside to iiNet users using these DNS servers is the lack of Freezone, but given that my data allowance is unlimited, I do not have that issue.

I can confirm, I have had no further issues with Xbox or Microsoft services since Tuesday evening, 27th June, which is quite a while considering I first noticed the issues on May 30th.

I celebrated with a couple of nights of Rainbow Six Siege.

Previous Posts
Chapter 1

Chapter 1 (continued)

Hunter awoke on a bed in what appeared to be a medical centre. He felt groggy from the remainder of the anesthetic in his system. He began to sit up when one of the staff wandered over and asked him to lean back.

He sat back and listened as the nurse paged Lynia Sands.

He was unsure what could have happened to require medical attention, but knew that Lynia was trying to gain his trust, so the reason would be forthcoming.

Hunter looked around the room. The room held only 2 beds, but it appeared that there has been no expense spared when it came down to the facilities on offer. He had been used to the prison’s basic medical facilities, and wasn’t even sure if all of it was medical equipment.

Lynia entered the room as he was contemplating getting a closer look at some one of the displays next to his bed. She was carrying a box with the Melltech logo and colouring.

“Welcome aboard the Pioneer.” Lynia handed him the box. “The removal of your penal tagging was a success. Also, I figured you’d want some clothes to wear as I take you to your room.”

Deliberately, Hunter shed the gown and dressed in front of Lynia. If she was shocked or offended, it did not show. Hunter was disappointed in the lack of response, but he considered it further and realised that Lynia was not one to be easily ruffled.

“So we are here, and I don’t really have any answers. I have agreed to work for you, but I have no idea what I am doing here, or what you expect of me.”

“Primarily you are here because I want you here.” Lynia began. “I want someone here I can trust.”

“And you feel you can trust me.”

“Not yet, but I am a great judge of character.” Lynia deliberately looked in his eyes, looking for a response. Hunter breathed out through his nose, dismissing the comment.

“So basically you have been brought on board as an engineer and pilot, but your duties will be to assist me and be my 2nd.”

“What exactly does that involve?” Hunter was dubious about the plans for him.

“Everything and anything. Jessica Talin is the lead on this project, everyone answers to her. You will answer to me and her.” Lynia explained in a matter-of-fact tone. “I am the company liaison, and responsible for this endeavour, but the reins are held by Jess. I need you to know what I know and be me when I am not here.”

“That’s a lot of trust you are placing in an ex-criminal.”

Lynia stopped walking and cast an unreadable look at Hunter.

“Look, lets not pretend anymore, what you are not, is a criminal. You are an intellegent, resourceful and clever individual, who has demonstrated a knowledge of  how to handle himself and others in unconventional situations. I need someone with your skill set to work with me and help achieve my goals. You can either work with me or go back to your cell. So tell me now, are you in or out?”

Hunter paused, he knew he didn’t really have a choice, working on a project like this was more than he could hope to do with his life after prison, but he didn’t want Lynia thinking he wouldn’t consider it an option.

“I’m in.”

“Good.” Lynia replied. “This conversation would have been much more difficult had it been after your exoneration tomorrow.”

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Continue reading “The Threshold – Chapter 1 (continued)” →

So, why the title? Because a majority of people on the road are morons that don’t realise it.

Firstly, everyone thinks they are a great driver, and to be honest, i can’t argue with this, because, if you are going to get behind the wheel of 1500kgs of plastic, metal and fabrics that can travel at speeds that can decimate a human body, you need to be able to drive it with confidence. Here in lies the dilemma, with that confidence comes a disregard to improve, to work on where they have failings, and ultimately believe that everyone else’s driving ability is sub par to theirs. This isn’t so much a moron trait, but a human one, so for me human error is excusable.

Secondly, some drivers just don’t have confidence. They start and then stop, they fear what other drivers are going to do, and as a result drive unpredictably, not just to themselves, but drivers around them. Add to this a lack of confidence in their knowledge of the road and this just turns them into a bad driver, a ‘moron’ by lack of knowledge. Or an experience likely caused by this next group.

Actual Morons. These are the people who weave in and out of lanes at speed, don’t indicate, because they care too little for the rules or or care too little for others. they generally regard themselves as a great driver, and although they may be the cause of accidents usually get away without incident. These are also the types of driver that abuse you if you so much as get in their way or put their vehicle at risk.

While not a lot can be done for the last category there are things that can be done for the first 2. It’s quite simple, obey the law, and people will know what you are doing. Simple things like understanding proper ways to handle roundabouts, and knowing how to merge (hint: it’s not a race). Luckily there are videos available to educate all types of morons out there on how to follow the road rules.

Roundabouts: I frequently see people indicating incorrectly on roundabouts, and at times have found myself pulling out in front of people doing the wrong thing, or not taking an opportunity to go due to poor indication. The main one I am seeing lately is people indicating right when leaving the roundabout; this was never even a law, I can’t conceive how this got so popular.

Merging: This is quite simple, adjust your pace, indicate and make room for the car in front of you. Do not accelerate or decelerate quickly, both of these cause accidents and could see you as the party responsible in cases of collisions. There is also help on the new merging lanes on the freeways.

These are the two primary issues I see on a regular basis, but if you feel like you would like to be less of a moron, like me, check out the site with the 12 Most Asked About Road Rules and bone up on the right way to drive.

 

I have never owned an iPhone, being from a retailer at the time, I was not a fan, especially considering they way they violate your rights as a consumer from the get go, and get you to agree with it just to get one.

I tried Android in the form of the Samsung Galaxy S II, and though I liked the phone, the opportunity for malicious content to get onto the phone through apps was increased.

I found that the Windows Phone was a solid offering for what I wanted, though the extended catalogue of apps was missing, the core features were still there. The phone itself did its main apps really well; Email and camera were solidly incorporated into the features, as well as the way it handled contacts, allowing you to bring in contacts across multiple platforms (gmail, outlook, Facbook and exchange) and merge them into one contact with all aspects catered for, the fact that the calendar also took advantage of this feature was a nice added benefit for organising schedules, and the incorporation of Xbox was a nice bonus for me personally.

Now it is not a secret that I have liked the hardware offerings from Microsoft in recent years, I have always been a fan of Nokia phones, I am typing this out on a Surface Pro, and I am a big promoter of the Xbox, and you will even find the Band 2 on my wrist. But as of late, I have been losing my faith in the future of the Windows Phone.

We had been promised the ability to move forward with the update to Windows 10 Mobile starting with backwards steps like going back on the announcement that all Windows 8.1 Mobiles can upgrade, and reneging on promises of items like continuum, which was supposed to work with all phones, and now is only offered from the Lumia 950, there is the currently pending promise of being able to run android apps, which was mentioned once or twice and never to be mentioned again.

Now the wife and I usually get the same phone, in the interest of in case of emergency, it is not a stretch for anyone in the family to use it (including our daughter), and typically we get new phones when our contracts renew every 2 years. We are reaching the point where it is about 6 months until we renew, and I begin to look at what our next phone will be.

We both love the Windows Phone format, the way it works is very compatible with how we use our phones and as a mobile internet device, but we have reached the point where we have the impression that the Windows Mobile format may not be one that is supported going forward, and need to consider alternatives.

At this stage, we seem to both be opposed to the iPhone, we both have iPods and the nature of the way the software works on our PCs has been quite frustrating, not forgetting to mention that the only way to alter anything on them requires the itunes software, something we would both rather be without (to be honest, I have not updated the music on my ipod since I got it, and that was literally copying the music from the iPod that was replaced). Having said that, it gets apps, and all the apps. It currently has the highest number of apps of any platform, but how many of those are fart apps needs to be determined.

I am skeptical for a move to Android based upon the number of malware messages and I seem to receive from people with Android phones. It seems that Android is the new way to hit people with infections. But a positive is that it does seem to see all the hardware innovations first, and most apps are made for it too.

The last consideration is to stick with it, with the potential of the Windows App store opening up to Android apps, and the addition of Continuum making the mobile more of a portable computer, perhaps the next generation of Windows Phone may be the right move, but the lack of news and information surrounding it has me concerned.

I guess i just play the waiting game for now and hope the Surface phone delivers a true competitor..

Conveniently I took some me time recently and that happened to coincide with the release of Ubisoft’s online shooter RPG.

From the announcement of the game prior to the release of the Xbox One, I wanted this game. The way it looked, and the way they presented squad mentality was something that impressed me. The 2 year wait and the withdrawal of the Drone/Tablet support is a bit disappointing, but something that I can live without given how much I am enjoying the game.

Starting first with the leveling system, it is a combination of experience and completing new missions. When I say that, you can level up all you like, and that will give you slots for new abilities, but without completing missions or encounters in game, you will not be able to gain the necessary resources to upgrade your base, which gives you new abilities, talents and perks, and essentially prevents things like enemy spawn locations being farmed. It encourages you to go out and experience the city, even after completing the main questline.

The story for itself exists in the missions, and tells the stories how how the different factions in the city came to be whilst also investigating the source and cure for the epidemic ravaging the New York. You can also go further into the stories of the citizens of the city in the form of phone recordings, and other methods. Echos are a interesting way of viewing past events in still form and allows you to visualise some of the various recordings that you are hearing.

The gameplay itself plays quite well and the AI in game is quite intelligent, the number of times I have been  focused and shooting one opponent while being flanked by another is more than I would like to admit, and the variety of their behaviours means that each encounter (even when replaying missions) will vary from what you would previously experienced in the same area. There are a wide variety of event type missions ranging from defending areas or people to collecting objects, or just wiping out all enemies in an area.

Now onto my thoughts, at this stage I have played just under 50 hours, completed the main questline and reached the level cap, but that does not mean that the game is over for me. For example there is still plenty of side missions and objects to collect, and replayable options to go. I am working on building up my weaponry and gear to be a bit more higher levelled. And that is to play the one part of the game I have not really taken the time to play before now – Dark Zone.

Though I have only spent a little time in the Dark Zone, it plays very similar tot he way it did in the Beta, it is the one place where you can encounter other players, and they can decide to kill you for the loot you carry. Of course you can make the same decision, but whether or not it is worth it to you is for you to decide. Strength in numbers is recommended, and also being in game chat and using the proximity voice, you would be surprised about what you can negotiate and then accomplish with 2 willing squads of 4.

At this stage, I am waiting for the majority of my friends to catch up to my level before jumping into the end game content properly (like challenge modes), but I am really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.

How far have you got? What are your thoughts on the game after less than a week? I would be keen to hear others thoughts on the game.

So my brother and his bride are about to welcome a little bundle into the world any day now, and I am patiently waiting with happy anticipation for them. But doing so, it is reminding me of the build up to the birth of Lolly.

Let me start by saying that when Dee and I first learned she was pregnant, we expected a boy. And when I say expected, there wasn’t any thought given to the possibility that we would have a girl, my family only has boys. We literally walked out of the ultrasound appointment stunned to have been told we were expecting a girl.

Not only were we stunned, but so was the rest of the family, we didn’t have girls. But one thing that was made easy that with all the arguing over the name, we instantly had a girls name we agreed upon.

We went private and had an absolutely amazing doctor, but for the timing, she was going on holidays on Lolly’s due date (20/6/2008). I still remember the adamant look on Dee’s face when she answered the doctors question of “What are we going to do if you go past your due date?” Dee answered bluntly “I’m not going over”.

We were booked in for 8am on Thursday 19th June 2008. We arrived early and set about making Dee comfortable, whilst we accepted visits from both of our mothers and Dee’s favourite cousin Tam. From there Lolly made us wait all day, until eventually emerging at 9:37pm.

I was lucky enough to get to introduce our tiny daughter to her mother after they had both been cleaned up. My girls stayed at the hospital for a few days and I made the trip there everyday. We got to show off our daughter to friends and family before finally leaving. We arrived as a couple, but left as a family.

Waz and Jess – I wish you all the very best, and hope you have as much joy as our family does.

So I have decided to embark on a new venture. Trying my hand at fiction writing again after more than a decade of ignoring it. The Threshold is my first foray back into it, and at this stage the storyboard is rough, I have a solid idea of where this story is heading.

As always, I welcome comments.

Chapter 1

Hunter Griffin lay next to a small river. This was supposed to be his relaxation time, but he couldn’t relax. The pleasant green environment surrounding him did as little as the quiet chirping of birds. As the faint perfume of flowers reached his nose his muscles tensed refusing to relax. He opened his eyes and looked to his left. A small bilby scratched at the ground with its front paws.

For a small moment Hunter looked relaxed, but instead his arm swung out and snatched up the bilby with lightning reflexes. He focused all his pent up anger and began squeezing the poor mammal.

“Computer end simulation.” A voice commanded.

The river, the greenery and the bilby disappeared. Hunter continued to squeeze, drawing blood from his hands.

“This is ‘sposed to be relaxation time, not suppressed anger relief time.” Hunter just stared at the guard. “Still not talking huh Griffin? If you keep that up, protest or no protest, you’ll end up in a cleansing institute.”

Hunter lead the way back to his cell. He waited at the barred door on the right. “Wrong way Griffin.”The guard stated. I’ve been told to give you time out of your cell. I’ve decided  that if you can’t relax, we’re gonna work some of that aggression out in the exercise yard. There’s no one out there at the moment, so I’ll spot you with the weights.”

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Continue reading “The Threshold” →

So, I love my family, or, at the very least I have strong feelings for them, but this Christmas, I am being selfish.

The past few christmases have been a show of selfishness and frustration for me. From people not properly arranging transport, to people neglecting my parents needs, to complaints about who spent how much on who.

Last year, we were only partially accommodating, as our main focus was time at home with the immediate family, Deanne, Lorelai and myself. For the first christmas in years, Lorelai actually got time to play with her toys on the day, and to quote her, it was “the best christmas ever!”

This, coupled with how horrible and frustrating the previous years had been, has lead to a decision that has displeased a lot of my family, we are spending our christmas at home. We decided we would to go to my parents for a short breakfast, and to Deanne’s parents for a short dinner. The intention being that we get to spend as much time at home as possible, with each other, doing what we want. We informed our parents early, which wasn’t an issue as it was October.

The next step we took on our selfish christmas was to target present buying. We decided that we would indicate to everyone that presents will not be required for our family. We do not expect presents, and people are not to expect presents from us. We felt this was unfair on our nephews and nieces, so have decided to get them small things, but nothing extravagant, or pricey – all done without the intent that people buy for us or our daughter.

The frustrating part of all this is that though we have been upfront and clear, my parents now won’t be home christmas morning anymore. They will be spending it at my brothers, but we are welcome to drive the hour there, stay for a bit and drive an hour home. As nice as the gesture is, it will interrupt our family plans for the day, as we would literally be giving up the entire morning to do so. We look like the villains for saying no, but our plans were made months ago.

We have come to the decision that moving forward, this day is a time for us. Every year we were trying to be accommodating for a fairytale that wasn’t coming true,. In our fairy-tale free house, Lorelai understands that there is no santa and magic reindeers, and that for our family, christmas is the time for the giving of gifts to those we love or are thankful for in our lives. Staying home and keeping it close knit will be the best day for all of us.

Growing up, gaming for me was mostly Sonic the Hedgehog, and Micro-Machines on Sega Megadrive. I would play those games for hours on end, and I was never concerned about the fact I had too many games to play.

These days I struggle, I have a full time job, wife, child, house, reading various articles and documents to keep up to speed in my work, and somehow I have to fit in time for friends and gaming, usually trying to combine the two.

At present I am trying to work through through not only the current release of games, some older ones I have been meaning to get back to as well as regular multiplayer with my mates.

Multiplayer at present is being dominated two nights a week by Destiny and Halo 5. Destiny is pretty much raiding on Thursdays with me gradually relearning Halo Skills on Monday nights (but mostly it’s good to be online with mates). With two dedicated nights for Multiplayer, it doesn’t leave room for other multiplayer games like Star Wars Battlefront…

Campaign wise, my game dedication is suffering, I managed to get Assassin’s Creed Syndicate finished, but at the expense of the continuation of Witcher III, which I sacrificed playing Far Cry 4 and Dragon Age III to play.

This is compounded with the fact that recent additions like Forza 6 and Rise of the Tomb Raider have barely got a look in, while games like Rainbow Six Siege and Fallout 4 will require a significant amount of my time in the near future.

What really gets me about all these games coming out at this time of year, is not only the cost, but the distinct lack of these sorts of games in the early to mid-year time frame. Space to play games and enjoy them before moving onto the next one, free of the risk of spoilers.

Admittedly there is the market for Christmas, but when you have a lull in options in the other end of the year, there is definitely the market for a franchise to benefit from the groups with disposable incomes, or those that like to spread their budgets out.