Zemalf's Haven

2016-02-09

XCOM 2 Series 1

Let's Play XCOM 2, Series 1

My first, blind, playthrough of XCOM 2.
Playlist : Let's Play XCOM 2, Series 1

Screenshot: Snipers taking care of business.

XCOM 2 Playthrough
Difficulty: Commander
Played as Ironman (No reloading, only save & quit)

The first part on the playlist is an intro to the series and game's tutorial (+ game's story introduction), and the second part is the first actual mission. I had some recording issues in the first videos, so parts 1 & 2 are quite choppy with bad framerate, but it's all fixed in part 3, where the XCOM 2 LP really begins.

Screenshot: Irina Volkova and Mr.Odd ready for action.

XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactical video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux. It was released February 5 2016. XCOM 2 serves as a sequel to 2012's reboot of the series, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and takes place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, following the continuity that XCOM lost the war.

Screenshot: Taking care of

2014-04-14

Links to Current Let's Plays, Schedule, Livestreaming

My current LPs and livestreaming schedule can always be found from the let's play -page. Here are some quick links:

Schedule can also be found from my channel's about-tab and the let's play -page (schedule) here on the blog.

(Edit: Links to the current schedule. Originally posted for April 2014.)

2013-08-26

Skyrim Roleplay Series 2

Slow-paced, "serious" roleplay with Ulik Enakis, a Dunmer miner, who's life takes a drastic turn in the cold, harsh land of Skyrim.

Introducing: Ulik Enakis

Ulik Enakis is a Dunmer miner, who's life takes a drastic turn in the cold, harsh land of Skyrim.

Ulik has a wife, Liliah, and two children, Sherelle and Ulpar. Ulik and his family live in Helgen, although Ulik is there only once and a while as he earns gold working at the various mines around Skyrim.

Ulik has been in Skyrim for about 30 years. Before that he worked at the Ebony Mine in Raven Rock, Solstheim. When the mining at Raven Rock slowed down, Ulik and his newly wed wife moved to Skyrim where they found their home in Helgen.

Ulik has never been a religious man, but he, like most Dunmers, followed the ways of the New Temple in his time in Morrowind, the streets of Blacklight where he was born, and in Solstheim too. The years in Skyrim have diluted him from Azura, Mephala and Boethiah, and he has found himself praying on same gods as his fellow Nord miners.

Ulik loves his wife and his family, he's loyal to those who earn his trust, but there are not many who have. He doesn't shy away from lying, stealing and cheating if needed and it has gotten him into trouble more than once. He's had his share of drunken brawls with other miners and patron's of the local inns, and not all without casulties.

One man thought he'd better kill Ulik than to have another game of chance with him. The man thought Ulik would be an easy target, with his blind eye on the left, but he didn't know that Ulik could see very well with the eye and when the man realized that, he already had a dagger in his back.

For the last several months, Ulik has been mining at the Left Hand Mine in Markarth, making coin for himself and his family. On his way back to his family, taking a ride from a Khajiit caravan driver he met at an inn, he got ambushed by a group of bandits and was left for dead.

And this is where our story begins...

Watch the intro trailer on YouTube: Skyrim Roleplay, Series 2 (Intro Cinematic)

- See full bio, stats and journal at: Ulik Enakis @ElderStats

Image drawn by Sziszyke (Source)

Skyrim Roleplay, Series 2: Ulik Enakis

Let's Play Skyrim (Modded) [Roleplay] w/ Zemalf [HD] [1080p]

Slow-paced, "serious" roleplay with Ulik Enakis, a Dunmer miner.

GAMEPLAY / CLASS

Ulik is not limited to any specific "class" or a set of skills as the game goes on, but his combat style leans towards sneaky, stealthy style (Archer / Nightblade / Assassin / Thief) where applicable.

This let's play is *not* DiD (Dead is Dead) and will go through the Main Quest (MQ) and the Dragonborn DLC. Elements of the Dawnguard and Hearthfire DLCs might be featured, but they're not the focus of this series. The commentary of this series is a mix of in-character (playing a role) and "normal" commentary.

Difficulty: Master (Difficulty customized to "challenging and fun" via mods, changed if needed)

CHARACTER: http://www.elderstats.com/character/3664/

Skyrim Roleplay Playlists

PLAYLIST
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvqxe4XbcSiFUJXGgj26Z5NTv4f-CBUth

PLAYLIST SHORTLINK (Share with friends!): http://goo.gl/qSkQPx

SKYRIM ROLEPLAY SERIES 1, Pure Mage: http://goo.gl/fHP26D
BOOKS OF SKYRIM (Reading): http://goo.gl/8MT3uh

MODS

Over 300 mods, texture packs and utilities, including S.T.E.P. 2.2.6 (a selection of mods, mostly visuals and small, but important tweaks).

You can the full mod list here: http://goo.gl/qRBlZP

And the load order here: http://pastebin.com/vzkJa1Bi

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is published and designed by Bethesda Softworks. It's available on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC 2011. http://www.elderscrolls.com/skyrim/

If you enjoy let's plays like this and would like to see more then please subscribe!

Visit my channel for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/TheZemalf
Subscribe to get notified about my new episodes: http://goo.gl/ObQSG

2013-05-30

Let's Play Rome: Total War (Greek Cities)

Let's Play Rome: Total War [RTW] [Greek Cities] [Short] [VH/VH]

Greek City State Campaign.

Playlist: Rome: Total War LP, Greek Cities

Short URL for the playlist (Share with friends!): http://goo.gl/DVTWI

Faction: The Greek Cities
Campaign Length: Short
Campaign Difficulty: Very Hard
Battle Difficulty: Very Hard

No Mods.

Rome: Total War (RTW) is a PC strategy game, with a game of turn-based strategic rounds and real-time tactically-oriented battles, developed by The Creative Assembly and released on 22 September 2004 by Activision. The Mac OS X version of the game was released on 5 February 2010 by Feral Interactive. The game is the third title in The Creative Assembly's Total War series.

2013-05-02

Let's Play Cataclysm: DDA

Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead is an open source zombie-survival roguelike.

You can find out more and download the game for free from the official website...

Website: http://www.cataclysmdda.com/
Wiki: http://wiki.cataclysmdda.com/
Source (GitHub): https://github.com/TheDarklingWolf/Cataclysm-DDA

Let's Play Cataclysm: DDA

Watch the Trailer:

Watch the Trailer on YouTube: Let's Play Cataclysm: DDA Trailer
Watch the Part 1 on YouTube: Let's Play Cataclysm: DDA - Part 1

Playlist (All Episodes)

Watch the playlist on YouTube: Let's Play Cataclysm: DDA v0.4

Short URL for the playlist (Share with friends!): http://goo.gl/pksog

LP & Game Info

Options

Skill Rust: 1 (capped at level)
Static Spawns: True
Width 46
Height 41

FONTDATA

Topaz-8 (download the font)
12
12

Screen size ~1800x1000, scaled to 1280x720 for YouTube.

Series 1 Character (v0.4)

Stats: STR 8 / DEX 10 / INT 8 / PER 11
Positive Traits: Quick, Fast Reader, High Adrenaline
Negative Traits: Far-Sighted, Asthmatic
Profession: -
Starter Skills: -

You can find this let's play and more gaming videos from my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/TheZemalf - Click Here to Subscribe on YouTube!

2013-03-21

The Price of Alpha

I think Prison Architect and Kerbal Space Program are taking indie dev & alpha funding to the wrong direction.

The Price of Alpha - or How Much We Should Pay for Indie Games and/or Alpha Versions?

As of 21st of March 2013, Kerbal Space Program costs €22 (~$28) and Prison Architect costs €26 (~$33) via Steam Early Access)

When KPS costs nearly as much as ArmA 3 Alpha and Prison Architect more than (!) ArmA 3, I think the alpha funding and indie developers are taking turn for the worse.

But on the other hand: it's not the fool who asks...

And Introversion made a million with Prison Architect already :/

Steam's ingeniousness with currency conversion $1 = €1 makes things even more expensive for us using Euro; 25 dollar game costs €25 for us = over 32 dollars.

This makes KSP €22 in Steam, which kinda kicks it in the leg when in reality it "only" costs $23 (~€18). Luckily most games are sold directly by the developers too. But still.

Is 23 dollars (or 18 Euros) too much for unfinished (indie) game?

Indie Games Should Be Cheaper?

With the more reasonably priced *finished* Indie titles like Minecraft ($20), Legend of Grimrock ($15) or Driftmoon ($15), FTL ($10, or even $5) - I don't think Kerbal Space Program's or Prison Architect's price is right.

Among the first games in Steam Early Access is also Gnomoria. €7. - Perfect. There's something I could vouch for, even if I knew nothing about it.

Cart Life on Steam? Five euros - Awesome. Almost full version is free from Cart Life website. I love it.

It's Not About the Money

The most interesting thing is that I don't mind paying for something that's good, or something I want to support. I've backed up several projects in Kickstarter for much more than the finished game will cost when it's out.

I've donated over $50 for Dwarf Fortress - and that game is free.

I backed up Factorio's Indiegogo project with $50.

I've bought Cart Life two times for $5 just because I like it so so much and I want to support the developer.

I would've probably been happy to throw $20 or more to FTL if I'd happened to see their Kickstarter.

While I haven't played either title... From what I've seen, I think I'd like KSP and Prison Architect as much as those I mentioned above. I might even be happy to voluntarely back them up with $30 or $50 or more, but when that's the low price point - I don't.

Now I almost feel like boycotting them.

Human mind works in strange ways :)

So yeah, I think Gordon Gecko was wrong - Greed is not good.

What Do You Think?

What do you think? Have you played/payed for KPS or Prison Architect? Worth the money?

What's the right price for an indie game in development, if sold as alpha version?

What's the right price for finished indie game?

Should indie games cost the same as "AAA-titles"?

p.s. Discussion also at my forum: http://w11.zetaboards.com/Zemalf_Forum/topic/8592637/1/

2013-03-14

Let's Play Civ 5: Gods & Kings - Byzantine Empire

Let's Play Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings: Slow-paced Civ 5 gameplay.

Sid Meier's Civilization V (also known as Civilization 5 or Civ 5) is a turn-based, 4X computer game developed by Firaxis, released on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X, 2010.

Let's Play Civ 5: Gods & Kings

Leader: Theodora
Civilization: Byzantine Empire

GAME SETUP:

Random Leader - Random Civilization
Map Type: Continent
Map Size: Standard
Difficulty Level: King
Game Pace: Standard

Watch Part 1:

Watch Part 1 on YouTube: Let's Play Civ 5 - Part 1

Playlist (All Episodes)

Watch the playlist on YouTube: Let's Play Civ 5

Short URL for the playlist (Share with friends!): http://goo.gl/gDxiS

You can find this let's play and more gaming videos from my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/TheZemalf - Click Here to Subscribe on YouTube!

2013-03-02

Let's Play Blade Runner

"A new life awaits you in the Off-world colonies! A chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure!"

Let's play Blade Runner (1997), a brilliant point-and-click adventure game, telling a new story that takes place at the same time as the events of the film. I take a role of "Blade Runner" Ray McCoy, who must hunt down a group of replicants — bioengineered beings — in 2019 Los Angeles.

Join me in this adventure, where I get to investigate crimes scenes, search for clues, use ESPER system to analyze photographs, question suspects, carry out a Voight-Kampff test on suspected replicants and do other exciting, and very Blade-Runner-like detective work.

Let's Play Blade Runner

Watch Part 1:

Watch Part 1 on YouTube: Let's Play Blade Runner - Part 1

Playlist (All Episodes)

Watch the playlist on YouTube: Let's Play Blade Runner

Short URL for the playlist (Share with friends!): http://goo.gl/B8YSS

You can find this let's play and more gaming videos from my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/TheZemalf - Click Here to Subscribe on YouTube!

2013-02-28

Factorio Alpha

Factorio is an indie game about building factories, complex machines and assembly lines on an alien planet. If you like games like Transport Tycoon, SimCity or Dwarf Fortress, chances are you will like this game. Or love it, like I do!

Get the free demo and try Factorio yourself - http://www.factorio.com/demo

Factorio Alpha Gameplay

Watch Part 1:

Watch Part 1 on YouTube: Let's Play Factorio - Part 1 - Factorio Alpha Gameplay

Playlist (All Episodes):

Watch on YouTube: Factorio Alpha playlist

Short URL for the playlist (Share with friends!): http://goo.gl/bQ4wd

LINKS

Free Demo
http://www.factorio.com/demo

Official Website
http://www.factorio.com/

Factorio on IndieGoGo
http://indiegogo.com/p/288205/x/2505136

2013-02-14

YouTube One Channel Art Template 2013 (for GIMP)

YouTube is bringing out new channel design in 2013, YouTube One Channel. With the new channel design comes a new kind of channel art (or banner if you will), and for the new channel art, we need a new template.

The new One Channel design will be turned ON on all channels June 5th 2013. In order to not get caught off-guard, it's time to get prepared now.

YouTube's Channel Art guidelines were clear, showing the channel art specs, but due to lack of layers and being the wrong size, their template didn't really help when creating the cover art.

I created a YouTube channel art template with layers for GIMP to help see the different view areas when creating the image. Feel free to use it.

In case you don't know that GIMP is, think "free PhotoShop" and you're close enough. Freely distributed, very powerful image editor. I use it to all my image editing and creation needs, like YouTube thumbnails, backgrounds, etc.

YouTube One Channel Art Template 2013

For optimal results on all devices YouTube recommends uploading a single 2560 X 1440 px image that has been optimized to fit the below template.

With this template, you can use the different layers as overlays to see the visible space on different screen sizes and create your channel art accordingly.

YouTube One Channel Art Template PREVIEW

Download the .XCF Template for GIMP:

Mediafire: YouTube One Channel Art Template for GIMP

References / Read More

Updates

2013-May-07: Added the new 2560x1440 template. (Old template was 2120x1192, but then YouTube changed their recommendation to 2560x1440)

Did you find this template useful? I'd love to hear about it, so leave a comment below. And feel free to share this page with others who might find the template useful!

2013-01-15

Let's Play Medieval 2: Total War

Let's Play Medieval 2: Total War [M2TW] [England, Short]

Faction: England
Campaign: Short
Campaign Difficulty: Hard
Battle Difficulty: Medium

This LP is BLIND = I hadn't played the game before this series.

Watch the part 1:

Watch on YouTube: Let's Play Medieval 2 Total War - Part 1

Playlist (All Episodes):

Watch the playlist on YouTube: Let's Play Medieval 2: Total War

Short URL for the playlist (Share with friends!): http://goo.gl/5oKOx

Medieval 2: Total War is a game of turn-based strategic rounds and real-time tactically-oriented battles, and the fourth game in the Total War series from The Creative Assembly and published by SEGA/EA. The game is available for PC / Windows, 2006.

You can find this let's play and more videos on my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/TheZemalf

2013-01-11

Secret Message in Cyberpunk 2077 Teaser Trailer: The Witcher 3 Announced on Feb 5th

CD Projekt RED published Cyberpunk 2077 Teaser Trailer today Jan 10th, 2013.
IGN did a nice analysis on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P99qJGrPNLs

Absolutely fantastic trailer. Amazing in fact.

I'm excited about Cyberpunk 2077. But it'll be a while before it comes out. They say it on the video, they just hid it really well.

And that brings me to the things that gets me more excited...

In the "hidden text" at ~ 2:14 (screenshot below, click for full size):

Cyberpunk 2077 Teaser Trailer Screenshot at 2m14s

"And that's not all that's new. We are about to reveal our other project, which is much closer to being completed and yes, it will also be a fully open-world game with an intense story. You can probably guess the game we're talking about. On the 5th of February it will all be clear"

...

Let's look at that again:
"You can probably guess the game we're talking about."

...

The Witcher 3, right?

"Which is much closer to being completed"

I don't about you, but I love CD Projekt RED. I really do. I wasn't sure before, but with The Witcher, GOG.com and stuff like this... Best game developer. Period.

EDIT: Sure enough, it's now confirmed. The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is coming:

2013-01-10

Let's Play Dark Souls

Let's play Dark Souls. I've played the game before on XBox 360, but I've never beaten the game. I've only played up to Sen's Fortress, but never stepped in there. Now, I want to see if I can do it.

My goals for this Dark Souls playthrough: Have fun, overcome the challenges, beat the game, get engaged in jolly co-operation and (not) get whooped (too much) in PvP. I know the early part of the game fairly well, but after I reach Sen's Fortress, the LP will be blind - although I've watched plenty of Dark Souls LPs, but anyway, no first hand experience.

I plan to create a "Faith Build", focus on casting miracles and using Divine/Occult weapons. I also plan to join the Warriors of Sunlight covenant, aka Sunbros, to get some nice miracles (lighting spear), but also to do plenty of co-op. Later on, I might become Darkmoon Blade, at least for a while, to get them Darkmoon spells/gear. Those are the initial plans anyway :)

Let's Play Dark Souls (PTDE, PC):

Let's Play Dark Souls - Part 1:

In the first video, I create my character (starting class: Cleric, item: Master Key), escape the Undead Asylum and arrive in Lordran and Firelink Shrine.

Playlist: Let's Play Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition

Short URL for the playlist (Share with friends!): http://goo.gl/8MmUJ

========

Want to play Dark Souls yourself?

If you're looking to buy Dark Souls (for PC), check out GameFanShop first.

You'll get the game cheaper than elsewhere (~50%, €20 vs €39.99 on Steam), you'll get the game to Steam just like you would've bought it there and you'll support me at the same time (I get a percentage of the sale).

Click here to buy Dark Souls via GameFanShop.
========

MODS:

DSFix
Xbox 360 HD Interface Icons
Revamped Stat Buff Icons
High-Res UI and Subtitle fonts

========

Thanks, Credits and References

Starting this LP was also very much inspired by PlumpHelmetPunk and his Dark Souls LP, and Aavak's Dark Souls LP when I catched up with Plump's. Watching their LPs just made me want to play the game again too much not to :)

In addition to those two gentleman, I've enjoyed a lot and learned lots about Dark Souls from the videos of EpicNameBro and Vageta311.

I play Dark Souls on a PC with Razer Onza Tournament Edition controller. The shoulder buttons are somewhat clicky/loud, but it's fantastic, high-quality controller, which works for both PC and XBox 360.

========

Click Here to Start Watching Let's Play Dark Souls on YouTube

2012-11-15

How to Disable the Splash Screens in XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2

Annoyed by the unskippable startup movies of XCOM: Enemy Unknown you have to watch and wait through every time?

Me too. Here's easy step-by-step instructions on how to disable the splash screens on PC and Windows.

Note: Same kind of change applies to XCOM 2 and many other Unreal-engine based games, whether the splash screens can be skipped or not.

How to Disable the Startup Movies in XCOM 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown

1. Find the XComEngine.ini file

By default (Replace %USERNAME% with your username):

XCOM:
C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\My Games\XCOM - Enemy Unknown\XComGame\Config\XComEngine.ini

XCOM 2:
C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\My Games\XCOM2\XComGame\Config\XComEngine.ini

or

Find the XCOM 2 or XCOM - Enemy Unknown folder in the Documents -folder (Documents under Libraries)

By default:

C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\My Games\

And in there, the 'XCOM - Enemy Unknown' or XCOM2 -folder.

In the *\XCOM - Enemy Unknown\XComGame\Config\ folder, you'll find the XComEngine.ini

2. Backup XComEngine.ini

Take a copy of XComEngine.ini, and
Rename the copy to XComEngine.ini_org or similar as a backup.

3. Edit XComEngine.ini

Comment (with semi-colon ;) or delete StartupMovies lines
You can leave 'StartupMovies=Black' in place

XCOM: EU

Find lines:

StartupMovies=Logo_2KFiraxis
StartupMovies=UE3TechLogo
StartupMovies=LogoLegal_PCConsole
StartupMovies=1280x720_Black

Delete the lines or comment them out (with semi-colon ;) like this:

;StartupMovies=Logo_2KFiraxis
;StartupMovies=UE3TechLogo
;StartupMovies=LogoLegal_PCConsole
;StartupMovies=1280x720_Black

(The game might delete the commented lines from the file on startup, thus - ALWAYS BACKUP)

XCOM 2

StartupMovies=X2_2KFXS_Logos
StartupMovies=X2_Logo
StartupMovies=UE3TechLogo_XC2
StartupMovies=XC2_LegalScreen

Delete the lines or comment them out (with semi-colon ;) like this:

;StartupMovies=X2_2KFXS_Logos
;StartupMovies=X2_Logo
;StartupMovies=UE3TechLogo_XC2
;StartupMovies=XC2_LegalScreen

(The game might delete the commented lines from the file on startup, thus - ALWAYS BACKUP)

4. Save XComEngine.ini

Save the XComEngine.ini file.

5. Start the game

Start the game eand you'll be in the main menu in seconds without the unskippable splash screens.

Want to learn how to disable the splash screens for Dishonored as well? Click here.

How to Disable the Splash Screens in Dishonored

Annoyed by the unskippable startup movies of Dishonored you have to watch and wait through every time?

Me too. Here's easy step-by-step instructions on how to disable the splash screens on PC and Windows..

How to Disable the Startup Movies in Dishonored

1. Find the DishonoredEngine.ini file

Find the Dishonored folder in the Documents -folder

By default:

C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\My Games\

And in there, the Dishonored folder.

In the *\Dishonored\DishonoredGame\Config\ folder, you'll find the DishonoredEngine.ini

By default:

C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\My Games\Dishonored\DishonoredGame\Config\DishonoredEngine.ini

2. Backup DishonoredEngine.ini

Take a copy of DishonoredEngine.ini, and
rename it to DishonoredEngine.ini_org or similar as a backup.

3. Edit DishonoredEngine.ini

Find lines:

StartupMovies=Black_266ms
StartupMovies=ZenimaxLegal
StartupMovies=ZenimaxLegalFR
StartupMovies=LogoBethesda
StartupMovies=LogoArkane
StartupMovies=UE3_logo
StartupMovies=Legal
StartupMovies=Loading

Delete the lines or comment them out:

;StartupMovies=Black_266ms
;StartupMovies=ZenimaxLegal
;StartupMovies=ZenimaxLegalFR
;StartupMovies=LogoBethesda
;StartupMovies=LogoArkane
;StartupMovies=UE3_logo
;StartupMovies=Legal
;StartupMovies=Loading

(The game might delete the commented lines from the file on startup, thus - ALWAYS BACKUP)

4. Save DishonoredEngine.ini

5. Start the game and you'll be in the main menu in seconds without the unskippable splash screens.

Want to learn how to disable the splash screens for XCOM: Enemy Unknown as well? Click here.

2012-11-06

Dwarf Fortress Tutorial (Video Series)

Beginner's Guide to Dwarf Fortress [DF2012]: Step-by-step tutorial series on how to get started in the Fortress Mode, how to build your first fortress and how to help your dwarves survive.

This Dwarf Fortress video tutorial series follows along as I build an example fortress, showing what to do and how to do it. The series is meant for new Dwarf Fortress players, but I hope it'll be useful for all DF players, new and experienced alike.

I recommend using these video tutorials in conjunction with the Dwarf Fortress Wiki. You'll learn the basics through the videos and can follow along, and then find additional information from the wiki.

PLAYLIST (all videos in this tutorial series): Dwarf Fortress Video Tutorial [DF2012]

DOWNLOAD the tutorial fortress http://dffd.wimbli.com/file.php?id=6891

How to Install Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress Tutorial, Part 1: Downloading and Installing (Lazy Newb Pack). How to Get and Install Dwarf Fortress (DF/tutorial)

Dwarf Fortress Video Tutorial

Playlist (all videos):

Watch on YouTube: Dwarf Fortress Tutorial 2012

LINKS AND REFERENCES

Game: DWARF FORTRESS - free & awesome

Game version: 0.34.11 (DF2012)
Graphics package: Phoebus' Graphic Set 0.34.11v00

Installation package: Lazy Newb Pack. See the Part 1 of this tutorial series for the Download and Installation Guide.

Other Utilities: splintermind-attributes is a Dwarf Therapist clone that displays the exact numeric attributes of the dwarves.

DF2012:Installation (Dwarf Fortress Wiki)
DF2012:Quickstart guide (Dwarf Fortress Wiki)
DF2012:Dwarf fortress mode (reference, e.g. controls)

2012-11-04

Let's Play Dishonored

Let's Play Dishonored: Slow-paced Dishonored gameplay.

I'll try to play this Dishonored playthrough stealthily, if only possible, and avoid killing too many people (non-lethal approach). I won't reload unless I die, so if things take the wrong turn, I'll try to get myself out of it and live with whatever the game throws at me.

This let's play is BLIND (I haven't played the game before and don't know what to expect, apart from test run through the prologue and mission 1)

Played, recorded and uploaded on PC, max graphics and 1920x1080. All videos on the playlist are uploaded with high quality 1080p Full HD.

Let's Play Dishonored, Part 1

Watch in HD via YouTube...

Let's Play Dishonored, Part 1

Below, you can find all the videos on this LP.

About Dishonored

Dishonored, set against the backdrop of the city of Dunwall and the rat plague, follows the story of Corvo Attano, Lord Protector - a royal bodyguard, falsely accused of murdering the Empress and ultimately imprisoned.

Driven by revenge, Corvo escapes from his confinement six months later, and becomes an infamous assassin as he strives to avenge his, and the Empress', fate.

Dishonored is a first-person stealth action video game that is developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It's available on PS3, Xbox 360, & PC 2012. http://www.dishonored.com/

Let's Play Dishonored Playlist

Watch in HD via YouTube...

See the full show: Let's Play Dishonored
Playlist (all episodes): Let's Play Dishonored

2012-10-22

Let's Play Fallout 3

Let's Play Fallout 3, one of my favorite games of all time, on a PC and with a whole lot of mods.

In this slow-paced roleplay, I take the role of Albert, a young Vault Dweller interested in working and tinkering on mechanical things more than anything else, who is forced to leave and enter the Capital Wasteland after spending 19 years - his whole life - in the safety of Vault 101.

Let's Roleplay Fallout 3, Part 1

Watch in HD via YouTube...

Let's Play Fallout 3 [Roleplay], Part 1
Below, you can find all the videos on this LP.

Let's Play Fallout 3 Playlist

Watch in HD via YouTube...

See the full show: Let's Play Fallout 3 [Roleplay]
Playlist (all episodes): Let's Play Fallout 3

Let's Play Fallout 3 [Roleplay] w/ Zemalf [HD] [1080p]

Slow-paced roleplay in the Capital Wasteland.

This series is *not* Dead is Dead. I'm improvising Albert's story as I play. I haven't planned beforehand what kind of man he'll become. Albert's journey and destiny will unfold as the let's play goes on.
I don't know if I'll do DLCs, I don't know if I do the main story, I don't know anything of that yet, because the future's not set.

Played and recorded on PC. Using a lot of mods, including FWE, MMM, EVE, NMCs textures, etc. Maxed out graphics on 1920x1080 resolution with additional tweaks via the ini-files. All videos on the playlist are uploaded with high quality 1080p Full HD.

Fallout 3 is developed and published by Bethesda Softworks / Bethesda Game Studios. It's available on PS3, Xbox 360 & PC 2008. http://fallout.bethsoft.com/

MODS

FWE - FO3 Wanderers Edition
MMM - Marts Mutant Mod
EVE - Energy Visuals Enhanced
DarNified UI F3
Immersive HUD - iHUD
Fellout
Enhanced Weather - Rain and Snow
IMCN - Imps More Complex Needs
The D.C. Interiors Project
A World Of Pain for Fallout 3 AWOP4FO3 Megaton Tweaks
Crowded Cities v2
Ambient Wasteland 2
NMCs Texture Pack for FO3
Fallout 3 Redesigned - Formerly Project Beauty HD
CINEMATECH - Film Grains and Styles
IMAGINATOR - Visual Control Device
DYNAVISION - Dynamic Depth of Field
and many more!

All the mods I use are listed in Zemalf's Fallout 3 Mod List

2012-09-08

Zemalf's Embark Profile (Dwarf Fortress Tutorial)

Here's my embark profile used in my Dwarf Fortress Tutorial series.

Copy the text below to the end of embark_profiles.txt in \data\init\ of your Dwarf Fortress profile (text after [PROFILE] and up to, but not including the '###')

Or get it here: http://pastebin.com/KEq7ABy6 if the syntax below goes crazy.

[PROFILE]
 [TITLE:ZEMALFS TUT(Miner - Woodcut - Mason - Carpntr/Doc - Mech/Broker - 2Farm)]
 [SKILL:1:MECHANICS:5]
 [SKILL:1:PERSUASION:1]
 [SKILL:1:NEGOTIATION:1]
 [SKILL:1:JUDGING_INTENT:1]
 [SKILL:1:APPRAISAL:2]
 [SKILL:2:MINING:5]
 [SKILL:2:FORGE_WEAPON:5]
 [SKILL:3:BREWING:5]
 [SKILL:3:PLANT:5]
 [SKILL:4:COOK:5]
 [SKILL:4:PLANT:5]
 [SKILL:5:WOODCUTTING:5]
 [SKILL:5:FORGE_ARMOR:5]
 [SKILL:6:CARPENTRY:4]
 [SKILL:6:DRESS_WOUNDS:1]
 [SKILL:6:DIAGNOSE:2]
 [SKILL:6:SURGERY:1]
 [SKILL:6:SET_BONE:1]
 [SKILL:6:SUTURE:1]
 [SKILL:7:MASONRY:5]
 [SKILL:7:DESIGNBUILDING:5]
 [ITEM:2:WEAPON:ITEM_WEAPON_PICK:INORGANIC:COPPER]
 [ITEM:1:WEAPON:ITEM_WEAPON_AXE_BATTLE:INORGANIC:COPPER]
 [ITEM:1:WEAPON:ITEM_WEAPON_CROSSBOW:INORGANIC:COPPER]
 [ITEM:10:AMMO:ITEM_AMMO_BOLTS:INORGANIC:COPPER]
 [ITEM:1:QUIVER:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:COW:LEATHER]
 [ITEM:1:DRINK:NONE:PLANT_MAT:MUSHROOM_HELMET_PLUMP:DRINK]
 [ITEM:6:DRINK:NONE:PLANT_MAT:GRASS_TAIL_PIG:DRINK]
 [ITEM:6:DRINK:NONE:PLANT_MAT:GRASS_WHEAT_CAVE:DRINK]
 [ITEM:6:DRINK:NONE:PLANT_MAT:POD_SWEET:DRINK]
 [ITEM:11:PLANT:NONE:PLANT_MAT:MUSHROOM_HELMET_PLUMP:STRUCTURAL]
 [ITEM:10:SEEDS:NONE:PLANT_MAT:MUSHROOM_HELMET_PLUMP:SEED]
 [ITEM:10:SEEDS:NONE:PLANT_MAT:GRASS_TAIL_PIG:SEED]
 [ITEM:10:SEEDS:NONE:PLANT_MAT:GRASS_WHEAT_CAVE:SEED]
 [ITEM:10:SEEDS:NONE:PLANT_MAT:POD_SWEET:SEED]
 [ITEM:10:SEEDS:NONE:PLANT_MAT:BUSH_QUARRY:SEED]
 [ITEM:5:SEEDS:NONE:PLANT_MAT:MUSHROOM_CUP_DIMPLE:SEED]
 [ITEM:9:WOOD:NONE:PLANT_MAT:TOWER_CAP:WOOD]
 [ITEM:1:ANVIL:NONE:INORGANIC:IRON]
 [ITEM:2:BOULDER:NONE:INORGANIC:MAGNETITE]
 [ITEM:2:BOULDER:NONE:INORGANIC:LIMESTONE]
 [ITEM:3:BOULDER:NONE:INORGANIC:MICROCLINE]
 [ITEM:5:THREAD:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:SPIDER_CAVE:SILK]
 [ITEM:5:POWDER_MISC:NONE:INORGANIC:PLASTER]
 [ITEM:1:POWDER_MISC:NONE:INORGANIC:SAND_TAN]
 [ITEM:1:POWDER_MISC:NONE:INORGANIC:SAND_YELLOW]
 [ITEM:1:POWDER_MISC:NONE:INORGANIC:SAND_WHITE]
 [ITEM:1:POWDER_MISC:NONE:INORGANIC:SAND_BLACK]
 [ITEM:1:POWDER_MISC:NONE:INORGANIC:SAND_RED]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:KANGAROO:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:HORSE:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:DONKEY:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:COW:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:SHEEP:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:PIG:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:GOAT:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:WATER_BUFFALO:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:REINDEER:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:YAK:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:LLAMA:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:ALPACA:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:LIQUID_MISC:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:CAMEL_2_HUMP:MILK]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:HARE:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:HORSE:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:CHINCHILLA:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:GOAT_MOUNTAIN:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:POND_GRABBER:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:COW:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:SHEEP:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:PIG:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:GOAT:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_CHICKEN:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:CAVY:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_DUCK:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:WATER_BUFFALO:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:REINDEER:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_GOOSE:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:YAK:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:LLAMA:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:ALPACA:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_GUINEAFOWL:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_PEAFOWL_BLUE:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_TURKEY:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:RABBIT:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:RACCOON:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:COATI:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:KINGSNAKE:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:WILD_BOAR:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:CHIPMUNK:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:KOALA:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:RAT:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:CAMEL_2_HUMP:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:DEER:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:MOOSE:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:FOX:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:LIZARD:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:WOMBAT:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:KANGAROO:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BADGER:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:WEASEL:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:SKUNK:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:HEDGEHOG:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_KESTREL:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_EMU:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_OWL_BARN:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_RAVEN:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_CROW:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:BIRD_FALCON_PEREGRINE:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:TOAD:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:MEAT:NONE:CREATURE_MAT:DONKEY:MUSCLE]
 [ITEM:1:FISH:NONE:LOBSTER_CAVE:FEMALE]
 [ITEM:1:FISH:NONE:FISH_CAVE:FEMALE]
 [ITEM:1:FISH:NONE:POND_TURTLE:MALE]
 [ITEM:1:FISH:NONE:FISH_LUNGFISH:MALE]
 [PET:1:DOG:FEMALE:STANDARD]
 [PET:1:DOG:FEMALE:TRAINED_HUNTER]
 [PET:1:DOG:MALE:STANDARD]
 [PET:2:CAT:FEMALE:STANDARD]
 [PET:1:CAT:MALE:STANDARD]
 [PET:7:BIRD_TURKEY:FEMALE:STANDARD]
 [PET:2:BIRD_TURKEY:MALE:STANDARD]

### (don't copy this anymore)

Remember that the dwarven civilization you chose might not have all the same items. If you're missing meats, just pick any 2P meats you find to get up to 50 again and the same thing for milk.

I recommend setting the dwarf starting skills based on the dwarf attributes, but if you're a new player, just go with it.

To make things easier, use the awesome Dwarf Therapist clone: splintermind-attributes - if you like Dwarf Therapist, you will *LOVE* this one. splintermind-attributes is able to connect to DF during embark profile setting (unlike "normal" Dwarf Therapist), seeing the exact numeric values of the attributes (again, something DT cannot) + it has automatic "ranking" based on configurable roles (with default ones good to go based on the Attributes page of the Wiki).

2012-08-16

Zemalf's Fallout 3 Mod List

Here's a list of Fallout 3 mods I'm using at the moment. This is also the mod setup I'm using on my Let's Play Fallout 3 on YouTube. Check the 'Fallout 3 LP' playlist out if you want to see these mods in action as I roleplay through F3.

Fallout 3 Mods I Use

The are many Fallout 3 mod lists. This one is mine.

I use mods to make F3 look better, make the game more challenging with the focus on roleplaying, realism and immersion, and to add new things to the game for me to use, discover and explore.

The list is quite long, so check out the short "must-have Fallout 3 mod list" at the end of the post for what I think are the best Fallout 3 mods (and thus, would always install when playing).

Are you new to modding, modding Fallout 3 for the first time or otherwise need some advice on installing mods? Click here to read some instructions first.

Latest Update: May 2013.

BASE AND UTILITY MODS

Nexus Mod Manager
http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/modmanager/
- OK, not a mod, but this is the one I use to manage and install mods.

BOSS
- BOSS = A plugin load order optimiser for Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas and some other games too. - Sorts your mod load order (to make the mods work as intended). Use it. - 97% of the time, BOSS will handle your load order and you don't have to do anything.

Fallout Script Extender (FOSE)
http://fose.silverlock.org/

ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated
http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/944
- Must for many mods/textures to work

CASM (Cipscis' Automatic Save Manager)
http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/3729
- Replaces Fallout 3's saving system so that you no longer have to rely on only a single autosave or quicksave to fall back on

Fallout Stutter Remover
http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/8886
- Smoother gameplay and FPS

Large Address Aware Enabler for FO3
http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/6510
- helps with crashing and performance issues with Fallout 3, particularly when using my larger texture packs.

Pages

2016-02-09

Let's Play XCOM 2, Series 1

2014-04-14

2013-08-26

Introducing: Ulik Enakis

Skyrim Roleplay, Series 2: Ulik Enakis

Skyrim Roleplay Playlists

MODS

SUBSCRIBE

2013-05-30

2013-05-02

Let's Play Cataclysm: DDA

LP & Game Info

2013-03-21

The Price of Alpha - or How Much We Should Pay for Indie Games and/or Alpha Versions?

Indie Games Should Be Cheaper?

It's Not About the Money

What Do You Think?

2013-03-14

Let's Play Civ 5: Gods & Kings

2013-03-02

Let's Play Blade Runner

2013-02-28

Factorio Alpha Gameplay

2013-02-14

YouTube One Channel Art Template 2013

References / Read More

Updates

2013-01-15

2013-01-11

2013-01-10

2012-11-15

How to Disable the Startup Movies in XCOM 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown

1. Find the XComEngine.ini file

2. Backup XComEngine.ini

3. Edit XComEngine.ini

XCOM: EU

XCOM 2

4. Save XComEngine.ini

5. Start the game

How to Disable the Startup Movies in Dishonored

2012-11-06

How to Install Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress Video Tutorial

LINKS AND REFERENCES

2012-11-04

Let's Play Dishonored, Part 1

About Dishonored

Let's Play Dishonored Playlist

2012-10-22

Let's Roleplay Fallout 3, Part 1

Let's Play Fallout 3 Playlist

MODS

2012-09-08

2012-08-16

Fallout 3 Mods I Use

BASE AND UTILITY MODS

MAJOR MODS

FIXES

HUD / USER INTERFACE

LIGHTING AND COLORING

FOR CINEMATICS / SCREENSHOTS / INTROS

REALISM AND IMMERSION

TEXTURES AND STUFF

QUESTS AND QUEST TWEAKS

PLAYER HOUSING

LOCATIONS AND LOCATION TWEAKS

AUDIO

NEW ITEMS, TWEAKS, ETC

COMPANIONS

Non-Active Companion Mods

OTHER MODS I HAVE USED, JUST NOT RIGHT NOW

MODS *NOT* IN USE, BUT MIGHT SEE USE IN THE FUTURE

Fallout 3 Quad Core Fix / Fallout.ini

MODS *NOT* TO USE

OTHER TWEAKS

LOAD ORDER

"Must-Have Fallout 3 Mods" aka the Short list

NEW TO MODDING?

MODS NOT IN USE, BUT MIGHT SEE USE IN THE FUTURE

MODS NOT TO USE