E3 2014 seemed to arrive quicker than normal this year and with current consoles thriving, June 9, 2014 shined bright on the calendar like a treasure loot marker on a map. The treasure? Hopefully a bountiful supply of new games, release dates for favorite and anticipated titles and a unique surprise or two that makes the year between E3 conferences worth the wait.

How the conference starts really sets the tone for the week. Microsoft’s 2013 presentation was at best average and by the end of the day demolished by Sony’s PS4 presentation.

But 2014 is a new year. The Xbox One is selling well and Microsoft has again produced a high quality console that gamers are enjoying. Microsoft has taken great strides towards making Xbox One a console that everyone can enjoy while delivering all the home entertainment features Microsoft wants families to have. Two immense moves show just how Microsoft Finally Gets It.

Microsoft Xbox One without Kinect package: $399.00

Only recently was the Kinect made an optional choice. The cries from fans that the Kinect be removed and price lowered accordingly were heard. Many hardcore gamers don’t like or want the Kinect and forcing users to buy it was a bad move from the beginning. The reasons behind not wanting Kinect vary, but the end point is that Microsoft Finally Gets It!

Streaming Apps no longer require Xbox Live Gold Membership

Another recent update from Microsoft involves the dissolution of Xbox Live Gold requirement for accessing media streaming apps on the Xbox. That was always an absurd requirement. If a user is paying for Netflix, then they should be able to access Netflix without paying an additional Gold membership fee to access the app on the Xbox. Microsoft no doubt made a ton of money from that little “pure profit” fee, but alas, Microsoft Finally Gets It.

E3 2014 – Microsoft Finally Gets It

Those two major improvements lead us directly into E3 2014. Microsoft’s goal seemed to align perfectly with the wants and expectations of fans and gamers. Games, games, games! Microsoft’s entire media presentation focused on one thing – games. Microsoft Finally Gets It!

During the presentation there was no mention of the previous positive changes to Xbox packaging or Xbox Live Gold memberships. There was no mention of smartglass or other hardware features. There was no mention of future software, hardware or collaborative ventures for the Xbox. There wasn’t even mention of Xbox 360. No, Microsoft made it very clear – E3 2014 was about games for the Xbox One.

The Games [2014]

Microsoft promised a lot for 2014, but we cautiously remind you that these are projected dates which can change at any time.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

It’s Call of Duty, what more is there to say? However, it may be that COD is becoming tired. There doesn’t appear to be much new aside from the few new, almost sci-fi like gadgets. COD is still an incredible franchise just don’t expect to have your world turned upside down when Advanced Warfare makes its way to your console.

• Release date: 11/4/2014
• Exclusive game add-ons first on Xbox One

Evolve

Evolve is one of the new games worth checking out. FPS style gameplay where a unit of four act as hunters and track down an ever-growing monster. There are 3 monsters with more than a dozen maps to explore. Players can either play as one of the four in the hunter party or play as the monster which adds a unique and exciting twist. Graphics are on par with current Xbox One titles.

• Release date: 10/21/2014

Assassin’s Creed Unity

The AC franchise exploded with gamers and still resonates as one of the most popular, current franchises available. Unity takes place in 18th century Paris, France during the French Revolution. Don’t expect much change in the way of game physics or gameplay, but AC Unity does bring a new 4 player co-op angle to the game. Like COD, Assassin’s Creed may becoming stale with some gamers (this guy included) which means don’t expect wildly different mechanics in AC Unity.

• Release date: 10/28/2014

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Huge open world environment is a running theme for E3 2014 games and Dragon Age: Inquisition is no different. The gameplay is fantastic while overall the environment, graphics, battles, cut scenes, etc. are gorgeous. You are part of a 4 person pre-defined party of Inquisitors battling dragons and demons. This is one of our ‘Top Picks’ and should definitely be on your radar.

• Release date: 10/7/2014
• To be released first on Xbox (typically 30 days).

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Wild Hunt is likely the game to watch come February 2015. It promises an immense open world environment with 100 hours worth of gameplay, half of which are through the main storyline. If you’re a fan of RPG style games like Skyrim, then The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt looks to be the next epic adventure. It’s also one of our ‘Top Picks’ that we label as a must have title.

• Release date: 2/24/2015

Halo The Master Chief Collection

Imagine all 4 Halo games on one disc, playable in sequence, running their original engines and multiplay settings and all available for the cost of 1 game. Imagine that and you know what Halo The Master Chief Collection is. Full 1080p 60fps and as epic as you remember. This package is no doubt expected to ease the wait for Halo 5 Guardians which is slated for 2015, though beta play is available in December.

• Release date: 11/11/2014
• Xbox exclusive.

Other Notable Games from Microsoft’s Presser

• Sunset Overdrive – If you like cartoon mayhem with a touch of sarcasm, then this is for you.
• Dance Central
• Project Spark – Xbox Live
• Ori and The Blind Forest – Xbox exclusive.
• Inside
• Rise of the Tomb Raider
• Phantom Dust
• Tom Clancy’s The Division
• Scalebound
• Crackdown
• Fable Legends – Beta available Fall 2014. Gorgeous environment; Option to play as villain.
• As well as a number of smaller titles from independent developers.

Wrap Up

Microsoft planned well for E3 and announced their kinect-less Xbox One package and the end to Xbox Live paywall for streaming apps in advance of the big conference. While those two changes are significant, the benefit from announcing them early provided Microsoft a clear path to ensure games dominated their E3 presentation.

When all was packed up and done at E3, Microsoft came out on top because they focused on what gamers really want – Games.

Among the biggest news at E3 inevitably surrounds the console makers. Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony all have their own time to showcase offerings and unique content to wow fans and intrigue gamers. This year much of the surprise was already delivered via pre-E3 events both by Microsoft and Sony which unveiled new consoles from both companies.

Why Sony Looks Like A Winner

Up until E3, both consoles appeared very similar in terms of hardware and for the most part what we’d expect from this round of next generation systems. Microsoft took a great deal of heat over some of their decisions while Sony had a huge question mark hanging over its head with no console images or diagrams.

Console & Controller

For Sony, all that changed when they took the stage at E3 2013. Sony teased viewers for the first third of their presentation with, for the most part, lackluster details and information. However, the reveal of the PS4 couldn’t have gone better. Its sleek style with slanted front and back edges make the two-tone black console a definitive and unimposing piece of hardware. In addition, the slightly larger PS4 controller is sturdy and includes a touch panel for increased control and options.

Vita

Sony continues to support and push out new games to the Vita. The handheld Playstation option has slowly but surely won over the hearts and minds of many gamers. The long list of games coming to Vita include Killzone, Counterspy, The Walking Dead 400 and more. Sony hit all the right buttons (pun intended) to keep Vita in the mobile gaming discussion.

Games

While Sony’s PS4 isn’t a clear winner in the games department, they did provide them in equal amount and quality to that of Xbox One. Titles such as Destiny, Tom Clancy’s The Division, The Order: 1886 and others lead a long list of over 140 games in development for the PS4 right now.

PS3

As with the Xbox 360, the PS3 will continue to receive many games. Although much of the focus, in the media, will be on the PS4 there are a great deal of high quality games making their way to the PS3 including The Last of Us, Beyond Two Souls, Batman Arkham Origins and others.

Pricing & Restrictions

The main reasons for Microsoft taking a beating from fans leading up to E3 was the restrictions they plan to put on gamers with regards to used games, internet access and kinect integration. After their E3 presser, there was even more heat sent their way with the added shock of a $499 price tag on the Xbox One.

Sony whether by design or just plain good fortune absolutely clobbered Microsoft by imposing zero restrictions on used games and connectivity. Gamers won’t need to be constantly connected to the internet, check in regularly or have a camera always on monitoring their moves. It was just the sort of news gamers wanted to hear and needed to be told.

As if that news wasn’t enough to ingratiate Sony to gamers, they unveiled the price of the PS4 to the tone of $399 – a whopping $100 less than Microsoft’s Xbox One. Without a doubt after those declaration were made, Sony was well on their way to enjoying a pleasant week at E3.

Entertainment

Where Microsoft focused too much on entertainment and TV during their pre-E3 event and soured many fans, Sony discussed the PS4’s entertainment offerings during the E3 presser. While much more subdued than the gaming portion, Sony showed they are willing to provide options like Netflix, Flixster, Hulu+ and others via the PS4 console.

Original programming is in the works from Sony of the PS4 with Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited read on day one. The brilliance is that Sony will provide much of the same entertainment offerings through the PS4 that the Xbox One will provide, but Sony chose to downplay that aspect which was marketing genius.

Summary & Highlights

Though we would have liked to have seen more original IPs come out of the Sony presser, it’s almost impossible to say anyone other than Sony won this year’s popular vote. The slick console, attractive price point, restriction free gaming, improved entertainment and overall willingness to give gamers what they want undeniably put Sony on a pedestal for the others to reach.

Highlights

• Square black matte/gloss finish with angled edges at front and rear
• Sturdier controller design with touch pad
• Release Date: Holiday 2013
• Price Point: $399
• Restrictions (games & connectivity): None
• TV & Music services integrated: Yes
• PSN Memberships Transfer?: Yes
• 140 games in development
• Cloud gaming with access to PS3 titles: 2014
• Pre-order: PS4

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Gaming

Let’s start with the core of Xbox origins, gaming. Though we saw little, the previews shown were exquisite. Graphics have never appeared more realistic and game engines look primed to take advantage of the new Xbox One hardware. Expect more from E3 in June along with actual gameplay footage.

Used Games

This seems to be a sore spot as it appears patrons of Gamefly and others will be left wondering for a bit longer if Microsoft has a defined plan for rental discs. As for purchase/trade-in of used games, Microsoft seems to be trying to reinvent the wheel with some sort of licensing program via retail outlets and online. More details on this are expected, possibly at E3 and surely before launch.

Backwards Compatibility

None. Xbox One will not be able to play Xbox 360 or earlier titles. Not surprising, but somewhat disappointing. Titles like Skyrim and other blockbusters will simply be left to collect dust once adoption of One begins.

Profiles

Gamerscores will transfer, again no surprise considering they’re tied to an email account. Digital games however are a no go, which means money spent on digital titles is tied to 360.

Entertainment

If you’re looking for a new cable box, then Xbox One is something to consider. We’ve been fearful that Microsoft’s move to be more entertainment-friendly in the living room would cause a serious downside in gaming. This may have just occurred in the Xbox One. Granted, it’s still early and we have E3 yet to come, but the Xbox One reveal presentation focused on entertainment – no one can deny that.

From fantasy sports with NFL games to live TV viewing, entertainment was front stage at the reveal. Here’s the problem with Microsoft’s path to entertainment, they aren’t providing very much for what they’re asking. Let’s break down the costs:

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• Microsoft is likely to ask somewhere in the neighborhood of $400-$500 if not more for the Xbox One
• Use of Entertainment Apps require you to purchase an Xbox Live Gold membership at no less than $5/month to access apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus and others.
• Many of those same apps additionally cost just shy of $10 monthly.
• If you want to watch live TV, Microsoft insists that you have a cable subscription in order to watch it, which as we all know can be hundreds of dollars per month depending on your service level.

To compensate for those endless and partially unnecessary (Xbox Live Gold) charges, users get Kinect. More gestures and voice recognition, in a nutshell. Voice recognition is spiffy, no doubt about it and gestures are fun for about the first 5 minutes. After that, the shine loses its luster and we’re left with constant nickel and dime charges. For the last time – users aren’t looking for another way to access cable, we’re looking to replace it.

Otherwise, Xbox One is the end all be all of entertainment devices thus far.

Operations Q&A

Internet Connectivity

Is it required? Yes. That isn’t to say you can’t be offline for a period of time, but the system must have access once every 24 hours to stay updated. We speculate that this requirement is to authenticate your cloud account and game ownership with your console. Unfortunately, those without a constant internet connection won’t be enjoying anything on Xbox One.

Borrowed Games

Can you have a friend over to play HIS copy of a game? Strictly speaking – No. Playing the game isn’t an issue, but you’ll need to be signed in under your friend’s account. That means, no more leaving the game at a friend’s house to let them try it out for a couple days.

Game Installation

Is it required? Yes. All games must be installed in order to play them. This is a somewhat odd approach by Microsoft though necessary considering the use of blu-ray. Trouble is likely to occur when space becomes limited. Each unit will ship with 500GB of storage, but honestly that’s about half of what should be standard. 1TB isn’t exactly expensive anymore. We’d like Microsoft to rethink this particular hardware option and up the storage space to avoid space conflicts.

Kinect Required?

Yes. Kinect is now an intregal part of the Xbox landscape and it isn’t going away. Kinect itself is fantastic and a marvelous addition to an entertainment box. Whether the Kinect can add rather than detract enjoyment from the gaming side of Xbox One is to be determined.

Final Thoughts

The Xbox One event looked like an E3 presentation, but in reality was a prelude to the big event which starts on June 11, 2013 (Microsoft’s presser scheduled for 6/10/2013). The live Redmond event stood out because of what it lacked, not what it delivered. Lacking were gaming details, games themselves and an overall commitment to loyal Xbox gamers. The very thing each and every console needs in order to survive is its gamer base and Microsoft nearly ignored them.

The Xbox One looks like a state of the art entertainment console, though when you break it down is slightly more than a glorified cable box. The Kinect, TV integration, add-on apps, internet browsing and music player are directly targeted to those who think the Xbox is merely a gaming device. Sounds great in theory except that those same people likely won’t bother to even look at the Xbox One as more than a gaming device. A catch-22 that Microsoft will be hard pressed to get by.

Is it worth the cost? Unknown until we actually see the price point on the One. However, with all the extra fees involved in order to take advantage of all the bells and whistles, it seems highly unlikely (at least at launch).

Final judgment is being withheld until we see what Microsoft delivers at E3 2013. Here’s a tip for the Xbox One team – Bring the games!

Expect a follow-up from us following E3 and in the coming months leading up to the Xbox One release.

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This new twist involves more brains than brawn to save players from inevitably sore fingers.

Tekken Card Tournament

For those unfamiliar, Tekken is a fighting game where it pits opponent versus opponent in a duel to the finish. Tekken Card Tournament (TCT) is similar in that players use cards to determine their action, whether it be Focus, Strike or Block.

TCT is more of a strategy game than a fighting game. Players must not only decide their next move, but also anticipate their opponents. Countering and receiving acceptable damage during turns is integral to mastering the game.

The rub is this, TCT has issues. Some issues are bigger than others, but let’s take a look at what works in TCT first.

The Good

Graphics

While the graphics aren’t groundbreaking, they are sufficient. Battle scenes are mediocre, but not choppy or fragmented. Could they be better? Yes. Are they detrimental to the game? Not in the least.

Cards

Each deck is quite large. Players can only use 15 at any given time, but the decks themselves are more than triple that. Collecting cards is a bit of a side mission and of course the more cards collected, the larger the character’s skill set.

Each set is character appropriate and though the variety could use some work, they are different enough to make things interesting.

Player versus Player (PVP) multi-player

TCT almost had to have PVP built-in to be worth the download. Thankfully it is.

Card Fusion

The process of combing multiples of the same card to form a new, more potent card. The fusion outcome is predetermined, but the feature still delivers a bit of fun and achievement.

The Bad

TCT from day one has had some recurring problems that the developers are working on. We acknowledge that and expect many of the PVP problems to be resolved completely very soon. Having said that, TCT was released before it was ready and those who jumped in early have had to live with the pain for the gain.

PVP Server downtime

For the first week following the official release, the server was up and down more than a yo-yo. That meant no PVP or if there were server hiccups during a PVP match, loss of points. [notice type=”blue”]Note: TCT developers have consistently been addressing this issue and significant improvements have been made.[/notice]

Credits

TCT is full of in app purchasing to improve characters. Chief among them the use of credits which can be used to buy card packs and stamina refills. Prices range from .99¢ to $99.99 for batches of credits.  If you plan to pursue lengthy gameplay in TCT, then get ready to invest some money.

Credits are showered onto new users in the beginning with bonuses and early level perks.  After that, they are extremely rare.  Players can expect to receive them at each new level and the infrequent random reward bonus.

All those things would be fine, except that the pricing for Stamina refills and Card Packs are overpriced.  Stamina (more on stamina below) for example can cost 18 credits to refill 100%, but players don’t start receiving 18 credits for a new level until after 15.  Card Packs cost between 150 and 400 credits.  Do the math and it’s easily visible that collecting cards and improving characters will be a mind-numbingly long process.

Gold

For many of the same reasons as Credits.  Simply put, the rewards are too small per battle.  Card packs cost 3k gold, while specific card purchases start at 5k gold.  Card Fusion starts at 5k gold.  Per battle gold reward for a Medium level battle?  A mere 144 gold.

To be fair, there are a lot of gold bonuses and rewards. Even so, purchasing a single card at 5k depletes the bank fast, not to mention the 50k for more potent cards.

Stamina

This has to be the most ridiculous feature of TCT.  What its purpose is, we can’t say.  Essentially each character has a Stamina bar which decreases after every battle.  Players can only play 5 battles in succession without refilling or waiting for Stamina to refill on its own.

Battles last roughly 3 minutes.  Each Stamina bar (5 in total) takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes to refill on its own.  So 15 minutes worth of play and 125 minutes on average of waiting.  Players can opt to refill their Stamina with credits, but they are rare and are better used on Card Packs and additional decks (100 credits each after 3 free decks).

The whole idea of Stamina is baffling.  Perhaps it’s a measure put in place to curb server overload by artificially forcing players to stand down and not play.  That should only be a temporary measure though.  Stamina appears as though it’s a fixed part of the game.

Real World Card Purchases

It appears TCT will have the option to scan in real world cards purchased from retailers.  We see this as a non-starter and think Namco Bandai should revisit the cost of shipping, packaging and factory maintenance versus delivering more varied Card Packs in game.

The thinking is that, real world cards will add something to the game or make it more desirable.  It won’t.  Move on.

Download Tekken Card Tournament

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Real Racing 3

Real Racing 3 is, as the title would indicate, a racing game which is available and free for Android and iOS devices. The game focuses on track racing with a wide variety of tracks and various cars available for purchase and use in competition.

Graphics

In a word, stunning, for a mobile device game. Vehicle graphics are superb and realistic right down to the clear-coat paint jobs and dash gauges.

Tracks scroll smoothly and seamlessly. Corners are tight and in close quarters with competitors remain accurate without clipping.

The environment as a whole is fairly impressive considering this is a mobile game. Tracks are detailed with mock advertising, bleachers, pit areas (not accessible) and terrain (grass, dirt, etc.). On certain occasions even a blimp can be seen overhead for added experience.

One major noticeable omission from the environment are fans. Not a single person in any of the stands or even onlookers at the start and finish line. We aren’t exactly surprised given the problems with human likeness in video games, but we’re surprised a blurry bunch of colored pixels weren’t added to give some life to the tracks.

Gameplay

Exceptional. That’s really all that needs to be said, but we’ll expand a bit. Cars have differing control characteristics and operational strengths and it clearly shows while driving. For example, an Audi is much more precise in turns than say a Viper. There are several manufacturers and models to choose from. 46 total vehicles in all with heavy representation by Porsche and BMW (too much actually). Instead of 8 Porsches, we’d prefer more manufacturers? Some clear omissions include Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Mazda to name a few.

Drivers race against Time Shifted Multiplayer (TSM) racers. Essentially racing against recorded times of other players. For the most part the TSM data is acceptable though we’ve seen some instances where the times are disproportionate to the current situation.

As the Stig, you’re not only in control of racing your vehicles, but also in charge of their maintenance and performance upgrades. Maintenance is routine after every race and surprisingly, the repairs make a difference during a race. Oil changes, which occur often, are noticeable in the output of the vehicle so repairs aren’t simply a matter of busy work, but a matter of performance management.

Upgrades can consist of varying modules, but typically players will find Engine, Drivetrain, Tires and Brakes modules. More advanced cars have additional options such as Suspension and Exhaust.

Advanced players have a number of options for limiting the AI control over vehicles, but the auto assist is perfectly balanced for new players and beginners. Customization is available in the form of paint colors, but limited to a predefined number of colors. We hope a future update includes a color wheel type option for a truly custom appearance.

Issues & Shortcomings

Every game has its limitations and Real Racing 3 does as well.

Quirks

RR3 is a fantastic display of mobile gaming, but at times extends its reach with graphics utilization. In particular, the Southbank course in Australia which is a tight winding course will become stuttered and choppy. The reason? There are simply too many cars for that race. With limited space and maneuverability the cars are forced to bunch together, which in and of itself is not a problem, but the hardware simply cannot handle all the motion, physics and graphic manipulation on the screen at one time. That track in particular is troublesome for other reasons too. It essentially turns into a smash ’em up derby to pass vehicles because of the tight nature of the course.

Prices

Prices and earnings seem to be out of proportion. For the most part, prices seem accurate and attainable. However, the elite high-end vehicles are well over 1 million dollars. While the costs are realistic in nature, driver earnings are very low and even with the variety of bonuses rewarded some of the highest priced vehicles will take gamers so long to achieve that they will likely have a new device before they attain them. Repairs fall under this issue as well. Repairs are priced out based on the item, but for some reason there is a time delay on repairs. Waiting 30 minutes, an hour, or more for repairs to finish is unnecessary and honestly we fail to see the logic behind this waiting feature.

Backups

Which leads us to a huge shortcoming. There is no backup and save option for RR3 data. FireMonkeys has noted that the option is planned for an update, but as of now it does not exist.

Personalization

Finally, the most ridiculous limitation of the bunch is that of user personalization. New players can personalize their experience with an in game name by logging in with their Facebook credentials. That is the ONLY option. Frankly, that is unacceptable and should be updated immediately to allow players the choice of their own name without any sort of account login or association. For now, players who don’t login via Facebook are forced to play as Guest which limits the experience a bit.

Final Verdict

Real Racing 3 is an awesome mobile game. The graphics are crisp with gorgeous cars and quality atmosphere. The gameplay is some of the best we’ve experienced in terms of win-ability and competition. Though there are some shortcomings they aren’t nearly numerous or prevalent enough to steer players away.

For mobile gamers, Real Racing 3 is a must have. For everyone else, RR3 is a must try. We fully recommend Real Racing 3 from a gaming standpoint and overwhelmingly encourage users to put this on their must have app list.

Pros:

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• 46 Unique cars
• Exceptional graphics
• Accurate and enjoyable gameplay
• Large variety of tracks and race types
• TSM for multi-player racing competition
• Very high replay value

Cons:

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• Excessive wait times for repairs
• No sync or cloud backup option
• Facebook connectivity required for personalization
• Pricing is out of scale for super high end vehicles

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Download Real Racing 3 for Android
Download Real Racing 3 for iOS

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Part of that entertainment involves games. In fact, a large part of smartphone and tablet use can be pointed towards gaming. Whether you’ve got a new Android device or are an existing user, here are 3 titles to keep you having fun and entertained.

Beach Buggy Blitz

Beach Buggy Blitz is a lighthearted yet intense racing game with endless courses and a ton of upgrades and achievements. You’re the driver of a number of different beach vehicles with a single mission – drive as long and as fast as you can, picking up coins along the way to use for upgrades and power-ups.

Optimized for Tegra 3 devices, owners of the Nexus 7 or various ASUS tablets, etc. will experience lens splash, real-time shadowing and other great effects generated with heavy in game physics. Though even without a Tegra 3 device, Beach Buggy Blitz is the ultimate in fun racing and you can pick it up free from the Google Play store.

Jetpack Joyride

One of 2012’s best Android games, Jetpack Joyride delivers action packed missions with upgraded jetpacks, obstacles, leaderboards and a host of other features. You’re task is to guide your jetpacker through a series of missions, avoiding obstacles, taking out the baddies and collecting coins.

Jetpack Joyride offers hours upon hours of gameplay time and lets you relive the days of arcade game fun. You can pick up Jetpack Joyride free in the Google Play store.

Quell Reflect

In mid 2012 we recommended Quell. Quell Reflect is simply the next incarnation with additional puzzles and brain teasing obstacles to put your mind to work. The object is to guide your bubble through a blocked out frame to reach tokens placed throughout the frame. In your way are bubble bursters, movable blocks, bubble transporters and other items.

Quell Reflect is a brain stretching puzzle game that is a ton of fun and genuinely increases in difficulty to push your problem solving limits. Quell Reflect is .99¢ in the Google Play store.

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There are a total of 7 black books and while some are easier to obtain than others, they are all achievable.

Below is the complete list of Black Books along with links to walk-throughs for obtaining them and the rewards they each offer.

Black Book Locations

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• Black Book, Epistolary Acumen

  [notice type=”green”]Tip: During the main quest, it is possible that you will inadvertently lose this black book because you have to give it to the Skaal Shaman. If you didn’t loot it from his corpse after the fact, you can return and retrieve it from his corpse later on. If the corpse is gone, find Frea. She will have the Black Book and be more than willing to rid herself of it by giving it to you.[/notice]

• Black Book, Filament and Filigree

  [notice type=”green”]Tip: Start this quest early as it takes time and can complete while you work on other quests.[/notice]

• Black Book, The Hidden Twilight

  [notice type=”green”]Tip: Assist Neloth with side quests to obtain this book.[/notice]
  

• Black Book, The Winds of Change

  [notice type=”green”]Tip: Complete quest, The Final Descent to gain access to this black book quest.[/notice]

• Black Book, The Sallow Regent 

• Black Book, Untold Legends 

• Black Book, Waking Dreams

  [notice type=”green”]Tip: Obtain this black book during the main quest line.[/notice]

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The Black Book Filament and Filigree quest is at the back end of the Ralis excavations quest, Unearthed, in which your character is tasked with funding and for lack of a better word security of the excavation site.

For other black books, review the Complete Black Book Locations List.

Ralis Excavations – Unearthed

The excavations are time consuming in that once you start the quest, the most difficult task is simply waiting for Ralis to contact you about the next phase of excavation. We won’t be doing a complete walk-through for this part, but have highlighted some sections of note including rewards.

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• Start this quest early if possible, it will help with passing the time. [notice type=”blue”]Note: The initial phase costs 1k gold. Subsequent phases cost 2k, 3k and 5k respectively.[/notice]
• All the phases are fairly straightforward, clear out enemies and collect any bounty available.
• The third phase offers a tile puzzle which is laid out on the ground of a large chamber. Correct tile depresses will open the gate which grants access to Ahzidal’s Ring of Arcana (stats below). [notice type=”green”]Tip: The tiles must be depressed individually only once so that all are lit at the same time. Start at one corner and move back and forth along each row as quickly as possible to light them all up and open the gate.[/notice]

Unearthed Final Phase

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• Approach shout wall to obtain Word of Power, Strike, Cyclone.
• Move northeast to tile puzzle room. Get ring (see above if not already obtained).
• Take the northwest passage to another chamber.
• Activate the pillars on the northwest wall. [notice type=”green”]Tip: Activate both pillars as fish to unlock gate and obtain Ahzidal’s Armor of Retribution (stats below). Activate both pillars as birds to open the passage down.[/notice]
• Move down the staircase. [notice type=”green”]Tip: Stalhrim deposit available on western wall.[/notice]
• Move to the northeast wall and activate both pillars as serpents to obtain Ahzidal’s Helm of Vision (stats below).
• Pass through southwest door.
• Defeat Ahzidal.
• Speak with Ralis to complete Unearthed.

Rewards

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• Ahzidal’s Mask: Increases fire resistance by 50% and fire spell damage by 25%.
• Ahzidal’s Boots of Waterwalking: Waterwalking. If you wear any 4 Relics of Ahzidal, +10 enchanting.
  
• Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy: Whenever a creature you have reanimated takes damage, they explode for 50 points of Frost damage and die.
• Ahzidal’s Gauntlets of Warding: Your wards are 25% less effective, but absorb 50% of the magicka from incoming spells.
• Ahzidal’s Ring of Arcana: Allows you to cast the spells Ignite and Freeze.
• Ahzidal’s Armor of Retribution: Enemies who strike you with a melee attack have a small chance of being paralyzed.
• Ahzidal’s Helm of Vision: Your Conjuration and Rune spells cost 25% more, but can be cast at a greater range.

Black Book Filament & Filigree

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• After defeating Ahzidal, exit the chamber to the southwest to find black book Filament and Filigree.
• Open black book Filament and Filigree to be transported to Apocrypha. [notice type=”green”]Tip: Much like Black Book The Sallow Regent, this area of Apocrypha is encased in darkness. You can stave off the poison by using the candlelight spell.[/notice]

• Follow the southern path and up the steps.
• Activate scrye to open gate.
• Defeat enemies and move along the southern path to black book Filament and Filigree.
• Complete Black Book Filament and Filigree.
• Exit to Solstheim and follow the northeast passage. [notice type=”green”]Tip: Mine stalhrim deposit along the way.[/notice] [notice type=”green”]Tip: Activate the lever at the dead end to reveal a staircase up.[/notice]

Rewards

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• Secret of Strength: Power attacks cost no stamina for 30 seconds.
• Secret of Arcana: Spells cost no magicka for 30 seconds.
• Secret of Protection: You take half damage for 30 seconds.

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At first the door is locked, but after completing a few Neloth tasks it becomes accessible. Here’s how to make your way through Apocrypha to The Hidden Twilight and the rewards that await.

For other black books, review the Complete Black Book Locations List.

The Hidden Twilight

Chapter 1

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• Open black book The Hidden Twilight to be transported to Apocrypha.
• Move north and activate scrye to open the gate.

Chapter 2

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• Open Chapter II.
• Follow the southern path to a large open area.
• Move southeast and up the ramp.
• Activate scrye to raise bridges.[notice type=”blue”]Note: The bridges stay in motion, raising and lowering continuously. Move quickly to get across.[/notice]
• Jump across the eastern platforms and cross the second bridge.
• Follow the path to a fork. [notice type=”blue”]Note: Southern path leads to Chapter III. Northern path leads to a pod and spell tome: Conjure Seeker.[/notice]
• Move south to Chapter III.

Chapter 3

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• Open Chapter III.
• Follow the path south to a large open area.
• Move either east or west. [notice type=”blue”]Note: Both directions lead to the same point.[/notice]
• Once at the peak, activate scrye.
• Return to ground level and continue south to next open area.
• Move southwest and around the back of the enclosed center area and under a platform to find Chapter IV.

Chapter 4 (Optional)

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• Open Chapter IV.
• Activate scrye to open gate which is needed for Chapter V.
• Return to Chapter III. [notice type=”blue”]Note: End optional portion of Chapter IV.[/notice]
• Move southwest, then slightly south and up a ramp.
• Activate scrye to open the gate to the enclosed center area at ground level.
• Pass through the gate, move south and up ramp.
• Activate scrye to open eastern gate.
• Pass through the gate and follow the path to its end to find Chapters V and VI.

Chapter 5 (Optional)

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• Open Chapter V.
• Activate scrye to open gate.
• Collect books and return to Chapter III.

Chapter 6

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• Open Chapter VI.
• Move along path to Chapters VII and VIII.

Chapter 7

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• Open Chapter VII.
• Activate scrye.
• Return to Chapter VI.

Chapter 8

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• Open Chapter VIII.
• Move west up stairs and across the bridge.
• Defeat Lurkers.
• Activate scrye to open gate.
• Continue west through the gate to black book The Hidden Twilight.
• Complete Black Book The Hidden Twilight.

Rewards

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• Mora’s Agony: Summons a field of writhing tentacles that poison foes.
• Mora’s Grasp: Freezes target between Oblivion and Tamriel for 30 seconds, making them immune to all damage.
• Mora’s Boon: Fully restores your Health, Magicka and Stamina.

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Aside from actually finding Stalhrim deposits, there are a number of requirements for crafting it into gear.

Crafting Stalhrim Gear

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• Required: Ebony smithing perk. This is a must, so make sure you have the perk.

A New Source of Stalhrim

Completion of this quest provides you with everything else necessary for smithing Stalhrim into gear. You may have been approached during the main quest by a Skaal villager about finding Baldor Iron-Shaper. If not, then you’ll need to head to Skaal Village and speak with the people to trigger that quest.

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• Once triggered, rescue Baldor Iron-Shaper from a group of Thalmor at an Abandoned Lodge, located southwest of Frostmoon Crag and northeast of Bloodskal Barrow.
• Speak with Baldor Iron-Shaper to discover information about a Stalhrim Source Map.
• Retrieve the Stalhrim Source Map from a group of Thalmor at Northshore Landing, located west of Castle Karstaag Ruins and northwest of White Ridge Barrow.
• Return the Stalhrim Source Map to Baldor Iron-Shaper at Skaal Village.
• Baldor Iron-Shaper entrusts you with the Stalhrim smithing knowledge as thanks for returning the map.
• Complete A New Source of Stalhrim.

Notes & Tips

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• Stalhrim doesn’t need to be smelt.
• Frost enchantments are 25% stronger on Stalhrim crafted items.
• Baldor Iron-Shaper sells small quantities of the ore.
• Xbox 360 owners receive an achievement for crafting a Stalhrim item.

Stalhrim Locations

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• Stalhrim Source
• Benkongerike
• Raven Rock Mine
• Small island northeast of Northshore Landing
• Kolbjorn Barrow
• Gyldenhul Barrow

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