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StayFocused/Arkham Woes and Triumphs


On 07/24/2015 at 10:15 AM by Super Step

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Well, if you don't see me around here much on weekdays during the day, it's because I'm using a Google Chrome extension called StayFocused that blocks certain websites for me so I can focus on job hunting and other productive pursuits. 

Speaking of which, I had a good run this morning. About 31 minutes for today's 5k in pretty nice weather conditions around 6AM this morning. Then I did laps in the pool for about 30 minutes a little after. 5Ks I'm used to, so those are no big deal for me, especially at a 6mph pace. But I got pretty damn tired doing those freestrokes in the pool. I caught my breath a few times in that 30 minutes. Of course, I also need to put my head down in the pool so I'm not hurting my neck and being more efficient. 

Even had a protein shake for the first time in forever today. I think I'll just be adding milk to 1 scoop and drinking it that way instead of adding 2 or more in one shake, because there's no way for me to completely rid the nasty whey protein lumps by just stirring it and protein tastes like shit. I'm also calling shenanigans on them saying one scoop is 20g protein when it used to be 30. They're just trying to sell more product quicker. I'm going to be assuming it's actually still 30.

In gaming news, I've gotten Arkham City on Steam to work for longer by lowering the resolution once again. Still shuts down my laptop after a while though. I thought it was overheating and was using a floor fan and putting it on a little metal platform with lots of openings to help it cool down, but I don't think overheating was the problem because the PC's fan itself doesn't feel hot when I touch it. I still have my rental on PS Now to play, but that has its own problems. It somehow doesn't look as good as my PC on the lowest settings and its connection to the server is extremely wonky at certain times of the day. I'm going to write a plus10damage article taking a second look at the service, especially since it's been revealed XBOX ONE is backwards compatible in a more legitimate sense (though not fully). Hell, the $8 for 30 day rental PS Now version is only the most basic version, whereas my $5 Steam copy was a GOTY edition. I don't understand why they can't give me a downloaded copy with a timer a la certain demos instead of insisting I stream the game.

Speaking of City, even the side missions put some things into perspective as far as the continuation of the story in Arkham Knight. I still want to get the trophies in that game, but as with all Arkham games, I don't exactly love getting all the AR challenge stars and that'll probably be the last thing I do. I know everyone loves the tight combat in these games but I swear some commands don't always take for me. And I haven't even completed one of the Cobra tank levels because to hell with Cobra tank levels. And the mission ends if I get spotted ONCE? Screw you, Big Game Hunter. I do like how these challenges force you to use gadgets and combos in ways you might not have thought about, just like some trophies (PS+, not Riddler) do, but some of them remind me I don't like certain gameplay sections. At least you need 69 stars for the PS trophy and not all 78 available with Scarecrow missions added. It's stuff like this where I feel zero guilt or shame for looking up how to do it online. 

I might be in the minority, but so far, having played this series once forward and now backward, I honestly think they've improved with each new game. I do love Asylum, but City and Knight are just better stories with more to do, though I agree there's a lot to be said for the contained nature of Asylum. 

Well, I'm about to add this website to my procrastination list, so I'll see you all at 7. 


 

Comments

mothman

07/24/2015 at 10:53 AM

Yeah PS Now is NOT backwards compatibility.

I have no idea why anyone thinks that it is. Backwards compatibility is the ability to play your existing legacy games on your new console locally. PS Now is a paid streaming service in which legacy games you may or may not already own are sent in a constant stream of data from a server on the internet at an additional cost to your ISP download cap every time you play. i.e. you are always downloading. Add to that the fact that most people don't have an internet service that runs at a constant speed which results in all sorts of problems. 

Stick with local gaming. Streaming games is not ready for prime time.

Super Step Contributing Writer

07/25/2015 at 05:05 AM

It's not, but it's the best PS has for BC. Not sure we have a download cap though, imagine it's fairly high.

Matt Snee Staff Writer

07/24/2015 at 05:58 PM

ah that's pretty clever.  How's that going by the way?  

I've been playing a little bit of City too, but I'm just at the beginning again.  I wish I could play Knight though.  I'm still pissed about that.  

mmmm protein lumps....

Super Step Contributing Writer

07/25/2015 at 05:07 AM

I mean it works. lol I set it up so that I have to play a game to change any settings.

Cary Woodham

07/24/2015 at 08:41 PM

Sounds like you are doing great on your fitness routine!  I just got finished with a workout video program and gained about 5-10 pounds of muscle.  Have a great weekend!

Super Step Contributing Writer

07/25/2015 at 05:08 AM

You too!

Ranger1

07/25/2015 at 06:20 PM

I need to get back to running. Between asthma issues (heat and humidity plus stress) and the vertigo thing that my allergies have morphed into, I stopped a bit ago. My work schedule also makes things difficult  (close,close, open, close, open) to have any sort of consistancy with my running schedule. Whatever, I'm looking forward to winter.

Super Step Contributing Writer

07/25/2015 at 06:55 PM

Yeah, I'd be missing exercises too in those circumstances.

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