Though perhaps rational economically, the transition to pure 'in-game' engine storytelling represents a real loss for certain game genres like strategy games where in-game engine often won't be as good for storytelling. And human faces amidst alien settings can bring a unique, campy energy!

Absolutely. Improved graphics for telling stories in game engine partly explain FMV disappearance but era also reflected early enthusiasm for bringing cinematic elements into all kinds of games. Of course, outcomes were rocky. But at there best they were great story rewards for progressing in games!

I unironically loved 1990s era of awkwardly live-acted FMV cutscenes in videogames. (Command & Conquer another famous exponent!) Reviewers panned it mercilessly, and it's gone now 100%, ha ha. A sad thing for my low tastes!

Sure I don't think it's fair to make that assumption, especially from a 2017 film. No need to assume enemies without real evidence, there are afterall plenty out there loud & proud about terrible views. His SW films were targeted by Russian bots btw! (Apparently some were pro General Hux living?!)

Oh, I don't support that assertion at all unless there's some proof (wtf does Univerisity of SC have to do with it?) I like Rian Johnson's films! I'm just fine criticizing some aspects of TLJ, which I still think is the best sequel film.

One more thought re: anti-mil-industry complex theme in TLJ. It's historical for post-war surplus equipment from both sides to be dealt by amoral 3rd-party dealers. But it's worth noting the X-Wing's builder Incom in-universe history had a company board that defected to the rebels!

To clarify, I'm generally pro-Rian and thought TLJ was the strongest & boldest of the sequel series. Even if it also completed mangling of original Star Wars setting (begun in Ep7) by undoing/undermining everything built by the original characters.

Hmm, I agree bad guy voices this view & 'the kill the past' view, but it feels that rhetoric is supported by other elements of the film, while opposing views aren't clearly enunciated/supported thematically. Also many reviewer felt 'kill the past' + 'anti-all war' were underlying themes of the film.

While I'm very pro Parks & Rec and its vibe & think the 'neoliberal' claim is beyond stupid, I think its circa 2008 spirit of optimism about human nature, progress ability to reach across party lines etc. can feel frustrating when contrasted with direction country has gone since it concluded.

A few highlights. 1) Gripens are super cheap to operate (but not to buy) 2) Kyiv says it's still trying to get Rafales, new F-16s and Gripen-C/Ds too! 3) Not stealth fighters. But have many useful tricks with radar, electronic warfare. 4) Can use Meteor, deadliest air-to-air missile available. 2/2

Yeah--I do find the aspect of post-blast decision-making more stressful to consider. At what time is it wise to leave a sheltered area, and how does one do so while avoiding worse irradiation? Choices to be made under communication-denied circumstances, at least initially.

There's an informative web-based tool for estimating the sobering death toll of an individual nuclear airburst (yield determined by user) targeting a given location on the planet. For morbid self-edification you can figure out survival rates in your neighborhood! 2/2 nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/

The Dungeons and Dragons film!

The same company that devised Ghost Shark furthermore has devised a torpedo-like UUV designed for launch by UUVs! insideunmannedsystems.com/anduril-unve...

Just inexplicable! Right after winning the series too!

The Marine Corps began 'dronification' earlier, and is moving ahead with VTOL logistic aircraft, various platoon and battalion level ISR UAVs and loitering munitions, Neros FPVs, and MQ-58B Valkyrie jets for SEAD. EVERY service also spending around large sums on counter-UAS systems. 5/5

The Navy's unmanned programs are troubled. Both Orca mine-laying drone subs and carrier-based MQ-25 Stingray tanker behind schedule; ISR UASs canceled or old/vulnerable; and 'Ghost Fleet' LUSV plans scrapped and reformulated. Did successfully introduce mine countermeasure USVs though! 4/5

The Army is the service most comprehensively transforming with small drones integrated from squad/platoon to brigade level, including some Ukraine style low-cost FPV drones (PBAS). Also progress on ground logistic UGVs, loitering munitions. 3/5

A few highlights. A lot of prior cornerstone unmanned programs were canceled: FTUAS for Army Brigades, LUSVs for 'Ghost Fleet', RCV ground combat vehicles. The move-fast-break things crew wants 'agile' replacement with off-the-shelf industry solutions rather than R&D for platforms made to spec. 2/5