The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Xbox 360 review

The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings Xbox 360 review

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a member of the race of third-person action-RPG developed by CD Projekt RED promising Polish team initially exclusive to the PC platform and published in May 2011. The reason why we went back to talk about a title released last year is that, in the meantime, the impressive range of game has been enhanced with exclusive content free for PC users who have already purchased, being able to boast of the words Enhanced Edition . But the most important thing is that The Witcher 2 in the revised edition, enlarged and corrected has been successfully converted for Xbox 360, going up close to undermine the throne of best action-RPG for consoles, held at the time by discussing Mass Effect 3 BioWare.

Of course, the environment and combat mechanics are literally thousands of years apart, but the soul that feeds the heart of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings shows some affinities with the latest controversial work of BioWare, offering a refined embroidery narrative where the main character always plays a determining role in each of his choices, proud modulating the entire gaming experience and leading to a final shortlist of sixteen possible, although inevitably scripted, give the illusion that any decision has had a decisive role in the resolution of events.

Compared to the original The Witcher (also graced by a reinterpretation Enhanced and available at a great price on the Steam digital delivery platform), the gameplay of Assassins of Kings had already been granted at frequencies far removed from the initial point style & the click of a production designed for an audience of players accustomed all'accoppiata mouse and keyboard. In The Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 adaptation of the work has gone beyond all expectations, materialized in a perfectly functional input system available via pad, without great sacrifice compared to the flexibility of the original. Of course, the immediacy of a click of the mouse to equip a weapon or change the clothing was necessarily resized, and benefits from the shoulder buttons to navigate through menus revisited. Other small sacrifices were made, such as the inability to choose what to collect the items left on the ground, obbligandovi a posthumous selection. Unnerving, initially, the sighting system of objects and characters with whom you can interact, but with a little 'practice it will go into the background. The overall result is still commendable, and for those who have never tried the PC version, is not at all what, in reality, it was found necessary to bargaining.

The plot of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings takes the reins of the events narrated in The Witcher, but with a jump time in the history of a handful of months. The protagonist is Geralt of Rivia, also known as Gwynbleidd, in the Language of the Ancients: The White Wolf. Belonging to the caste of the Witcher, is a relic of a distant past in which human beings were changed through the use of special blends of herbs and teas, gaining superhuman reflexes, incredible agility, the ability to see in the dark and other qualities that made them perfect killing machines in the service of the highest bidder. Their purpose was to protect humanity from the monsters, but times have changed and the services of the Witcher are not so popular, in fact turning into a ever-shrinking minority of mercenaries, some of which are completely unregulated. Geralt finds himself involved in the killing of a regent, and in an attempt to clear his name and find the real regicide ventures into a fantasy world full of charm, in which political plots merge with timeless tales of love, where the Dragons are an endangered species and between elves, dwarves and human blood does not flow good ... Indeed, blood will flow too.

If you already initially the fantasy storyline of The Witcher 2 (divided into a prologue, three acts and an epilogue) was rich and complex, the Enhanced Edition has been enhanced with new and wonderful animated intermission sidequests and alternative, that bloom in the third act as the beautiful flowers on every corner and every conversation, dragging the player into a fantastic fantasy world that gives a nod to the best literature of the genre. So gorgeous in this regard, during the initial events of the second act of the game, the mention of Tolkien One Ring, the symbol of the imaginary fantasy to which The Witcher 2 owes much of its charm, without wanting anything away from the literary work of ' Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, which are based on either playful chapters in the saga of The Witcher.

Sapkowski is theorized to be the world of intrigue and betrayal, paid sex and true love, fighting with bayonets, but imbued with the rune magic of Signs. In this context, dark tones, so complex and mature, even where there is space equally bad language on the lips of men and women, there will (wisely) even humorous moments. That's The Witcher 2 wins both the avid RPG both the casual player who thought he might need just another shooter action. Just try it once and experience the hard way the need to take a decision on the fly, while the hourglass press, to yield to the inevitable suspension of disbelief, identifying himself with no way out in the charismatic protagonist, Geralt of Rivia.
But the new features in the Xbox 360 can not be reduced solely to narrative carvings and decorations, including reviewing the balance of gameplay by introducing an introductory mission is to all intents and purposes a real game tutorial, after which, based on your performance in combat, you'll also recommended the most appropriate level of difficulty to play the game the first time. Yes, because despite the boundless longevity ensured by a single playthrough, The Witcher 2 deserves to be replayed at least a couple more times, to experience more and different approaches to moral issues that will be submitted to, or choose new alliances and see where they take you, or even groped to persuade a specific person using a violent approach rather than a diplomatic judgment. Too bad that is inexplicably and mysteriously disappeared Arena mode, a minigame style Horde focused on a tournament fight, which had, however, already enriched the PC version for the previous release of patch 2.0.

The combat system is a carefully balanced mix of action and strategic elements that strictly, requiring higher levels of difficulty an alternate use of two blades supplied with the Witcher (a noble silver, more effective against monsters, and the other cold, sharp steel, lethal in humans, elves and dwarves) and magic of signs, but only after careful preparation of potions to drink beforehand and special ointments in which dip their swords. Also essential to use bombs and traps and deadly throwing knives, but only after you have found the recipes to make them or have them built by the capable hands of a few good blacksmith. Almost every aspect of combat is handled in real time, except for the selection of spells and secondary weapons, allocated to a practical radial menu that recalls the aforementioned Mass Effect, but without giving the player a relaxing break during which study with all calm the situation. Selecting this menu in the action, in fact, you get only heightened perception of reality, in fact turning a slow motion effect allowing you to ponder a strategy of attack ... but with a bit of performance anxiety, induced by the unceasing flow of time.
Compared to the smooth version, the Enhanced Edition for Xbox 360 is also a lock of the adversary system, which thanks to the pressure of the left trigger, and information provided with the right analog stick allows you to review all the possible targets, according to a scanning Circular of the battlefield surrounding, or according to their distance from Geralt. The reality, though useful, this option may often be put aside in favor of a more free and instinctive approach to combat, unless you have a strategic need to delete a specific opponent, such as in the case of attacks by several Nekker: necrophagous warriors often controlled by a few elements more dangerous.

Already present as in the past, but apparently optimized, the system of dodges side and parades, no longer constrained to the use of the Vigor and enriched by countermoves in the case where you have developed the relative abilities. Always present in the formula game clashes and events based on quick time event not really exciting, as well as mini-games of dice, the arm wrestling and wrestling, were all essentially unchanged ... and, perhaps, would have also benefited from minor finishing.

Like all self-respecting RPG, The Witcher 2 is also, ultimately, growth dynamics of the character, which are a result of experience (in combat and at the completion of each quest primary or secondary) allow for the enhancement. Each time Geralt levels up, to reach a maximum of thirty, will make available items that can be invested in a complex system of Talents, divided into four main areas that affect the yield in sword fighting, alchemy skills and magic of the protagonist. Each individual talent can be enhanced up to two times, and some may be further refined, using special genes mutagens collected from carcasses of enemies. Hear of genes and mutants in a fantasy without initially a bit 'crowded out, but the issue is rooted in the plot and will not fail to be resumed in admixture with the concepts of medicine and magic, arousing a sense of profound shock against a product of unchallenged value.

Technically it's been done a great job of adapting the powerful proprietary engine RED Engine to the hardware features of the Microsoft console, scaling intelligently detailed environments and graphics, giving to those in whole particle and reducing the sources of light in favor of the fluidity constant screen refresh. Well-implemented anti-aliasing, although not comparable to the filters available on the cards for hi-end PC. The overall graphic impact, despite the clear cuts and some unexplained impairments (such as specific events in the early stages of meditation, which appeared in the background transparency of the menu), can easily compete with the proper proportions, with the average retail- Top of the glorious edition for PC. A bit 'of screen tearing will inevitably live, especially during intermission sequences, generated almost always with the high quality game engine, but weighed down further by luxurious effect of depth of field, of course, an excessive burden on the graphics chipset the Xbox 360.

The characterization is flawless, also because of an artistic direction of the first level which guaranteed a working models polygon and texture of rare beauty. Strongly recommended the installation of both DVDs, for a total of 15.4 GB hard disk, in order to streamline the frequent loading times, while enjoying a higher refresh rate of the texture and overall quality of a 'image far superior than the classical use of optical media. Epic, as always, the soundtrack. Abandoned, for the record, dubbing in our language adopted in the first Witcher, in favor of a sumptuous sound localization in English, flanked by manicured Italian subtitles. And even if there was clear ... we went back to talk about The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - Enhanced Edition because it is a masterpiece not to be missed!


The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings Enhanced Edition for Xbox 360
The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings Enhanced Edition for PC (Windows Vista / 7 / XP)

Prototype 2 Review

Prototype 2 Review

Like inFamous, Prototype, brought into the world of video games a free-roaming almost totally focused on the miraculous powers of the protagonist, that make a real war machine. This factor alone was enough to make the gaming experience a steady and continuous adrenaline-charged, can make happy all those players who like to play as a super man for whom everything is possible. The sense of omnipotence has not hidden a few small teething, which inficiarono part of the game. But the success was so important that the guys at Radical Entertainment have decided to package a sequel: Prototype 2.

When a new saga was a great success from critics and fans, it means that when you are prodigal in the development of a sequel is not necessary to risk distorting too much the basic formula, but suffice it to further refine those aspects which have attracted more fans the first time and at the same time, eliminate the least successful and replace them with some minor additions. In the realization of Prototype 2 was done just that, or raise to the nth element of each game. But first things first.

The plot element harshly criticized in the first chapter because it presented a certain fragmentation and approximation, has undergone something of a contamination film, which made the package more palatable and understandable narrative. The new protagonist is James Heller, a former soldier who is chosen by the old hero Alex Mercer as a disciple for his personal crusade. Despite the inclusion of cut-scenes in computer graphics with the visual style black and white a la Sin City, and a stronger stage presence of interpreters, with Prototype 2 we are still facing a very exciting plot, also because of a protagonist too stereotyped and that does not embody the same mysterious charm of Alex Mercer, now in limited and unexpected role as co-star.

The combat system was definitely the highlight of the gameplay in the first chapter, the carrier element of the dramatic powers of the protagonist, however, not without some flaws that were completely filed. And so it was. The range of moves executable in Prototype 2 was further increased, varied, and accompanied by a camera from every little cut that emphasizes spectacular combination of attacks and finishing moves.

In order to make it more convenient and immediate control of the many powers, developers have rethought the key mapping making it possible to simultaneously manage two abilities at a time, with the inevitable rays which, when actuated, allows to change power, and therefore war strategy , at any time. Important role was also entrusted with the defensive skills, such as the shield, which repels an attack, devastating counter-active variable depending on the enemy approached. Similarly, the range of finishing with a lot of quick time event was related significantly enriched. More space was devoted to stealth phases which are now much more depth and strategy with the inclusion of a dedicated interface, similar in function to a sonar, which allows the player to control the situation and see if anyone is watching His next victim, and thus hinder the action.

The sensation that is felt wandering the streets of New York Prototype 2 is that every little action has a view to enhancing the skills of James, though by a well-defined path. Each task will to face, either secondary or primary, corresponds to the increase of a specific branch of the evolutionary character, which inevitably stimulates the player in addressing all the challenges of the game world. For example, if you want to maximize the effectiveness of certain powers, as may be the tentacles or claws, you have to absorb some targets indicated by a yellow, while the solution of specific side missions is the sine qua non of 'learning new skills. In short, each element within the game world has its own reason for being and is therefore a function of the protagonist, who can grow, learn new skills and discover its devastating powers only by solving every little task or mission.

Just with regard to missions, especially the secondary ones, in Prototype 2 is perceived very clearly the desire by developers to give Canadians greater emphasis and importance to this aspect, expanding it with new types of military operations or time trials really fun. However, the long repetition is inexorably as some peeps are pretty much the other copy, and you find yourself in difficult situations particularly memorable or original. The road taken is the right one, however, lacking only the will to dare a little 'more.

To handle all that well of god that lives and moves within the sandbox Prototype 2 Titanium is still the same graphics engine of the first chapter, while subject to much criticism by press and fans, but that now she can to bring a visual spectacle on the screen really impressive. The routine behavior within the game world is much more realistic and tangible, have been realized through many different models, the industry dynamic lighting is exceptional, as are the textures and the overall architectural impact of the city. Very apt sound department also offers a wide range of quality carpets music, a sampling varies dubbed in Italian and a truly noteworthy.

Prototype 2 is the sequel that all software companies should make. Radical Entertainment has not risked anything, this is true, but it has worked the best to refine and improve all the aspects that made the fortune of the first chapter. The only flaws are still not very captivating narrative and a certain monotony to the bottom of the side quests. Two small but not prevent it in the game to reach the coveted summit.
Prototype 2 for PLAYSTATION 3
Prototype 2 for Xbox 360
Prototype 2 for PC (Windows Vista / XP)
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Risen 2: Dark Waters / Review

Risen 2: Dark Waters / Review

In recent months, a western RPG genre is going through a very prosperous period, during which on store shelves have followed heavyweights the likes of Kingdom of Amalur Skyrim, Mass Effect 3 and The Witcher 2. Within this large group of headlines, also wants back into the game development team Piranha Bytes Teutonic with Risen 2: Dark Waters, the second installment of the series, unanimously considered the spiritual successor of the unforgettable saga Gothic.

After the ups and downs seen in the first chapter, Risen 2 starts from the port city of Caldera, which has allocated the last stronghold of the Inquisition, whose members also include the nameless hero who, because of unfortunate events with Titans and monstrosity attached, is trying to forget everything affossandosi alcohol. Adding to the picture of interpreters, there are other old favorites such as Patty, the daughter of the pirate Silver Beard.

To once again put into question humanity is Mara, a Lord of the Titans who has control of the oceans and is preventing the survivors to land on a new land safer. Almost immediately, however, one discovers that there is a magical artifact that could destroy the Titans, why bring the protagonist to leave in search of this mysterious weapon. The plot is devoid of pompous movie in computer graphics and any other type of contamination film, but the pirate-themed background blends perfectly with the world of Risen 2: Dark Waters and delegates wisely throughout his narrative dialogues and the contents scattered the world of gaming, like a real old school RPGs should do.

The structure of Risen 2 is similar to that of its predecessor, namely that of an old-fashioned role-playing game that offers an almost total freedom of movement within its vast world, forcing you to travel the length and breadth of all the locations to bring completed, the long main campaign and all the other numerous side activities. Unlike the first chapter, which started in a free manner and then went on channeling the path of the player, Risen 2: Dark Waters begins in a linear fashion but then gives the player the most complete arbitrariness.

The interesting fact is that at this stage relieves the player will be a real pirate captain, complete with a ship and crew ready to follow him from exploring the island and another. Obviously, Piranha did not intend to develop the interpersonal sphere in a way BioWare et Simila, but simply make it more realistic and live the adventure game due to the presence of other characters, among other things with a well defined characterization. During his adventure, the player will often have to decide where to stay, but without ever having to join a faction, as they did in the other titles but Piranha Bytes. The only way forward will be one of the pirate. Which, actually, it's not really a bad thing.

The structure of character growth is divided into three subparts strongly linked to one another, attributes, talents and abilities. Attributes are increased through the glory points, accumulating with killings and missions, and the development of which increases reflecting the values ​​of talents, representing the effectiveness of swords, firearms, stealth and physical endurance . The ability to finally have all those skills as a new attack moves, crafting or stealth and burglary that can be learned only by paying the teachers who meet in the places visited.

The setting motivated pirate has resulted in the elimination of magic in the traditional sense of the term, however, replaced by more consistent voodoo art, or "black magic", with which you can create dolls to curse enemies and magical scepters various types. A fundamental role is played also dall'armamentario that, as in any good RPG that respects, contributes significantly to strengthening the ability of the alter ego.

Remain regarding weapons, as regards the combat system, although they have added new set of moves and attack patterns that make the fights much more diverse, the underlying woodiness and the camera often unrelated to the lock-on is still a problem serious for a title that makes this a component of its key elements. Even on a technical level Risen 2 is certainly not a cutting-edge product, indeed, in many situations a certain aftertaste anachronistic. However, sgraffignando profusely from the literature on the world of pirates and buccaneers, Piranha Bytes has managed to orchestrate a truly remarkable artistic direction and charming.

Very well soundtracks and environmental sampling, as it turned a mediocre level in English dubbing. Another drawback is represented by artificial intelligence of enemies and friends, who often react slowly or too artificial stimuli to the player. Despite all the limitations described above, Risen 2: Dark Waters is the perfect role play for anyone who loves the genre in its most classical and minimalist. In addition, the pirate novel environment is an added value not irrelevant and that makes the product attractive for lovers of hooks and hidden treasures.

Risen 2: Dark Waters Special Edition Xbox 360
Risen 2: Dark Waters Special Edition PLAYSTATION 3
Risen 2 : Dark Waters [Download for Windows Vista / 7 / XP]

Rabbit with pine nuts (Coniglio con i pinoli)

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Rabbit with pine nuts
Servings: 4 people
Time: 40 minutes

ingredients
1 Kg of rabbit
3 tomatoes sauce
1 clove of garlic
1 bay leaf
1 sage leaf
1 sprig of rosemary
30 g of pine nuts
½ cup white wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt q.b.
Pepper q.b.

preparation:
Clean and cut the rabbit into parts. Put the oil in a pan with the garlic, sage, rosemary, bay leaf and let it fry for 2 minutes. Add the rabbit into pieces, brown it, pour the white wine and let evaporate. Cut the tomatoes into pieces and add them to the meat, add the pine nuts, salt and pepper. Continue cooking for as long as necessary, over low heat. Serve the rabbit on a serving plate.

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Stuffed roast leg of goat (Cosciotto di capretto farcito)

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Stuffed roast leg of goat (Cosciotto di capretto farcito)
Servings: 4 people
Time: 50 minutes

ingredients
About 1200 g of roast leg of goat - 300 g of lean goat -
150 g of liver, of goat
100 g of sausages
100 g bacon, cut into slices
30 g of parsley
50 g of butter
5 eggs
3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese
1 sprig of rosemary
1 sprig of sage
½ cup white wine
Extra virgin olive q.b.
Salt q.b.
Pepper q.b.

preparation:
Bone in the leg. In a mixing bowl together with the finely chopped meat of goat sausage, chopped parsley, cheese, whole egg and egg yolk, salt, pepper and mix well together. If the mixture is too soft, add a little 'grain or bread crumbs.
Remove the outer peel then cut the liver into thin slices. Boil the remaining eggs that, once an account sodas, must be shelled. Place half the mixture into the prepared leg, and walk over some slices of liver and whole hard boiled eggs, cover with remaining mixture and the last slices of liver. Sew the opening and, after wrapping the leg with slices of bacon, trying to tie conservargli the primitive form.

Salt it, and tucked here and there pepatelo sage and rosemary. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees and place the leg in a vessel that contains it perfectly, sprinkle with a few tablespoons of oil, distribuendovi over the butter. Leave it for over an hour in the preheated oven, dip the top with wine and then trained with a few tablespoons of the sauce on the bottom. When cooked, cover the lamb and let rest in warm place for about half an hour. Strain the sauce and keep warm too. To serve the table wrap the ends of the bone with a sleeve of paper and decorate the platter with lettuce leaves.

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Omelet with sausage(Frittata ai wurstel)

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Omelet with sausage(Frittata ai wurstel)
Servings: 4 people
Time: 15 minutes

ingredients
4 frankfurters
5 eggs
40 g of grated parmesan
Mustard q.b.
Butter q.b.
Salt q.b. Pepper q.b.

preparation:
Chop the sausages and place in a bowl with the cheese and a tablespoon of mustard. Beat eggs, add salt, then pour on the compound of sausage, stirring gently. Prepare the pan melt a knob of butter and pour the mixture and cook an omelet by turning on one side and the other. When cooked, serve hot.

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Swordfish baked with sweet potatoes

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Swordfish baked with sweet potatoes
Servings: 4 people
Time: 50 minutes

ingredients
800 Swordfish
400 g of sweet potato
300 g of tomatoes
1 glass of white wine
2 onions
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 sprig of thyme
3 lemons
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt q.b.
Pepper q.b.

preparation:
Cook the onions and tomatoes in wine with thyme and fennel seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about ten minutes to steam the sweet potatoes that have since been peeled and cut into slices. Put the potatoes in a pan where you put the oil, place the onions and tomatoes cooked in wine and finally swordfish. Pour over all a little oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cook for about thirty minutes in the oven to 180 degrees.
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Turkey breast with olives

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Turkey breast with olives
Servings: 4 people
Time: 20 minutes

ingredients
400 g turkey breast
sliced ​​green olives
120 g flour
1 onion garlic to taste
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste

preparation:
Flour the meat and brown it in oil, salt, drain and keep warm. In the same saucepan, cook the onion and garlic, add the meat, return to heat and pour in the broth. Combine some of the olives pitted and chopped the rest, to spice up a few minutes before serving.

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Braised Beef party

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Braised Beef party
Servings: 4 people
Time: 40 minutes

ingredients
1200 g of roast leg of lamb
2 cups of broth
½ cup olive oil
15 pearl onions
4 carrots
2 cloves garlic, celery
1 sprig of parsley white wine q.b.
Thyme powder
Net pork
Salt q.b.

preparation:
After cleaning the onions carrots and celery, finely chopped parsley, a carrot, celery, garlic and chives. Clean and cut carrots into three pieces. Prepare the network spolverizzandola pork with salt and thyme, place the leg and close it well. Place the meat in a pan and fry over high heat irrorandola with ½ cup of oil.

In a saucepan soften the chopped vegetables for 10 minutes on low heat with a little wetting 'of water from time to time. Place the lamb in the pan and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Drizzle with a glass of white wine and let it evaporate included carrots and onions remained the broth with salt and bake at 200 ° C for one hour. When cooked, serve the lamb surrounded by carrots and onions served with the sauce passed through a sieve.

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Fillet in trio of sauces

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Fillet in trio of sauces
Servings: 4 people
Time: 30 minutes

ingredients
400g fillet cut into thin slices
1 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons of cream
1 tablespoon of Worcester sauce
1 tablespoon of ketchup sauce
1 red bell pepper
1 tablespoon of capers Salt Brandy

preparation:
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup sauce, the Worcester, a spoonful of brandy and cream. Arrange on a platter of meat slices, salt them lightly and pour over the sauce. Cut the peppers, removing seeds and white part and cut into strips. Garnish the slices of meat with strips of peppers and capers and serve.

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Tuna mousse

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Tuna mousse
Servings: 4 people
Time: 10 minutes

ingredients
200 g of canned tuna
100 g Philadelphia cream cheese type
½ lemon
Oregano q.b.
Black pepper q.b.

The tuna mousse recipe is a fast, versatile and easy to implement. Excellent as an appetizer or snack, you can pair it with toast and sandwiches, use it to fill vol-au-vent or as a salsa accompaniment to other dishes.

preparation:
Put the tuna into a bowl, crush with a fork and add the cheese, lemon juice and a pinch of oregano. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then put everything in a blender and blend until mixture is smooth and without lumps.

measures:
If you have the availability, use for your tuna mousse a lemon untreated.

Ideas and variations:
Instead of Philadelphia you can use any other cheese spread and, instead of or in addition oregano, thyme and rosemary.

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Shrimp in pink sauce (Gamberetti in salsa rosa)

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Shrimp in pink sauce (Gamberetti in salsa rosa)
Servings: 4 people
Time: 30 minutes

ingredients
400 g of shrimp
80 g of mayonnaise
40 g of ketchup
8 leaves of radicchio
½ lemon
1 carrot
1 stalk of celery
1 onion
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
Cognac q.b.
Parsley q.b.
Salt q.b.

The shrimp in pink sauce are a classic appetizer, easy and quick to prepare. Their delicate accords with all tastes. Excellent in every occasion, from lunch to dinner, not forgetting the appetizer!

preparation:
Thoroughly wash the carrot, parsley and celery, sliced ​​the first two. Later, peeled and sliced ​​onion.
Then get yourself a pot, in which you place all the vegetables that you have prepared, a teaspoon of cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, then fill the pot of water for up to about half the height. Put the pot on the stove over medium heat. Thoroughly rinse the shrimp and the pan when the water boils, throw them inside and let it boil for about five minutes. Drain and let cool; when they are warm, with the help of a knife, remove the black area that lies on their back. Season with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and the juice of half a lemon.
Then gently wash and dry the four leaves of radicchio and place them in four different cups.
In a bowl, place the mayonnaise, ketchup and a few drops of cognac, mix together and put it with the shrimp and continue to dress the crustaceans gently. Finally, arrange the shrimp in pink sauce into four small bowls and serve a few minutes after leaving them in the fridge.

measures:
The shrimp in pink sauce, once prepared, can be stored in the refrigerator for two days at most, only if placed in a sealed glass container.

Ideas and variations:
If you prefer a slightly stronger flavor, you can add to the sauce, sprinkle with pepper.
However, if you want to enjoy a more delicate flavor, use the mayonnaise with yogurt!

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Mussels marinara

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Mussels marinara
Servings: 4 people
Time: 30 minutes

ingredients
2 kg of mussels
4 cloves of garlic
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 untreated lemon Extra virgin olive oil to taste

One of the most classic ways to prepare the mussels. A few choice ingredients for a quick and simple recipe that will bring to your table a plate of fish suitable for all occasions.

preparation:
Perfectly clean the mussels: wash them under running water, then let them soak in a tub for a few minutes. Unplug the abyss with the blade of a knife and rub the shell with a kitchen scouring pad to remove all deposits.

Then take a pot large enough and sauté the garlic in oil for a couple of minutes when the oil is hot, add the mussels, stir well and cook for 5/7 minutes, stirring time to time. When all the mussels are fully open, add the chopped parsley, mix well and serve accompanying them with oil and lemon to taste.

measures:
When cleaning the mussels, were very careful to choose only those fully closed: if they are open, it means that the fruit in them is dead.

Ideas and variations:
If you like spicy, you can add to the mixture of oil and garlic chili fresh or dry, and if you want aromatizzarle a bit ', you can soften the mussels cooked in white wine.
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Crab Flan

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Crab Flan
Servings: 4 people
Time: 70 minutes
ingredients
250 g of crab meat
100 g of grated Gruyère
3 eggs
1 ½ cup of milk
300 g of tomato sauce Butter
1 tablespoon of flour
2 cloves of garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt q.b.
Pepper q.b.
preparation:
Beat eggs and add the chopped crab meat, flour, warm milk, cheese, salt and pepper, stir the mixture gently. Pour into a greased small round mold, with the bottom covered with wax paper and greased. Bake in water bath in a hot oven at 180 ° C. for 50 minutes.
Saute peeled garlic oil, then crush it and delete it, pour the tomato sauce in the casserole, add salt and pepper, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn out the flan and serve warm with warm sauce.
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Yummy bruschetta

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Yummy bruschetta
Servings: 6 people
Time: 20 minutes

ingredients
12 slices of bread
6 ripe tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic
300 g of mozzarella
1 tablespoon of oregano
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt q.b.

preparation:
Cut the tomatoes into cubes. Add oil, chopped garlic and salt, mix well. Cut the mozzarella slices obtaining twelve, lying on each slice of bread into mixture and a slice of mozzarella, sprinkle with oregano. Grease a baking dish, arrange the bruschetta and pass them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 200 °. Serve the bruschetta to the table piping hot.

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vegetable bruschetta

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vegetable bruschetta
Servings: 4 people
Time: 35 minutes

ingredients
8 slices of bread
1 yellow pepper
1 eggplant
40 g of olive paste
3 cloves of garlic
7 tablespoons olive oil
extra virgin olive oil
Chopped parsley q.b.
Coarse salt and pepper q.b.

preparation:
Wash and thoroughly clean the eggplants, cut into slices and sprinkle with coarse salt, then leave them for half an hour to drain the liquid into a bitter colapasta.Sciacquate the slices very thin and cut into cubes.

Wash and clean the peppers, remove the stems, seeds and ribs inside, then cut into cubes like aubergines. Cook the vegetables over high heat with 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for 20 minutes with the parsley, then season with salt and pepper.

Drain on absorbent kitchen paper and place in a bowl kept warm. Grill the slices of bread, taking care not to dry out, then rub with the garlic cloves. Moisten the slices with the remaining olive oil, spread the olive paste and put the diced peppers and eggplant to cover the top and serve.

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Pasta with salmon

funny menu for you
Pasta with salmon
Servings: 4 people
Time: 30 minutes

ingredients
500 g of dough
1 pack of salmon in brine
400 g of fresh tomatoes
100 g of onions stories
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 bunch of parsley
Pepe q.b.
Salt q.b.

The pasta with salmon is a first rich and flavorful, perfect for lunch or dinner without the second. Delicious and simple, as a worthy companion asks a good dry white wine very cold!

preparation:
Peel the onions stories, let it dry and finely slice with extra virgin olive oil. Cut the salmon into small pieces in brine, wash and chop the parsley and bay leaf. In a pan place the salmon, onion, bay leaf, parsley, a pinch of salt and pepper and heat for about ten minutes, season and leave to cook these ingredients.
Meanwhile, wash, peel and remove the seeds from tomatoes, then pass them in the blender or sieve. Add the tomatoes to other ingredients in the pan and turn up the heat so the sauce will shrink a little. ' Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente and drain, then join it to the sauce and serve hot.

measures:
For this type of sauce are very recommended butterflies as the type of pasta, or in any case a fine paste, not too elaborate.

Ideas and variations:
If you wish to serve the pasta with salmon as a main dish, you can use two packs of salmon in a natural way to get a good intake of protein.

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Rice salad fantasy

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Rice salad fantasy
Servings: 4 people
Time: 40 minutes

ingredients
300 g of rice salad
100 g of fresh or frozen peas
4 frankfurters
180 g of tuna in oil
100 g of tomatoes
125 g of mozzarella
80 g pitted black olives
80 g of pickled gherkins
100 g of corn oil
extra virgin olive q.b.
Chives q.b.
Salt q.b.

Great classic Italian cooking, the rice salad never fails on the tables of our summers. Fresh, colorful and great for the imagination indulge in the kitchen, can be prepared with a variety of ingredients to make a complete meal every time.
preparation:
Boil the rice and peas together in salted water.
In the meantime, the sausages, cut into small pieces, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, drained tuna, cucumbers and corn and chopped chives. When rice and peas are cooked, let cool in a bowl. Then add all other ingredients, stir and season with a little olive oil, a pinch of salt and chives. Let stand in refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
measures:
Make sure the rice is al dente and use only the quality of salad, so that the grains remain well separated from each other.

Ideas and variations:
If you want to give an exotic touch to your salad, you can use basmati rice or wild rice. As for other ingredients, however, give vent to your pure creativity: can add peppers, eggplant, zucchini and cheese to taste.

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Baked Rice (Riso al forno)

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Baked Rice
Servings: 8 people
Time: 80 minutes

ingredients
500 g of rice semifino
4 peppers
500 g of tuna in oil
9 anchovy fillets
2 tablespoons salted capers
4 eggs
Parsley q.b.
Butter q.b.
Extra virgin olive q.b.
Salt q.b. Pepe q.b.

Here is a recipe that features rice, suitable as a first, as an appetizer for a buffet and also convenient to take to a picnic because it's good cold too!

preparation:
After washing the peppers have them roast with the grill, then put them in a paper bag and let cool. Rinse the capers well by removing all the salt.
Clean the peppers spellandoli and then removing the stems, seeds and white filaments. Cut them into squares and transfer them in a colander.
Boil the rice. Drain and let cool until al dente. Put them into a large bowl where you will add the peppers, a tablespoon of chopped parsley, tuna, drained and chopped coarsely chopped anchovies and beaten eggs. Add salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.
Butter a baking dish and pour dental rice. Cook for about 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 ° C.

measures:
When you put the rice in the pan compattatelo well with a spoon or pressing against the pan on the table.

Ideas and variations:
The baked rice is also excellent with the zucchini: grate very fine and add to cooked rice, require no precooking. Coarsely chopped pitted black olives and incorporate into the mixture, will add a great flavor and color.

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Goulash soup

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Servings: 4 people
Time: 60 minutes

ingredients
500 g of beef stew
100 ml of tomato sauce
1 liter of vegetable stock
2 carrots
2 potatoes
1 onion
1 tablespoon paprika
1 glass of red wine
50 ml extra virgin olive oil
Flour q.b.
Salt q.b.

The goulash soup is a Hungarian dish par excellence. It is very easy to prepare. By following this recipe you can enjoy an excellent second characteristic of European cuisine.

preparation:
Let soften the onion in the oil cut very fine. Meanwhile floured pieces of beef. When the onion is golden add the beef and let it cook a few minutes. Add red wine to soften and cook to flavor the meat. Add half the broth and continue cooking over high heat for about 5 minutes making sure it does not dry too.

Cut the vegetables into small cubes and add them to the meat along with tomato sauce and paprika. Mix the salt and all, then cover with a lid to continue doing the cooking over low heat. Add the stock gradually and cook for another 30 minutes in this way. When the meat is cooked, serve in bowls of clay to keep the heat of the dish.

measures
In preparing the fried onion, olive oil, add half a glass of water so that burn and wilt without altering its taste.

Ideas and variations
Some versions of goulash with vegetables already joined a rib of celery and 2 peppers and a teaspoon of cumin to give a more spicy taste. Adding these ingredients have a recipe even more delicious and tasty.

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Cannelloni meat

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Cannelloni meat
Servings: 4 people
Time: 90 minutes

ingredients
8 squares of fresh pasta
200 g of ground beef
200 g of sausage
4 eggs
Parmigiano q.b.
500 g of peeled tomatoes
4 leaves of sage
1 sprig of rosemary, basil q.b.
1 onion 1 clove of garlic and ½
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon of flour
½ cup white wine
Extra virgin olive q.b.
Salt q.b.
Pepe q.b.

First traditional Italian dish much loved. Rich and flavorful, is ideal for a Sunday lunch at home.

preparation:
Mince the garlic and onion, let them brown with a little 'oil and add the chopped meat and so grainy sausage. Mix well and fry the meat. Season with salt and pepper and add the sage and rosemary, chopped. Pour the white wine. When this has evaporated, add the cream, flour and mix well. Cook for about 10 minutes then leave to cool.

Cook the pasta squares in boiling salted water. Drain and let cool on a stretched canvas.
Once the stuffing is cold, add 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese and eggs, mix well together and used this compound to fill the squares of pasta. Roll them on themselves and arrange in a baking dish that you first anointed with oil.

Prepare the sauce by fry the remaining chopped onion with a little 'oil. Then add the tomatoes, salt and cook for about 15 minutes. Finally add the coarsely chopped basil and pour the sauce over the cannelloni with meat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 200 ° C for 15-20 minutes.

measures:
In order not to break you should drain the pasta with a slotted spoon.
The tomato sauce should not be liquid, in the case it was prolungatene cooking.

Ideas and variations:
You can add cubes of stringy cheese in the filling or for a complete meal, add some vegetables too, such as peas or carrots cut in small cubes.

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Spaghetti Kiss

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Spaghetti Kiss
Servings: 4 people
Time: 30 minutes

ingredients
400 g of spaghetti
100 g of tuna in oil
200 g button mushrooms
150 g of bacon cut in one piece
300 g of tomato puree
2 cloves of garlic
Extra virgin olive oil q.b.
Salt q.b.
Pepe q.b.

preparation:
Saute the garlic in a saucepan with three tablespoons of oil. Add the bacon previously cut into thin strips and mushrooms previously washed and cut into slices. Add salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes over moderate heat, stirring several times.
Add the tuna in small chunks and tomato paste, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Meanwhile cook the spaghetti with salted water. Drain and dress with the sauce, flavored with a pinch of pepper and serve.

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Tortiglioni beans and champagne

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Tortiglioni beans and champagne
Servings: 4 people
Time: 35 minutes

ingredients
400 g of tortiglioni
400 g of fresh fava beans
150 g smoked ham in a single slice 2 leeks
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 glass of champagne brut
50 g of grated cheese Salt q.b. Pepe q.b.

preparation:
Remove the green part of leeks, white part cleaned by cutting the ends at the base and raising the first layer of leaves. Slice them thinly and let them dry for 10 minutes with extra virgin olive oil.

Shell the beans boil for five minutes in unsalted water, drain and peel them and add to pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon, pour the champagne and continue cooking for another ten minutes on high heat.

Cut the ham into cubes, add them to the other ingredients already cooking and cook for another 7-8 minutes, add salt and pepper at the end. Boil the rope moldings, drain underdone and let them cook for a minute in the pan with the sauce, stirring. To finish, turn off the heat and sprinkle with grated pecorino.
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Rice balls

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difficulty: average
cooking: 60 mins
preparation: 60 mins
cost: low

The rice balls (or arancini), the pride of the Sicilian cuisine, are small timbales is suitable to be consumed as a snack or as an appetizer, main course or even a main dish. In Sicily you will find anywhere at any time, always warm and fragrant in many chip shops: from city to city often change shape and size, assuming features oval, pear-shaped or round, depending on the filling, which is often varied. You can find rice balls with meat sauce, ham, cheese, ricotta and spinach ... and so on!

Ingredients for about 15 arancini
Butter 30 gr
Pecorino cheese (Parmesan or Parmesan) cheese 100 gr
Rice (grain or round, for casseroles, pies, etc.) 500 gr
salt
3 egg yolks
Zafferano1 bag
For the filling ..
Butter 25 gr
Beef pork (or mixed), chopped 150 gr
Onions 1/2
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Q.b. ground pepper
peas
frozen or fresh shelled 80 grams
tomatoes
Double or triple concentrated 40 grams
salt
Smoked cheese (provolone)
fresh mozzarella cheese and diced 100 g
Red wine 100 ml
preparation
Boil the rice (1) in a little salted water (about 1.2 liters), so as to ensure that, in cooked, the water has been completely absorbed. In this way all the starch will remain in the pot and you get a very dry and sticky rice. Meanwhile, dissolve the saffron in a little water or beaten egg yolks in three (2) and add the mixture to the rice already cooked (3).Add the grated cheese and butter (4): stir well to mix everything, then poured and leveled rice on a large plate and let cool (5-6). Fry the finely chopped onion in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter (7), then add the ground meat (8); sauté over high heat, then add the wine (9) and then let it evaporate. Now add the tomato paste diluted in a glass of water (10), season with salt and pepper (11) and cook for 20 minutes over medium heat (12). Meanwhile, put the peas in a pan (13) and cook for 10 minutes with a tablespoon of oil and a ladle of water (if necessary add more water as needed). While the peas are cooked, cut the smoked cheese, cubed and mettetelia by (14). When the peas are cooked but still crisp, turn off the heat and add the sauce thickened and now rather asciutto.Con now cold rice (it will take at least a couple of hours), a thin layer formed by crushing the palm of the hand (16); holding the hand rather than collection, formed a hollow in the center where it will place a spoonful of sauce and peas (17), and two or three cubes of cheese, then close with another thin layer of rice (18). You can model the arancini form you choose: a ball or pear (19-20). Continue until all the ingredients well. Then go all the rice balls in beaten egg thus obtained (21), then pass them in the breadcrumbs (22-23) and finally fry in hot oil (180 °). To fry the rice balls, I recommend using a deep fryer or a pan rather small and high (24), so that the oranges are completely submerged in oil during frying. Dip the croquettes in hot oil Using a slotted spoon (25), and remove them from the oil when they are golden brown (26). Let the school finally arancini on a paper towel (27). Serve hot rice balls, or, if you prefer, even at room temperature.

advice
If you want, you can replace the cheese cut into cubes used for the filling of balls, with: fresh pecorino, provolone or mozzarella.

The arancini rice, which owes its name to the resemblance with the orange, is a typical product of Messina and Palermo, but it is very good, and prepared according to tradition, in Sicily.
According to some, the arancini would be born by the nuns in convents, and others within the rich baronial houses, but more practically, there are those who would derive them from the tradition of popular cuisine, where the remains were skillfully with imagination and recycled taste.

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succulent slices

succulent slices
funny menu for you
Servings: 4 people
Time: 15 minutes

ingredients
4 slices of bread
2 buffalo mozzarella
4 frankfurters mustard

preparation:
Slice the buffalo mozzarella and sliced ​​sausage. Prepare slices of sliced ​​bread by spreading a thin layer of mustard and arrange the slices of mozzarella. Complete putting on each slice the sausage cut into slices and bake in a preheated oven at 220 ° C. for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread toasts golden result. Serve warm at the table.

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marinated anchovies

marinated anchovies
funny menu for you
difficulty: very Low
preparation: 210 min
Doses: 4 people

Anchovies (or anchovies) marinated in a recipe are typical of all sea areas, in fact, traces of this tasty dish can be found a little 'in all maritime culinary traditions.
The simplicity of preparation, together with the availability of raw materials, have made it one of the dishes that were always present on the tables of fishermen.
The anchovies are a great appetizer prepared so cold and keep in refrigerator

ingredients
Anchovies (anchovies) 500 gr
vinegar
2 tablespoons white wine
1 clove garlic
Lemon juice of 2
oil
pepper
Small bunch parsley, chopped

preparation
The first thing to do in preparation of marinated anchovies is to prepare the marinade: chopped parsley in a food processor (1), then emulsified in a bowl the oil, chopped garlic (2), the vinegar and the juice of lemons (3) adding a pinch of salt, pepper and Finally, the chopped parsley (4) fine. Now clean well anchovies (5) according to the information you find here. Squamatele (when applicable) with a knife, removing first the head, then move on to open along the belly to the mo 'book, then diliscare for them and clean them from the intestines, resulting in the threads, you should avoid, however, to divide the two half of the fish. In a bowl put a layer of marinade, and recline on the first layer of anchovies (6), being careful not to break, so continue until the end. Let marinate at least 5 hours before serving.

advice

Marinated anchovies can be prepared either with lemon and vinegar, or as in our recipe from a mixture of both. In both cases the firing of the anchovy fillets (marinating) occurs by contact with the liquid. With lemon are just 3 or 4 hours of marinating in vinegar and you have to consider at least 12 ore.Per make it appetizing and colorful prepare the marinade is to add half a finely chopped carrot. For those who prefer not too strong flavor of lemon or vinegar to marinate you can put them up on other ingredients, then spent the time you can throw the liquid from the marinade and season with remaining ingredients. This tasty appetizer can be served together with slices of toasted bread.
The marinating is a cooking process the meat is done by immersing the food in the liquid marinade. Because of the acids, which provide the cooking of meat, it is imperative that this process will not be used container of aluminum or copper that would release poisonous substances; much better to prefer plastic containers, glass, or ceramic.

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sangria

sangria
Servings: 8 people
Time: 25 minutes
Additional Notes: + 12 hours of rest in the fridge

ingredients
1 liter of red wine 1 orange 1 lemon 2 peaches 60 g sugar 500 ml soda 1 cup rum 1 cinnamon stick 4 cloves

The typical Spanish drink made ​​from fresh fruit and wine. Sweet and light, is perfect to serve during an aperitif or during a themed dinner.

preparation:
Wash all fruit and cut into chunks or slices, without peeling. Put into a large pitcher and add the wine, cinnamon stick, cloves, sugar and rum. Stir, cover the mouth of the jar with plastic wrap and let rest for 12 hours in refrigerator. Before serving add the soda water and stir.

measures:
Choose a full-bodied and good fruit. Adjust the amount of soda based on what you want your alcoholic sangria.

Ideas and variations:
Instead of soda, you can use the gas. You can also add a vanilla bean and apple into pieces to make the drink sweeter.
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Guild Wars 2 - The Current Problems

Beta Weekend ended last week, I took the trouble to read your negative comments and positive about the game and to make them accessible to all, I have decided to resume trying to identify the crucial points that were judged more negatively by the community.

Performance Problems

This is a theme touched upon by many players, who have found themselves in difficulties especially during fights he stepped area-wide use of spells. In fact, the graphics engine is still being optimized and is being implemented a system to scale the quality of the effects in the presence of many players. The beta serves, among other things, also to test the stability of the graphics engine, so we can expect some improvement already at the next event, even if, probably, there will still be problems of this type will not complete until the optimization.

Lack of Tutorial

Players are thrown into the middle of the action without opportunity to gradually learn the game mechanics in the very early stages. This inevitably affects the difficulty of fighting, especially in the missions of Personal History. These are in fact designed for single players, but many have had the need to seek help from friends to complete them. Difficult areas will be reviewed at this early stage of development, but we hope that will be added instructions and tips on how to best use your best character and tactics of fighting all the way to smooth entry into the gaming world.

Balancing Melee-Ranged

This was a very sensitive issue, so that ArenaNet has intervened on the official forum to provide some clarification. Play melee is more difficult because there is no automatic target recognition (that there is for various abilities ranged), and suffer much more damage, and for resistance problems, both for greater difficulty in the use of avoidance when there is located a distance close. The first thing to point out, however, is that Guild Wars 2 there are only classes ranged or melee, and that, indeed, the fighting often requires to change strategy as the enemies they face and their mode of attack. In general, playing in melee you do more damage to the enemy but it is also more exposed to his assaults. In fact, ArenaNet has stated they will work to better balance the melee trying to improve the resistance of the classes.

Poor number skills

The game offers ten skills, including five contested determined from the weapon and five others chosen by the player (of these, a Cure, an Elite and three "utility"). Many players have found this approach too restrictive. In fact, especially in PvP, players find themselves having to choose between just three treatments and three Elite (since the racial abilities are not used). Definitely not a great choice. It should be noted however, that each class can switchare during the fight between two sets of weapons and then completely change his first five skills (not forgetting that each class can then use various weapons, in various combinations). Added to this are a score of utility skills are well characterized and differentiated from each other and ... traits. Indeed, there are over fifty features passive able to modify the operation of the abilities and fighting style so often decisive. Unfortunately, the features become accessible only from level 11 and many have not been able to test them thoroughly, In conclusion, a problem for which you can perhaps do something, especially with regard to care and Elite, but which in reality is less heavy quanato first impressions would suggest.

No Dungeon

It is now clear, concluded that beta weekend, as both the number and order of the dungeons you will find in the game (click here to see a post with a list of dungeons and some examples of armor that can be obtained). In fact, up to level 30-40 players will not encounter any dungeon, then got one every 5-10 levels and, finally, there are three end-game dungeons. This means that the first 30 PvE levels will be devoted to dynamic events, personal history, local activities (hearts), and exploration. Of course it is not just content, but many also believe that having dungeon areas would be a good initial value. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that ArenaNet change this situation before release, but it is not excluded that in the future can be added dungeons even for the initial zones.

Slight Influence on the World

Many were disappointed by the fact that the imaginary dynamic events seemed to leave no trace on the game world, much to compare them to the public quests of Warhammer Online, where you simply encounter various enemies to destroy in sequence and the cycle repeats endlessly. Here are the necessary details. In fact, the dynamic events of the initial zones are generally small and non-concatenated. So many events require, for example, to defend a fortress from attacks continue and nothing more.

Few events are more structured (with different phases, such as defending the fort, attacked the enemy base and destroy the backbone of the Cave is located in the base), with clear effects on the world (such as a cave that is sealed after a landslide), but few players have been noticed, often deciding to leave an area after achieving the first goal. This relative simplicity of the events is still true for the initial areas of the game (levels 1-15), in which the various phases are particularly fast to satisfy the continuing flow of new players who visit these regions. According to ArenaNet large dynamic events begin to occur in the most advanced, after level 15, and involve long chains much more structured than the ones we have tested in this Beta.


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Guild Wars 2 - Reserve the Name of Character

A new article published on the official blog of ArenaNet explains how active players in Guild Wars will be able to reserve the name of your character in Guild Wars 2. Of course it will affect a relatively small number of players, but we see it as a good indicator of how the release of the game now is approaching.

Ever since we announced the pre-Aacquisto and the system of early access to Guild Wars 2 we have been inundated with questions about the mechanics related to the possibility of reserving the name of your character in Guild Wars. Here's how to work: the names of the characters in the Guild Wars work differently from other MMOs. If in most MMOs names are unique only up to a server / world, in Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 names must be unique in the entire game. In Guild Wars 2, when a player chooses a name like Wizardex, it will acquire all the worlds / servers. Clearly this makes it more important to arrive early for a certain name.

To date none has the name Wizardex, because all the characters in Guild Wars had names of two or more words. All names of a word will be available from the period before the early access release of Guild Wars 2. However, there are twenty million names of two words that are currently used by players of Guild Wars. We need rules that allow veterans to keep their names, leaving the possibility to free up unused ones later so they can be chosen by players who arrive after the release of Guild Wars 2.

Our rule is simply this: to keep the name of our main Guild Wars Guild Wars 2, you will be active players in Guild Wars (see below), and you need to create a character in Guild Wars 2 with the same name as your avatar in the first chapter during the period of early access or on the day of launch. To implement this system of "reservations" we must build a list of names of all the activities of Guild Wars characters. In fact, we realzzare this list a few weeks before the launch of the game.

So use the following very generous definition of "active" players of Guild Wars will be considered active (and have thus the names of their characters reserved for Guild Wars 2 until the day of launch) if they have logged at least once between 1 January 2012 and the day when we realize the list. Notify the community when we are ready to make a list of names, but this has little relevance, because there is no reason to wait. If you want to book the name of your characters for Guild Wars 2 Guild Wars just log in order to enable us to recognize you as active players!


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Guild Wars 2 - The ArenaNet Way - Part I

What monetization is always a crucial point in Guild Wars 2, the point from which depend at least part of the commercial success of the only Triple A MMORPG that has chosen to rely on a different model from pay monthly to play with. And who better than the President of ArenaNet's Mike O'Brien could furnish explanations?

GamesBeat: When you released Guild Wars in 2005, make an MMO with no monthly fees seemed an idea outside the box. Your original business plan was to generate profit through sales of expansions at regular intervals and, subsequently, via microtransactions. Can you tell us briefly what were the results obtained with the model of selling Guild Wars and what lessons have you learned from it?

Mike O'Brien: The Guild Wars sales have far exceeded our expectations, then we realized there was a huge demand for games with no monthly fees. But we also learned that it was not in the best interests of the game releasing expansions so frequently as we had initially planned. We have reached a point where we could release a completely new campaign - with a new story, new professions and new game mechanics - in just six months. We put on the market just six months after Nightfall Factions. This pace was great for the hardcore players, who could quickly consume new content, but left behind the other players and did not give to the world of game time to "prepare" to go to the following campaign. So we changed our business model during the life cycle of Guild Wars, from support through periodic release of new expansions, to support based on microtransactions.

GamesBeat: Guild Wars has a large and loyal base of players, but the game was generally considered a niche product compared to World of Warcraft. It seems that you are now aggressively targeting a larger share of users, with the addition of levels and content accessible to individual players. What are your sales expectations for Guild Wars 2? How do you define the type of user you aim? And what are your plans for platforms other than Windows PCs?

Mike O'Brien: The original Guild Wars was a new type of online role-playing game based largely on the tradition of Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons rather than with a strong emphasis on texture. We thought that the players wanted to try something new, and I think we were right whereas a new franchise like Guild Wars has managed to sell over seven million copies. Guild Wars 2 is now a MMORPG in effect, so our goal is to create a game that is a great MMO, but also a great RPG. We want to be the best in both fields, and we hope that the game could be so interesting for users of both genders. As for platforms, for now we have focused on Windows because that's where we concentrated our fan base. We did some testing and I think that Guild Wars 2 will run very well on other platforms, but we are still a small enough company having to take a step at a time.
GamesBeat: What are the key features that distinguish Guild Wars 2 other MMORPG free to play and at the same time justifying a purchase of 60 €?
Mike O'Brien: It 'a question relatively fun. Usually I am asked the reverse: how can ArenaNet can release a game of such high quality without a monthly fee when competition calls for € 60 per box and 15 € a month subscription? The answer is that we are endeavoring to try to create the MMO of the highest possible quality, not the least expensive MMO as possible. I think that Guild Wars 2 will be the title that is good value for money. Where else can you find a game that offers so many hours of entertainment, content, support and replay value for only 60 €? Let me give an example, more direct. Guild Wars 2 is a great MMO that is a great RPG, so anyone interested in how Skyrim RPG offline, or online RPG like Diablo III will love Guild Wars 2. These games cost € 60. In comparison to these titles, Guild Wars 2 has more or less the same amount of content, extent of explorable world, personal story and replayability. However, without additional charge, Guild Wars 2 also offers a persistent world in which to icontrare with your friends online using social and facing each other in several features two integrated forms of PvP, and where a development team dedicated to continually add new deals content to the game.
GamesBeat: How hard is it to create bids that are not in microtransactions angry fan base, especially in a game where PvP is so important?
Mike O'Brien: The creation of a system of microtransactions that will not disappoint or turn away our player base is relatively simple once you have defined what is acceptable and what is not.
GamesBeat: To what extent the feedback obtained in Beta will help you determine what is acceptable and what is not?
Mike O'Brien: I wrote a blog post to explain this topic to our fans, because I think it's important to be open and honest with the players about the microtransactions. Now that thousands of players have had a chance to try the Beta and get an idea, I think they realized that what we are doing is fundamental to creating a healthy, well-supported MMO, that does not exploit in any way the players. Guild Wars 2 is not one of those games that are wearing a mask to be free to play but are actually designed so that you can not go very far without making many purchases in the form of microtransactions. We know that players have paid 60 € for the game, and therefore are entitled to access all contents. Consequently, the microtransactions that we offer consist of optional additions to the game, and services for those players who want to exchange money for time. Once you have accessed this perspective, the microtransactions in Guild Wars 2 appear relatively straightforward and uncontroversial as you might think. If players need something to play, will find this something included in the game itself. If something is an optional service or content, can be purchased with microtransactions. Then we have this great system that allows players to exchange gems, our money for microtransactions, with other players, so we see that there is nothing of the game that can not be obtained simply by playing. If you want a server-transfer, which is a paid service, you can directly buy the gems, or you can make a trade with another player to get them.
GamesBeat: Are there any particular games online "hardcore" that you recognize as positive examples where microtransactions have worked well - probably titles like League of Legends?
Mike O'Brien: Yes, there are online games "hardcore" that I consider positive examples. I think EVE has done a great job with the PLEX system, and deserves proper recognition. As happens in Guild Wars 2, EVE players could exchange the currency of microtransactions. In this way, users who were in service but did not want any money to spend, they could still get it just by playing. Similarly, players who wanted to get in-game but they had enough time to obtain them, they could exchange them for money from microtransactions.
GamesBeat: Players can buy to use gambling money to buy items in the auction house system? This does not give the players who pay more an "unfair advantage" by being able to equip themselves better, to find materials for crafting, etc..?
Mike O'Brien: The players can not directly buy game currency, but may engage in trade with other players. Thus, as in the PLEX system of EVE players will be able to get some money without having to pay for microtransactions, while other players will have game currency or other property without procuring doverseli playing.
GamesBeat: The exchange of items for gold can not be a big problem for PvP team - where all players are brought to level 80 and achieve a standard equipment - but what are the implications for the WVW?
Mike O'Brien: Before answering this question let me say that Guild Wars 2, being competitive is something that goes beyond simply having the best equipment. There you will find to be pulverized when you enter WVW divine simply because someone has a weapon that you can not hope to achieve. We have always been opposed to this kind of thing. Here's what we believe: if someone wants to play for hours and migliaria to get an object that is so rare that other players will never have chance to get it, that object should be different just for appearance and rarity, not because it is something more powerful than it may otherwise be obtained in the game. Otherwise, the MMO becomes a race to grinding to obtain the best equipment. We do not want to create games grindosi - leave these things to other MMOs. So, once you realize that you must not do any race for the equipment to be competitive, you may wonder if you think it fair or unfair that players can acquire objects using the currency of microntransazioni, which essentially allows some players to exchange money for time, and others, time for money. or time for money, in the case of players who sell game objects). I think it is fairer to allow it. I think a super-fan of Guild Wars 2, which does not have much money to spend can still achieve the objects of microntransazioni, such as clothing from towns and mini-pet. And I think a player of Guild Wars 2 arrives late from work every night and can not spend enough time playing with his friends should be able to get though these unique items. Allowing players to exchange between them gives everyone the opportunity to give you what you did to get what you want.
GamesBeat: In your blog post on microntransazioni in Guild Wars 2 you quoted companies that offer illegal trade real money [RMT] as one of the reasons why ArenaNet will provide an official way to get money and items. Do you really think that the players can not hate the system of gold-selling, if this is done through the courts? What is your plan B, if the community gives a negative response?
Mike O'Brien: Probably some players do not realize just how harmful they can be RMT companies, but the experienced players of MMOs surely are clear. Do not think that MMO players hate all spam advertising game? This exists because of the RMT companies. Do not think that all the players hate the bots that populate their games? These companies exist because of the RMT. Do not think that players hate malware? Keyloggers? All attempts to hack into their account and steal all the gold possible by the characters? This is also caused by the RMT companies. This is because in most MMOs, there are incentives for profit "real" to exchange gold and items in the game. And where there are opportunities for profit in the real world people will lie, cheat, and steal to achieve this goal. And the rest of us touches trying to fix everything. Leaving players the chance to make direct exchanges take away the power companies and the RMT give themselves entirely to the players, and we do so that the chances of profit showing minimal. A player can exchange gold with another player to the store to get something he wants, but can not return to share the gold with real money, so that there is no direct incentive to buy gold. There are no incentives for companies to spam in the game, create bot, and get into your account to ruare. We are well addressed in this direction. We talked with our players at every step of alpha testing, closed the bet, and most recently during the beta weekend, attended by hundreds of thousands of players. So we know that the reaction of the players is, in fact, strongly positive. They understand that this system removes power to the RMT companies and puts it in the hands of the players themselves. And yet, many of them have already made use of a widely acclaimed as one of EVE.
GamesBeat: Monthly subscription to Games like World of Warcraft and Star Wars: The Old Republic offer update content in addition to expansions of charge. What are your plans for Guild Wars 2 migliorere and expand long-term? Players can expect new free content, or they will be offered only in the form of expansions in charge?
Mike O'Brien: We will have both. Players can look forward to Guild Wars 2 the same level of support you can expect from any other MMO high level.

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