Mainstream
What Should We Expect from Final Fantasy VII Remake?

This year marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most celebrated games of all time: Square Enix‘s Final Fantasy VII. It is the greatest-selling game in the role-playing series history to date, having sold 11 million copies since its launch on PlayStation in 1997; and is heralded as an influential title within the gaming industry, through its dynamic cut scenes, Hollywood budget, cinematic storytelling, and its solidification of the JRPG as a popular genre in the West. Now, with a high definition remake in the works, a project that longtime fans have been salivating over for years, it is worth looking at what we can expect from this reimagined version, and how it could possibly reinvent an all time classic for the better.
Battle System
Source: Game Storm it via Twitter
At the PlayStation Experience in 2015, footage was presented that showcased Final Fantasy VII Remake’s new battle system. The game’s battle mechanics, as well as its exploration, are to take place in real time, rather than through the Active Time Battle system of the original. The 1997 title used turn-based mechanics similar to the previous entries, but utilised three party members at any one time, rather than the traditional four. The Materia system was also implemented, which allowed skills to customised and tailored to each of the chosen characters. While skills, weapons, and items will remain interchangeable in the remake, the real-time of the battles themselves will be similar those in either the Disney-owned Kingdom Hearts series, or the more recent Final Fantasy XV, and will have unique abilities depending on your chosen play style.
Players will have direct control over either Cloud or one of his other party members; a trend in gaming that seen Japanese titles becoming more Westernised, freer, and more streamlined in terms of controls. The success of the likes of Mass Effect and The Elder Scrolls has no doubt had a great effect on Japanese attitudes towards combat and gameplay freedom, as the former has sold over 10 million units across the original trilogy, while the ESO’s fifth installment alone has sold over 18 million copies alone. The recent success of Western role-playing games has been entirely influential, with Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, FFXV and now FFVII Remake changing course to meet Western gameplay demands.
Story
Source: Comic Book NOW via Twitter
Another huge overhaul expected is the presentation of the game’s story. Despite the original title having been extremely cinematic for its day, with sweeping camera angles, evocative shots and a compelling narrative rounding out a list of stellar features, Remake is set to reinterpret this story for a more modern audience. Character models will be redesigned with more realism in mind, and a full voice cast is to replace the text-only speech of the original. This focus on a more natural presentation of the story goes hand in hand with mature gaming sensibilities, as titles like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Heavy Rain, have found success through seamless emotive storytelling.
World-building/Environmental Realism
Source: GameCrate via Twitter
Realism will also abound in terms of Remake’s environments, as trailers and demos have revealed high-definition, open-world locations. Final Fantasy VII originally had a number of open areas, but they were limited by technology, with static, pre-rendered backgrounds making up the majority of the environments. Final Fantasy XV has obviously had a profound impact on the development of Remake, with Tetsuya Nomura, the Final Fantasy series’ prolific director stating that the team wants to use the environment to express character through scenery.
One such location from the original Final Fantasy VII that should receive a massive remodelling is the Gold Saucer, an amusement park that served as a hub for mini-games and in-game gambling using its own currency of Gold Points instead of gil. GP can be won throughout games in Golden Square, or through Chocobo races, and can be used to play other games or to cash in for prizes. Looking at the way online casinos operate today, we can definitely find some similarities. BetWay Casino has a points program that works similarly, in that it rewards you for playing different games on the website. “Plus Points” are a redeemable currency, except that instead of winning potions, phoenix downs, and ethers, you can earn VIP trips, and even invites to worldwide sporting events. The similarities between Gold Saucer and reality don’t stop there, however, as Chocobo Racing allows you to bet on a number of races, through an observation screen, much like the betting section on Horse Racing News UK, meaning that your racer of choice must be carefully selected depending on their specific skill set. Players, therefore, act as the breeders, trainers and jockeys for their chocobos, increase their ranks and then earn more GP as a result.
The impetus to include Gold Saucer, and to make it as authentic to the online casino or sporting experience as possible, should be a prime concern for Square Enix; according to the Gambling Commission as of the 4.5 billion generated online in 2015 in the UK, 2.6 billion came from casino games, and 1.6 billion came from betting. This sizeable market needs to be satisfied going forward, and Remake has the potential to bring in a huge number of new Final Fantasy fans, even those that wouldn’t traditionally think of themselves as casino gamers.
And isn’t that the most important reason of all to continue making FFVII Remake? Constructing a fine product, that satisfies the needs of the 21st-century gamer, a new generation, all while harkening back to the tale that engrossed so many at the time of its original release. Combat, mini-games, graphics and world-building have become more detailed since then, and we should expect an experience that encompasses all to the highest possible standard. Cloud’s salty demeanor, sword-wielding attacks and, above all, his signature blonde-tipped spikes, should craft feelings of awe from the very first moment of play.
What else are you expecting from Final Fantasy VII Remake? Did I miss anything? Give your answers a shout out in the comments below!
Mainstream
How Long Is an NBA Basketball Game?

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

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.
Basketball Arcade Games: Why Get One for Your Home?
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

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.
The Best Basketball Games for IOS
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

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

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.
-
Guides5 years ago
6 Proven Ways to Get more Instagram Likes on your Business Account
-
Mainstream6 years ago
How to Buy Property & Safe Houses in GTA 5 (Grand Theft Auto 5)
-
Mainstream10 years ago
BioWare: Mass Effect 4 to Benefit From Dropping Last-Gen, Will Not Share Template With Dragon Age: Inquisition
-
Casual1 year ago
8 Ways to Fix Over-Extrusion and Under-Extrusion in 3D Printing
-
Mainstream12 years ago
Guild Wars 2: The eSports Dream and the sPvP Tragedy
-
Uncategorized4 years ago
Tips To Compose a Technical Essay
-
Guides12 months ago
Explore 15 Most Popular Poki Games
-
iOS Games2 years ago
The Benefits of Mobile Apps for Gaming: How They Enhance the Gaming Experience