In this episode I will be looking at (and also talking about) the Apollo game Infiltrate, which is kind of like a dumbed down Elevator Action for our Atari 2600. I don't have an exact date for the next game yet, but it will be tron Deadly Discs by M Network and will come out in January. If you have any Christmas memories that you would like to submit to the 6th annual Christmas show, please send them to me by the end of the day on December 16th. Also, I will be announcing a date and time for when Sarah and I will do a livestream of all the games I covered this year. If you are feeling charitable, please consider donating to my or my friends' Extra Life campaign. You can donate until the end of the year, every little bit will help kids who are sick. Please check the links below to donate. Thank you all so much for listening!
Please donate to my Extra Life campaign!
Sean's Extra Life page
Andrew's Extra Life page
Rick's Extra Life page
Bryce's Extra Life page
Marc's Extra Life page
Infiltrate on Random Terrain
Ed Salvo interview by Scott Stilphen
Infiltrate (Blue) on Atarimania
No Swear Gamer 492 - Infiltrate
Website Updates, Part 3
While updating my website build process over the past week (part 1, part 2), I decided I should also revisit my page layouts. Last year, I started learning about responsive design, studied the theory, and implemented it on my site. I converted 514 out of around 600 pages, and said "The rest are either unimportant or impractical to convert." Of the ones I didn't convert, some were in a 450px width and most in a 600px width. I wanted to see if I could convert the 450px pages to 600px at least.
Although I had abandoned Python lxml for building my website, it turned out to be useful for analyzing my website. I had 12 pages using width=450, 80 pages with width=600, and 183 pages with width=flex. (This is not counting 439 blog posts that use width=flex but in a "compatibility" mode.) I went through the 450px pages, intending to convert them to 600px if reasonable, and … it turned out all of them could be converted to a responsive layout relatively easily. Hooray! That means I no longer need to support the 450px layout. I removed it from my CSS and XHTML build script.
I was feeling optimistic, so I decided to visit some of those 600px pages to see if I could convert them. One after another, I was able to convert them without too much effort. I was feeling pretty good! There were some pages that had complex layouts that I wasn't able to convert easily, so I left them in 600px format.
The next step was a little more tricky. I wanted to unify two of my CSS styles. Let me explain visually. For the first 23 years of my web site, I used a container with a fixed width (450px or 600px) to enclose the content (paragraphs, diagrams, etc.):
section { width: 600px; }
…
…
…
For the flexible layout I designed last year, in large part because of articles on distill.pub, I changed to a system where the container would be full width, and each individual paragraph/diagram/etc. would have a width:
section > * { width: 600px; }
…
…
…
This allows me to make some diagrams wider:
…
…
…
I wanted to convert all of my pages to have this flexibility. I was feeling overly confident and optimistic so I decided to just do it. It turns out this broke a lot of my pages. The reason? The CSS rule
section { width: 600px; }
only applies to block elements. Over the years, I had been careless, putting inline elements on the page without putting them inside a block. The main offenders: img, canvas, svg, but I also had places where I had text without a container.
This is where Python's lxml came in handy. I read every page in, parsed it, and found all children of the container. Then I printed out all the places where I had inline elements:
children = bxml.xpath('//section/*') for child in children: if child.tag not in ('figure', 'p', 'div', 'ul', 'ol', 'dl', 'pre', 'blockquote', 'address', 'hr', 'h2', 'h3', 'h4', 'table', 'style', 'script', 'noscript', 'footer'): print(bxml_filename, ' ', str(child)[:40])
Very handy! Once I had the list, I was able to go through each of these pages and fix the layout on each of the 80 pages. That took a while but it simplified the CSS I have to support going forwards, and it also gives me more flexibility in the layout.
Since I was going through all these pages anyway, I looked to see how much work they would be to convert to the responsive layout. Surprisingly, a lot of them were easy to convert! So I converted 73 of the 80 pages.
Now I had only 7 pages left that were using the fixed width layout. And I was feeling optimistic and productive. So I decided to try converting them.
The last few pages took a lot longer. They had tricky layouts, often involving overlapping elements, absolute positioning, iframes, etc. But I felt like I was so close to being able to drop the legacy layout that I spent the time to convert these pages. So I did!
I've converted the entire site to be responsive. Hooray!
Now I can remove all the old CSS rules, and only have a single set of CSS rules for all the pages.
Well, kind of. Some of my templates still insert an extra <div> under <section> as a "compatibility mode". These pages work with the new CSS, and have variable width, but they don't allow for the flexible layouts. That's ok. There's always more to do! I'm happy with how much I got done this week.
Update [2019-03-08] I had nearly 500 pages using the "compatibility mode", mostly blog posts, but also output from emacs org mode. Over the past week I went through them and converted them to not require it. I think I am finished with this major update!
The Train Travels From Afar
Trains have fascinated me ever since I was a child. Growing up in the American Midwest, I often counted freight cars while we waited at crossings in our small town. My parents gave me a starter model railroad set for a Christmas present when I was 6, and my father and I worked on it together well into my teenage years. When I moved to Germany after University, I was able to renew my love for trains with my own sons, whether riding the high speed rail across the country, or visiting Berlin's Transportation Museum or Hamburg's Miniature Wonderland model railroad. I even bought them wooden train sets while they were still babies, in anticipation of the time they would be old enough to build elaborate tracks covering our living room floor.
It is not surprising, then, that I have worked on many different game designs with this theme. The core idea for "The Train Travels From Afar" originated from the fun of watching model trains, and guessing where they would go next by following the tracks ahead of them. And the twisting tracks that form the completed board at the end of the game also resemble our apartment floor after building wooden train tracks with my sons all afternoon.
The game was developed while my family spent one year in the United States. We enjoy living in Berlin, and my sons were born here, but we do miss our families who still live in America. This was a rare opportunity for all of us to spend Christmas together.
For my two nieces, I would often send them German board games as Christmas presents, and sometimes I designed games especially for them. This time I decided I wanted to develop my train game for them.
After 6 months of development, I finished the prototype. My nieces opened the gift on Christmas Day, and we played the game constantly for the rest of the holidays. They even offered some tips on how to make the game better.
Naturally, I added the game to my portfolio of game designs which I offer to publishers, including Polish book publisher Nasza Księgarnia. It is exciting for me to have a new publishing partnership with NK, and, of course, to see the game professionally produced. I can't wait to give the new game to my nieces.
In the game, players compete to be the first one to get their trains to the most valuable stations, while also scoring for long, looping routes. Each player has her own "frame" game board and a set of tiles with tracks. In every round, you draw one tile, place it in your play area and move all trains that are connected to the new track. Be careful not to crash them! You score 1 point for every tile crossed by each train, and looping through tiles multiple times can help your score. Additionally, the farthest stations are the most valuable--until the first trains arrive. Each delivery decreases the value of a station, so you may have to change your plans in the middle of your journey if an opponent reaches you initial destination first!
$1000 Budget PC Build March 2013
$1000 Budget PC Build March 2013
Original Budget PC Build Article: http://newbcomputerbuild.com/newb-computer-build-home/march-2013-gaming-pc-builds/#build2
This $1000 gaming pc build will be able to play games most games at highest settings with resolutions of 1920x1080 and 2560x1600 at high - medium settings.
This $1000 gaming pc build will be able to play games most games at highest settings with resolutions of 1920x1080 and 2560x1600 at high - medium settings.
Gaming PC Build Recipe:
All hardware is linked to Amazon.com – You Can also try Amazon.ca (CANADA) • Amazon.co.uk (UK) Newegg.com (US) • Newegg.ca (CANADA) Scorptec.com.au(AUS) pccasegear.com (AUS) to shop for these parts.
| Estimated Price: $993 |
The Hardware
Intel Core i5 3570K Processor 3.4 4 BX80637I53570K Price: $214.99
Like most processors this month, the Intel 3570K processor still holds strong as the processor of choice for Medium to High end gaming PC builds.
This is the current mainstream high end gamer processor. The Intel 35070K is included in both the higher end and mid range gaming pc builds of the month. This processor is easily overclocked and perfect for all hardware enthusiasts and gamers alike.
The Intel Core i5-3570K has four cores and an unlocked multiplier that allows you to freely adjust the frequency – overclocking made easy! Note: if you plan on overclocking please consider buying an after market CPU cooler such as the Cooler Master Evo 212 included in the Hardware Suggestions section for this $1000 build.
| Intel Core i5-3570K | 4 cores | 3.4 GHz clock speed (3.8GHz Turbo) | LGA 1155 Socket |
Product Details: *From Intel
| Essentials | |
| Status | Launched |
| Launch Date | Q2'12 |
| Processor Number | i5-3570K |
| # of Cores | 4 |
| # of Threads | 4 |
| Clock Speed | 3.4 GHz |
| Max Turbo Frequency | 3.8 GHz |
| Intel® Smart Cache | 6 MB |
| Bus/Core Ratio | 34 |
| DMI | 5 GT/s |
| Instruction Set | 64-bit |
| Instruction Set Extensions | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX |
Embedded Options Available | No |
| Lithography | 22 nm |
| Max TDP | 77 W |
AS Rock LGA1155 DDR3 SATA3 USB3.0 Quad CrossFireX and Quad SLI A GbE ATX Motherboard Z77 EXTREME4 Price: $134.99
Back to the AsRock EXTREME4 this month as its price has subsided back down to around $134, good news! I have used this motherboard several times in the months builds and with good reason. This will support every piece of hardware comfortably in this build, leaves plenty of room for upgrades and can nicely overclock the Intel 3570K processor.Product Details:
- CPU: LGA1155; Supports 2nd/3rd Generation Intel Core i7/ i5/ i3 Processor; Supports Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology; Supports Hyper-Threading Technology
- Chipset: Intel Z77
- Memory: 4X DDR3-2800+(OC)/2400(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/1333/1066 DIMM Slots, Non-ECC, Unbuffered, Dual Channel, Maxi Capacity up to 32GB
- Slots: 2X PCI-Express 3.0 X16 Slots (runs at X8), 2 X PCI Express 2.0 X1 Slots, 2 X PCI Slots
- SATA: 4X SATA3 Ports (one connector is shared with eSATA3 port), Two Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10; 4X SATA2 Ports, Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10
- Ports: 8X USB 2.0 Ports (2 rear, 6 via header); 6X USB 3.0 Ports (4 rear,?2 via header); 1X PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port; 1X?VGA Port; 1X DVI Port; 1X Optical SPDIF Out Port; 1X HDMI Port; 1X eSATA3 Port; 1X RJ45 LAN Port; Audio I/O Jacks
- Power Connector: 1X 24-Pin ATX Main Power Connector, 1X 8-Pin 12V Power Connector
Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB DDR5 HDMI / DVI-I / Dual Mini DP with Boost PCI-Express Graphics Card 11196-16-20G Price: $302.00
The "Boost" version of the Radeon HD 7950 3GB graphics card. Essentially it is a manufactured overclocked card so you do not have to do it yourself to risk messing anything up or voiding any warranty. I had initially stuck a PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 here, but prices have finally dropped again for the Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 Boost card, so here you go!You will be able to play most if not all games at max settings at 1920×1080 resolutions and will even play well if you have a super high resolution monitor at 2560×1600.
Technical Details:
Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit for Core i3, i5, i7 and Platforms SDRAM CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 Price: $47.98
A nice change in RAM to the Corsair Vengeance series packages of 8GB (2x4GB) package of RAM. RAM prices have increased overall this month and this is the best punch of memory for the price. - Technical Details:
- 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 for AMD, Intel Dual processors and upcoming 2nd Generation Intel Core platforms
- Speed: 1600MHz
- Timing: 9-9-9-24
- Voltage: 1.5V
- Vengeance heat spreader for styling and performance
Western Digital 1 TB WD Blue SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive Price: $73.52
1TB of hard drive space is a good amount of hard drive space for a $1000 build and the newer line of Western Digital hard drives is a quality drive to takes this place.Product Details
- WD Caviar Blue hard drives have a multitude of features to deliver rock solid performance and ultra-cool and quiet operation.
- 3rd generation SATA interface for 6 GB/s maximum data transfer rates.
- WhisperDrive technology minimizes noise to levels near the threshold of human hearing.
- 1 TB capacity holds up to 200,000 digital photos, 250,000 MP3 files, and 120 hours of HD video.
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Corsair Enthusiast Series 650-Watt 80 Plus Bronze Certified Power Supply Compatible with Core i3, i5, i7 and platforms – TX650 Price: $89.99
A
nice solid 750W PSU that has more then enough juice to power this build. The only instance I would recommend more wattage is if you decide to go Crossfire with this build, but even so you would still be good with 750W.
nice solid 750W PSU that has more then enough juice to power this build. The only instance I would recommend more wattage is if you decide to go Crossfire with this build, but even so you would still be good with 750W.Product Details:
- 80PLUS Bronze certified, delivering up to 85% energy efficiency at real world load conditions.
- Over-voltage and over-current protection, under-voltage protection.
- An ultra-quiet double ball-bearing fan delivers excellent airflow at an exceptionally low noise level.
- High-quality Japanese capacitors provide uncompromised performance and reliability.
- A dedicated single +12V rail offers maximum compatibility with the latest components.
- A five year warranty and lifetime access to Corsair?s legendary technical support and customer service.
- Short circuit protection provide maximum safety to your critical system components.
- The latest ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 standards and it is backward compatible with ATX12V 2.2 and ATX12V 2.01 systems
- Universal AC input from 90~264V. No more hassle of flipping that tiny red switch to select the voltage input!
Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Advanced Gaming Mid Tower Computer Case with Carrying Handles SGC-2100-WWN1-AMZ – Ghost White Price: $109.99
A new case just put out by Cooler Master – The Storm Scout 2 Advanced Gaming Mid Tower PC Case. A very versatile case that is also quite portable. Made with a nice thick steel, plenty of room for further hardware upgrades and a nice sleek look with a white casing and white LEDS.Technical Details:
- Ergonomic steel reinforced carrying handles
- Dual USB 3.0 support for 10x faster file transfer and high current smartphone/tablet charging (~1A)
- Supports up to 3 ODDs (tool-less), 7 HDDs, and 4 SSDs for increased expandability
- Supports up to 9 fans, including two 120mm fans on the acrylic side panel window
- Two pre-installed 120mm white LED fans behind the front mesh panel for optimized airflow
- Dust filters for PSU (slide out) and front panel
- Supports all high-end graphics cards up to 399mm/15.7 inch with the first HDD cage removed
- Top panel LED switch to disable the LEDs of front LED lit case fans at night
Asus 24xDVD-RW Serial ATA Internal OEM Drive DRW-24B1ST (Black) Price: $17.99
Switched the optical drive to an Asus this month since the Lite-On Drives shot up in price. Just your standard DVD drive to get you going!Technical Details
- Drive Type: Internal DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
- Write:DVD+R/-R: 24X DVD+RW/-RW: 8X/6X DVD+R/-R DL: 12X
- Read:DVD+R/-R(Single): 16X DVD+R/-R DL: 12X DVD+RW/-RW(Single): 12X
- DVD-R & DVD-R(DL): DAO/Incremental Recording
- DVD-RW: DAO/Restricted Overwriting/Incremental Recording
- Allows you to permanently delete the data on rewritable discs
- CD-R/RW: DAO/TAO/SAO/Packet Write
- Interface: SATA
- It is a revision of 90-D4CHVV-UB1080
- Power saving drive
- Provides you with flexibility and efficiency in terms of multimedia data storage and sharing
- Random Access Time: DVD – 150ms; CD – 150ms
Getting The Most Out Of eBay
One of the hardest parts of historical wargaming, is that so many good games are out of print. Sometimes as soon as you hear that a game is truly worth owning, or is a breakout hit, it's already sold out. Many times it can be years and years between printings. Paths of Glory went from 2004 to 2010 before being printed again, and the 2010 printing sold out in around 2 years. This is a game considered one of the greatest wargames of all time. The number 2 ranked wargame on BoardGameGeek, behind only Twilight Struggle!
All this necessitates a strong secondary market for wargames. BGG's trades and sales areas are ok. But eBay is where I find most of my games. Over the years, I've learned a few good tricks to avoid overpaying. So here they are.
Read more »
All this necessitates a strong secondary market for wargames. BGG's trades and sales areas are ok. But eBay is where I find most of my games. Over the years, I've learned a few good tricks to avoid overpaying. So here they are.
Read more »
Bonus: Brent Weinbach Vgm Dance Mix Vol. 1
The Legacy Music Hour presents Brent Weinbach's first installment of continuous dance party music comprised of only 8-bit and 16-bit era video game music. No remixes, no covers, no adaptations of...
The Legacy Music Hour was created by Brent Weinbach and Rob F. specifically for the purpose of talking about video game music from the golden age of gaming (16-bit and earlier). 
The Legacy Music Hour was created by Brent Weinbach and Rob F. specifically for the purpose of talking about video game music from the golden age of gaming (16-bit and earlier).
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