Mainstream
A Tomb Raider Revival Is Just Around The Corner – And Here’s Why…
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This month saw the return of E3, the world’s premier event for computer, video and mobile games, to a packed convention centre in Los Angeles. Many of the gamers in attendance were brimming with anticipation at getting a first glimpse of Square Enix’s latest instalment of the Tomb Raider franchise – Shadow Of The Tomb Raider.
Unfortunately for any die-hard Lara Croft fans out there, all that anticipation turned out to be a bit of a damp squib. Compared with previous years, Square Enix had a relatively quiet E3 and chose to announce just one major new game in the form of Life Is Strange: Before The Storm, a prequel to the original Life Is Strange released back in 2015. But while the official unveiling of this new title was met with positive reactions, inevitably much of the talk about Square Enix’s showing turned to the absence of Tomb Raider.
Before we jump straight into what we know about Shadow of the Tomb Raider, let’s take a second to recap the progression of the rebooted series so far…
Two tough acts to follow
If you think back to all the hype surrounding the rebooted Tomb Raider series when it was first announced back in late 2012, it was always going to be difficult to match the momentous impact of the original 90s series released on Playstation. As it turned out, the decision to reconstruct familiar elements from the original and dig deeper into Lara Croft’s backstory, rather than setting out a whole new storyline, proved to be a masterstroke. You’d have to say that 2013’s Tomb Raider lived up to all the hype – and then some.
A couple of years later saw the release of the follow-up, Rise of the Tomb Raider, which was also met with plenty of critical acclaim among gamers and reviewers alike. The second instalment continued to build on the key elements that had made its predecessor so successful, including similar gameplay and adding a fresh variety of environments, combat options and weapons in the process. That can only be a good thing, right?
The game also drew plaudits for its graphic design and characterization of Lara Croft. In fact, if you look at the entire Tomb Raider series as a whole, Rise of the Tomb Raider gives Croft unprecedented depth, humor and self-deprecation, which all serve to make an already beloved character even more endearing.
The truth will out (especially in the digital age)
It used to be the case that major annual events (like E3) were the first place to find out about huge game announcements, and that surprises remained surprises until then. How things change, especially now that people can take upload photos or documents or other leaked materials to the internet within a matter of seconds.
The Tomb Raider franchise seems to have suffered this fate towards the start of November last year, in very similar circumstances to the widely publicised leak of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag a few years back. In both cases, a member of the development team was spotted working on a laptop presentation for the new game on public transport. This time, key details appear to have been captured in a photo taken by a passenger on a Montreal subway train, who sneakily snapped an image of a Powerpoint presentation with full Shadow of the Tomb Raider branding. It’s now widely presumed that this will be the final instalment in the rebooted trilogy.
Of course, it’s always possible that the photo was faked for whatever reason but, as with Black Flag, it’s widely expected that this will soon lead to an official announcement from Square Enix themselves. And that’s not all. Since then there’s been yet another leak, this time by American marketing firm Takeoff LA who recently posted branded logo treatments and a series of storyboard illustrations on their website’s ‘Previous Work’ section as a provisional case study.
The images were hastily taken down, though not before one NeoGAF user managed to capture a high-quality screenshot of the page. Perhaps most intriguing are the illustrations, which give a very strong hint as to where the new game will be set. We can clearly see pyramids in the background, which indicates it could either be Egypt or, as many fans believe due to the shape of the pyramids, Central America.
If you weigh up the consistencies between both separate leaks then it’s hard not to think that Shadow of the Tomb Raider is all but confirmed, albeit unofficially for the time being. It’s also why so many fans were expecting there to be some sort of announcement at E3 this year. Surely before next year?
Getting your Lara Croft fix in the meantime
However you look at it, all the talk around the next game has certainly got us chomping at the bit for some quality Tomb Raider action. While we wait with baited breath for Square Enix to release more details on Shadow of the Tomb Raider (or, in fact, to confirm its existence in the first place) it’s a perfect time to reignite our love affair with Lara Croft across all available platforms – and there are probably more ways to do just that than you might think.
Of course, you could always go back and play the original Playstation series and relive the wonder of locking your butler inside the infamous walk-in fridge. But the franchise has now expanded its reach to almost every conceivable platform, and oversees more spinoff games than ever before.
Fans of iGaming now have the option to combine their affinity for high octane archaeology with quality online casino action. The Lara Croft: Tomb Raider online slots game is a prime example hosted over at Casumo, an online casino known for their regular joining offers. The Tomb Raider slots game combines a standard 5-reel format with mysterious artefacts, deadly tombs and plenty of other elements from the original Eidos Interactive video game series.
Or, as you might expect with the mobile gaming industry currently growing rapidly year after year, there’s a bunch of Tomb Raider spinoffs currently available to download from the Apple and Google app stores. Perhaps the most popular example is Lara Croft Go, an engaging mobile puzzle game that has had plenty of glowing reviews since its release in 2015. Here, players have the opportunity to venture through tombs in search of treasure, and eventually find a way to get back out alive. Again, it fits well as part of the wider Tomb Raider universe, and enables you to get your Lara Croft fix while on the move.
And now we wait…
Even outside of gaming, we were delighted to hear that Warner Bros. have confirmed a new Tomb Raider film already in the making. The film will star Swedish Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander in the leading role, taking over from Angelina Jolie, and focuses on Lara’s search for her father in the years after his disappearance off the coast of Japan. It’s due to be released in 2018, though a precise date has yet to be confirmed.
With so much activity going on in the Tomb Raider camp in general, it’s difficult not to feel that there’s a sense of revival in the air. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, in particular, is shaping up to be a big hit whenever it is released, and it will be interesting to see how the developers choose to sign off the trilogy.
Will we see a darker side to Lara Croft? Will she find out more about her father’s disappearance, or her own origins? Or, heaven forbid, will she decide to give up all this tomb-raiding business once and for all? Hopefully not the latter, but right now all we can do is weigh up all possible eventualities just in case. Whatever happens, it’s going to be very interesting indeed.
Mainstream
How Long Is an NBA Basketball Game?
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Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) is its premier league. For fans and newcomers alike, understanding the structure and duration of an NBA game is essential to fully appreciate the excitement and strategy involved. So, how long is an NBA basketball game? While the answer might seem straightforward, there are several factors that influence the total time.
The Basics: Game Structure
An NBA game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. This means the actual playing time is 48 minutes. However, the total duration of a game is significantly longer due to various stoppages, breaks, and additional rules.
Duration of Professional Basketball Games
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In the NBA, games are divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes, resulting in 48 minutes of actual playing time. However, the total duration of an NBA game is much longer due to various factors:
- Timeouts: Each team is allowed seven timeouts per game, each lasting 75 seconds (with some exceptions for shorter timeouts).
- Fouls and Free Throws: Stoppages for fouls and free throws can add significant time.
- Halftime: A 15-minute break occurs between the second and third quarters.
- Overtime: If the game is tied, 5-minute overtime periods are played until a winner is decided.
On average, an NBA game lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, though games with frequent stoppages or multiple overtimes can extend closer to 3 hours.
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Halftime and Quarter Breaks
In addition to the playing time and stoppages, there are scheduled breaks during the game:
- Quarter Breaks: After the first and third quarters, there is a brief break of about 130 seconds.
- Halftime: The break between the second and third quarters, known as halftime, lasts 15 minutes. This is when teams regroup, and fans often enjoy entertainment or refreshments.
Length of College Basketball Games
College basketball games, governed by the NCAA, have a slightly different structure. Instead of four 12-minute quarters, college games are divided into two 20-minute halves, totaling 40 minutes of playing time. Despite the shorter playing time, college games often last nearly as long as NBA games due to:
- Media Timeouts: These are mandatory stoppages for TV broadcasts, occurring at the first dead ball after the 16-, 12-, 8-, and 4-minute marks in each half.
- Halftime: A 15-minute break separates the two halves.
- Overtime: Like the NBA, college games use 5-minute overtime periods if the score is tied at the end of regulation.
On average, a college basketball game lasts about 2 hours, though this can vary depending on the pace of play and the number of stoppages.
High School Basketball Game Duration
High school basketball games are shorter than both NBA and college games. They are typically divided into four 8-minute quarters, resulting in 32 minutes of playing time. The total duration of a high school game is influenced by:
- Halftime: A 10-minute break occurs after the second quarter.
- Timeouts: Teams are usually allowed a limited number of timeouts, each lasting 60 seconds.
- Overtime: Overtime periods are typically 4 minutes long.
On average, a high school basketball game lasts about 1.5 hours, making it the shortest of the three levels.
Average Duration of an NBA Game
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Taking all these factors into account, the average NBA game lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. However, this can vary depending on the pace of play, the number of fouls, timeouts, and whether the game goes into overtime. Some games, especially those with frequent stoppages or multiple overtimes, can stretch closer to 3 hours.
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Factors Influencing Game Length
Several factors can affect the duration of a basketball game, regardless of the level of play:
- Timeouts: Strategic timeouts, media timeouts (in college and professional games), and mandatory stoppages can extend the game.
- Fouls and Free Throws: Frequent fouls lead to more stoppages and free throws, adding to the total time.
- Instant Replay Reviews: In the NBA and college games, referees may review certain plays, which can delay the game.
- Overtime: Tied games that go into overtime can significantly extend the duration.
- Pace of Play: A fast-paced game with fewer stoppages will be shorter than a slower, more deliberate game.
- Injuries or Delays: Unforeseen events, such as player injuries or technical issues, can also add time.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the length of an NBA game helps fans plan their viewing experience. Whether you’re attending a game in person or watching from home, knowing the approximate duration allows you to set aside enough time to enjoy the full experience. Additionally, the strategic use of timeouts, fouls, and breaks adds layers of complexity to the game, making it as much a mental battle as a physical one.
Conclusion
While the actual playing time of an NBA game is 48 minutes, the total duration typically ranges from 2 to 2.5 hours due to stoppages, breaks, and potential overtime. This extended time frame allows for the strategic depth and entertainment that make NBA basketball so captivating. So, the next time you settle in to watch a game, you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of time commitment—and you’ll appreciate the nuances that make every minute count.
Gaming News
Best Usenet Newsgroups for Gaming
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Usenet newsgroups may seem old-fashioned to many. In reality, they are the perfect place for players who love the classics but are always open to new games and strategies. These internet communities are also ideal for those searching for gaming material, solutions to issues, or a conversation related to their favorite video games. Whether you are an experienced player or entering this domain for the first time, Usenet holds a ton of resources that could change how you interact with the gaming world.
Understanding Usenet Newsgroups
Usenet newsgroups, which include gaming groups, are like message boards. People can post messages and articles in different categories. Each group is a special place for certain topics – this makes it simple to find the subjects you want to read about most. The unique characteristic of Usenet lies in its decentralized structure. This permits a much more open interchange of details and information than what is seen on regular social media platforms or forums.
Initially, Usenet was utilized only for academic and professional exchanges. However, it soon turned into a prevalent method for communicating among hobbyists and gaming groups. Presently, even though Usenet has been surpassed by newer platforms in terms of popularity, it continues to be an important tool for knowledgeable users who value its special mix of staying anonymous with fast communication. Knowledgeable users also love access to vast archives containing historical information and software applications that are no longer available elsewhere on the Internet.
Top Usenet Newsgroups for Mobile Games
comp.mobile.games
This is a fresh group dedicated to discussions about mobile games and related technology matters within the industry. Here, you can find conversations about the coding aspects of creating games for mobile devices, like new updates in platforms or fresh game engines being used for development purposes.
rec.games.mobile
The perfect place for people who play games on their mobile devices as a hobby. Here, users talk about strategies, tricks and discuss game evaluations. This group is also suitable for those who are not serious gamers but like to connect with others and discuss playing strategies.
alt.games.mobile
In this newsgroup, users often discuss gaming fixes and give each other suggestions. It is also the go-to place for gamers and die-hard fans that wish to find each and every detail of the game they love to play.
Best Newsgroups for Video Game Discussions
Newsgroups such as alt.games.video and rec.games.video.arcade have lively communities where gamers often engage in exchanges and conversations. These forums are not only for resolving gaming issues or writing reviews; they are centers of enthusiastic discussion regarding gaming culture, strategy, and creation process. Be it the latest RPGs, energetic shooters or old-school arcade games – there is always a thread bustling with discussion.
In these threads, not only will you encounter a variety of views from across the globe, but you may also land on gaming tricks and shortcuts that are lesser known. For those who are new, remember that every group has its own tone and rules. Lurking for a while should help you understand community norms and ensure your contributions are accepted.
Specialized Gaming Newsgroups
Specialized newsgroups are designed for particular gaming communities. They provide a discussion environment that is more centered and focused. These groups are ideal for users who really love a particular game and want to explore it in great depth.
The benefit of these specific groups is their collection of very particular details. Gamers who are part of such a group often exchange unique things like custom mods or skins, and offer advice on how to make gameplay more efficient and fun.
Tips for Using Usenet Newsgroups for Gaming
To enter Usenet, you will first need to pick a provider that is well-known for security, high retention rates and fast speed. To make the right pick, it is a good idea to get the rankings for the best Usenet providers. Next, get advanced newsreader software, as this will allow you to browse through newsgroups easily and manage your activities effectively.
Focus on newsgroups related to gaming and participate in discussions matching your interests to find gaming buddies. Also, make sure that you follow the netiquette of each group while doing so. Utilize newsreader software functions like filters and automation to keep things simple.
Conclusion
Usenet, at first sight, can appear as a choice for oldies or people that have not yet acclimated to social media platforms and forums. However, its distinct characteristics make it very useful for all kinds of gamers. If you are searching for uncommon information, looking for detailed conversations or wish to join a community that matches with your specific interests; Usenet is surely the place for you. Jump in to see how Usenet can add another element of fun to your gaming experiences!
Casual
Encouraging Growth and Motivation: Resources for Child Development
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Child development is a complex journey marked by critical milestones where each stride forward builds upon the foundation of the previous one. Acknowledging children’s individual needs, pediatric therapy services tailor strategies to foster physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. To support this transformative process, environments that prompt curiosity and engagement, coupled with advanced educational tools, play an instrumental role in shaping young minds. These resources, carefully selected and applied, can significantly amplify a child’s developmental trajectory. Keep reading to learn about the effective ways these tools and techniques can aid in advancing childhood milestones.
Pediatric Therapy Services: Enhancing Developmental Milestones
Pediatric therapy services support children as they reach and surpass developmental milestones. These services, often provided by skilled therapists, address various growth challenges, ensuring each child has the best possible start in life. From speech and occupational therapy to physical and behavioral interventions, these professionals tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of every young patient.
Therapists work relentlessly to motivate children, fostering an environment where milestones are not merely achieved but celebrated. Through personalized, one-on-one sessions, children gain the confidence and skills necessary to navigate their developmental journeys more easily. The trust between therapist and child is a solid foundation for consistent progress and paves the path for lifelong learning and adaptation.
Resource provision is a key component of pediatric therapy, equipping parents with the tools to continue therapy practices at home. Effective communication between therapists and families ensures a cohesive strategy that envelops the child’s daily routine, enhancing the therapy’s impact. It also allows parents to identify subtle progress, reinforcing their pivotal role in the child’s developmental success.
If you’re looking for pediatric therapy in your area, a simple Google search like “pediatric therapy Arizona” will help you find local providers and services tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring they receive the specialized care necessary for their development.
Optimizing Play Spaces: Creating Environments for Learning and Exploration
Optimized play spaces are vital platforms where children engage with their world, build skills, and unleash their creativity. Designers of such areas pay astute attention to elements that promote safe exploration and intellectual stimulation. A thoughtfully arranged play environment serves as a place of entertainment and a crucible for burgeoning development.
Professionals incorporate a variety of tactile and visual stimuli within play areas to cater to diverse developmental needs and interests. Stimulating sensory experiences is central to cognitive and motor skill refinement among younger populations. The intentional selection of colors, textures, and interactive features sparks curiosity and encourages physical activity, which is fundamental to healthy growth.
Accessibility remains paramount in creating play spaces, ensuring they cater to children across all abilities. Including adaptive resources within these environments demonstrates a commitment to inclusive development, allowing every child to participate and benefit from the joy and learning play offers. Such inclusiveness fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for emotional and social development.
Affording children autonomy in their play advances self-directed learning and problem-solving capabilities. When children feel empowered to make choices within their play, they better understand their preferences and abilities, setting the stage for confidence and self-awareness — qualities that are instrumental as children grow and transition through life’s stages.
Additionally, incorporating elements like fake plants or outdoor plants from retailers like Nearly Natural outdoor plants into play spaces can enhance children’s sensory and aesthetic experience.
Interactive Learning Tools: Technology and Resources for Cognitive Development
Interactive learning tools harness technology’s power to solidify children’s cognitive development. These digital resources provide an array of engaging, educational content that aligns with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Software and applications designed for children’s learning capitalize on the allure of multimedia to capture young minds. Effective education solutions provide children with stimulating challenges that are age-appropriate and aligned with developmental targets.
The discerning use of educational technology in classrooms and homes can reinforce concepts and skills taught through traditional methods. It creates a harmonious blend of instruction and interactive play, thereby cementing a child’s understanding and retention of information.
Providers of such educational platforms are ever vigilant, updating content to reflect new educational strategies and the latest academic research. Thus, children equipped with these technological tools remain at the vanguard of current learning methodologies, all while engrossed in fun and dynamic ways.
Overall, caregivers and educators can provide comprehensive support for children’s developmental journeys by integrating pediatric therapy services, optimized play spaces, and interactive learning tools. These resources nurture their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth and cultivate a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
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